The Philippines has long had an economy propped up by consumption binges that are funded by overseas employment that sucks the substance out of the society from the inside, and outsourced work that turns the country’s brightest grads into red-eyed parrots.
It all sounds awfully familiar. And why shouldn’t it? The above paragraph may as well have been written last year — or five years ago, ten years ago even.
You then kind of wonder what would make Vanessa Ko sound as if her CNN report was anything that even remotely sound like “news”.
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[Photo courtesy BBC News.]
The composition of what “drives” the Philippine economy is hardly something you’d even consider to be an interesting subject of analysis — consumption accounts for “value” contributed to the Philippine economy to the tune of 70% of output according to Credit-Suisse head of research for the Philippines Haj Narvaez. And what fuels that consumption? What else… “It is estimated that 11% of the population of 92 million work overseas. Remittances account for about 10% of the country’s GDP, which totaled $225 billion in 2011.” Add to that is that other saving grace of the Philippine economy, the call centre and business process outsourcing (BPO) industries that employ thousands of the finest Filipino university graduates; “These jobs are considered well – paid — enough for workers to afford, after several years’ employment, down payments on condominiums in Manila’s booming property market, Narvaez said.”
You don’t say.
Given that nothing much has fundamentally changed in what keeps the Philippine economy muddling along, anyone who is looking for something to spin in time for the third State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno Simeon “BS” Aquino III is likely to find that there really is still nothing to work with. The CNN report evidently struggled in this department. Some of the lame things it cites includes:
(1) The sort of jobs that Filipinos tend to take overseas; “domestic workers, nurses or skilled technicians” which are, supposedly, “types of jobs that are believed to be less vulnerable during an economic slowdown.”
“You have an aging population in the West, and you have a young population here in the Philippines that is waiting to do jobs that some people in the West aren’t willing to do,” Narvaez said.
Indeed, that is quite the source of Pinoy pride that it always has been.
(2) The “well-paid” workers at call centres and BPOs who have contributed to Manila’s “booming” property market by being able to afford down payments on condominiums “after several years’ employment.”
(3) One-time windfalls like a “transfer of operations to the Philippines from Thailand by flood-disrupted businesses.”
…all of which serve as but a drumroll to the article’s punchline:
Economists also credit President Benigno Aquino for his efforts to push back corruption and undertake infrastructure projects.
“You can see evidence of construction activity in Manila,” Teather said. “You can see cranes on the horizon. You can see new roads have been put in place.”
But of course. It all makes pretty good sense now.
benign0 is the Webmaster of GetRealPhilippines.com.
Hi Benign0,
Read your Blog from A to Z but didnt watch the CNN report. I think I do get your drift. But hey the report was probably not longer than 10 minutes. It needs a 30 minutes (at least) extended documentary to portray the Philippines in all assetts and all glory presented by a real Philippine connaisseur.
Now if I am right you live in Australia. I dont know for how many years already but is there nothing good about the Philippines, is there nothing to be really proud of being a Filipino?
Maybe for once you or one of your other co-Bloggers here can write a positive Blog about an aspect of the Philippines (without any sarcasm, without any irony). Such a positive Blog may give some people hope there is still something to fight for. If I would read all the (negative) Blogs here (as Filipino) I think I would become numb not knowing where and how to start making a difference for myself.
I only visited the Philippines twice and I am quite negative about the country (read: the people, the culture and yes even their own religion) but in a small way I keep on hoping that one day I will get surprised positively (fingers crossed here) either in real (while being there) or here by reading a positive Blog or reading an article in one of Philippines news papers or just anyhow.
My overall criticism is that all Blogs here are negative. Do I care? No but only because I am not a Filipino. But if I were, God, I would not know where to begin to change myself for the better. I need 2 more lives.
I am not surprised you live in Australia. A much more relaxed country to live in.
(Sunday 15 July 2012 at 06.08PM dutch time)
The “negative” criticism here only reflects the overly positive news items or attitudes in the Philippines. Even if the reality in front of them has nothing to be positive about.
The problem with the Philippines is that despite the presence of English language, talent/skills, natural resources, almost paradise like place, it is still flunking hard. Once the Philippines was the nr. 2 in Asia behind Japan. Now it is being surpassed by Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand.
The only solution is to face the problems in the mirror and act upon it. Filipino culture needs some serious fixing and GRP can be that mirror.
That ancient ranking means nothing!! so what if we were #2 during that kopong-kopong time?? Why is everyone trumpeting we’ve been #2?? Even the world bank and IMF said during the 1950s that Philippines is all doing it wrong crafting laws to protect its local industries, restricting imports and foreign business ownership. So now what??? You think life before is really easy??? Mahirap na tayo noon pa!!!
Hi Robert,
I’ve been into GRP since 2000 and people who have followed me since those early days will be quite familiar with my favourite challenges to all Filipinos, which is to:
(1) Cite specific examples of achievements that can be attributed to Filipinos at a collective level that can be used to substantiate any sort of “pride” in being Filipino that we aspire to harbour.
