Does Carlos Celdran have class and intelligence? Apparently the answer to that is a resounding NO.
Recent events have exposed the true character of this man. As much as he thinks he is doing the Philippines a great service, his actions and way of thinking only proves how unintelligent and low-class he is. It is very unfortunate that he has become a public figure that blinkered Filipinos follow, which has further contributed to the collective idiocy of the Filipino people.
Last month, he started an online petition against building a high rise condominium near the Rizal monument. Apparently, it was said that the buildings will destroy the view of the park. Furthermore, he likened the situation to France’s city of Paris where the Eiffel Tower is located — never mind the fact that Paris is Paris and Manila is still the stinky and dangerous city that it is. Ineed, Manila has been and continues to be the laughingstock of emerging Asian economies. It is a place where prostitutes chase white men and where you can’t use your smart phone for fear of being mugged.
[Photo courtesy Foter.com.]
I do not know what is there to preserve. I would definitely understand why the government of France would not dare build high rises anywhere near the Eiffel tower in a way that might ruin its view. They can afford to make such decisions and act on them because despite the economic mess Europe is currently experiencing at the moment, France is still a First World country. Plus, that’s the Eiffel Tower we’re talking about — one of the most popular tourists destinations in the world.
The Philippines, in contrast, is still Asia’s third world slum. Last time I checked, no one in their right mind really wants to undergo the Manila experience. The city has still to earn its place among the world’s great cities. For now, Filipinos should focus on job creation instead of worrying about monuments which are irrelevant to the turmoils the Philippines is experiencing.
Celdran had also posted a map depicting China as part of Philippine territory. This is would have been laughable if it weren’t for the fact that it highlighted even more the Republic of the Philippines’ weak military and outdated ships. Of course, Carlos did not just post the picture, he told China to kiss the Philippines’ “98 million asses”. Of course it’s not as if the People’s Republic of China would give Celdran the time of day given his lack of class and uneducated beliefs but, as I have stated earlier, he has many followers over whom this kind of thinking is so easily widely propagated. Oh I forgot – Filipinos already think like this.
Does Celdran know what he should be prioritizing? It seems that he is a very vain person, concerned only about the aesthetics of Manila. I can totally understand however why he is doing this. Celdran is a Manila tour guide. A rather challenging job to be doing in Manila, if you ask me. I can imagine foreigners going to Manila to try it out and likely coming out of the experience disappointed…
Look: people will say the Filipino people are nice, and indeed they are polite – we Brits might say “smarmy” – obsequious or ingratiating are maybe less pleasant words. But they do try. That does take the edge off the sheer misery of a crumbling, filthy, depressing city and an economy that exists only on the remittances of the smart ones who have left.
Sorry folks. I know there are many people who love the Philippines, but its economic development has been a disaster; the irony is that Manila is the headquarters of the Asian Development Bank (the reason I come here) and it has the WORST growth history of any of the ASEAN countries – Cambodia which was torn apart by civil war up until 1997 has a first-class airport (fresh ham and cheese sandwiches on foccacia, freshly brewed cappuccino , clean lounges) and some great restaurant food and hotels (see my next post). But the Manila, where the intelligentsia sneer at their Asian brothers and sisters for their lack of English, is beaten hands down even by little Phnom Penh and left standing by every other mega-city in the region.
Carlos Celdran is not likely to shy away from insisting that the Philippine economy is outperforming the US economy. Well Celdran, last time I checked most Filipinos, given the chance, would still move to the United States or even the land of your mortal enemy China, because your beloved Philippines cannot provide decent lives for them. Also, I have not heard an American saying I will move to the Philippines for greener pastures. Many, instead, go there looking for prostitutes, a trade which is abundant in the city where you work as a tour guide. Also, your ideas are not only appalling and completely delusional, they border on ethnocentrism — a style of tribal Medieval thinking. You act as if the Philippines has nothing to learn from other cultures such as the Chinese. May I remind you that this attitude is what resulted in the fall of many Islamic nations. They never bothered to listen to European debates on democracy and ingrained within their societies the thought that they do not need to learn from these discussions. Consequently, the Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution all but passed them by. They are now dealing with the outcome of their insularity that infected their societies a couple odd centuries ago and this is what is bound to happen to the Philippines if we continue to fail at being a bit more practical in the way we think.
No man is an island and the same notion applies to nations. They continuously learn from each other. The United States of America began as a land colonized by Great Britain. India was under the Mongols, Turks, and eventually Great Britain. Great Britain (before it became great) was brutally conquered and ruled by the Norman kings of France. While it may be true that three nations have occupied the Philippines, Filipinos did not learn much from the experience and have continued to practice their culture of mediocrity. China had some time ago started to open its doors to Western ideas. Why would the Philippines think of itself as something so special that they would refuse to be influenced by other ideals and cultures? Carlos Celdran would probably answer that question in his usual the-Philippines-is-the-greatest-nation-ever manner.
I do recognize the futility of this article because Carlos Celdran is old and like they say, there is no use teaching an old dog new tricks. On the other hand there are some Filipinos who can tell right from wrong. Clearly, Carlos is not one of them.
let it be said that celdran is the poster boy for flips everywhere
Ugh, this country is an utter failure.
yep, sure looks that way when somebody thinks articles like this piece of crap are worthy of publication.
