Product Description

"Culture Smart! Philippines" explains how to avoid cultural gaffes when out and about in the country. Giving the historical, political and cultural background, the guide reveals how to read body language and be aware of potential pitfalls in communication, and at the same time provide the cultural essentials business travellers need to successfully develop working relations in Philippines. "Culture Smart! Philippines" enables the reader to get the most out of trip, whether on business, or pleasure.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #200393 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 168 pages

Review
"Culture Smart! has come to the rescue of hapless travellers, Sunday Times Travel -...the perfect introduction to the weird, wonderful and downright odd quirks and customs of various countries, Global Travel -...full of fascinating, as well as common sense, tips to help you avoid embarrassing faux pas, Observer -...as useful as they are entertaining, Easy Jet Magazine -...offer glimpses into the psyche of a faraway world, New York Times." --various

About the Author
GRAHAM COLIN-JONES is British by birth, a linguist by training, and an international civil servant by profession. He is also the author of books on English grammar, business letter writing, and report writing. He has lived and worked overseas for twenty-two years and has experienced the realities of living and working in Asian cultures, including fifteen years in the Philippines. YVONNE QUAHE COLIN-JONES is Singaporean by birth, a sociologist by training, and a cross-cultural trainer and relocation professional. She is also an author of the book We Remember: Cameos of Pioneer Life, a social history of Singapore using oral history as a medium of documentation. She has lived most of her life overseas.

Customer Reviews

Ok up to a point, some omissions.
Informative, but seemingly written from the point of view of a rich Westerner with many references such as, how many maids it would be appropriate to have, and what to expect of your driver, rather than someone who has come to admire and respect the natives. Omisions include references to some of the more exotic fruit e.g. Jack fruit, the possibility of being offered dog-meat at a barbeque, and good advice such as using the local dentists whilst on holiday. Trikes (in the form of motorcyle and sidecar) were not mentioned in the travel section, however in parts of Laguna and elsewhere they form the backbone of the transport system. Foreigners with spouses should be warned of the hazzards involved in purchasing land, especially agricultural lands, which if low-lying should be viewed in the wet season, not the dry.
I can't be entirely negative as in many places the authors do indeed capture the essential character of the Filipino, generally happy whatever the circumstances, and does explain the seeming noseyness of some of the older Filipinas I have met.