(2) Show any specific evidence of something being done differently at a fundamental systemic level that can support assertions that there is “hope” of a future for the Philippines that is different from the cycle of failure we have so far seen repeated many times over the last several decades.
Perhaps GRP does focus on the negative. My point is, if there are people who disagree with this view, then the onus is on those who supposedly see things a different way to articulate their arguments clearly and in a compelling manner.
You’d think Filipinos who have lived as Filipinos since birth (unlike yourself) would have the depth and breadth of the Filipino experience to step up and respond to the above two challenges. So far they disappoint.
Hi Benign0,
I see all your points and although I am not a Filipino I agree with them.
But maybe all the readers (visitors and respondees) here are not part of the target group you want to reach to make a change for the better. I do feel most of the visitors here do think alike with most Blogs. There is always criticism and/or disagreement and that makes us human and individuals.
Should I – as foreigner – care and mind how the Philippine people act, think and behave? If I would be a bloody tourist then probably no but since I am involved with a Philippine woman, I just want the Philippines to rise to the occassion.
My problem is that I dont know how and where to begin to even start the rise. I think most Philippines dont care about the debris in their own country, maybe they dont dare to change, maybe they are afraid of the consequences inside their peer group, maybe they are just too indoctrinated and too brain-washed by their own religion (church) and their own culture.
Like I stated in another Blog where a young bloke whotold me : “I cant eat/bite the hand that feeds me”.
Maybe that sums it all up why change is not very fast to happen and to come in the Philippines.
Too many people are too dependent on others. It takes quite some nerve and gutz to tell the hand that you disagree. I do understand that but personally I disagree. But then again they are not me and I am not them.
I thank god on my knees I was brought up here in the west where a mind of our own was always stimulated and encouraged.
Sharing negative opinions is always (habitually) met by most Filipinos with violent and almost savage reactions. Especially when its about their nauseating habits like urinating almost everywhere, hatred to even cross the street in pedestrian lanes, wait for the traffic light to turn green for pedestrians before crossing the street, lower the volume of their stereo or karaoke for respect of others right to quiet environment, scatter their garbage (even their s**t) anywhere, lease their dogs to prevent it from making s**t in their neighbors’ properties, etc. However, the most despicable of all is that nobody dares to even just look and analyze whether or not it’s true and seriously do something to rectify or even just try to improve for the better.
Government officials and politicians are products of this society with deep hatred towards right discipline. Nobody has enough inclination or stamina to provide well-paying and sustainable jobs for Filipinos because it’s not convenient for them.
They do not want to produce more crops to compensate for their consumption because in agriculture there is no quick huge income.
That’s the reason why there is no such thing as perfect and complete documents presented to the Bureau of Customs, because the process needs to be obscured and chaotic. Which not only drives foreign investors out of this country but most of all sucks the blood and meager resources of the local business people as well.
There is no specific and fix standard for manufacturing like (even) the jeepneys & tricycles. No standard design for the weight, height and amenities which make the passengers’ riding experiences miserable and disgusting.
Most relatives (rela-thieves) of those who work oversees are highly demanding for more remittances. This causes those overseas contract workers to have NOTHING to come back to when they got terminated from their jobs or finally retired by their employers.
One can really ask what more is positive here. The answer is, Filipinos are happy and contented with their culture and would violently defend it.
The sad thing is that the indiscipline and parasitic attitude which was not not so noticeable two to three decades ago is proliferating so fast that there seems to have no way of hiding it much more stopping it.
Change for the better can only be achieved through individual and family efforts if they decide to go out from their “comfort zone” of indiscipline and parasitic culture.
Looking up towards the Catholic church to even help in this situation is futile. They haven’t even see this culture as despicable much more help to correct.
Hi Robert,
I was born here.Moved away as teenager and came back in my mid 30s. On the issue of Filipino pride I look at it several ways: 1) who does the Filipino vote in (everyone can vote so it truly speaks to the collective) 2) What do Filipinos take pride in? What causes them to collectively beat on their chests? What input did they have on such chest beating event? 3) What passes for national discourse? Mass media is a reflection of us. If headlines are dumb it’s because it’s a reflection of who they are trying to attract. 4) What ugly realities do we not acknowledge therefore there is no hope of improvement since they are not even seen as problems. Things I doubt will fix themselves. 5) What does the Filipino say they value and based on actual behavior what do they really value?
I think a lot of what I have blogged about here and in my personal blog boils down to those five points.