I don’t get what the hulabaloo is. Have you gone on one of his tours? No? have you met the guy? No? He’s actually all fine and dandy, but a little crazy, as most artists tend to be. Why is he a big deal?
Great people talk about ideas. Average people talk about things. Small people talk about other people. I thought Get Real Philippines is supposed to be the bastion of sense and critical thought?
I must say I’m very disappointed.
I think the “big deal” has something to do with the fact that he has a strong following and yet he is very immature and is irresponsible with some of his statements.
Yeah. I thought too that he was a “big deal” when he did that Fr. Damaso thingie. But he did not have the cojones and brains to think that what he did made other people notice him in a pleasant way. His short lived fame is turning to disgust and notoriety. Nothing special about him “pala”. When he is not assisting tourists, what is there to do than maybe pimp for them on the side or create some mischief against those self appointed agents of God. What a shame.
By far the worst comment I have read so far. Don’t you get it? A public figure has to be careful about the way he executes his ideas. He is being talked about because of the influence he has over the Filipino people – this influence that results to further idiocy of he Philippine society. If you are disappointed, it would be nice to highlight the ideas written and prepare your rebuttal.
To angrylittlegirl: If you are talking about the idiocy of the Philippine society, Carlos Celdran is the least of your worries.
A campaign against a condo development smearing Luneta and a rant against China is your baseline for not having class or intelligence? Those make the Filipino people a bit more idiotic? Susmaryosep!
Your IQ will drop faster by watching 10 minutes of Pinoy TV chismis crap than supporting those two ideas.
And the best part of this childish article is to call someone “old”. Wow… how is that for class & intelligence.
I admire that Celdran guy bec he has the “balls” to fight for what he believes in. Which I think, the best principles for his country and fellowmen. Give the man a break! Why don’t you ask yourself if you have done anything nationalistic for your country? Than rant and rant online about your goody-two-shoes who kiss ass for a living. Are you paid to destroy Celdran? How’s that for a living?
Instead of comparing it with the Eiffel tower, let’s go to one of those “emerging Asian economies” – Bangkok.
Have you been there? The Grand Palace is a very lovely sight to view. But would Thais with their supposedly more practical thinking construct a condominium right behind it? Nope…
Oh before I forget, try passing by Patpong at night as well… and go for a Go-Go show as well. Just to let you know that Manila doesn’t have a monopoly on “prostitutes chasing white men”.
And oh, you haven’t met an American who moved to the Philippines for greener pastures? Maybe I should introduce you to a bloke who I met a month ago that moved here to setup a back office here in the Philippines for an IT requirement that I have?
Seems like you still haven’t been out in the real world that much to experience the changes that has happened here in the Philippines over the last 20 years. Sure, we still have a piece of crap government that gives itself a pat in the back for non-existent accomplishments (anyone who says corruption is now gone with the removal of the SC CJ has NOT done business with the BIR / BOC or even a Mayor’s office) and a lot of things has yet to be done… but sacrificing a landmark such as Luneta to the whims of a private developer… and to call our heritage as irrelevant in the propelling forward our country is contrary when you tell that nations need to learn from each other.
I couldn’t agree more with you Jon. So many arguments to tackle but let me say this: Of all the bullcrap and atrociousness of this nation, one man can only do one thing and let him do it by improving the aesthetics of Manila(which he is good at). All the haters on the other hand, you seem to be concerned on other things, you go deal with that. We all have different priorities. Let Carlos contribute in his own way, you do yours. Are you even doing anything aside from blabbering?
So many arguments to tackle but let me say this: Of all the bullcrap and atrociousness of this nation, one man can only do one thing and let him do it by improving the aesthetics of Manila(which he is good at). All the haters on the other hand, you seem to be concerned on other things, you go deal with that. We all have different priorities. Let Carlos contribute in his own way, you do yours. Are you even doing anything aside from blabbering?
how about this writer being cautious of what he writes- racism in full view. this article is not about celdran, it’s about being a racist in a guise of a useless, baseless blog.
How about Pinoys understanding what racism means as oppose to washing it to everything they see that is supposedly ‘negative press’ about the country? FYI you aren’t the only dumbass ethnic individual prone to using the word in the wrong context.
I think you have a misunderstood view on racism. The joke is on YOU then.
Since I can’t seem to reply directly to JayandSilentBobStrikeback, here it is:
“FYI you aren’t the only dumbass ethnic individual prone to using the word in the wrong context.”
Racism = And by ethnic, do you mean non-white, i.e. heathens? Because otherwise, everyone is ethnic to something.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethnic
PWNED
youre.so.silly.its.hilarious: You’re more PWNED since you’re an anti-intellectual prick.
Agree. And so the Get Real article truly gets it.
A little crazy… perhaps not that little. Perhaps more. That seems to be the problem.
Both of you Jons,
Think of it this way. Carlos Celdran is but the latest example of a dysfunction that other Pinoys have been prone to:
People who think being popular is a license to do anything they want, without thinking of the consequences.
