Includes bibliographical references.

First impressions : Cultural fatigue -- Differences in perception -- Two faces of sincerity -- Face to face situations -- The importance of amor-propio -- Overview and history : Geography -- History -- The Filipino : product of history -- People : Filipino women -- Filipino men -- Looking behind those Spanish names -- Start of urban life -- Traditions -- Social values -- Characteristics -- Socializing : Guide to social situations -- Social customs -- Body language -- Dating etiquette -- Compadrazco; god parenthood -- Filipino working -- View of foreigners -- Alternative lifestyles -- Setting in : Living in the Philippines -- House hunting -- Househelp -- Health and hospitals -- Schools/Day care -- Childcare -- Banking and taxes -- Shopping -- Transportation -- Telecommunications -- Eating and entertaining : Filipino food -- Dining at home -- Eating out -- Favourite Filipino recipes -- Culture and travel : Festivals -- Brief guide to fiestas -- Calendar of festivals and holidays -- Art and media -- Newspapers and magazines -- Travel -- Sports and hobbies -- Mind your language : The Filipino English accent -- Language reflects culture -- Filipino English -- The cultural factor -- Speak softly -- Filipino 'yes' -- Learning difficulties for foreigners -- Doing business in the Philippines : The national factor -- Minding your business -- The business of telling time -- The personalized business style -- Dealing with the bureauracy -- Tips on graft -- Don't get personally involved -- What makes Filipino businessmen tick -- Government and business -- Business etiquette -- Labor and business -- The national business credo (1986 constitution) -- Volunteer work -- Fast facts about the Philippines : Famous people -- Topics of conversation -- Acronyms -- Culture quiz -- Do's and don'ts -- Glossary -- Resource guide -- Further reading -- About the authors -- Index.