Hi Danny . You said “Especially when its about their nauseating habits like urinating almost everywhere,”
I can’t remember which thread here I posted this link but you hit the nail right on the head. I am not sure how a boastful nation such as this one reconciles itself with what you just said which is 100% true. We have little of substance to be proud of including how we carry ourselves in our daily lives so we seek nation pride in the most trivial of things. Should anybody doubt your claim of Manila being one huge toilet bowl, show them that.
http://cornholiogogs.multiply.com/journal/item/696/Filipino-Pride-a-photo-essay-
Negativity is indeed in the air. I do appreciate the frankness of the bloggers in this site yet I do not see the justice of “giving credit to whom it is due”. There are positive outlooks to come in this country and I have to say, let criticisms be of constructive nature. Most will not understand a good critique if it sounds like a “rant”. Keep up the blogging I say but let us put a “fair share” of positive outlooks to see in the country as a whole and the criticisms albeit in a constructive manner that will appeal rather than just anger readers.
But I have to say, we do have idiots in this country that will never understand. Let us hope the “good” intent of the people who created GRP will make people realize both the dire and hopeful situation of the country called Philippines.
Try as I might, there are very few positive things to see about the Philippines. It is true that when I’m staying abroad, I miss the country but there are just so many things that are wrong with this place. The hypocritical culture, onion-skilled people, and the back-stabbing (passive-aggressiveness) are just some of the things that can grate on your nerves.
The women here are also so aggressive when it comes to getting a “rich” foreigner who they see as their ticket out of poverty. I once took my boyfriend, who is white, here. Boy, was that a shocker!
After leaving him for a few min (yes, I am not exaggerating, it was around 5 min when I went to the loo), 3 women have already approached him! It is no wonder I was getting the evil eye when we were walking around the mall. The Philippines is definitely not a good place to be. It’s essentially a shithole, with few exceptions, that is full of people with crab-like mentality.
Hi Toinks,
I am that white boy too but I never had the pleasure (or privilege) of being surrounded by 3 girls/women when my partner was leaving me for a short period of time. But then again, I dont have the looks of Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio or even Robert Redford (more of my age, I guess).
Anyway, serious now. Those 3 women had no scrupulous whatsoever, taking advantage of the opportunity. They must have been very desperate to hook up (seduce?, flirt?) with a “white boy”. It really must have been a turn off – for them – to see you coming back from the loo and continue your stroll through the mall with your boyfriend.
It is funny though, on a few occassions I was alone (and longer than your 5 minutes; taking a walk around the block by myself) and all I got was: “Hey, Americano?”.
I would say that’s a good thing, not to be approached by these women. It is a disgrace. It irritates me that this happened in broad daylight in a mall. My partner and I have been to a lot of places in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
While there are “red light districts” in Thailand where women would approach you – it doesn’t happen in their malls – correct me if I’m wrong?! Anyway, this is just one of the many concerns I have with living in the Philippines.
Hi Toinks,
the “worst” I have experienced is people staring at me as if I was a pop star. Or maybe for them seeing a “white very tall boy” for the very first time. And it didnt happen in a town or village but just in Cebu City.
Towards the end of my stay only then it became very irritating (those staring looks; it almost felt like being undressed from top to toe)
My partner showed me a piece of the Cebu City “RLD” but even while sitting in a bar there nipping a glass of beer, I wasnt approached. I just happenned to have a good conversation with a few Scandinavian guys.
This is true! I’m married to filipina and when in PH she won’t leave me alone for a minute. Why? She doesn’t trust other filipina. I said, but that also means you don’t trust me. Her answer is, NO, you really don’t know filipina. And it’s true even in malls foreigners are often played up to without invitation. I’ve experienced it in malls…and I’m not Brad Pitt.
Hi Gogs,
Thanks for your points. I think I do understand them all.
I try to talk alot with my Philipppine partner about daily things happening in the Philippine. But she gets angry at me for doing so bec she tells me I am not like them. She accusses me of stereotyping. While in fact I hardly ever say that she is like them. I only ask to try to explain me why such daily things still happen.
(BTW: She doesnt like it that I make references to her here in GRP).
The last incident I asked her about, was about an incident reported in a Philippine newspaper article. And it happened in her own town. It was about a 43 year old male and his 38 year old wife. She gave birth to 4-plets while already having 3 kids (14, 11 & 7 year old). When I stumbled on that article, I was dumb founded, flabbergasted, shocked, surprised (to say the least). But in a way I also couldnt surpress a smile/smirk while reading all the articles relating to the intial story. The initial article got at least 2 follow ups in the following few days.
Also based on what I read here and also by reading such stories in news papers, I told my partner that from now on we will play it safe! I refuse to believe that that couple is an exception in the Philippines but more the rule. And I dont want to get surprised by my own partner in such a way. Harsh? Maybe, but its better to be safe than sorry.
Everything I share with my partner is fanatically denied (by saying: “I am not like them/her/him”) But a person who lives in a county all her life must be – to some extent – be indoctrinated and brain washed by the “system”. Hell, I am sure I am indoctrinated and brain washed by my own “system”. And I know its difficult to change and (start to) think outside the box.
