I read a few articles from a 26-year-old Canadian named Kyle Jennermann about his adventures around the Philippines. Kyle has been travelling the country on and off since 2013 in the hopes of understanding the country and its people better. His ultimate goal in doing this, he says, is to fulfill his dream of becoming a Filipino himself. Kyle claims to have fallen in love with the Philippines and Filipinos after his initial two-month stay in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro.
Kyle Jennermann: Slowly getting to know the real Philippines.
Kyle’s blogsite called Becoming Filipino where he documents his adventures during his travels has a strong following among Filipinos. Admittedly, his enthusiasm in trying anything Filipino is infectious and even makes some Filipinos feel ashamed for not appreciating the Philippines as much as a foreigner like Kyle does. He makes me want to see Cagayan de Oro myself. I’m surprised the Department of Tourism hasn’t hired him to be an ambassador yet considering he is very popular and has mostly positive things to say about the country.
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While Kyle is full of praises for the Philippines, it is interesting to note however, that Kyle has been seeing more of the countryside (he says he’s been to 24 provinces so far) than the capital city Manila. His first trip to the Philippines was via the Cebu airport. Obviously, his first impression was not marred by one of the world’s worst airports – the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
So when Kyle speaks of the beauty of the Philippines, he quite often refers to its natural beauty – the waterfalls, volcanoes, rolling hills and mountains, the beaches, among other things — not necessarily the country’s architecture and infrastructure. One can therefore conclude that from an outsider’s perspective, the Philippines’ natural beauty is what draws foreigners to the country. Of course the “friendly” and “smiley” Filipinos are also part of what makes his experience memorable. Since I haven’t read any entries about Manila, one can conclude he is not fond of the capital city, and when he refers to “Filipinos”, they are likely people from the countryside. Perhaps one can say that Filipinos from Manila are a different story. But I will not elaborate on that today.
Most of Kyle’s entries on his blogsite are, shall we say, politically-correct. I would even go as far as saying unrealistically upbeat. In one of Kyle’s entries though, his tone was a little bit different. He was talking about Davao and how he noticed the difference in the way the people there behave compared to the way people behave in other provinces he has been to. In Davao, he says, people have discipline. He even wrote the word in red to highlight it. It’s as if he could not stress it enough.
Littering is not the best way to show one’s love for country.
(Photo source: MichaelKonik.com)
I may not have been to Cagayan de Oro but I have been to Davao. Kyle wrote about how people in Davao follow the rules and even police each other when they see someone violating them. When he was there someone reminded him that in Davao, he cannot drive his scooter while wearing his tsinelas or flip-flops. He was even assured that no one is going to snatch his cellphone while he is there, boasting that Davao is a generally safe place to live in.
I guess Kyle was surprised by the way Filipinos from Davao take the rules seriously. Having lived among Filipinos from other provinces for months, he admits that he has gotten used to doing what the locals do, which is to ignore the rules. In his own words, he found himself slowly immersing in this “organized chaos”:
…there is definitely a lack of discipline in a lot of areas. Littering, driving and obeying the laws are definitely a few things I feel a lot of Filipinos can improve on.
And…
Over the course of a year and half I found myself pulling ahead of “stop lines” at lights. Sometimes I would turn on a red light just to make an illegal u-turn back so I didn’t have to wait. “No Parking” signs… well a lot of other people parked… so I would to.
And…
I feel sometimes we get used to “getting away with the little things” in the Philippines and it makes it easy for us to take the “illegal shortcuts”.
It is apparent that even when one wants to obey the rules, when the majority is breaking it, obeying it can be a useless exercise. It would be like pushing against the tide.
In the same entry, Kyle stressed that he may break some rules but there is something that he will not do even when locals do it, which is to litter or throw garbage indiscriminately. I’m sure it is quite baffling for him to see the locals trash their surroundings this way. He’s probably too polite to say something. After all, a lot of Filipinos do not take kindly to criticism especially when it means having to change a behavior they have been used to doing. It is quite disappointing to watch some people leave their trash behind without any regard for the environment. It makes one think that Filipinos in general couldn’t be bothered cleaning up after themselves or maintaining the beautiful natural environment.
I don’t even think that it is a result of a lack of education because Filipinos are very particular about having a clean and orderly household. They just need to extend that mentality to public places. This reminds me of something I read somewhere about India:
India. This is the country where, as Mark Twain observed, every life is sacred, except human life. Indians may care deeply about their families and circle of friends, but they don’t even notice anyone outside that circle. That’s why Indian homes are spotless, while just a few feet outside the front door the trash is piled high. It’s outside the circle.
It seems, Filipinos and Indians have something in common with the way they treat the environment outside of their comfort zones. But Filipinos do not have to see this as a tradition we have to uphold. As a society, we need to constantly evolve by looking at how we can improve things. After all, we are mere guardians of this place we are living in. We have to keep it in order for the next generation.
In summary, here is what we can take from Kyle’s little adventure in Davao:
1. Rules or laws are there to be obeyed and not to be ignored.
2. Members of law enforcement agencies cannot police everyone. Filipinos need to police themselves and other people who ignore the rules to keep things in order.
3. Just because someone did not see you break the rules, doesn’t mean that it is okay. If you cannot be honest with yourself, you cannot be honest with anyone.
4. Order can be achieved by a society only when its members collectively follow the rules. Individual efforts will only make an impact when others follow the lead.
Filipinos should thank Kyle for sharing his observation and learn from them. Filipinos who follow his simple advice will prove that they genuinely love the Philippines.
In life, things are not always what they seem.
self-discipline is what’s missing with most of our fellow pinoys.
and the culture of being only loyal to friends and family. this is what’s tearing the country apart.
Some can’t seem to learn from their mistakes. Like every time there is a typhoon, the garbage they threw in the water gets thrown back at them. The sight of piles of garbage is not enough to deter some people from littering.
Enter butthurt pinoys!
The Filipino society never learn from their mistakes POINT. They can’t even admit the truth even when it’s right in front of their eyes. They deny, deny and deny again. There is a huge lack of pragmatism. The Filipino mentality is very primitive. I don’t have much hope for the future of the Philippines.
Discipline or brains. Or is there a difference
Some Filipinos migrated to Canada. This Dude did it in reverse: he wants to migrate to the Philippines.
He has not visited yet, the Squatters living in major cities, of our country. These Squatters(Slum dwellers), who sprouted like “mushrooms” , during the Aquino era, are living below human dignity. They have no sanitary toilets.
If you come from a four seasons country, like Canada. They have : winter, summer,fall and spring. You will appreciate the Tropical season of any tropical country. This is the reason many seniors in the U.S., go to Florida, a state with tropical climate, on their retirements.
Throwing garbage on the surrounding is part of the Filipino culture. They expect somebody, to clean up their mess.
It is the same as marrying a Filipina. You marry her family; and not her alone…
there has been slums even during marcos’ era and they are more brutal during those time (panahon ng siga) get your facts right at wag sisi ng sisi nag papahalata kang bobo eh.
Not as much as in the Aquino era…they multiplied like mushrooms in every major city.
The Garbage dump sites, where the Squatters live, multiplied ten times in the Aquino era.
The widening gap between the rich and the poor, has widened ten times in the Aquino era.
Poverty in the rural areas have multiplied ten times; because of the non implementation of the Land reform Program by the Aquinos. This is to protect their Hacienda Luisita, the lands they scammed from the Philippine government.
Inflation has gone one hundred times, since the Aquinos has been in power. Just go to the market to buy your food and basic needs. An Aquino (500 pesos) , can barely buy anything.
