If you have a real interest in preparing yourself prior to traveling to the philippines and/or if you have extra time on your hands while waiting your departure, you may wish to check out the following books. You should be able to find them on AMAZON© or be able to order them at your local bookstore.
Lonely Planet Philippines (Paperback)
by Chris Rowthorn (Author), Monique Choy (Author), Michael Grosberg (Author)
Culture Shock! Philippines: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Paperback)
by Alfredo Roces (Author), Grace Roces (Author)
Philippines - Culture Smart!: a quick guide to customs and etiquette
by Graham Colin-Jones
Philippine Cookbook
by Reynaldo Alejandro
A List of Books on the Philippine Islands in the Library of Congress (Paperback)
by A. P. C. Griffin (Author)
Terrorism in the Philippines: THE BLOODY TRAIL OF ABU SAYYAF, BIN LADEN'S EAST ASIAN CONNECTION
by Djanicelle J Barreveld (Paperback - Nov 29, 2001)>
Vanishing Treasures of the Philippine Rain Forest
Philippines Travel Guide (Paperback)
by Jens Peters (Author)