The Philippines is a strange and bizarre country.
yeah Robert,
That’s why my themes tend to gravitate towards the ordinary and common place, like the root article we are commenting on. Things from the news tend to be exceptions. But people taking leaks liberally, morons who win elections and kamikaze bus drivers are things I find more attributable (is that a word?) to Filipino society, You question what is really there and people get pissed. They rather focus on things that have nothing to do with them and label it “pinoy” . Truly strange and bizarre. I second it.
In all my naievity, I would expect that Philippine people would “open their eyes” once they use the internet and start communicating (chatting) with foreigners (even when with same gender people). But it seems even that changes nothing in the minds of Filipino´s.
I just keep wondering how change will ever surface in the Philippines. I am sure it wont come from the government as pioneer or initiator. So it must come from within the people themselves. But when……..? And how……?
I think it can be quite difficult to see the world from the perspective of a Filipino.. just as it is for a Filipino to see through your eyes. I can only speak from my own experience. It took me months of studying abroad and some grumbling from my partner when we talked about the country before I came to see it for what it was.
That’s cause you hear the theme “the Philippines is the greatest country ever” or the “Filipino is the best race there is” repetitively on TV, print ads, your friends, etc until it becomes true in your mind. This is coming from a Chinese-Filipino background as well, so I should have been less-indoctrinated than others cause I’m exposed to 2 cultures/perspectives? I think so anyway.
But I tended to look through the Philippines through rose-colored glasses cause I missed the place from afar. But when I came back, the contrast was really sharp. Trash everywhere, dogs and cats loitering around, bad roads, etc and I live in a good part of the city.
So yeah, it took some conditioning for me to change my mind. I think that it is natural for your partner to be defensive about these things. It’s only a matter of whether she becomes willing to “see” or not.
Hi Toinks “That’s cause you hear the theme “the Philippines is the greatest country ever†or the “Filipino is the best race there is†repetitively on TV, print ads, your friends, etc until it becomes true in your mind. ”
That is why mass media and social media are so grating to me because they all lack perspective and thought.Its racism really. My race is better than yours and I won’t even bother to learn about yours. Call it arrogant but filling in the blanks is why I blog. I will say this I am blue in the face. Deep down inside there really is so little to be proud of that pinoys resort to one boxing or a half Mexican who has never been here for national identity. It is so trivial.
Hi Toinks,
werent you never labelled (or accused of) being “balimbing” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampo)?
You had the privilege (luxury) to be able to travel abroad and probably alsolive a broad for a certain period of time. That makes you able to compare, sense & feel things and how things are done in a foreign country. But what I understand is that the majority of the Philippine population is not that “blessed”. The Philippines dont have any neighbours. So basically (to me) the Philippines is like a jail, a prison.
Within 10 minutes I am in Belgium, within 90 minutes I am in Germany, within 4 hrs I am in Paris, France. All times are by car. But even that doesnt mean a thing if and when I go there with my ears and eyes still shut.
Anyway, I still fail to understand the Philippine society that they dont seem to want to progress, evolve and move on. Its a status quo for probably many centuries now, and I dont see it will change very soon (unfortunately).
I would have expected that all OFWs and all those pinays who already live abroad plus those Filipinos that can travel abroad, would and could make a change by informing those who are left in the Philippines that life can be better.
But probably they dont inform them. Beats me why they dont. What are they afraid of? Those OFWs and pinays can be and should be the pioneers of change inside the Philippines.
I visited the Philippines twice and every time when I return I inform almost everybody of all my experiences that I encountered. And I only visited the Philippines – lets say – for holiday purposes. So only temporarily. Compared to those OFW who are gone for years and they share nothing and they dont inform anybody? Strange. A real strange and bizarre country (read: people).
You gave me the link to the “tampo” description instead of “balimbing”. I’m not accused of either of those things.. People here wouldn’t say any bad opinion of you straight to your face anyway, they resort to backstabbing. It wouldn’t surprise me if some people think I’m negative or even arrogant after hearing my opinion about things around here. Which is why I just shut up and let them live in their delusions that it is “more fun in the Philippines” – give me a break.
Regarding the OFWs, I think that because most of them are far-away from home basically working in a home setting (caregivers, domestic helpers), few of them really understand what’s going on. Besides, they also tend to group together with people from the same province. So again, the same idea from home is reinforced even abroad.
Those who do understand what’s going on can’t be bothered because of this negative attitude of most Filipinos to everything constructive. They will shoot the messenger instead of trying to understand the message. This has happened countless times whenever someone criticizes the “Filipino pride” – *rolls eyes again!*
Hi Toinks,
Me again. My partner claims and tells me she likes my country (much) more than she likes her own. But based on what? She never was here in my country. Every time I read an article in a Philippine newspaper (online) or every time I hear something, then I will inform my partner that we do things differently. And mainly its about culture but also about religion.
I told her that I will never ask/demand/order her to stop being religious. Although I also told her that I will not accept everything from her if she does that with religion intend (pro-creating in the name of god; is void for me. To name just one)
I am afraid and worried she still might behave in a cultural filipino way especially if and when we will live together. Hence I am still reluctant to make any next move with her.