The Philippine one (1)peso in the Marcos era has an equivalent now of one (1)centavo in the present Aquino administration. Runaway inflation is running at a 500 km/hour in the Aquino era.
There goes another Filipino attitude, you like to hurt each other with an intent to inflict harm.
The attitude your referring is abundance in my hometown of Dalaguete Province of Cebu.To make the story short…..I was born in this place… study my elementary days up to my graduation in Highschool and after my graduation in the College of Engineering I took the board exam and passed.I was elected first barangay councilman in Barangay Poblacion thereafter,I was hired in the National Power Corporation serving twenty years of continuous service with received Service Awards.But because of Epira Law in year 2003 all employees were legally separated from Napocor so my decision was to retun home and to work as my age is not yet reach the age of sixty.However,until now the Municipality of Dalaguete did not respect the Law on Local Government Code in R.A 7160 section 393 paragraph c on my preference of appointment granted to former elected first barangay councilman despite numerous endorsements by the civil service commission since year when I was one of those ILLEGALLY SEPARATED(as decided by the Supreme Court En Banc Decision)from National Power Corporation.By not respecting the Law is tantamount to CORRUPTION.That because of my ADVOCACY AGAINST CORRUPTION….They seemingly hired PEOPLE WHO WILL ALWAYS HURT ME WITH AN INTENT TO INFLICT MENTAL VEXATIONS.Thus, kokoy is correct
I think he “decided to make Cagayan de Oro his home base…” last year. I can safely say before July 2014, base on the time stamp of the article below:
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/107401/canadian-wants-to-be-filipino-just-call-him-kulas
Rest assured, he’s fully aware of some negative aspect of the Filipino culture, as he said
“Don’t get me wrong, there are some nasty things here [in the Philippines] as well. But to see these values in this environment is truly inspiring”
Well, it appears he prefers to spread happiness one step at a time.
He’s only the latest of many. I’m waiting for him to probably be a bit like Nathan Allen, the blogger who was declared persona non grata (does that ever work?) in Sorsogon simply for pointing out the trash problem in the province. Here’s his blog I Dreamed of This. Allen’s been here a bit longer, and perhaps his views are similar to Jennerman’s. They’re the types who seem so blinded by the romance of “simpler life in the tropics,” then they discover a lot of “hidden costs” in that place. hehe
Sad reality that Filipinos in general do not like confrontation. Nathan simply wants to solve the issue but his confrontational action is taken as though he’s going against social order.
Many Filipinos don’t like their wrongs pointed out to them. They just want their wrongs treated as rights by others. It doesn’t work that way, though.
True; most Filipino people get offended by constructive criticisms.
Amen. True and through
Nope, I disagree. Filipinos do not lack the discipline when it comes to pursuing self-serving and arrogant goals. What Filipinos lack is a sincere love and dedication for their own country and people—and how to keep both from being bastardized by their own hands and people from other countries.
“Filipino – a race that is asian by geography, but has little in common with other asian nations. A hard working, industrious, and very strong family oriented people, BUT NOTORIOUSLY USELESS AT ORGANIZING ANYTHING BEYOND CHAOS AS A NATION OF PEOPLE.”
“Filipinos are fickle lot. Hard working, yet never accomplishing anything worthwhile as a people”
-http://www.urbandictionary.com
“Bahala na Attitude” Lack of Discipline (Weaknesses of the Filipino Character) encompasses several related characteristics. We have a causal and relaxed attitude towards time and space which manifests itself in lack of precision and compulsiveness, in poor time management and in procrastination. We have an aversion for following strictly a set of procedures, and this results in lack of standardization and quality control. We are impatient and unable to delay gratification or reward, resulting in the use of short-cuts, in skirting fiction or reward.”
http://filipinopersonality4us.blogspot.com
Why would anyone want to spend a significant time in Manila if you’re not obliged to for financial/family reasons? There is nothing in the smoky, concrete jungle to interest first-world foreigners, only to drive us crazy. That’s not the Philippines we came to see.
the problem with a visitor seeing Manila ..is that for the most part , one cannot “see” in Manila !except for a few post typhoon days .
I have seen this guys post a few times. From the ones i have seen he hasnt learned about the people yet still doing the vacation things. I am an American xpat that has lived in the Philippines for years. Also wonder why people say Manila has the worst airport. I have been to several that are worse in both China and Several in America. Also have the people driven in America The drivers are worse in Some parts of USA than I have seen in Asia. After all do Americans Not litter, follow all the rules for driving. and Obey the cops at all times.
Have you tried riding in a taxi in New York City, U.S.A.? Most taxis are driven by Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and other immigrant minority taxi drivers.
They are the worse drivers in the world. Even worse than Manila drivers.
na-curious tuloy ako kung ano’ng batas meron sa davao at napapasunod ‘yung mga tao.
bwisit na bwisit ako ‘pag nakakakita ako ng mga taong kung saan-saan nagtatapos ng basura: sa bintana ng PUV, sa loob ng PUV, sa classroom, ‘yung isinisiksik sa halamanan ‘yung basura. hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit hirap na hirap ‘yung mga kababayan natin na magtapon ng basura sa basurahan. napapaisip nga ako kung kelangan na bang barilin sa ulo ‘yung nagkakalat para lang maubos na ‘yung mga kababayan nating baboy.
ang nakakainis pa dito, ‘yung mga magulang pa nag-uutos sa bata para itapon ang basura sa bintana ng mga sasakyan. (hindi na nga tayo dapat magtaka kung bakit maraming sakit dito. ambababoy kaya ng mga pilipino.)
sa mga kainan: bakit kailangang ibang tao pa ang magligpit ng kinainan ng iba? alam ko sa ibang bansa, ‘yung mga customers ang nagdi-dispose ng mga kinainan nila (o nilalagay ‘yung mga plato, baso at kubyertos sa iisang lugar para mas madaling hugasan).
In some buses I even encounter the some fast food wrapped in a plastic and tied to the handle in front the seat, some with left over food and soft drinks! Naman, naman, why can’t these insensitive buyers carry their trash out of the bus as they brought these in.
that’s true. sarap sabihan ng “kung hindi mo tio itatapon sa basurahan, ipapakain ko ‘to sa ‘yo.” isa pang nakakainis e ‘yung mga dura nang dura kung saan-saan (lalo na sa bintana ng PUV – malas mo ‘pag nasalo mo dahil mahangin (yuck!)). ‘yung overpass na dinadaanan ko araw-araw, lahat yata ng steps may dura. ‘yung mga taong nagfa-flush ng tissue at sanitary napkin sa toilet bowl – ugh! ‘di ko alam kung maling pagpapalaki ng magulang, inborn kababuyan o social influence ang salarin dito.
kadiri nga talaga ung mga drayber na dura nang dura kahit sino basta ung dumudura. kelangan talaga batas militar ang i-apply sa pinoy society natin. I-force and disiplina talaga. society na rin talaga yan.
Now this may sound extreme pero para sa akin, kelangan talaga hawakan sa leeg ang pinoy para tumino at huwag bibitawan dahil pag pinakawalan nagwawala ulit. naliligaw ng landas.
Pati na din yung tumutuntong sa toilet bowl na naka tsinelas o nakasapatos kawawa ang susunod na magto toilet
in davao sir lahat ng PUJ o PUB, ay may trash can, parte na yun ng sasakyan bali na kapag nag renew ka ng sasakyan mo isa sa mga chini check ang trashcan kung meron ka sa loob.
