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?

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


Dogeaters - Feb 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


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