I have to dig deep in my pockets to get her here, which is not typical to do for me to pay for a “relationship”. Nobody in my country will pay for a relationship. I will not bother you here with what I have to pay for her to get her here but all is bec that she herself hasnt got the money to pay for the expenses.
Anyway, my partner is all talk (saying she likes my country more) but actions speak louder than words. Its very easy to say “I am sorry” and its very easy to say “I love you”. Just three words.
Key words there “based on what” . You are right to question the claim based on what I read. Red flag. Telling you what you want to hear. Trust is everything. Stick to your guns. Granted easy for me to say . From afar.
Well, it is very hard to given an opinion of your situation since I know neither of you personally. Religion isn’t the problem, it’s how people around twist it based on their own interpretations and then force their opinion on others. I am quite religious myself but emphasis is on spirituality rather than the legalistic doctrines of the church. I’m not Catholic but consider myself a Christian.
Her having no money might be a problem. But the important thing is for her to have life skills – things that can make her employable or if she has the potential to learn. It is difficult to survive in Europe without any life skills. I don’t think it would be sustainable for you to pay for everything because of the extremely high tax rate there, unless you earn heaps of money.
Based on what you’ve said, you seem pretty invested in this relationship. So, she must have some qualities you find positive. But you can never be sure of people’s motivations. Like Gogs said, “based on what” – why does she like your country if she has never been there? Is life here so bad for her that anything else will do? I personally didn’t like it much in Europe. Too isolated, impersonal, and no one loitering around the streets in residential neighborhoods (unlike here) which felt empty.
But I guess if she is willing to adapt, make it work, and be faithful, you’re 50% there already.
Hi Gogs,
I tell her everything what we have in my country compared to how things done and said in the Philippines. You trigger (unrequested) me to disclose a few strange and bizarre differences.
She once said (but later told me it was a joke. But I dont believe that) she wants to
a) marry me to legalize f°cking
b) marry out of compliance sake
c) marry in a church
We in the Netherlandse dont have
a) Mano Po
b) Delikadesa
c) Tampo (childish behavior)
d) Hiya (we will tell you the truth whether you like it or not)
e) walking funeral processions (we will meet at the graveyard by individual means of transport)
f) means of (public) transportation that is narrow, low and in-efficient
g) we dont blow our horns here
h) respect for you unless you earn and deserve it by personal achievement that goes beyond averageness/mediocracy
i) “Juan time” (2pm is 2 pm)
Hi Toinks,
Its correct what you say. We are more individualistic oriented and less family oriented, Isolated, I dont know. If you refer to that its common to barge in then thats something we dont like you to do. Pls call first and ask us if it suits us that you want to come by. We prefer and like to plan everything. We live a fast life (its short already so why delay and do everything lazy-wise).
So far I invested time, energy and money in this project. The money I dont care about that much. But the waste of time and energy kills me and sufficates me almost.
My partner´s skills? She is a teacher and a University San Jose – Recoletes graduate. But in no way that university is comparable to any dutch university. She is failing any scientific skills, no ability to think in abstracts. So I start to think that USJ-R can better be called a High School or maybe a College but never on this god´s green earth a university. It doesnt deserve that title at all.
She says she dislikes Phili but I am not so sure if that was her opinion already before she met me. If only she told me she still is caught up in the web of her own country´s culture then I could understand but even that she denies. Unfortunately for me she doesnt act like that.
I wouldn’t dream of barging in on others without calling first, that would be rude. But yeah, a lot of people do that here. What I meant was generally seeing people milling around the streets. Lots of residential areas in Europe are like ghost towns during work hours.
The whole educational system here definitely leaves a lot to be desired. Personally, I thought I was quite clever since I breezed through everything here until I saw how my partner “thinks”. Even people who can be considered geniuses here don’t think in that abstract, analytical, and critical way. I think you know what I’m talking about. Would be very difficult for you to expect your partner to be like you. We have a different kind of barometer around here.
About some cultural things, it’s just about communicating your point and encouraging her to do the same. I used to do the “tampo” thing as well because it is so normal here. My partner thought I was angry at him. He said it was a bit childish and told me I should talk to him instead.
Sorting out these things can take time and willingness to compromise. Some things are easy but it seems your issues are deeper than that. You’ll take a huge risk.. so guess just find out if the pros outweigh the cons.
Correct Toinks,
most neighbourhoods do look like ghost towns. Because of the climate here in Northern Europe we cant live “outside” and we do care (much) about our privacy. This is really still a hot item for me, “privacy” in reference to the Philippines. But pls dont ever confuse “privacy” with “everything that is private, should stay private”.
Already pretty soon in the relationship, I started to doubt the title “university” in University San Jose – Recoletes. And I still wonder what a university in the Philippine really teaches the students. It cant be much bec so far I didnt meet any bright, intelligent person while being in the Philippines. Eat that!!
