"Culture and Customs of the Philippines provides the best general overview to the Asian archipelago and to a people with a long history of immigration and contributions to the United States. The volume emphasizes how the strong indigenous Philippine culture meshes with constant influences from the West. Rodell, a specialist in Philippine history and society, superbly evokes the breadth of the Philippines for students and the general public.

The wide variety of Philippine traditions is seen in each topic covered: the land, people, and history: religion and thought; literature and art: architecture; cuisine and fashion: gender, marriage, and family; festivals, media, film, and leisure activities; music and dance; and social customs and lifestyle."--BOOK JACKET.