1. + The Philippines A teacher’s guide to the Philippine Culture

2. + History Founded by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 Located in Southeast Asia 73 rd Largest Independent Nation Capital city is Manila

3. + How’s the weather? Tropical & Maritine High Temps & Humidity Abundant Rainfall Typhoons hae a great influence on the climate and weather conditions of the Philippines

4. + Thousands of banana trees toppled by Bopha in New Bataan, Philippines. Photograph: Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images

5. + Endangered Species Flying Lemur Sea Turtle Mouse Deer Tamaraw (cousin to the water buffalo) Bearcat Cockattoo Whale Shark

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7. + Languages Two major languages English Filipino Official national language Mandated by 1987 Constitution Most words are from Spanish language

8. + Life inside the Philippine Home Extremely close Father is provider Mother is home maker/child raiser As Filipinos say, “not being able to know a relative is like turning your backs from where they come from.”

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10. + Philippine Educational System School year begins in June and ends mid March More than 12.6 million students enrolled (K-12) They use cardinal numbers to refer to grades

11. + Currency Peso

12. + Customs & Etiquette Men & Women shake hands with everyone. Men wait for women to extend their hands first. If a Filipino doesn’t understand a question, the open their mouths. Raised eyebrows signify recognition and agreement “Yes” is signified by a jerk of the head upward. “No” is downward. (Filipinos rarely say no, so the non-verbal sign for “no” is sometimes accompanied by a verbal “yes”, but they still mean no! Staring is rude! It can be misinterpreted as a challenge. However, Filipino students may stare at Foreigners.

13. + Customs & Etiquette Hands on hips means anger. Don’t curl your index finger back and forth to beckon a Filipino. This is considered an insult. “Two” is indicated by raising your pinky and ring finger To beckon someone, extend arm, palm down, moving fingers in scratching motion. Touch Filipino students elbow lightly to get their attention. Do not tap on the shoulder. “Eyebrow flash” is a Filipino greeting.

14. + Customs & Etiquette Speak softly. Don’t be offended by personal questions. These are asked to show interest. Ask about family members. Verbal assault is a crime in the Philippines. Never bring shame to a Filipino student. This reflects on his family. Personal goals are sacrificed for the good of the family. Never criticize a Filipino student in public.