I never understood why Celdran did what he did with that graphic of the Philippine Map. Maybe the Chinese won’t give a rat’s ass about it, but no one should underestimate the stupidity of the Pinoy.
There’s already enough Pinoy racist sentiment to go around; we don’t need more of it especially if it will make Pinoys look down on Fil-Chinese who have nothing to do with the Scarborough incident. We especially don’t need stunts like that if it will only serve to increase or ignite tensions between the two countries, with Pinoys doing the mudslinging.
Many Pinoys are very arrogant with nothing to brag about, but the Chinese government can clearly see that all they have to do is step on us with a boot, most likely economically. We shouldn’t be giving them a reason to. We shouldn’t even be doing things like what Celdran did that ignites some sort of national indignation that in the end is “empty”.
Now do you guys understand why Celdran is a bad influence? I mentioned above that there are other Pinoys who have been prone to the dysfunction I mentioned. The next most obvious example is sitting in Malacañang right now.
Celdran seems to be basking on the Filipino nationality topics considering the masses have a very weak foundation of their own nationality and what they believe in. His ‘pro’ Filipino approach is not unique mind you and is pretty much an argument based on the simple Pinoy empathy. I have tussled with him in Facebook regarding the new tourism slogan and while I wanted to discuss about concrete changes, he wanted to wallow in appreciation of how 1.5 billion pesos can help paint the color of Pinoy shit from brown to gold through a long term marketing strategy.
He is the Filipino the masses deserve because in the end, he thinks just like them. With the exception of his issue with the CBCP.
I’m MASA??? Love that!! OMG. I thought my one sentence facebook posts only appealed to worsh worsh Makat coño types like myself! May broad appeal na pala ako. Luvett.
My only point is that if we start talking about specific people without specific issues, then GRP has totally missed its point.
Note how in benign0′s article:
http://getrealphilippines.com/blog/2012/07/carlos-celdran-tells-china-to-kiss-filipino-ass-over-spratlys-and-scarborough-row/
he does not focus on Celdran but focuses on his rather comedic and un-amusing take on the Scarborough Shoal issue.
Influence is a function of critical thought. The more impressionable/influenceable (is there such a word) you are, the less your critical thought. A true critical thinker can probably spend their whole life listening to Adolf Hitler and not be influenced by his anti-Semitic supremacist stand but be inspired by his charismatic flair and his systematic approach to world domination.
To single out a person like this, someone who does not hold public office (and hence cannot truly affect public policy even if he affects public opinion) and is not elected into his popularity and infamy cannot be indicted for his actions as a private citizen. His Damaso act is already in court — he’s being indicted THERE at the proper venue.
Who’s up next in GRP’s “bad influence to the Filipino” list? Vice Ganda?
This is a slippery slope that I do NOT want to see GRP take.
I totally agree with your post Jon — clearly, this author is either paid by the Powers That Be to trash Carlos or is basing her opinions on other people’s opinions — which is downright stupid if you ask me. I can’t believe she actually doesn’t think Torre De Manila would destroy the importance of the Rizal Monument — hello, Rizal is our national hero, his monument is a national monument and cultural/heritage/historic sites like this should be preserved for the good of our Filipino identity. I guess she didn’t even know what Carlos was fighting for because that’s how CLASSLESS AND UNEDUCATED she is.
Agree sana ako, but the ‘Powers That Be’ allegation ruined everything. I mean, you love the ‘Powers that Be’ people, which is the current administration. And BTW, those who are in the present government are far more UNEDUCATED and CLASSLESS than the author herself.
i definitely agree. you said it well sir!
Seems like someone got paid by a certain developer to post a smear attack on a “Manila tour guide” only.
Unsubscribing to this website.
Sorry, if you don’t get it we don’t need you to follow us.
Spoken like a true sore loser.
@Jon
I don’t think you should unsubscribe from GRP just because you don’t like what one writer said. This is just an opinion of one writer. Other writers might not even share her views.
Last time I checked, even “civil war” torn countries like Syria is still being flocked by Filipinos. That’s the condition of our country, where it’s still worse than a war-torn country.
war-torn countries will pay for certain professions (and freelancing ones) that the Philippines is already swamped with and cannot give competitive wages to.
this is by far the most pointless and racist article undermining the Filipinos. How high-handed and full of superiority.. britain is an avid supporter of anti-racism movements while this writer is the opposite of the great nation. if you are claiming that celdran is practicing iirresponsible journalism, shouldn’t you be ashamed for doing the same when you are spreading your preconceive hateful judgements and so called insights of the philippine soceity and the philippines in general. to the author, you are IRRESPONSIBLE. spread your hate somewhere else. this article is not about celdran but your hatred for a country and people not your own. RACIST, the world doesnt need anyone like u..
Please, outline where the HATE exists. Because I don’t seem to see it in the rationalism. How about you use your head once in a while before letting your emotions spew all over your keyboard?
i guess you are either a moron who just speaks and reads english but never understands or racist fil-chinese defending china perhaps. all the negative comments this author have put forward are generalizations not only of the entire philippines but the filipino society in general. the racist term aptly applies to the author and to her cronies, not only because she exemplifies the outdated word but also personifies its definition.
