A large book to carry - but then it contains twice the information of its rivals, including many useful maps. Jens Peters was the editor of the first 6 editions of the Lonely Planet Guide to the Philippines and obviously loves the country and knows it well. Published by himself, the translation from the German is occasionally a little stilted but always readable. There is a helpful email directory of the key resorts and attractions at the back, though surprisingly website urls are omitted. Published early in 2009, the information is accurate to 2008 - it will be interesting to see whether Jens can update the book as frequently as his better known rivals. Despite a new Lonely Planet guide to the Philippines being published in May 2009, this is the book I will be taking with me on my 5th visit to the Philippines in August. Highly recommended.