Well John, if you would enjoy a couple of truly oustanding 'scholarly' novels written by world class writers then please research and then read:-
Noli Me Tangere (novel), by José Rizal
and
Dusk (novel), by Jose F. Sionil
Both of the above are a couple of the most wonderful books you will ever read.
Additionally I would very highly recommend the following:-
Culture Shock! Philippines, by Alfredo Roces
Insight Guide Philippines, by Sylvia Mayuga
Culture and Customs of the Philippines, by Paul A. Rodell
Then another excellent novel well worth researching to see if it's your thing:-
The Dead Season (novel), by Alan Berlow
There are plenty more very good books, but in my opinion all the above are the absolute must reads.
All should be easily available from Amazon and most at good prices too.
Hope you'll try. I guarantee you'll enjoy