Pinoy nga naman oo. Nagpapangap na “henyo”. May isip ka nga ng unggoy inutil.
Balat-sibuyas comment detected.
Aside from being balat-sibuyas, it seems you don’t want to learn, preferring to live in the status quo. A individual who loves to live in MEDIOCRITY.
‘If someone tries to educate Filipinos, THEY WILL TAKE IT AS AN INSULT TO THEIR INTELLIGENCE.’
Your ‘racist’ accusations are one of them. But hey, there’s no such thing as race. It was proven by the Human Genome Project. And the Philippines would never move on if whiny, angsty, anti-intellectual emo pricks like you would never exists. This is the dysfunctional Filipino culture, which you love and defend until the last drop of your blood.
At least the world is moving forward while the Pinas is just moving, well, backwards. That’s very true.
“But hey, there’s no such thing as race. It was proven by the Human Genome Project.”
Seriously? SERIOUSLY?! THAT’S what you think the Human Genome Project proved?
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
I think you’re more hilarious because it displays your ignorance.
Anti-intellectual to be exact.
Oh look. Nababaliw na ang inutil na ito. Dali dalhin sya sa mental hospital.
You do know that “race” or ethnicity is taken into consideration by the medical field, right?
I mean, if you live in areas with a lot of sun, chances are you’re more resistant heat, you’re more resistant to low temperatures if you live or grew up in cold places.
Even the chances of being lactose intolerant is defined by race, simply because some groups of ancestors didn’t like milk and dairy.
@Daido Katsumi: Yeah, poor me, I’m so ignorant I was able read the Human Genome Project’s website without seeing the invisible text saying “This project proves that there’s no such thing as race.”
Anti-intellectual… … … Okay, I have to stop with this article now, I’m gonna die of laughter. You, sir, have won by sheer stupidity. Congratulations. Have fun with that. Or not. You seem determined to be unhappy. Goodnight and sweet dreams! *-:
Keep on laughing because your posts are full of sheer ignorance and blatant idiocy. That’s stupidity if you ask me. So you’re happy on our dysfunctional culture and MEDIOCRITY? I’ll be a happy man if we can move forward just like other nations. Don’t you get it?
Let’s stop this anti-Chinese nonsense unless we do something good for the country. It was China who said the truth about the Philippines: being “Asia’s Basketcase of Wasted Democracy.” Singapore and Malaysia moved forward but why can’t we?
genome project your ass. see if racism is not in the dictionary. it’s even in the handbook of companies. outdated it maube but clearly defines u and the author.
What’s the matter fliplander? You hate science?
Ignorance is like cancer. In fact, you’re anti-intellectual. Admit it.
philippines will move without your help and rants. the important thing is we have hope in our hearts. unlike u, acting judge when the play isnt yet over. are u doing something for this country to move
forward? i bet you’re just some bored rich kid with nothing to do but bash the poor filipinos online. this is article is far from being an intellectual discussion, more like naivete and preconceived notions picked up from showbiz
In your dreams selfish juan tamad. Ano ka happy-go-lucky? Pinoy nga naman oo dinadaan palagi sa bahala na at pwede na iyan. This country will never progress because of anti-intellectual, dysfunctional monkeys like you who loves mediocrity. You utak squatters will just make this country like somalia in the next few years.
And so does trolls like you who prefer a ‘Showbiz Government.’ Just look at Noynoy Aquino. That’s a proof of it.
The rest of the world moved forward for progress while this country remains a basketcase. If pointing out mistakes, flaws and blaming your own countrymen for their backward attitudes and mentality is some form of ‘racism’ then you’re an idiot. Malaysia has proved you wrong.
All of your comments are more like a pathetic excuse to ignore the problems and never came up with a solution. No wonder why this country a basketcase because of the likes of you.
I think he’s a good tour guide indeed. Problem is, that map with the jab at China was not right at all. It may seem great for some people to be aggressively nationalistic, but that still doesn’t bring food to the table of the poor.
He should stay a tour guide, and just stay out of politics.
I disagree. Politics is and should be everybody’s business.
Um. I’m not in politics, I’m not even a mayor on foursquare.
You crack me up Carlos. Well done!
With all the jokers in congress/senate and the biggest clowns to run in 2016(binary and estrada) politics should be everyones business but majority are influenced by popularity and money for their votes. We may be better off then when the like of celdran still have an influence on what counts and still have their principles intact. caldran should run for office
Understood… but it’s the map. The bloody map.
Manila was once glamorous as Paris with tree-lined boulevards, had better conditions from New Delhi and today’s Singapore and HK. So, the city has yet again to restore its former glory.
Yes but that was in 1960-70. 40 Odd years later with no real plans for urban renewal and lack of urban planning for the future, here we are.
Actually this point you make is the crux of my own personal peeve with Pinoys. It was all once nice and peachy and we just all f__ked it up. Whatever beauty the country once possessed was built by the colonial masters. Then the natives took over and it was all downhill from there — a strong correlation that even elementary students can work out.