Siguro po kasi seryoso ang government ng Davao na magpatupad ng batas. Tulod nung sinabi na bawal mag yosi sa pampublikong lugar, gabi-gabi may mga pulis sa lansangan at talagang hinuhuli ang mga nag yoyosi. I think this ordinance started 10 years ago, but hanggang ngayon parati pa rin may mga pulis at nanghuhuli ng violators.
Whenever we implement new rules and policies at work, it is always stated that “It should and will start at the top”. Top management not only enforce it, but they embrace and follow it. It is sad that those who make the rules and the ones who are supposed to implement and police it are the ones breaking it.
Exactly!
may local ordinance sa Davao iirc, and talagang pinatutupad and natuto ung tao na magbago din sa sarili kaya anlaki ng changes nila ee
Lack of discipline leads to frustration and self-loathing. Failipinos in the Failippines are so damn good at it since time immemorial.
Thank God there’s Duterte in Davao, without him there’ll be no limelight on culture of discipline in our country and that’s what Mr. Jennermann had proved when he went to that city. Yes, we really need discipline in our country and yes, we need Rody Duterte on 2016 but unfortunately he don’t like to run for the presidency by next year because if he’ll become our next president, surely many Filipinos will be complain on his Draconian rule and becoming more hard headed unless if he could invent a brainwashing device that he could use a mind control to the Filipinos that they should become disciplined and more progressive people. Just my 2 cents.
Brainwashing device?
Recite 1 min in the morning daily:
http://zaxxun.com/creed/
The results will surprise you – really
thanks and that’s helpful, @zaxx. 😉
develop good habits. It’s just a matter of repetition. to me, discpline is a repitition of action. Therefore, through this repition the brain remembers it and becomes a habit.
The problem here is that it is the bad habits that get repeated over and over thus it becomes the norm. It will take a mighty hand and tough re-learning to undo this undesirable behavior.
So sad …..
Building a habit? Do it 21 consecutive times and it becomes a habit.. most recommended for building good habits though 🙂
I rode an air conditioned jeep once. My companion just finished eating ice cream and there was no place to dispose the sticky wrapper and plastic bag.
The guy nearest the back door motioned to give it to him. When he got it, he opened the door and it went flying off onto the road.
I was amazed – speechless! As in like star struck. Wow!
I know the polite thing to say was “thank you” but ….
I grew up in the Philippines but have lived in Canada for more than half of my life. One thing that I noticed when I came to this country is that it is very clean, people are very polite and yeah, they do follow even simple rules as stopping at a 4-way stop even in the early morning hours when nobody else is around (I know, as I did it myself).
He’s right, most Filipinos think (and know) that they can get away with breaking the rules, so they don’t bother following rules and bylaws. For those who go by the book, they eventually think “What’s the point when everyone else is breaking the rules?”
I used to be so proud of my country that I tell everyone to visit and see its beauty and the wonderful people. Now, if not for the remaining members of my family still living in the Philippines, I probably will never go back again. I dread the thought of the drive home from the airport, not just the horrible traffic, but seeing dilapidated buildings all around. What was once a nostalgic and beautiful sight along Roxas Blvd. is now a depressing sight for me. There is so much lack of pride in the surroundings that makes the place so dreary.
Filipinos lack discipline according to Kyle Jennerman.
I agree. But who is Kyle Jennerman?
type his name on Google search box. Google is your friend, @janico 🙂
Apparently you didn’t get the gist of what I said.
Focus on the message instead of the messenger. It doesn’t matter who said it. What matters is that, it is true.
Like I said, I agree with the message. Lots of messengers have the same message.
And so what’s your point?
The message is loud and clear and I agree with it. You agree with so what’s your point?
Nah…I wrote the article. If you agree with it, why are you asking what’s my point?
Obviously, the argument is that the title is very contradictory to the content.
Example:
Headline: May namatay sa eskinita sabi ni Kyle Jennerman…
Body: May hinimatay sa eskinita nung nakita nya mismo c Kyle Jennerman…
“Journalists are endangered species…” Ilda is not endangered. Therefore, Ilda is not a journalist.
The title is perfectly consistent with the content. This is what Jennermann said: “there is definitely a lack of discipline in a lot of areas. Littering, driving and obeying the laws are definitely a few things I feel a lot of Filipinos can improve on.”
@Benigno
Really? Where’s the consistency of saying “Filipinos lack discipline” in the title while the body says … “there is definitely a lack of discipline in a lot of areas. Littering, driving and obeying the laws are definitely a few things I feel a lot of Filipinos can improve on.”
When you say Filipinos, it refers to you, to me, to every natural born Filipino citizens and naturalized Filipino citizens.
It’s probably appropriate to say Filipinos in Mindanao lack discipline or Filipinos in Davao are well-disciplined.
There’s definitely a big difference between saying Filipinos lack discipline than referring to “a lot of areas.”
Yes really. How come people say “Filipinos are a happy people” and accept that even if not all Filipinos are happy. But then when somebody says “Filipinos lack discipline” as a generalisation, suddenly everyone turns all defensive.
That’s just selective comprehension. You need to be consistent, dude.
Hahaha! Good point @benign0!
I too agree. And this is bcoz of Filipino attitude.
The ‘Martial Law era’ should have disciplined that generation and our’s next. Well we’ve gone downward spiral. Gov’t official and public servants should be our example of disciple but instead they are idols of corruption and greed. The country needs leaders with IRON FIST and HEARTS OF GOLD.
In my opinion, we do not need iron fist or a martial law. We just need inspiration. We need constant reminders to every about the benefits of following the rules so that the bad habits will change. We need encouragement from everyone. We need to change the perspective of every Filipinos about himself and his society. For example, I do not litter, (why?) because I am fully aware of the benefits of not doing it. I use the pedestrian lane even it is far away from where I am, (why?) because I understand the significance of safety. There are a lot of countries which were not been under martial law but why do their people have the discipline? It is about the effectiveness of educating people. If we will not fully understand what are our responsibilities to ourselves and to our country, bad habits will just keep becoming a norm. For our country, let everyone be a positive influencer and contributor in building our nation.
Soft! Too soft! This craphole needs military style discipline in order to shape up. Your lofty goals aren’t enough to change the habits of the pig headedness of Filipino vices.
I agree to this.. I am a Filipino and I am proud of my country but I am very much disgusted of our characters… You can see most of us Filipinos are sarcastically good to Foreigners but we pull our fellow Filipino down for personal interest. We have great culture but we sadly we never used it to help us grow. Some poor Filipinos they took the opportunity of being poor as advantage. Most of us Filipino are egotistic that is why Politics and the government here is like a cooking show for years… Except Davao City where real governance is evident! But yes I admit Filipinos are mostly undisciplined to help the country improve! But I don’t want to migrate just because of this issue… I still have hopes that one day this will change for!
In Davao City, rule of law matters.Though it has been strictly implemented not only for 3-6 yrs but years to be stictly followed by Davaoenos under the leadership of Mayor Duterte of his strong political will, good governance and best leadership. Indeed, Davaoenos become law abiding citizens that contributed to become peaceful, prpgressive and safest city in the world.”Sa ikauunlad ng bayan DUTERTE DISIPLINA ang Kailangan”.That what makes Davao City today! #ProudDavaoeno #LifeIsHereDavaoCity #DabawenyosLawAbidingCutizens 🙂
We also have to credit the Davaoeños for their love and respect for the leadership of Duterte.