If my partner only would honestly tell me what she really thinks, what she really believes (religiously) and what she is for and against (pro´s and cons)in her own culture then the communication would progress much smoother and much easier. But she just denies everything. Come on, somebody living in the Philippines for all her live must be imprinted with domestic culture, no matter how you slice it. And that would be very understandable and acceptable (by me).
We will not take childish behavior – done by a mature adult – seriously.
I will not ever ask my partner to compromise. Ultimately a compromise will result in a lose-lose situation and will be the start of the end.
If she is (or if I am) the rough diamond then all it would need, is cutting the rough edges. Compromising means breaking the diamond in two equal pieces. Then it is just a stone but not a diamond anymore.
I am just not sure whether she already is that stone or that rough diamond.
in reference to the earlier thread “based on what” could mean two things: 1)maybe she is not that thick after all. She might have special interest in Dutch culture as many priest in the country not so long ago were from Netherlands or info from internet helped her decide which country to like and might have helped to create a circumstance of your being acquainted. 2) Being quite desperate of dire situation in the country, any western country will do. What’s in her “person” that you like anyway? It appears that you rather like her be independent and individualistic yet you understand that she being a filipina is likely to be opposite the way you like. There must be something special in her that you see worth investing; I hope not the need to have somebody depending on you to feel good about yourself. I hope your circumstances have changed the past 365 days for the better.
Like the universal language of love, I would expect the title “university” is also universal. I must be mistaken looking at the Philippine educational system. I seriously doubt the quality of all school systems in the Philippine.
BTW: I also doubt the universal language of love in the Philippines. No PDA, no biological knowledge whatsoever of the human body, no clue of how to behave physically.
My partner once told me “to know too much can be dangerous” (later she said (again) that she was joking. But I dont believe that it was a joke). And that is exactly how she is behaving. She and a friend of hers told me, they dont like to take the contraceptive pill bec they dont trust the side effects. Then how will they prevent from becoming pregnant? Relying on the condom? Its so irresponsible behavior based on no knowledge or false information.
Para tulungan ang Pilipinas, huwag ka na sana dumagdag sa negatibong balita na nilalabas ng lokal na estasyon at mga nilalathala sa mga diaryo. Bakit tagalog ang kumento ko? Dahil sa mas naiintidihan ng mga dayuhan ano ang kalagayan ng bansa ng Pilipinas. Ikaw rin ang isa sa pumapatay sa sitwasyon ng pilipinas. Dahil prinuprublema mo ang matagal na nyang prublema. Pwede ka mag focus sa pinaka importanteng bagay.I promote ang Pinas kahit alam mong maraming negatibong ginagawa ang mga mapansamantalang tao na dumudungis sa pilipinas at isa ka na rin dun,
sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulat mo.
Sorry jaye, but I dont speak Cebuano nor Tagalog. I also cant read it and I also dont understand it.
@Mr Haighton – my message was for the Author. I was pointing my thoughts in Tagalog and i am against his writings.
TROLL.
Iyan. Yung mga sinasabi mo? Iyan ang paniniwala ng mga taong grasa sa Pilipinas na ayaw matuto.
Go figure.
Maybe there is still some hope for the Philippines (and me).
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/mixed-race-marriage-my-race-didnt-fit-7946683.html
Mixed race marriage: ‘my race didn’t fit’
Hostility to mixed-race marriage is a thing of the past, or so thought Zara Badawi. And the last place she expected to find it was within her husband’s family – and her own.
Zara Badawi Tuesday 17 July 2012
The way I see it is that, we as Filipinos, tend to accept praise overwhelmingly, but take criticism adversely. We are afraid to accept what we see in the “mirror”, hence our attitude towards criticism. We should just take all those criticisms (specially the ones here in GRP :). Ponder upon it, think about it deeply, and try to think more about how we can change, not only as a culture, but as a country of Filipinos as a whole… Cheers!
There are a ton of criticisms in the comments section but no solutions. So I offer this: Education.
There are a fair number of observations regarding the Filipino attitude. However you have to keep in mind that many Filipinos have not finished high school. Even less have completed a college degree. Internet has not been accessible to a majority of the Philippine population for the longest time. Poverty is the reality. Does it surprise you then that attitudes of self-preservation are ingrained into the culture?
It’s easy to look down on others from a position of comfort. Place yourself in their shoes and you may begin to understand the reasons behind their actions. It’s so easy to criticize, but it’s not very productive. Do you see the problem? What can you contribute to the solution?
You have to hope for the better and do what you can to change things.
Madrox,
I fully agree with you that education is the most important thing for people to excel in later life, whether it be in a job or as a human being or both.
But like everything in life also the educational system cant hide from being examined whether its doing its job good or not. What I mean is this: as long as there are schools that focus their attention more on what pupils/students do in their private lifes (St Theresa´s College, Cebu City) then something is really wrong here. They (the schools) should pay only attention to their own – secular – curriculum then what students do outside school hours.