Even Celdran’s main tours all jump off from sites that are relics of the old colonial past. Back of the envelope reckoning: 90% of the beauty equity of the Philippines is tied up in its vanishing natural assets, 9 percent of it in old colonial relics, and 1% of it on indigenous/native contribution.
In short, the Philippines would have been a beautiful country if it weren’t for its Filipino inhabitants. And whatever beauty it has left exists DESPITE rather than because of Filipinos.
Hey, have you done anything better than being an observer ranting about other people’s failures…and doing nothing but hiding behind your computer? I agree with most of your ideas-on the condition of the Philippines but I wonder if you have done something that would somehow improve the state of this country? Just my two cents.
I am detecting massive quantities of ad hominem leading into your post. To rebut, Mr. Celdran himself hasn’t exactly done the country a great service either. If not taking advantage to purport his inane pro-pinoy propaganda.
Wow, you detect massive quantities of ad hominem in THAT post, but you’re completely blind regarding the original article?
What *I* detect is a small group of people taking up arms to protect a belief stated by one of their own but which they know is NOT shared by many others.
Or you could even be one person using different online identities to defend yourself. MIND YOU, the internet is rife with sock puppets.
I, on the other hand, don’t know any of these people – Celdran, the author of the article, or any of the commenters (so far.) I just find your obstinacy hilarious, not to mention your attempts to use big words that don’t mean what you think they mean, e.g. purport.
I think you’re just trolling. This blog can be an example of doing something for this country, mind you.
“Doing something for this country”? And what is that ‘doing’ specifically?
Yeah, can you elaborate?
Telling what is really wrong with dysfunctional, emo pinoys like you moron.
It CAN, but right now it ISN’T.
domo: If “telling” is doing something for this country, then by that definition Celdran IS doing something. In fact, EVERYONE is doing something for this country, simply by arguing over an internet article that fewer than five hundred people will ever read. BOOM.
Pfft it’s like you’re praising celdran like a God. Oh and does being a hostile to this article helps progressing our country? Take off those Pyro Vision Goggles right now fliplander you’re living in a delusional world.
doing some crap more likely. can u advise the productive quantitative outcome in terms of revenues or efficiency this article can create thereafter? i bet you can’t. so please stop claiming this article is doing something good for the philippines
Just read the other articles of GRP moron.
Nothing can be more fun and productive than doing this ^
Hahaha! Fun, yes. But productive, no.
It is productive because those who have a capacity to internalise or reflect can learn from their mistakes when others point it out.
The point here is , we never learn from our mistakes. We continue to vote for useless political leaders. Just look at the Senatorial slates on all the parties. Most are Trapos, who are running for re-elections. So, more of the same, if these people are re-elected…. Mr. Celdran is just doing some humour on our standoff with China. If you want to see more humour. Look for the announcement of Ricky “Spy Plane” Carandang. Or the statement of Honasan. We are not lacking of fools, in our country…Do not take these people seriously…
Is this an article about Celdran or just a vehicle to trash Filipinos and the Philippines? I mean, if the topic is Celdran and his faults the writer has already made his point in the criticisms made against the man. I think the outburst is uncalled for.
If we choose the latter, then it’s more like the dysfunctional attitude of most Filipinos.
Balat-sibuyas comment detected.
WHAT IS WITH YOU AND BALAT-SIBUYAS?! Jeez, we get it. If you wanna be a crybaby about just slice a real onion.
*about it
Point fkcing missed.
I mean, onion-skinned people like you.
Ethnic self-loathing is an emerging Filipino dysfunction. This article is proof of that.
Not pointing out flaws and blunders and goes always “Think Positive” is also a source of dysfunction.
Malaysia has proven you wrong.
Both are wrong. Generalized optimism or pessimism are used in place of critical thinking. Neither is helpful.
And may I add. Malaysia succeeded because they had a kind of patriotism that focused on improving themselves and finding solutions.
This article is anything BUT patriotic. The author should be ashamed of herself.
@dysfunctional filipino: BTW, the author has some flaws but you disregard one thing: MEDIOCRITY.
Just take a look again at Malaysia – when Mahathir became prime minister, he vehemently blame his own fellow Malays by their dysfunctional attitude and thinking. But he gave them a message of hope: “If we can CHANGE, we can be successful.” And the rest is history.
Haven’t you realized? Unfortunately, the Philippines HATE critical smart people. They HATE efficiency. They HATE order and organization. They HATE the concept of strength and unity in diversity. All the smart people are gone since you can’t do anything with the archaic economical system established by the constitution. If Malaysia can change, then why can’t we? That’s because there are many Filipinos who prefer the dysfunctional culture. No wonder maraming palpak sa bansa natin; sila rin naman kung bakit ganyan at walang asenso ang Pinas. Dinaanan lang sa ‘kung bobo tayo lahat, walang problema. Pantay pantay lamang ah’.
I don’t disagree with the need to change. We HAVE to change, and we HAVE to oppose those who are resistant to change.
BUT I disagree with the tone of the author that stinks of racism. She could have just focused on Celdran, instead of bashing us being 3rd world (an obsolete notion) or Manila being too ugly for tourists.