I see lack of discipline as synonymous to being irresponsible because irresponsible individuals don’t care about results and choices, they are people who think there are no rules and they are free to do anything. It is also a sign of being disrespectful, the lack of respect for public space. People forget that they don’t owe public space that the space they occupy, wherever it is in the country, was treated like it’s their own sanitary landfill.
I don’t think these selfish hordes will change on their own, Ms. Ilda, because this lack of discipline already made Filipinos suffer the dire consequences (floods, sickness, great many losses, mediocre lives) that’s supposed to have made us all paused and realized where we’re wrong and change. The “experience is the best teacher” sort of thing is lost on Pinoys. For Filipinos, there should be tough rules and authoritarian measures enforcing strict obedience to them. The rules should also be applied to ALL because the usual practice of bypassing the laws and the offenders being let off the hook or getting away with easy and unsuitable punishment for their crimes don’t treat the problem but only give confidence to the wrongdoer to continue his offense.
sabi nga nila, “walang bawal sa pilipinas – ‘wag ka lang magpapahuli.” e para saan pa ang batas kung hindi naman susundin? kung pwede namang bayaran ang awtoridad para makalusot sa batas o mapadali ang proseso? laging sinasabi ng mga tao, “kalakaran na ‘yan, e.” dapat may pumalag sa maling sistema. hirap kasi dito, parang ‘yung mga maling gawain ang itinuturing na tama. masyadong self-righteous ang mga kababayan natin, pero ayaw nila ng kaayusan at kapayapaan.
alicia,
Filipinos’ concept of law in the Philippines when caught is, “Patay Malisya” (feign innocence).
Aeta
Perhaps “discipline” isn’t the correct word, but in my recent visit to the Philippines, I noticed the casual disregard for their surroundings, such as the garbage/litter. Personally, I found the filipinos to be very disciplined and hard working, providing there is work available for them. Yet, there seemed to be a lack of pride in the presentation of their neighborhoods/villages from a garbage/sanitation point of view. They’re on a touristic goldmine but the garbage can turn tourists off instantly. So whether Kyle said that or not, I don’t know. He does raise an important point though.
Filipinos don’t care for their country and each other. This is why the Philippines is a FOCKED UP nation.
Here’s Kulas’ response on this article which can be found on his FB page:
Usually I wouldn’t respond to articles such as this. But it is now being “sponsored” as in PAID to be spread more over Facebook. Since my face and name are used I will simply raise awareness of incorrect, disrespectful and unfactual things about it:
1) Not ALL Filipinos lack discipline! That is a HORRIBLE title to attach to my name. Having worked with Filipinos, lived with Filipinos, and experienced many situations with Filipinos… Such a grosse
title. There are so many beautiful things in regards to Filipinos and discipline… Imagine the discipline Filipinos show in working incredibly hard to create something unique out of something like coconut leaves or the discipline in working overseas and adapting to a new culture… That title is misleading and used to draw attention. Offensive really.
2) I have spent time in Manila. As well have been to 31 provinces.
3) “My ultimate goal… To become a Filipino”. Again that is incorrect. Really shows whoever wrote this has never spoken to me, and doesn’t understand what I do or why.
4) Don’t ever use peoples faces and names and attach them to statements. Unless you have spoken to them. Sick.
Anyways…
I am not one to do this but if people are paying to spread something factually incorrect and using my name. I have to. Another reason why I will not be following anymore Get Real Philippines posts in the future or responding to them.
Thanks. For reference, the statement you quoted above can be found on Jennermann’s Facebook page here, to be exact.
So here we go.
True. Not all Filipinos lack discipline. Nowhere in the article is it stated that “all” Filipinos lack discipline. Making a generalisation is not the same as making an assertion about all the elements of a collective.
Indeed, Jennermann himself is proof of the soundness of the generalisation that Filipinos lack discipline in his very testament to his own inadvertent acquiring of some of the behaviours of the people he’s been interacting with and living amongst in the Philippines…
…much the same way Filipinos who live in advanced societies also find themselves becoming more respectful and compliant to the law mainly because the population in those societies are, themselves, generally so.
As to the use of his face and name, well, he’s a public figure. If you don’t want your name and face used in a commentary about work you published under your name, then either (1) don’t publish stuff or (2) don’t use your name and face to brand your work. The photo in the above article, for example, shows Jennermann wearing a shirt exhibiting the brand/trademark of his work — clearly a brand directly associated with the face.
The above article also uses quotes directly from his work and, being an opinion piece, takes license to interpret these quotes — as what any media organisation would and could do with statements made on public record. Fact is BecomingFilipino.com is a publicly-accessible site, Jennermann put himself out there as a public figure, and the article referred to in the above post is a published publicly-accessible work — all of which makes both the author and the work fair game to commentary.
If Jennermann actually took the time to read the above post, he will find that the author, Ilda, expressed how she was inspired by Jennermann’s work and created an awareness of Cagayan de Oro City as evident in this excerpt:
Unfortunately, he evidently reacted without first digesting the above facts and considering the evidence with a level head. Perhaps this is another trait that he is also acquiring as he assimilates himself into a culture known for its rather emotionalist character.
No blogger needs to personally know the author of a blog on which said blogger writes commentary about. Bloggers get to know one another on the basis of one another’s published work and, on that same basis, write the way we feel and on the basis of our personal interpretation of said work.
That’s how the blogging scene works. Sad to say, some bloggers don’t get that as it turns out.
Perhaps you missed the headline of the article “Filipinos lack discipline according to Kyle Jennermann.”
What about it? This is what he said: “[…] there is definitely a lack of discipline in a lot of areas. Littering, driving and obeying the laws are definitely a few things I feel a lot of Filipinos can improve on.”
@benigno – simply put, some or most Filipinos lack discipline but definitely as he was saying but not “Filipinos lack discipline” as the you understand it.
True. Not all Filipinos lack discipline. Nowhere in the article is it stated that “all” Filipinos lack discipline. Making a generalisation is not the same as making an assertion about all the elements of a collective.
>> Unfortunately, he evidently reacted without first digesting the above facts and considering the evidence with a level head. Perhaps this is another trait that he is also acquiring as he assimilates himself into a culture known for its rather emotionalist character.
His butthurt response is totally hilarious. He should have absolutely NO trouble becoming Filipino.
To be fair, he’s probably afraid of being declared Persona Non Grata and needs to disassociate himself with anything that doesn’t portray the country as perfect. I’m sure he realises that’s the level of intellectual dishonesty required to realise his dream .. and he’s a-OK with that.
@marius: You seem to be on to something. The statements he made which were quoted in the above post as well as some of the comments here are indisputably consistent with the assertion of the title of the post. So the outrage on Jennermann’s part could likely be stemming from that fear of being declared persona non grata by butthurt Pinoys.
Yeah. Intellectual dishonesty is a bitch when you are trying to defend the indefensible.
@Kagay-anon
I am shocked that Kyle is offended by my article. The title is not misleading. He said it himself “there is definitely a lack of discipline…” Check his own article about Davao here.
1) My article did not claim Kyle said ALL Filipinos lack discipline. My article actually mentioned that he was praising Filipinos from Davao about their discipline.
My title is not misleading. Of course the title had to be short and simple. It is in the assumption that people will read the article and not stop at the title.
2) My article did not say that Kyle has not been to Manila. My basis in saying he has been to only 24 provinces is on his previous article. He obviously hasn’t updated the number of provinces he has been to. That should not be an issue. So he has now been to 31 provinces. Okay. Cool.
3) If his goal is not to become a Filipino, then why is the title of his blogsite “BecomingFilipino”? In one of his blog entries, he even wrote that he is trying to find a way to become a Filipino.
