The Philippines have very unique cultural factors; many of the Filipino people often appear more westernized

than other Asians. They are socially courteous, normally have western style names and are Christian. However, it would be a mistake to assume the Asian cultural norms are set aside. In fact the westernization is only a thin layer of the Philippines culture. The Filipino people are very traditional in the value systems in which they hold. Family values are the chief importance. Modesty and traditionalism are considered virtues in the Philippines cultural (("Kwintessential," 2010). The Philippines has long been noted for its educated workforce. The typical school year runs from June to March. Although attendance is required through secondary school, many young people tend to drop out and work as field hands. According to UNICEF, only eighty-nine percent of students reach the fifth grade. The Filipino family considers education the key to a more flourishing and relaxed lifestyle. They are convinced that education is their economic salvation. Government does provide free elementary and secondary education. However, the insufficiency of classrooms, teachers, and textbook provides the lack of good quality education in public school. The Philippines have two main Languages are Tagalog and English, there are eight major dialects: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinan.. English is generally used for educational, governmental and commercial purposes and is widely understood since it is the medium of instruction in schools ("Kwintessential," 2010). Their first greetings are always formal; in a group the eldest are greeted first. ("Kwintessential," 2010). Also on first meetings the Filipino people use Mr. Mrs. Miss or academic professional titles. When Filipino greet they use a firm handshake with a smile and eye contact. How are you is

often used as a form of social greeting. Most conversation openers start with the interest of the family. The typical Filipino foods are rice, sweet potato, vegetables, bread, soup, fish, or chicken. Filipino cooking is influenced by Spanish and diverse Asian cooking traditions. The Constitution provides freedom of religion the government generally respects this right. There is no state religion, and the constitution provides for the separation of church and state (Law). The Philippines is the only major country in Asia in which Christianity is the dominant faith of the population. Catholicism in the Philippines is unique from the rest of the world. It adheres to the ancient worship rites and practices of the early, animistic Filipinos (Law). Although Catholic is still the most predominant religion, Catholicism today has been made vulnerable to religious scrutiny. Evangelical Christianity is becoming more popular due to both political and social developments, besides religious (Law).

Reference page: Kwintessential. (2010, July 04). Retrieved from http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/philippines-country-profile.html law. (n.d.). Philippines. U.S. Department of State. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://www.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2005/51527 Philippines Facts. (n.d.). Sponsor a Child - Compassion International. Retrieved November 10, 2012, from http://www.compassion.com/about/where/philippines