Such snobbery is also a typical dysfunction commonly found in overseas Filipinos. Rizal would be ashamed of her. Many of the readers of GRP are.
@dysfunctional filipino:
TBH, most ignorant Filipinos will look every ‘negative press’ against the Philippines as ‘racism’. We are still a Third World slum, I mean we had the chance of being a developed nation when Marcos was around. Yet no real progress have made when Cory and her personal cronies were in power.
25 years have passed and still, nothing changes.
you’re giving this poor excuse of a blog post too much credit if you consider it “press”.
And please stop using the obsolete term.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_World
What’s the matter moron? Can’t handle the truth?
I totally accept the truth that some people are out to seek change and write well written analyses, and others seek to only spite with racist remarks that amount to nothing.
The rest of GRP is fine. This one, though, looks like it was written by a 12-year old. Is she?
Why can’t it be both? The people throw trash everywhere so it is only natural for others to trash Filipinos who live in it and allow it to happen.
OK. Manila is a dump. I get it. But, does that mean you throw away all efforts to keep the pristine areas as such? The Rizal Monument and surrounding park is a great sight! Its wide open with amazing views. Are you guys seriously considering giving up on the Philippines (& Manila) by allowing yet another condo to be constructed? Lyla-J, I thinks its time for you to Get Real! Celdran, on his own, decided to start a one-man tour service highlighting the beauty and history of Manila. I say again, ON HIS OWN! If you ever actually visit the Philippines, I suggest you take his tour. You might learn something… In addition, your statement “Also, I have not heard an American saying I will move to the Philippines for greener pastures” shows me that you don’t get out much. Anyone who lives (or has visited) Angeles City, Subic Bay (and surrounding areas) and Tacloban can clearly see retired “foreigners” everywhere. Oh! This may surprise you but… They all are NOT here for the “prostitutes”, although I’m sure that’s an added attraction. Retired US Military Veterans come and stay in the Philippines for the inexpensive (by comparison) cost of living, access to VA Medical Care and benefits and inexpensive Dental Care. The adult attractions are a plus but NOT a deciding factor. I suggest you take a trip to the nearest VFW Post in your area, sit down at the bar and LISTEN. You will hear Vets talking about going to or coming from the Philippines to LIVE…As for Celdran’s views on China; SO WHAT? He’s NOT a Government Official so whats the big deal? Its his own opinion. At least he has the guts to say it in open forum… In closing, let me stress; cities do not get better if the people give up on them and allow uncontrolled growth. It has to stop somewhere and Mr. Celdran, to his credit, has drawn the line.
Nice rebuttal to a very misleading piece.
Thanks
Hi! Are you from Tacloban?
I live outside Metro Manila however, I have many American, British, Australian, German (etc) friends who are living in places like Cebu, Tacloban, Davao, Subic, Angeles, Laguna, Tagaytay, Batangas, etc… I am an American, living in the Philippines as well and I did not come here for the prostitutes.
This portion is the only one that is sensible. Thanks, jetlag, for the starting this.
I think more than anything else, it’s the “friendly” women these retired US military guys are here for.
Well, I admit, the “friendly women” are indeed a PLUS but, it’s not the main reason why foreigners retire here. Although, I can’t speak for Dutch retires (Ha Ha Ha)… The list goes like this;
1) Reduced cost of living compared to the US. This is VERY important when one is living on a Pension.
2) Access to affordable Health Care. Compared to the US, medical costs here are far less, especially Dental Care. I know airline employees who fly to Manila on a weekend to see a Dentist. US Military Veterans are able to use their VA Benefits in the Philippines. I believe this is the only country outside of the US where this is possible.
3) The Beer! Its cheap and tastes GREAT!
3a) The weather. I say this because you don’t see foreign retirees moving to Croatia (where the women are extremely friendly).
4) The “friendly women… Nuff said.
well said jetlag!
Um. I didn’t make that map drawing. I just laughed at it. And I’ll say it again, China is a big fat ass bully. I’ll write it in the sky if I have to.
) But why are you giving what I do online such importance. Dude. It’s just facebook. We all have real lives outside of it.
You tell ‘em Carlos! Just keep doing that thing you do! Remember; if you DON’T have critics, then you’re doing something wrong…
I applaud Carlos Celdran and I believe in his causes. He’s a real patriot and he’s one of the many reasons I’m damn proud to be called a Filipino!
I’m all for pluralism and dissenting opinions based on a thoughtful reflection, but this “article” is stupid AND poorly written. It’s very telling of the writer’s ignorance, which can be remedied, and narrow mind and intolerance, which is most likely terminal.
I wish people like this “writer” DOES migrate to China. We’d probably be better off without you.
Believe in his cause but don’t worship him. Everyone should be careful of idolatry. We all have to be a little skeptic.
Who said anything about worship? I believe in giving credit where credit is due. Like all thinking people, I have a healthy dose of skepticism, thank you.
@dude, you may want to look at your own profession of idolatry for the misplaced sentiments and criticisms of the author.
Lol, so people are actually proud of their trashy identity? HAHAHAHAHAHA.
