Philippines, Filipinos, Filipinas, Pinoy, Pinay, Pilipino, Pilipina... Confused? It seems everybody has a name for the inhabitants of the Philippines, including the Pinoys themselves. But don't worry. On the first page of this delightful guide to the etiquette, customs and taboos of more than 7,000 islands that is the Philippines, you'll find the words that you need to use when among the smiling and talkative people of this tropical paradise. Did we say talkative? That's an understatement! Filipinos are the most bubbly and communicative and therefore caring and friendliest people in Southern Asia. Three Filipinas are like a flock of birds; four a rush our railway station; and five is a soccer match!
　  But wait a minute. Is that a crowd of loud Americans behind you? No! It just so happens that this former U.S. colony has adopted American vocabulary, accents and lifestyles more than any other country in the region. Filipinos are also the Asian leaders in abbreviations which liberally sprinkle their conversation ("My D.I. is the C.R.") They are also masters of interesting new words - witty and amusing - for just about everything from food to the foibles and weaknesses of their fellow countrymen.
　  But don't think that Filipinos are oriental Americans. They are as unique as can be and maintain the customs and traditions to prove it. Many still eat with their hands. Their devout Catholicism is imbibed with ancient beliefs and superstitions. They pretend to be invisible when passing between you and your friend. They lavish attention on water buffaloes on its special festival day. And is that, no it can't be, yes it is: that's a duck embryo she's eating straight from the shell!
　  To ensure that you, the foreign resident, fleeting visitor or armchair traveller, enjoy your stay in the Philippines, we present a light-hearted but practical guide to the dos&don'ts of this dynamic country. DON'T tell your best friend that he's got food stuck between his teeth. DO slouch in the back of your taxi as you leave the motel after a romantic afternoon. And DON'T throw water over the guy downstairs singing his heart out. He's just serenading his ladylove on the fourth floor. Want to know more? Then DO buy this book!