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Living in the Philippines

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

Product Description (2009) A practical guide about life and love in the Philippines; a no holds barred, no subjects avoided, non sugar coated look at all aspects of Expat life, love and sex in the Philippines. Are you a middle aged man not ready to give up on fun? Are you divorced and alone? Do you crave a younger sexy woman but don’t have any hope in your own country? If so, this book can help you in two ways; it can help you to find a Filipina wife to bring back to your country or it can help you to start a new life and adventure in the Philippines! This book is chockfull of practical information such as: The best places for Expats to live; How to find women while in the Philippines; The culture and psychology of Filipina women; The legal system and it’s dangers; Prostitution, entertainers and massage; Buying property and building a house; Immigration/ Visa laws; How to handle your money; About medical facilities; Estimated living expenses; Culture and history; and much more!
About the Author
Larry Elterman was born in Boston Massachusetts and grew up in the Boston area. He attended the University of Massachusetts and graduated with a combined degree in mathematics and computer science. As an adult he was a software engineer and lived the typical American baby boomer yuppie life style. That is, until he decided to start a new life, a new adventure – in the Philippines.

 

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

Sample Review: A necessary resource for anyone traveling to the Philippines, intending on interacting with the people there. As other reviews have stated, it is intended primarily as a business traveler or ex-pats guide. However, there is enough detail to help any traveler. The book is well organized and presents the topics in short, related and relevant ways.

The book states, and rightly so, that the West is a 'goal oriented' culture, while the Philippines is a 'people oriented' culture. As such, there are many traditions and expectations. Their violation may be forgiven a first time traveler. However, there is only one chance to make a first impression. This book makes that much easier. It explains expectations in most social and business settings.

The only area found lacking is the section on Dating. If one is on business, a single ex-pat, or tourist there is an opportunity to date. The book's section on dating covers some key points in an abstract way. For example, the book explains that at some point in time one must 'meet the parents'. But, one learns elsewhere in the book when meeting anyone for the first time, a gift is expected. Showing up at a female date's house to meet her parents without a gift is a BAD thing.

Speaking of gifts. The book does mention gift giving as a cultural expectation. It also makes some suggestions as to appropriate gifts. The gifts mentioned are for business settings with peers or superiors. Casual/social settings do not require such elaborate or expensive gifts.

Overall this book delivers a great deal of insight and information to the Philippine visitor - be it business or pleasure or both.

Like every culture visited, attempting to respect national/regional culture goes very far in being welcomed. This book does allow one to do that.

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