CULTURE SHOCK! A SURVIVAL GUIDE TO CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE

CULTURE SHOCK books are set apart from other travel book guides. You are introduced to the different customs and etiquette of a country in order for you to not get lost in translation once you are there. Do not get intimidated by the approach used by these books. Despite their methodology, Culture Shock is formatted to be an "easy-read" book.

Alfredo and Grace Roces are the authors for Culture Shock: Philippines.  My cousin who recently visited Manila was gifted this book. I found it very interesting and so did she. My cousin is 100% Filipina but was born and raised in Australia. She said that it helped her get in touch with her Filipino roots, and it made her realize the different values that each Filipino habit (or sometimes vice) manifest.  

Be it on the positive or on the negative aspects, Culture Shock is a good introduction to a country's culture and behavior.  You can gift this book to not just your foreign friends or family, but to your Filipino friends as well. It can serve as a reminder to us Filipinos, and as for the foreigners read the book before visiting Manila. It works better that way.   ;)

Some reviews from Amazon.com

By a Customer:

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!

By Jonathan Aquino:

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.