If it is incorrect, it should not be an issue. What is his ultimate goal then?
4.) First of all, Kyle is overreacting. Most of the feedback to my article is favorable to him and thanking him for highlighting the need for discipline.
My article did not misconstrue his statements. I even quoted him. He can’t deny that he said there is lack of discipline.
Second, his face is all over the Net. It is public. His articles are public and anyone can write about it or respond it. I don’t really need to speak to him personally to write my own interpretation. What he needs to do, if he wants to, is to respond to my article politely. I have not disrespected him. I even praised him.
Although our content focuses on the lack of discipline among Filipinos which I totally agree, your headline says otherwise. You are putting his name in a bad light. It’s one plain example of irresponsible journalism. Using a name of a person just to attract attention.
“Bad” is your personal interpretation of what the author of this post writes. This post and its title issues our own personal interpretation of what Jennerman says. And what he says are quoted as follows:
And…
And…
We synthesise all of that and arrive at our general interpretation, which is that according to Kyle Jennerman, Filipinos lack discipline.
See the thinking process there? It’s really quite simple, really.
Your synthesis is based on a fallacy of generalization. Allow me to illustrate.
Kyle says SOME Filipinos lack discipline.
Benigno and Ilda are Filipinos.
Therefore, Benigno and Ilda lack discipline.
Again, I have no issues with the content of the article. The headline is obviously misleading. You are putting his name in a bad light which is synonymous with “persona non grata.” And I beg to disagree that it is my personal interpretation. That’s generally how it is being interpreted (I’m only referring to the title).
Remember, Ramon Bautista, a comedian, once visited in Davao and shouted HI and asked the crowd to answer PON. And he had a taste of anger from Davaoenos.
To cut the story short, have the courage to admit your mistake and correct what needs to be corrected.
In the world of responsible journalism, you approach the subject then write your story. It’s not the other way around. You guys are truly unbelievable. A simple form of arrogance and negligence.
@Kulas
I suggest that Kyle should calm down and stop overreacting. This article has been shared over 7K and still going. Most people agree with it and what he said. No one got angry at him. It is ironic that after getting praises from me and kudos from so many people, his reaction was to get upset.
Where did he say “some” Filipinos? I quoted him on his article and there was no “some”. My article is merely echoing what he said about the lack of discipline among Filipinos in general. It is also very clear in stressing there are Filipinos who follow the rules and are disciplined. But they are in the minority.
Anything published online including Kyle’s articles can be subject for interpretation by anyone . I don’t need to ask his permission.
There is no need for Kyle and his fans to overreact. He probably gained more followers because of my article. A lot of our subscribers have never heard of him. I’ve never heard of him until someone gave me a link to his Davao article.
Peace and more power!
@Kulas: Nope. The statement “Filipinos lack discipline” is a valid generalisation. On the other hand, the statement “All Filipinos lack discipline” is not necessarily true and is not a statement used in the above post.
Learn the difference between the two and you will understand why we stand by our assertions.
Where exactly was there any “maligning” of these “good intentions”? There was nothing “malicious” about the headline as it is CONSISTENT with the excerpts quoted from Jennermann’s work.
The fact is, he made those statements categorically: “…there is definitely a lack of discipline in a lot of areas. Littering, driving and obeying the laws are definitely a few things I feel a lot of Filipinos can improve on.”
Deal with that.
@Benigno
Nope. The statement “Filipinos lack discipline” is a valid generalisation. On the other hand, the statement “All Filipinos lack discipline” is not necessarily true and is not a statement used in the above post.
Learn the difference between the two and you will understand why we stand by our assertions.
— Your assertion is deceiving. Your main objective here is to drive traffic to your website. People who doesn’t know Kyle who accordingly said “Filipinos lack discipline” is a very enticing subject. The headline is the first thing readers would notice not the content of the article. Hence, people would click your link thereby increasing more online visitors to your website.
While your content has so many good intentions, what interests the readers first is how you put a person’s name on the headline with his picture in a bad way. To you, there’s nothing wrong about it because you already knew the content, but to most people, they would be more intrigued with the subject and continue to read the content. That’s bad advertisement!!!
Nah. There’s nothing deceiving about it. Here is what Jennermann said:
On the basis of the above it can be said that in essence Filipinos lack discipline according to Kyle Jennermann.
See how simple this logic is?
He is in the Philippines and talking about Filipinos. Therefore, he was talking about Filipinos when he said “there is definitely a lack of discipline…”
No, I was not rude and disrespectful when I wrote my article. If you read it again, I was praising him and thanking him. I don’t see where I was rude.
I never said I/we have more followers than him. Where did you get that idea? He might have a lot of followers but it is a fact that there are still people who don’t know him. Anyway, this is not a competition. If you read my article again, I even mentioned that he does have a strong following.
Again, there was nothing malicious about my headline. I am not being paid to write. I did not malign his “good” intentions. I even praised it. You are obviously reading something that’s not in the article.
No one disagreed with the article until he got upset with it and his supporters started bashing me. Like I said, it is ironic that he was the one who got offended instead of the subject of the article – those who lack discipline.
@ Ilda
He is in the Philippines and talking about Filipinos. Therefore, he was talking about Filipinos when he said “there is definitely a lack of discipline…”
—> Wrong analysis.
If Kyle says there are ugly Filipinos in a lot of area in the Philippines, therefore you can quote him…
“Filipinos are ugly according to Kyle Jennerman?”
so again, where did he exactly say in his statement verbatim that according to him “Filipinos lack discipline?
isn’t that your own interpretation and not according to him?
———————————-
No, I was not rude and disrespectful when I wrote my article. If you read it again, I was praising him and thanking him. I don’t see where I was rude.
—> I’m not referring to the content of your article (puhleassse!) about being arrogant. I’m referring to your reply as follows:
Anything published online including Kyle’s articles can be subject for interpretation by anyone . I don’t need to ask his permission.
—————————————-
I never said I/we have more followers than him. Where did you get that idea? He might have a lot of followers but it is a fact that there are still people who don’t know him.
—> I got your idea from your response as follows:
“There is no need for Kyle and his fans to overreact. He probably gained more followers because of my article.”
“Anyway, this is not a competition. If you read my article again, I even mentioned that he does have a strong following.”
—> And even have the guts to say he might have a lot of followers because of you. tsk tsk tsk!!! bagag fez!!!
————————————
Again, there was nothing malicious about my headline. I did not malign his “good” intentions.
—> yeah right! you have quoted him as saying bad thing about Filipinos in your HEADLINE. Tell me what’s good about your headline being a foreigner who loves the Philippines? Again, don’t rebut me with your article content because that definitely does not support your HEADLINE.
let me guess, here’s your reply:
…there is definitely a lack of discipline in a lot of areas. Littering, driving and obeying the laws are definitely a few things I feel a lot of Filipinos can improve on.
but then again, he did not elaborate by saying that Filipinos lack discipline, that is your own interpretation maligning his belief about Filipinos.
————————————
Like I said, it is ironic that he was the one who got offended instead of the subject of the article – those who lack discipline.
—> you surely wouldn’t be offended if i say:
“Filipinos lack discipline according to Ilda.”
Maybe you need to try to put yourself in his shoe and tell me how would you feel if you are a foreigner.
@Benigno
The fact is, he made those statements categorically: “…there is definitely a lack of discipline in a lot of areas. Littering, driving and obeying the laws are definitely a few things I feel a lot of Filipinos can improve on.”
– you are very CONSISTENT with your rebuttal. you are a Filipino and you surely do lack discipline.