I wouldn’t be proud of myself if I were you. I bet you’re gonna die alone and lonely. You have a disposition not even a mother would love. Do you have an ugly deformity? Is that why you’re so nasty? Just remember, it’s never too late to change. You don’t have to be ugly on the inside too. If all else fails…ask around if doctors still perform lobotomy. You sound like you badly need it. I feel sorry for you. I sympathize and I forgive you.
@Carlos
One thing I don’t understand is why you are promoting hatred towards the Chinese including Filipino Chinese in the Philippines? Your statements are not helping ease tension.
The Chinese people are also victims of their repressive government and Filipino Chinese are practically running the Philippine economy. Think about that.
“Filipino Chinese are practically running the Philippine economy” – so you want to ease tensions because you’re afraid of what they can do to retaliate?
Granted, I have no idea whether Celdran in fact promoted hatred towards all Chinese. I’m just pointing out some flaws in your logic.
Not only is your comment silly, it also doesn’t make any sense. Why do you want to create more tension in the first place?
@dude: LOL and by which words did I imply that I wanted to create tension? I merely questioned why YOU had to bring that statement into the discussion.
*I’M* silly?! *I* don’t make any sense?! Oh, that’s rich. Grabe nakakatawa kayo(ikaw)!
I really HATE how the Fil-Chinese community, save for some admirable few, has been curiously silent about the issue. Though I won’t condone rhetoric that incite hate or violence against them, I don’t think it’s unfair to call for our Chinese minority to take a stand on the issue / let their stand be known keeping in mind how, immigrants that they are, they are now “practically running the Philippine economy.” This country opened doors for them just as it has for the rest of us. I think it’s only right that they show fidelity to their adoptive country.
@Katrina
They probably know that Filipinos cannot do anything if ever a war breaks out. Can you blame them for sitting on the fence? The fact that they easily took over the Philippine economy says a lot about the kind of people we are. We allowed this situation to happen and it is a bit too late to reverse it unless we take their Filipino citizenship back.
Even I know that we can’t do anything if ever a war breaks out. I think everyone knows that. Bullies need to be called out nonetheless.
And fence-sitters deserve to have their citizenship revoked. We don’t need an assimilation problem on top of everything else.
@Katrina
What’s going to happen to our economy if we force out all the Filipino-Chinese who own big businesses? Filipinos are not cut-out to be entrepreneurs.
What I’m trying to say is, let’s not drive away the very people who can help keep the economy afloat.
I think it’s practical for the Fil-Chinese community to remain silent on this.
a) China seems to like doing irrational things. If they ban all Filipinos from getting into China, some of the FilChinese can’t visit relatives or ancestral homes/tombs/temples.
b) The Chinese love their own blood, if the FilChinese turn on the mainlanders, they won’t be able to get some perks from people from the mainland.
c) Blood is hard to suppress. Just as there are some pinoys who want to save drug mules in China, some FilChinese support their mainland brothers. Of course, saying it out loud will have repercussions for them.
Remaining silent can be interpreted as cowardice, but in some cases, the cowards tend to live the longest.
Filipinos are not cut out to be entrepreneurs? I wouldn’t generalize… And I never said the Philippine gov’t should round up all the Chinese Filipinos and send them back to China / Taiwan or wherever. I simply said fence-sitters, by that I mean ALL fence-sitters whether they be natural born or naturalized, those who are uncertain of where their loyalties lie, don’t deserve their citizenship, i.e. they are bad citizens and I wouldn’t mind if they left.
Frankly, I think the country would be better of with a solid, patriotic citizenry who love their country and would do what is best for it. Yung mga walang malasakit, mas marami pang nagagawang masama
@K3
Yes, it is cowardice. At mahiya sila sa balat nila.
If living the longest and surviving lang ang habol nila what does that say about them?
There are worse things than dying.
What kind of ‘strong patriotism’? True love for country is not going for war or something. It’s more like on what you should do for you for your country. It’s been more than 25 years and still has no progress. Now tell me, where are we now?
True patriotism comes from critical thinking and progress.
@Daido Katsumi says:
If you apply critical thinking in reading my posts you will see that I never advocated war. I simply said that bullies need to be called out. I never said that “True love for country” is “going for war or something,” whatever the heck that means.
You are wrong. DEAD WRONG. True patriotism doesn’t come from progress. It’s the other way around. We need to raise up a generation of patriots who will be good citizens, elect morally upright and competent leaders, and be active members of civic society.
@katrina:
And your also DEAD WRONG. There’s no patriotism to a Filipino pride that doesn’t exist. Most of Filipinos are not good citizens due to the mediocrity and the dysfunctional culture that is regressing the country for so long. Most Filipinos elect last names, artistas and athletes and most people are not active in civil society. Does rallies count one?
@Daido Katsumi
How in the world am I wrong. I think you just totally missed my point.
“There’s no patriotism to a Filipino pride that doesn’t exist.”
I don’t even know what you’re trying to say, but here’s my piece: I take pride in being a Filipino and I consider myself a patriot as do many other people that I know. I try my damnedest to be deserving of my country and of its heroes.
Are you trying to tell me I don’t exist?
