Manila - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
There are so many. Anything related to World War II in the Pacific theater would be good, especially since many Americans don’t know much beyond Europe in World War II. Also How to Hide an Empire, since the Philippines was a former U.S. protectorate (colony), which many Americans forget. Most recently, for some local context during the Duterte years, there is Some People Need Killing by Patricia Evangelista. - May 2025
Books and movies cannot prepare you. Extremes from luxury to extreme poverty. Seeing is only way to experience. - Jul 2024
YouTube - Apr 2024
In Our Image is a bit dated but gives a good background on the country. - Mar 2023
A documentary about children of US sailors called "Left by the Ship." - May 2022
If you're interested in politics and history, especially the relationship with the United States, I'd read Stanley Karnow's "In Our Image." For a fun dive into Filipino culture, I'd check out standup comedy by Filipino-American Jo Koy, who also performs in the Philippines. There are also a number of great books about World War II in the Philippines. - Oct 2020
I'd read the blogs - amommaabroad has a wealth of solid information. - May 2018
In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines, book by Stanley Karnow
Jose Rizal, a 1998 Filipino biopic about one of the founding fathers of the modern Philippines - Feb 2017
"In Our Image" by Stanley Karnow. - Jul 2016
Jose Rizal national hero - Sep 2015
Get the Fodor's or Lonely Planet and read up on the history. - Aug 2015
- Nov 2013
- Culture Shock Philippines - Sep 2012
Culture Shock! Philippines: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette - Jul 2011
If you're going to be working here, read "Anarchy of Families" for a good explanation of the barkada and family structures here. - May 2011
Ilustrado - May 2011
Noli Me Tangere by Jose Rizal is the national novel and provides a great look at the Spanish era and good insight into the Filipino. Lonely Planet is great for travel. In Our Image provides a long but helpful look at U.S.-Philippines relations. The Philippines: A Singular and Plural Place is probably the best mix of culture and history. Muslim Rulers and Rebels is a fascinating look at the southern conflict. - Feb 2010
Arrival Survival put out by I think the Union Church here. If you get a sponsor have them buy this for you. - Jan 2010
Culture Shock: Philippines - Jul 2009
The only fiction title I'm aware of regarding the Philippines is Noli mi Tangere, by Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. - Jul 2009