@Kulas
Just look at the feedback on our FB page and in the comment section here. I don’t think anyone disagreed with him and my article.
I was not rude when I said I don’t need to ask his permission. It is a fact.
@Kulas
Let us all work together to advocate for the change in attitude.
@Kulas
Please tell Kyle I apologise if the title of the article offends him. It was not my intention.
@llda you have a good point but your headline is misleading. And yes you do need to speak or write to him if you cover him in your article. You are a writer and you know better than that. That is what we call decency, respect or courtesy. You are getting netizens attention through your article by covering him and using his photo. If he was offended of what you have written, it is you should have responded him for the misundertanding not the other way around.
Really disrespectful. He can sue you for that.
Anyway, good job in getting netizens attention but what you did all os a irresponsible journalism.
Same logic. He should have contacted us as well instead of publishing that Facebook post of his.
@joeld
To be able to state that Filipinos lack discipline, one must have had numerous personal experiences which supports that statement and only a small bit which is otherwise. In short, as per BenignO, it is a generalization. If I was the one who made that generalization, and were quoted as such then it is well and good, as it has succeeded to communicate the idea that filipinos, indeed, lack discipline. No offense taken.
—> well and good for you because you are a FLIPino. But like I said, if you are a foreigner who worked hard to get a visa to be able to stay in the Philippines legally and promote the country without being paid and get this kind of treatment, would you be happy with that?
—————————————
Unless of course, if I am a guy who does not have a clear objective of what I want to convey and just want to look good to the filipino people at the same time. Sometimes you have to define that line between black and white. But hey, you are not Jennermann, are you?
—> well, I’m one of Kyle’s follower and I know him personally. Everybody who follows him knows his intention and his clear objectives. What are your objectives in using his name just to gain a lot of clicks from onliners? huh?!?!? I’m reading between the lines colorfully.
It is sad that you think my only intention is to “gain a lot of clicks” even when you do agree with the main point of the article anyway.
Obvious the title being used is just to catch attention of readers, regardless of considering the feeling of not only the writer but also of THE MILLIONS OF HIS FOLLOWERS…
Just omitting the words “lack of discipline IN A LOT OF AREAS” already changed the thought in a 100% meaning pushing the writer in a bad light
@kagay-anon
The author didn’t put kyle “in a bad light”. It merely reinforces ideas which this site has been, for so long, trying to inform the filipino people.
Although, come to think of it, your “bad light” is relative, depends on what side of the court you are coming from.
If you are a foreigner who loves the Philippines and you happen to read a headline that says:
“Filipinos lack discipline according to joeld…”
Does that make you look good to Filipinos?
Don’t rebut me with the content of this article because I know it has lot of good intentions. The thing is, that is not what readers would first notice but the headline. That is my only point… The headline is misleading…
So finally it comes out. This is really all about Jennermann “looking good” to Pinoys, right?
Tsk tsk.
@kulas
To be able to state that Filipinos lack discipline, one must have had numerous personal experiences which supports that statement and only a small bit which is otherwise. In short, as per BenignO, it is a generalization. If I was the one who made that generalization, and were quoted as such then it is well and good, as it has succeeded to communicate the idea that filipinos, indeed, lack discipline. No offense taken.
Unless of course, if I am a guy who does not have a clear objective of what I want to convey and just want to look good to the filipino people at the same time. Sometimes you have to define that line between black and white. But hey, you are not Jennermann, are you?
So finally it comes out. This is really all about Jennermann “looking good” to Pinoys, right?
Tsk tsk.
—> my God Benigno, you just realized that? After all this commotion? Yes, you made him look bad to Pinoys with your headline. And you are happy with that? What has he done to you to deserve this kind of headline? why oh why? to gain traffic to your website? tsk tsk tsk…
That headline was based on Jennermann’s published work where he said, “…there is definitely a lack of discipline in a lot of areas. Littering, driving and obeying the laws are definitely a few things I feel a lot of Filipinos can improve on.”
That does not necessarily make him “look bad” in my book. That statement was just him calling it the way it is. Actually the idea that it made him “look bad” actually came from you guys, not us.
@Benigno
That does not necessarily make him “look bad” in my book. That statement was just him calling it the way it is. Actually the idea that it made him “look bad” actually came from you guys, not us.
—> exactly, your main concern here is only your own book. That is, to gain more traffic to your website… And I’m not surprise to see how many times you ignore the hard fact that’s all about the quantity of your readership at the expense of Kyle. You don’t even feel sorry about how the main character in your headline feels or even his followers and have the guts to urge him to come to you. wow! you are truly an example of Filipinos lacking some discipline.
@Kulas
Please tell Kyle I apologise if the title of the article offends him. It was not my intention.
The article above can hardly be considered as painting the American in a bad light. The author always made it a point that her take on Jennerman’s blogs were her own interpretation, anyway. Whatever she wrote, erroneous or not, lies on no one’s accountability but her own. He needs to trust people reading the “offensive” piece to make intelligent rationalizations and not—like what I also suspect he also knows about typical “readers”—take anything simply by reading the article’s title and raise hell without reading the contents first.
Thanks, tomas!
Something tells me that this response which seems lamebrained…. is likely a paid response. Which is why it’s lamebrained.
Kailangan ba dayuhan pa mag sabi ng kung ano ang alam natin tungkol sa mga Pinoy?
Bakit ba na nangingialam pa yan dito?
Kulang sa pinapansin ba yan sa bayan nya?
Ano ba pakialam nyan dito?
Have you even read his blog? research first before you comment about Kyle and what he has done to become a Filipino. what have you done anyway? The writer of this blog indiscriminately quoted him without direct confrontation which is to me is a form of lack of discipline as she is the one implying it.
agree… totally misleading… this article is disrespectful, tunay na papansin just so someone/somebody will get their attention… nakakaawa, desperate and lame…
ang nakapait man gud natong mga pinoy…ky dili ta modawat sa kamatuoran…dili nata makamalay nga sayop na atong binuhatan ky pirmi na nato ginabuhat hangtud nga naa naay taw nga mocorrect nato nga sayop masuko pa nuon ta..OPEN MINDED BA GA..dawaton mga kritisismo…ikaw na ba kay pakialam basin simple nga balaod nga no loittering dili ka makatuman..
Ms. Ilda, I just want to point out that – unfortunately – you made some erroneous entries in your article. For one, you wrote, and I quote:
“Since I haven’t read any entries about Manila, one can conclude he is not fond of the capital city, and when he refers to “Filipinos”, they are likely people from the countryside. Perhaps one can say that Filipinos from Manila are a different story.”
It’s clear that you haven’t read enough of Kyle Jennermann’s posts. Ms. Ilda, please do review his previous posts, especially in 2014.
Second, you said that Kyle Jennermann wants to become Filipino himself.
Ms. Ilda, please read again – and read carefully, please – what the gentleman has repeatedly been trying to say about his “Becoming Filipino” journey.
These are but two of the many items that you quoted Jennermann out of context. I could go on pointing out many more, but it would take very long.
I do appreciate your style of writing, Ms. Ilda. But please do write FACTUALLY and do your research well. It’s a crime for a writer to be writing erroneously.
@Nila
Please point me to his articles about Manila, if he has any. Thanks.
My article is not erroneous. It is my interpretation of what he stated in his articles.
What is his ultimate goal if it is not to become Filipino? Why is his blogsite called Becoming Filipino then?
