Customer Reviews

Philippines (Culture Shock!)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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

This book is a well written introduction to the culture of the Philippines. I was born and raised in the US but my ethnic background is Filipino and I am fluent in Tagalog. I didn't think I would need to prepare for the trip to the Philippines. I could not have been more incorrect. Unfortunately for me, I read this book after my trip. Roces and Roces clearly explain the idiosyncrasies of the Filipino culture without insulting Filipino people. I recommend this book to anyone who will embark on a trip to the Philippines. One piece of advice: read the book *before* the trip not after!

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!

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.

This book illustrates the Filipino character and mindset in a very detailed and in-depth manner. If you are Filipino, or even Filipino-American, you will be surprised to find how much culture influences the way you think, speak and behave. I would especially reccommend this book to Filipino-Americans who were raised in the U.S.: You will laugh as you discover your family, friends and even yourself described in this book, no matter if you've been in the U.S. for ten years or your entire life! You will also be surprised, maybe even proud, at how much of the Filipino mentality and traditions you actually maintain without realizing it! If you have Filipino friends, coworkers, or are lucky enough to be romantically involved with a Filipino, let this book serve as a tool for understanding and enrichment.

It's amazing that somebody actually came out with a very level-headed discussion about Filipino culture (motives, customs and traditions) without falling into the trap of either glorifying or over critisizing the topic. The book is a very accurate portrayal of Philippine social dynamics that would help tourists understand Filipino behavior despite its seeming affinity to western culture.

Despite the book's casual tone, the discussion is very academic. So much so, that even Filipinos would benefit from reading it.

The book needs to be updated though. Some customs discussed in the book are rarely practiced anymore.

Started thumbing through this book and suddenly realized that my future in-laws, originally from the Phillipines, could be upset with me and I wouldn't even know it! At that moment it dawned on me just how clueless I was about Pilipino culture. This book did a good job covering some basic differences between the US and RP like: importance of group vs individual; family interactions; etiquitte; why yes may mean no; why a question may be rhetorical; why a question may need to be repeated; food (balut lasa manok). This book has given me some context to help interpret things and read between the lines. I'll always be puti, but at least now I'll have a clue.

The Roces go beyond the norm of "Travel Books" to share insights to our unique: 1. Body Language - what we say with simple eyebrow movements, a touch on the arm or curling under of our fingers; 2. We say it but don't really mean it - we want to be kind and gracious so sometimes we offer things but don't expect you to accept; 3. We say we are "traditional" and "simple" and "obedient" but what do "we" mean by those English words?

There are better travel guides to my Country offered by Amazon.com I recommend on my website but this is the most unique, and though written several years ago is still timely for those wanting to understand Filipina and Filipino. It is especially appropriate for Western gentlemen planning to visit their Filipina pen-pal.

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.

This book, by far,is the best book written on understanding the culture and customs of the Phiippines. I have travelled extensively in the islands as well as being married to a Filapina. This book brought me insights and understanding that had till now eluded me. The knowledge in this book has improved my relationship with my wife and her family. There are things in this book that just can't be learned. I highly reccomend it to anyone who is about to travel to or live in the Philipines or is planning to marry a Filapina. Well worth the modest price!