As stated in another Blog about “atheism standing no chance in the Philippines” I am also sure there is no room and no space for any secular school in the Philippines.
Last but not least: like I stated elsewhere in this Blog, I know at least one university that doesnt earn and doesnt deserve to carry the title university. I am sure that university is not an exception. Ergo it will apply to more schools in the Philippines.
The people I met in the Philippines and spoke to know so little about general and particular things that that is really creepy.
So pls get your act together first. Wake up and change the educational system first.
Madrox,
another problem which needs to be addressed is over-population in the Philippines. The other day (Early Juli 2012) I read an article (well it were 3 articles in almost 3 consecutive days) where a 43 year and 38 year old couple “fucked in the name of god” (this happened in a town called Argao, Cebu). She became pregnant of a 4-plet while already having 3 teenage kids. And yes he may be a member of the “poorest of the poor” but in that case he is also a member of the “dumbest of the dumb”. A person with his age should know that fucking may lead to a pregnancy. And his wife is very much prone (bec of her age) to getting an irregular pregnancy.
If people dont know this in your country then something is wrong with either their parents who raised them and brought them up AND/OR the educational system in your country. Or both. Personally I think its the sole task of the parents to instruct kids about the “honey and bees” (in all aspects: the beauty of it, the dangers of it, how to prevent, how to protect, how to avoid, how to explore. In short: the entire package). No school can be held responsible for that task only the parents bec it are their kids.
as a filipino. i am very proud of my country. what ever the westerners think of us is nothing to us. why because you have your own culture – a
very different from us. though you think we your luycky to be raise and encourage to uplift your race and so forth we also have that norms here. the think is you are all ignorant. ignorant of other culture, religion etc. so what if the philippines bares land in cnn news related to economic succeesses… we dont even care your achievement abroad… and you feel like godly images…
hmm first time poster and not much of an advent reader just stumbled here hours ago due to assignments anyway.
@IGGY
well I do not know exactly what to say to you but precisely this has been pointed out quite a number of posts ago we Filipinos tend to act adversely to criticism and that is what you are clearly showing if so then why are you doing it is beyond my comprehension, sure you maybe talking big because we are in the internet but know your manners my friend you are not in a certain image board here.
@Robert Haighton
Pity as it may but there is something in the indoctrination in the church well precisely speaking what 300 years worth of “ignorance” has done to our country by Spanish ruling and this fact may not disappear perhaps until the Philippines finally hits the high seas (things under sea level), one about the procreation in the name of God, evidently sex education is still not yet a prominent topic for schools to discuss or our local church is even willing to have an open topic discussion about it, understandably most Filipino families will follow the latter and the government has no say about it, we already have a proposition bill that is still been debated here in the Philippines called the Reproductive Health bill which aims to make CONTRACEPTIVES and FAMILY PLANNING more available to a mere Filipino Family this was going to be our answer to Over-Population and Local-Urban Migration but from the looks of things it will not be happening. And then there is the Education part… well let me not get started on that either
@Robert Haighton
and finally I’am not sure if there is a translated copy in your native language find a copy of Jose Rizal’s 2 novels called “Touch Me Not” and “The Filibuster” Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo in our native language and see if there is a parallelism in the political and social view points in the character interactions and what not other minor events in the novels, in what you are seeing “What is the Philippines in the internet” and if you can say “We Filipinos are just repeating the cycle of History” this is despite these 2 books were written way way back during American Civil War IIRC.
@Algester,
I have heard of the name of Rizal. Washt he the inventor of “Clara something”: the ideal Pinay how to behave, how to act? Probably the forerunner of “Delikadesa”. I will check in the city library (online) to see if his name pops up.
Maybe its a little consolation but we – Dutch – were once exactly there, where you – Filipinos – are now today. Only we started to fight for our individual freedom and individual liberty. For us, it all started in the 1960s. I am just afraid that individual freedom wont work in Phili bec most are still so dependent and so connected to family, barangay chiefs, extended family, what the “street” might say if a Phili woman has yet another boyfriend, what your employer might think. Here in the Netherlands, we all dont care and dont mind what you – as individual – will do. Here there is no force, no pressure whatsoever. To put it very bluntly: if you as woman want to fuck a dozen men, then nobody will tell you to stop doing that (before or during marriage) bec its against god´s will or whatever. Some may only ask or tell you to protect yourself well.
In all my online and real experiences with Pinays, I am utterly surprised, shocked and flabbergasted that they (those pinays) are not seeking and demanding individual freedom and liberty and to be left alone by everyone.
My phili partner and I had an incident where her niece started to interfere. My partner didnt tell that niece to back off but instead my partner started to harmonize everything. Wow, I was shocked when I saw her moves to harmonize things, while here I would tell that niece to “fuck off”. (Later in an email, I told that niece to fuck off and when/if my partner and I would ever marry that she would NOT be invited).
