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Summary: "Culture Shock"-A study of Philippine Life in Modern Times
Review: Alfredo and Grace Roces have compiled a great deal of material on the Psycho-social development of and application of "The Pilopino Culture". Rationales are given for certain behaviors, and comparisons with American Culture are made. As an American I find the information contained in this study of Pilipino Behavior, Life style, Social Interaction to be indespensible in studying the Pilopino People. I highly reccomend reading "Culture Shock" to anyone interested in comparing Cultural norms between American and Pilopino Culture. I am an American married to a Filipina. After reading Culture Shock I have developed a much better understanding of my wifes feelings about issues such as-Religion, Family, "Utang na loob", Extended vs. Nuclear Family, Sending money home to parents in the Philippines etc. There are now so many new concepts added to my knowledge of the Philippines that I lack both the time and space to discuss them with you. Get the book and enjoy a refreshing look at a new Culture! Mike McGrath-R.N./MICN/Webmaster
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Summary: Culturally Entertaining
Review: Culture Shock Philippines was just that....a culture shock to the foreigner, yet a cultural reminder to the Filipino native. Many first generation childhood immigrants will get a kick out of WHY their parents do what they do and where it ALL comes from. This book touches on every aspect of Filipino culture and leaves no suprises of what to expect when first visiting the Philippines. And for those of you who think you know it all already, read this book - you may know it, but you may not know how to explain it..... Maraming Salamat sa Alfredo and Grace Roces!
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Summary: No more Culture Shock
Review: Culture Shock! (A Guide to Customs and Etiquette) Philippines by Alfredo and Grace Roces is arguably the most accessible writing about the vauge and often opaque area of intercultural studies - specially with regards to the Philippines. As an insider I would strongly urge all soon to be travelers to the Philippines to pick up this book. Why? Because it offers the best and most comprehensive view of the Philippines and Filipino culture. Moreover, the Roces duo present the material in such a way as to avoid any ambiguity. The treatment on Filipino Values is the best that I have seen so far. The profile of the Filipino is somewhat limited but they certainly do their best to accomodate evertyhing into this short book. The new and expanded edition tries to be current but things are changing so quickly in that country - it is a real challenge to take a cultural snapshot - of this or any country. If you simply take heed of the cultural cautions and etiquette tips, your experience in the Philippines will live up to its potential. 5 stars - no doubt!Miguel Llora
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Summary: Excellent but what's with the cover?
Review: Having been raised in one of the remote barangays in one of the remote provinces in Philippines, went to college in the city, and currently living in the U.S., I can relate to most of the things discussed in this book and how foreigners react to them. I still find our culture fascinating and I wouldn't hesitate to explain this to a foreigner who's interested to listen. But why the choice for the cover? Wouldn't it be nice if you put a picture of a 'bayanihan' or a child giving a 'mano po' to an elderly, instead of a man in white mask with a San Miguel Beer and a cigarette in hand? I know 'Sinulog' in Cebu, 'Dinagyang' in Iloilo, and 'Ati-ati' in Aklan, but these festivals do not reflect the 'culture shock' that's discussed in the book. It might give an impression that there's a lot of 'voo-doo' practitioners in the Phillipines. Ok..ok...let's not just the book by it's cover...Excellent reading for your 'Americanized' kid or your American in-law.
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Summary: Three things I learned from this book
Review: I am a Filipino-Canadian, and I'm grateful for this book because it gave me valuable insights into Filipino culture (and myself):
- hiya = shame. Much of what Filipinos do and don't do is motivated by the avoidance of hiya.
- amor proprio = face. Filipinos try very hard to avoid making other people lose face in the slightest.
- utang na loob = debt to another after receiving a gift. Receiving a gift is bittersweet for Filipinos because the giver has some control over you now.
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Summary: A Good Handy Guide
Review: I found this book to be a good and handy guide to understanding the culture of the Philippines as an Canadian-American married to a lady from the Philippines and a part time resident of DAVAO CITY about half the year, the information has proven useful. It certainly was well worth the small price I paid if only for the tips on understanding my IN LAWS! Anyways, a well worth read.
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Summary: Culture Shock!: Philippines
Review: I found this book to be very informative. It gave me a very detailed look in the culture and mannerisms of the people. It is a must for anyone planning on traveling to the Philippines or even if you are just dating a Filipino woman.
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Summary: Buy this book
Review: I wish they'd issued me this book when I was sent to the Philippines while serving in the U.S. Navy. It explains a lot of the things would likely confuse or concern someone on their first experience with the Philippine culture/people.
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Summary: Now I get it
Review: I'm a half breed (half Filipina, half American) raised by a Filipino Dad. I came across this book in the travel section and just looked at it for the heck of it. Man, I didn't find it useful as a travel book but boy did it explain a lot about my upbringing. I've traveled to the Philippines a handful of times but I didn't realize how "Filipino" my upbringing was until I read this book. For long time I thought my Dad was just weird. I bought a copy for each one of my four siblings and they to were amused to have answers to the questions they never asked. I recommend this book to anyone who is about to marry a Filipino.
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Summary: Now I get it
Review: I'm a half breed (half Filipina, half American) raised by a Filipino Dad. I came across this book in the travel section and just looked at it for the heck of it. Man, I didn't find it useful as a travel book but boy did it explain a lot about my upbringing. I've traveled to the Philippines a handful of times but I didn't realize how "Filipino" my upbringing was until I read this book. For long time I thought my Dad was just weird. I bought a copy for each one of my four siblings and they to were amused to have answers to the questions they never asked. I recommend this book to anyone who is about to marry a Filipino.
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