I’ve nipping this in the bud because it’s tiresome to “talk” to you. I actually enjoy intelligent banter and hearing dissenting opinion but I don’t think you understand what I say. You miss the point by miles. Therefore, replying to you is pointless.
Also, your grammar is atrocious. Half the time I also don’t know what exactly you are trying to say.
And if you must know, of course rallying/peaceful assembly counts.
@katrina:
Umm, I suspect EMOness on your posts. What I mean for pride is more on achievements. You can never be proud of what you can’t ACHIEVE. You were born a Filipino, much like I was. Hence we both cannot take ‘pride’ in something we were put into. Example is that they’re saying that they’re ‘Proud to be Pinoy’ w/o any kind of achievement or they cling to one’s accomplishment or something.
Americans are more patriotic not just because of their history but they have a better standard of living, hence on their belief of the American Dream. American is still one of the countries with a good economy where its citizens with their own ethic and ideas can find their own opportunities to fulfill their personal dreams. Our government system is modeled from the American constitution but copied the wrong way so that’s why we have dated laws that allow no real financial progress or growth, oh and the constant brownouts.
Oh, I believe in heroes like Jose Rizal, but Ninoy Aquino? Not so much. He’s more like an ambitious politician than hero.
Here’s something for that anti-china mentality of yours celdran: http://antipinoy.com/on-the-red-zone-does-hating-china-for-our-drug-mule-issues-help-at-all
Oh and I remember seeing in your Facebook page about supporting the removal of the 60/40 provision of the 1987 constitution to liberate this country’s market for foreign investors. So you have two choices (and this is also a rebuttal on telling us to research about why this country’s economy improves. Akala ko ba ayaw mo ng biased media?): http://antipinoy.com/rh-bill-versus-economic-freedom
And FYI, I’m neither pro nor anti rh bill supporter.
“It’s just facebook. We all have real lives outside of it.” Clearly, these people don’t. hahahahaha
Ah, good you clarify that, Carlos. Thing is… the map still sucks.
“Manila is still the stinky and dangerous city that it is. Ineed, Manila has been and continues to be the laughingstock of emerging Asian economies. It is a place where prostitutes chase white men and where you can’t use your smart phone for fear of being mugged.”
So we won’t do something about our national monument being ruined? get a life hater. What do you do?
There’s a reason why france is first world and ours is third world. It’s because they do take care of their national monuments. Instead of bitching about it, start caring.
LOL. I have always considered Carlos as nothing but a nuisance fly. Like a fly, he just need to get his presence felt thru any means necessary and most of these means are truly done in bad taste. Even as he ridicules my Catholic faith, I still really do not bother with him. After all, he has a working mouth and he does as he pleases with it. But I do draw the line when he starts doing things that offends and disrespects the house of my worhip like the stunt he pulled at the Manila Cathedral. I was only too glad that he was sued for it. I wonder if he would have done the same to a Muslim Mosque if he had issues with the Muslim faith. Pasalamat sya, we are tolerant of his antics.
Sige nga. Thank you, Amy Lee.
)
Kudos to you Sir for showing calm that I doubt I would posess . I was a patient of Dr. Mike many decades ago .
Sorry that’s possess .
ayos lang yan mr celdran. mas mabuti na din kahit paminsan minsan may pumupuna sa inyo. atleast mas mabantayan nyo sarili nyo kung ano ang mga dapat o hindi dapat gawin
A nuisance fly you are, Mr. Celdran, the way Socrates was a nuisance (gad)fly to Athens. Keep it up!
get a life loser
go out and play
Amy, the problem with his followers is that they are all pa-cool thinking that Celdran is different. Well, just because you are different does not mean you are useful. I am not a Catholic but what he did in the Manila Cathedral is distasteful. How would you like me to interrupt one of your tours by carrying a sign that Manila is a dump? Of course, there are reasons why I would not do that:
1. Because I am not Celdran and don’t want to be in a Manila jail
2. Because I am not even in the Philippines!
I forgot to mention that while you did wear clothes that resembled Jose Rizal, he did not push for his beliefs in a manner that is unclassy. He wrote. He did not protest while mass was being held. I guess you can’t do that because you are too primitive!
Sorry I haven’t visited GRP for two months already since I decided not to get myself affected with silly Philippine politics. I came back to visit and found this article.
Um, ito na ba ang GRP ngayon?
Nakakalungkot naman.
I missed it nung sina benigno, Gogs, ilda, at fallenangel pa ang nagsusulat.
So since Manila is a stinky and dangerous city we should just let any vandal dressed as a capitalist deface what is left of our historical landmarks? So this rant page dressed as an opinion blog is your contribution to positive influence? Thanks but no thanks. I’ll take a jerk’s no-holds-barred-but-honestly-passionate views anytime in exchange for this anytime.
Another person who just know how to write but don’t know what he / she is writing about. Boom!
It’s not even nicely written. It was a pain to read. Taga-DMCI siguro ‘to
sabi nga dun sa isang comment kanina, “small people talk about other people.” The author is just jealous because her ideas are shunned away by some dude who knows how to rally his ideologies in a cool and awesome manner..xD
so who’s a good influence?
Not Maria Ressa, for sure!
that name-drop was soooo random