//What is his ultimate goal if it is not to become Filipino? Why is his blogsite called Becoming Filipino then?//
Isang patunay lang talaga na di ka nagresearch. Nagbigay ka pa ng link ng blogsite nya, eh nasa front page pa nakalagay na:
#BecomingFilipino is an adventure. It is the journey of a 26 year old Canadian trying to “Become Filipino”. Simply put, I am not Filipino. I don’t have a Filipino passport and it would be almost impossible for me to get one. Truth is I will never be able to say “I am Filipino” (and never deserve/would have the right to). But there are so many simple beautiful things that I have experienced and witnessed that make up Filipino culture… Things that I would be honoured to learn from, and be honoured to share with the world around me.
I love the Philippines and would be honored to be able to call myself “part Filipino.”
Then I was right all along – that his goal is to become Filipino. 😉
Ms. Ilda, haven’t you seen this video of Kulas in Manila?
The problem mostly sa mga pinoy “mga selfish” no Cooperation. Kanya-kanya wala na pakialam kng ano nangyayari sa bansa and also our government office na mostly sila ngpapatupad ng rules and policy sila din ang nag.disobey… So sad.
True we Lack of Discipline. Why?
Because we can’t or it hard to expect or demand discipline to all, since everything in our society or surrounding are full of Chaos (lacks order):
1. Traffic flow
2. MRT/LRT operation
3. Urban Planning
4. Government
5. Leaders/Politicians
6. Weather Conditions
7. Population
.
.
.
So, basically it’s depends on the environment or society Filipino live in or attuned to, the people (leaders/role) they imitate/expose to and see everyday, and oppurtunities (better pay, respect challenging job) they are given.
Í living or working abroad (e.g. OFW or OCW in Japan) can excel @work and be at par or even better than the locals. Filipinos can also cope well with the culture and abide well rules & regulation of any country.
I think it not inborn or imprinted in our body.
Usually I wouldn’t respond to articles such as this. But it is now being “sponsored” as in PAID to be spread more over Facebook. Since my face and name are used I will simply raise awareness of incorrect, disrespectful and unfactual things about it:
1) Not ALL Filipinos lack discipline! That is a HORRIBLE title to attach to my name. Having worked with Filipinos, lived with Filipinos, and experienced many situations with Filipinos… Such a grosse
title. There are so many beautiful things in regards to Filipinos and discipline… Imagine the discipline Filipinos show in working incredibly hard to create something unique out of something like coconut leaves or the discipline in working overseas and adapting to a new culture… That title is misleading and used to draw attention. Offensive really.
2) I have spent time in Manila. As well have been to 31 provinces.
3) “My ultimate goal… To become a Filipino”. Again that is incorrect. Really shows whoever wrote this has never spoken to me, and doesn’t understand what I do or why.
4) Don’t ever use peoples faces and names and attach them to statements. Unless you have spoken to them. Sick.
Anyways…
I am not one to do this but if people are paying to spread something factually incorrect and using my name. I have to. Another reason why I will not be following anymore Get Real Philippines posts in the future or responding to them. – Kyle Jennermann
PS: Think before you write!
https://www.facebook.com/jennermann?fref=nf
I find it quite amazing that the single most positive person to tour and travel and live in the Philippines and one that has had such a huge impact on social media and the general perception of the Philippines,
a) is a foreigner and
b) is being criticized for his efforts.
I think its really petty- from my own experience there, it’s easily possible to point out the hundreds of imperfections and negative things about the country- but he has only ever focussed on the positive- highlighted them with humility and has got a real insight into filipino people and culture, so much so that thousands of your kababayan, kaibigan,at kapitbahay have commended him and praised him for showing them places and practices that they themselves either remember- or would like to experience themselves….. No other “foreignoy”/”amerikano” has done this as far as i can tell so look at all his posts, videos, photos and actions and tell me he deserves to be criticised? I think you are wrong….
How exactly did the author “criticise” Jennermann? There are quotes to support all the interpretations made in the article. And even if this post would be construed as “critical”, which of the assertions made here would you say are unfair to both Filipinos and Jennermann? Cite specific examples if you can please.
It’s not surprising that foreign visitors see more of the Philippines than Filipinos do. Many Filipinos lack curiosity and don’t even leave their own island, let alone deal with all the hurdles involved in travelling abroad.
@Dave
Please read my article. I did not criticise Kyle. I was praising him for raising awareness about the lack of discipline in the Philippines.
Ang damng problema ang ating bansa inuubos nyo oras nyo dito. Hayaan nyo yan si kyle may sariling mundo yan at prinsipyo.
KYLE came here to live with Filipinos for awhile with a simple purpose of spreading positive vibes and happiness to our people and to the world.He saw our weaknesses and negative sides but he didn’t dwell on it but instead he focused on what positive things and values we Filipinos have.WHY CAN’T YOU JUST DO THE SAME?THE WORLD IS ALREADY FULL OF BITTER INDIVIDUALS AND YOU’RE CERTAINLY ONE OF THEM.GET A LIFE.TRY TO LOOK AT THE BRIGHT SIDE OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE…YOU’D BE MORE APPRECIATED.
@ joandel
That is the problem with us filipinos, always focusing on the positive vibes. Calamities (natural and man-made) came and gone, people suffer and die, still positive vibes. The people tasked to oversee the proper management of the country’s resources screwed and is still screwing us, and all you can say is stay positive. What the author says is a fact you cannot ignore, regardless what you may call her bitter, etc. But you see, iha, calling the attention of all filipinos to see what is really wrong with our culture as a people and correcting it is the key towards this country’s progress. this cannot happen when all you can do is to focus on “postive vibes”.
Thing is, a lot of what makes Filipinos fail to prosper has something to do with those “positives”; i.e., being happy-go-lucky, etc. The negatives — being undisciplined, incapable of long-term outlook, and lacking in a serious regard for the issues — are precisely the things that contribute directly to the chronic poverty we see in the Philippines.
So if we don’t “dwell” on those “negatives”, guess what: They will never be CORRECTED.
And when those negatives are not corrected, guess what: Prosperity will elude Filipinos FOREVER.
And that’s how REAL it gets.
Ever since I got here in GRP (I can’t remember how, but it was definitely because of AlDub), I was puzzled why GRP articles’ headlines are “hateful” but the content are self-awareness inducing if taken with open-mind. And the commenters are somewhat similar, condescending but means well.
Finally, I searched and back read, thanks to Sick_Amore’s advice, and found this comment by Benign0 and tying it with the bold script in GRP site’s mission,
” to develop and articulate groundbreaking and insightful ideas and disseminate these to as big an audience as possible”,
I now understand why the catchy headlines and pics of AlDub.
I just thought that if you say a good thing about AlDub in the headline then unleash the goods in the content, sugarcoated for the onion-skinned, of course. You’ll get lot more followers / traffic.
“AlDub makes history by breaking SuperBowl twitter record”
It still adheres to your mission.
Just my 2 cents.
“Since I haven’t read any entries about Manila, one can conclude he is not fond of the capital city, and when he refers to “Filipinos”, they are likely people from the countryside. Perhaps one can say that Filipinos from Manila are a different story. But I will not elaborate on that today.”
apparently,the writer doesn’t follow kyle jennermann’s blogs and posts religiously.in your statement above,you are just speculating on your observations…what’s the point in saying positive things when he is just lying?truth hurts but the fact is that people from different areas in the philippines behave differently….in defense of mr. jennermann,i beg to disagree with the writer…travel the countrysides more and you’ll find out what caused mr. jennermann to say such….
@boy carson
This article is about the article that Jennermann posted and NOT about Jennermann himself. Why would she read about this guy when obviously she just focused on the guys post? The author merely highlighted ideas which this site has been infinitely writing about.
