This guide is designed to be a somewhat humorous, mostly factual list of observations of the culture in action enhanced by some knowledge of how the culture operates internally. By no means is this the be-all end-all of Flipbooks but instead offers insights into Filipino cultural aspects broken into Poker and Politics, Language, Food, and Entertainment.

Socially, the Filipino culture could be summarized as a game of Poker and Politics. Poker faces, alterior motives, and uncommunicated thoughts are all too common. One is never to tip their hand lest they be deemed blunt or harsh. The Politics side mandates that public image is extremely important, thus a member of the culture normally avoids actions that may result in negative publicity.

In terms of language, most Filipinos speak a hybrid of Tagalog and English they call “Taglish.” However, most can communicate fluently in English if not for an accent that often substitutes the letter f for p and v for b and vice bersa. It is also common to mess up on fronouns and frefositions. You may wish to learn a few tagalog fhrases if you freper.

A culture is not complete without its own foods. The Filipino cuisine has influences from many of the countries that shared, occupied, or invaded its land. Outsiders who comment on how some Filipino food is “gross” should understand that every culture has its share of exotic foods. If one finds a particular dish sickening, then the best advice would be to not eat it, not to smell it, not to look at it, and be open minded enough to know that there may very well be dishes in YOUR culture that some Filipinos would not eat. That said, the author’s personal recommendations are lumpia, adobo, menudo (no, it’s not the same thing), and for those who live la vida loca, Kare-Kare. Oh yeah, there’s some rice involved in the Filipino diet, too.

The world of Filipino Entertainment is not a very exciting one. In terms of music, the genres are predominantly pop and oldies. As for movies, don’t ask. Filipino movies are mostly plotless hacks about orphans or adopted children. Broad generalization, yes, but so are the movies. Then there is gambling in its many forms. Mah-jong, cards, and horses, to name a few. As one strolls down a casino, if “gaddamit ah chit!” is heard, a Filipino is nearby. Lastly, Filipinos also seem to be drawn to karaoke like moths to a flame with varying results.

How to Become an Honorary Flip:

Filipinos are generally known for their hospitality. They will gladly take you in provided you follow a few simple rules. The first rule would be to respect the culture (unlike what I have done here). Play the “poker and politics” game to perfection. The second rule is to associate with the culture. Eat some Filipino food and learn a few phrases in Tagalog. The final rule is closely tied to the other rules — make them laugh. If you keep these observations and rules in mind, you just might be a Filipino at heart.