Philippines Survival Handbook

Perry Gamsby, 2009, Streetwise Publications, available in eBook .pdf and as a paperback through Lulu.com ISBN: 978-0-9806346-1-7, 240 pages.

I have to say I am very impressed with this offering from Perry Gamsby and his StreetWise Publications. The ‘Philippines Survival Handbook’ is far more than just a guide to safe travel or  a self defense manual for visitors to the Philippines. It takes a very holistic and comprehensive view of personal risk management for visitors to (or residents of) the Philippines.

What I liked most about this book was the fact that all of the advice given comes from expats who have lived there for many years and know first hand the pros and cons. Some of the information in the book is definitely the type I would list under ‘Street Wise’. Things like keeping a low profile and how to hide out over night or leave the country quietly if need be. What would the need be? Well how about dodging a shotgun wedding? I told you this book isn’t like anything else on the shelves and a lot of the advice can be used for anywhere in the world, not just the Philippines specifically.

Gamsby breaks risk down into four areas, Nature, Natural, Man Made Indirect and Man Made Direct and these are well thought out and communicated. He also advises on the anatomy of a crime such as robbery or assault and how to detect it before it even kicks off. But he goes further and addresses often forgotten potential threats such as floods and storms, snake bite or dengue mosquitoes and dangerous bus drivers or unseaworthy ferries.

The former Military Policeman, Bodyguard, PI and self defense instructor has been there and done that for the last 20 years in the Philippines and his real life experience comes through on every page. If I had a (very minor) complaint it would be the ‘Aussie’ style sometimes used which, along with the non-US English spelling does cause the odd pause as your North American reader takes in some of the more colloquial phrases. Other than that, it is a superb addition to the all too slim body of knowledge available that might just save your life one day.

Visit Philippine Survival Handbook for more Info about  Personal Safety

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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

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