Philippine Books | Reviews

Archive for the ‘General’ Category

A Man’s Guide to Life and Love in the Philippines

Elterman, Larry. 2009, BookSurge Publishing, ISBN: 978 1439 2306 71, 348 pages

This book is all about the author’s experiences in the Philippines and is a little confusing in some ways. On the one hand there is a wealth of information for anyone contemplating following in his footsteps, on the other hand it tries to be more of a personal record.

It is an interesting read for the most part but it does try to offer too much info in a more technical vein. The title suggested to me a more personal record than what is here. It does deliver a lot of information most travel guides don’t but it seems to be unable to make up its mind whether it is a personal journal with handy information or a more ‘How-To’ offering.

Overall worth the money and I would recommend it to a friend.

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A Man’s Guide to Life and Love in the Philippines

Makow, Henry. 1999. Silas Green. ISBN: 978 0968 7725 08, 128 pages

The opening chapter of this book reads easily and flows along and is indicative of the literary skill of the author, a PhD in English literature. However as the tale progresses you begin to wonder about Makow’s motives and his maturity. Basically at 47 he travels to the Philippines to meet and marry an 18 year old penpal.

At first you feel for Makow and think he has had a tough time with relationships. As the book progresses though even the most ardent anti-feminist has to begin to wonder. As someone who is married to a Filipina, his expectations are based on very out dated models of what is acceptable. Even if the book was written about his 1997 vacation times haven’t changed that much since then.

His attitudes were not in vogue then and they are more so not appropriate today. Still, he writes well and it is an easy narrative to read providing you don’t cringe too much or gag too often. Methinks Makow was born too late and would have been better off marrying a classic 1950s Leave It To Beaver kind of Mom.

Still, I am glad I bought it as it is entertaining and instructive in a how not to kind of way and at the cover price asked, cheap enough.

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A Long Way to Go for A Date

Roces, Alfredo, and Grace Roces, 2009, Marshall Cavendish Refernece, ISBN: 978 0761 4567 11, 352 pages

I first read this book in 2002 and was impressed at how much of Filipino culture was explained to me within its pages. After 15 years of vacationing there as well as business trips, I thought I had a good handle on the people and the culture. This book made me realise how ignorant I had actually been of so many pivotal points of behaviour.

Reading it again, after having lived in the Philippines for 4 years and since then living amongst Filipino expats in my own country I have to say this book has lost nothing of its veracity and value. If you have had any exposure to Filipino culture already you will find yourself nodding and laughing along as you read.

This is a great book, easy to read and very much ‘spot on’.

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Culture Shock! Philippines: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

Welcome to our review site focussing on books and information resources about the Philippines