Culture and Customs of the Philippines FROM THE PUBLISHER
Culture and Customs of the Philippines provides the best general overview to the Asian archipelago and to a people with a long history of immigration and contributions to the United States. The volume emphasizes how the strong indigenous Philippine culture meshes with constant influences from the West. Rodell, a specialist in Philippine history and society, superbly evokes the breadth of the Philippines for students and the general public. The wide variety of Philippine traditions is seen in each topic covered: the land, people, and history: religion and thought; literature and art: architecture; cuisine and fashion: gender, marriage, and family; festivals, media, film, and leisure activities; music and dance; and social customs and lifestyle.
SYNOPSIS
A stand-out, one-stop resource on Philippine culture and customs.
FROM THE CRITICS
VOYA - Rebecca Van Dan
It seems a daunting task to describe the land, people, history, art, literature, cuisine, fashion, social customs, and interpersonal relationships of the people of the Philippines in a way that will be easily understood by North Americans. Rodell, a specialist in Philippine history, performs this task adeptly. Part of the Culture and Customs of Asia series, which introduces various countries from a Western perspective, this volume is clearly written and full of fascinating detail. The perspective, however, is distinctly American, and some bias can be seen in such statements as "Most observers agree that the country's familial matrifocal bonds are often a limiting factor, complicating personal lives and public participation" and "girls consciously fashion themselves into stereotypic housewife roles." Nevertheless the writing manages to be both concise and engaging. Although this book will mainly appeal to students writing country reports, unusual bits of information, such as dating rituals, the practice of eating dog, and a strict and unusual Spanish dress code, might make their investigations more interesting than anticipated. The map and chronology at the front of the book are especially useful for quick facts, but unfortunately, all photos are in black and white. Equally useful for teens and adults, this book will be appreciated for the details and insights it provides into Filipino life. Glossary. Index. Photos. Further Reading. Chronology. Maps. Biblio. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P J S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult).2002, Greenwood, 280p,
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