All I can say is that if the Philippines want to be part of the first world then they have a long, long way to go.
Your know-all comments and condescending anecdotes show clearly how extremely arrogant you are. You try to scrutinize with miniscule experience the entire country and its people. Did you ever do the same homework with your own race? How much better your race compare to Filipino? The world is full of crap, circumstances or people(maybe like you), no one should dare ask for overall convenience without facing the reality of evil. Let me suggest that you stop coming to the Philippines to not inconvenience your behind. Take my advice as it is my amigo….
Who says we want to be a part of the first world? What we want is just for us to have a stable economy.
As my mom would always say to me, “you can always replace a husband/boyfriend who left you, but you can never replace your family.”
To those who disagree with this guy “Robert Haighton”: You can tell his face that generalization is a loser’s way to be a winner. This guy, apparently, is married or hooking up with a Filipina. His comments about our race, our country and government are not permeating but rather annoying. I hope that this jerk can speak his mind in front of a throng or even an individual Filipino who can neutralize his arrogance.
I don’t want to think that the Filipina he is hooking up with would may just want to marry a foreigner for the sake of living abroad. It is a sad truth but it happens.
And oh yeah, he is Effin’ retard for saying things about our race.
Mr. Haighton and the other folks here held up a mirror in front of our faces and we curse them for it because we do not like what we see. Change will not come from back patting and delusion. Constructive criticism? If someone says,”Hey, you are doing this thing wrong. Then stop and look.Is it the truth?Am I doing it wrong?Is there something that I need to change?
I have more to fear from people who flatter than people who criticize.
You think that what he is saying is incorrect? Try going around Manila! See for yourself! Manila is not representative of the Philippines? It’s the capital damnit! It’s supposed to showcase the best of the Philippines. The state of the capital city shows the state of the country politically, culturally, socially and economically.
Sniff. Sniff. I smell a troll attack coming.
Sa mga hindi nagtatali ng kanilang mga aso.. *@##* you! Punong puno ng tae ang lansangan. Ayaw nyong makarining ng kritisismo e kayo naman ang gumagawa ng problema. Simpleng itali lang e. Susmaryosep.
Same sa lahat ng nag-iinuman sa lansangan, nagpapatugtog ng malakas kahit gabing gabi na, at kung saan saan umiihi at nagdudumi. At kayong mga batang nagpost dito, Hoy! Mag aral pa kayo! Kung hindi nyo kayang umingles, i tagalog nyo na lang para maintindihan ang sinasabi nyo.
To Mr. Haighton, I believe your intentions are honorable. However, the difference in culture might prove to be a big hurdle. May you find the partner that you truly deserve, filipina or otherwise. Good luck to you sir!
Ladies and gentlemen, be civil, please. This website is located in Culver City, California– not in the Philippines, and is; therefore, protected by First Amendment- Freedom of Speech- the most fundamental right in the US Constitution.
Some emotional responses here are immature and childish. There are also some former Filipinos here, I am sure, people who took an Oath of Allegiance to the US, which included an Oath of Renunciation ( of their old country and acceptance of the USA). Suddenly now they are patriots of the Philippines and are bashing anyone who expresses criticism. Well, he has a right to– he is on a US site, protected by Freedom of Speech.
Having said all this, the 1st World is only good in technology and organization of services. Maybe the financial structure. The Philippine family system is great and so is the friendship/ romantic love concepts– those are gone from the 1st world– most people here are just robots; what’s more they are not procreating- the women no longer believe in family/love, etc. You can’t court a girl– they put you in jail just like in Saudi Arabia. Parents don’t give a hoot about their kids. No friendship at all in anything– just business interests. If Filipinos want to adopt some Western ways, do not adopt anything social from the West– the West is hell socially.
If becoming 1st world means letting ur daughter or sister screw 10 men for fun, then please stay as you are.
Please only adopt good things from the West. Keep your good things intact.
Well said. I can’t agree less with you regarding tight family relationship culture. However, what kind of value is the majority of the family bring up their children with?
One can see children aged five and older older having no courteousness…? Parents are mindless of their children playing and creating intolerable noise during service inside the church and even in their neighbor’s living room they are visiting?
One of the obvious evidence that perhaps Pinoy Pride can boast for is how convicted political leaders still run for election and win?
Another example from first-hand experience is that once you win the court case and the Arrest Warrant is issued, the police would ask you for money for fuel for their vehicles to make the arrest?
Here’s another example of Pinoy Pride: A tricycle driver was hit several times (luckily one bullet just blistered his upper arm and the other two through the loose side of his t-shirt) by the bullets from two police officers on motorcycle chasing a hold-upper on motorcycle as well. The wounded driver was brought to the hospital for eight stitches for his wound. The best part is that the victim of the hold-up was made to pay for the hospital bills.
Tight family culture is noble but there’s a great need to check the kind of values it implants into their family members.