Sheesh, talk about focusing on the messenger instead of the message.
limited info i believe….she might just bumped into a few of mr. jennermann’s blogs/posts and took her speculations from there…my point is: the guy simply fell in love with the filipino culture,and for crying out loud,he is pointing out our culture’s flaws…what’s wrong with that?
And I agree with his opinion. I have no problem with his views about the Filipino people’s lack of discipline.
Ah, ok, so you agree with Ilda, naman pala e.
Carry on then.
just don’t bash the person who i think has been very positive about our country…not at his expense…start from the beginning of his blogs/posts and you’ll see the sincerest posts you’ve seen… thanks.
I did not bash Kyle. Your interpretation of my article is wrong.
@boy carson
Oh come on, dude. Where in the article did you see Ilda bashing your blog idol? Read it again, more thoroughly this time. If at all, she agrees with Jennermann’s post.
You have a serious case of comprehension problem.
and to add…mr. jennermannn have been posting positive comments about the philippines,MOSTLY AND IN GENERAL…why would it hurt the article writer’s sensibilities if kyle is stating the truth about pinoys lacking in discipline?it is the plain truth regardless of how offensive the statement is(which i personally believe is not)…it is a constructive criticism,plain and simple…don’t get ticked,but,hey,grow up and smell the coffee…the world is not round.
He wants to be Filipino? Oh man, we already have weaboo and westaboo. Someone needs to coin a name to describe a foreigner wanting to be one of the most wretched people in the world.
Agree!!!luck of discipline basura nga Lang na napakaliit na bagay d pa mailagay Sa tama.
halos buong manila mukha ng basura dahil mga filipino kulang sa disiplina!
Obvious the title being used is just to catch attention of readers, regardless of considering the feeling of not only the writer but also of THE MILLIONS OF HIS FOLLOWERS…
Just omitting the words “lack of discipline IN A LOT OF AREAS” already changed the thought in a 100% meaning pushing the writer in a bad light
Accept it guys…masakit pero un ang katotohanan…
I agree to some of the points in this article. Filipinos just lack discipline. Being hospitable is not a question. But sometimes, others just abuse this. That’s why one must not trust wholly to a person. Learn to leave a bit of suspicion, just to be safe from what might happen.
There are (tons and tons of) laws in this country but nobody follows them! Why is that? A lack of enforcement that’s why! And when they are “enforced” it’s usually for reasons other than to stop the lawbreaking but more as a money-making venture by the so-called “authorities”
I call it “selective enforcement,” especially when it comes to traffic violations. Enforcers will not stop or pull over a smoking bus or jeepney but once they see a early-model Crosswind or similar vehicle, they will RISK LIFE AND LIMB CHASING the vehicle down ON FOOT to stop it! Why? Because there’s no money to be made from those “poor” jeepneys and buses but private vehicles are usually owned and driven by RICH PEOPLE who can spare extra money no problem! No $hit Sherlock!
I see people litter all the time! They don’t give a $hit! Plus they hock and spit without regard of place or time, men PEE on walls, posts, trees, open spaces ANYWHERE at ANYTIME they feel like they have to! It’s so freaking UGLY and primitive! Why? Lack of enforcement. Simple really.
Do this: look up the definition of the word “anarchy” and you might be surprised how aptly it describes the Filipino society in general. Until the paradigm of “getting away with whatever I can whenever I want to” is transformed, there will be no change in the society, even 100 years from now!
Nazi should have killed all filipinos and not Jews……
They just wasted resources
As an eleven time visitor to The Philippines and in particular to a neighboring city of Cagayan De Oro which is Iligan City, I can without hesitation say they have been the best vacations I have ever had, anywhere. I have followed many of Kyles informative videos of ” Becoming Filipino ” and I can agree with a lot of his enthusiasm and interest in The Philippines and its people. Of course, everything there may not be ” perfect ” but if you can tell me a place that is I would like to know about it.
I have found the hospitality of many of the people there to be way beyond my original expectations. Anything or any place I have wanted to see be it of a touristy nature or not, I have been welcomed. Sometimes advance arrangements have had to be made but people will go out of their way to acommodate.
Certainly in many ways a foreign country and its people will be different from your country of origin but for me rather than criticize it interests me more to discover why these differences exist. More times than not there is a valid reason.
Look for negative and bad things and you will find them, look for the good things and things of interest to you and you will surely find them also. I think this could apply to just about anyplace.
I am often asked why do I keep going back to Iligan City ? I have really had to give this a lot of thought as to what the common denominator is and it keeps coming back to the people that live there. The fact that I have been able to be included in organizations and take part in some of their festivities and not just as a foreign visitor. There are many places and things that remind me of how things were here in the USA many years ago when I was growing up that are gone now. Some of these things still exist in The Philippines and make it possible to enjoy some of the simple pleasures that I have not thought about in many years.
” Filipino Time ” showing up for an appointment, social affair etc. an hour or two late ? The many friends I have made there a very high percentage of the time have always been On Time with me. Things that are considered as part of the culture you will never change so why even try, just enjoy it instead and you might even learn something from it.
I have visited and toured a few of the higher education facilities such as Colleges and Universities. Many times you may read or hear negative comments about such places. In some ways I am in envy of how they can do more with less and graduate students that are in demand by employers all over the world, and not just because they will work for less money where that may apply.
Keep it in mind that if you think some things there might seem chaotic or just plain crazy to you, they are considered perfectly normal to Filipinos. Criticize it and you might be the one that is viewed as crazy LOL.
A vacation or a visit to The Philippines may not be for everyone but the more you learn before you go there the more you may enjoy your stay.
Here are some of Kyles comments about Iligan City in one of his videos. I have been there 11 times and I can confirm the positive comments he makes about the place. It seems that I am not the only one that keeps going back there.
Bob New York,
You’re only looking for the good side of the Filipino people and not their bad side. That means you’re only seeing my people with one eye opened and the other one closed.
Aeta
More like lack of disciplinary actions anyone don’t know.
In North Korea, there was strict disciplinary actions, unlike that in the Philippines.
I just recently stumbled upon Kyle Jennermann’s video blogs on YouTube and was instantly hooked, not because his adventures take place in the Philipppines, but because in his videos he approaches everything, even the most mundane, with a genuine sense of wonderment. Having said that, I’m glad I found this article because it provides a deeper insight into the mind of Kyle Jennermann. He obviously cares a lot about the Philippines; otherwise he wouldn’t even bother bringing up fundamental issues like discipline. I hope his fans take heed and do something to improve the country. It all starts with a positive attitude, and Kyle provides an ample supply.
As an aside, the littering/garbage issue is not unique to the Filipino mindset or, as you cited, its Indian analogue. It is a universal issue, made more apparent in densely populated areas. And, while legislation has prevented most city streets from becoming garbage heaps, a more enduring solution would be a change in attitude through education and information. Otherwise, as Americans would say, garbage would be treated as “out of sight, out of mind”.
Filipinos abroad follow the rules in countries where rules are strict like in Northern Europe for example. In Southern Europe where I am from they quickly adapt to the “lahat ay pwede dito” mentality of the locals….
FILIPINOS BECOME GOOD UPRIGHT LAW ABIDING CITIZENS ABROAD … when they go back to Philippines they go back to their bad habits …
DUAL CITIZENSHIP … DOUBLE PERSONALITIES …
Filipinos are good regardless the host countries religion, constitution, form of government .. anything … they become good …
Yet these Filipinos cannot be good to their country, to their religion, to their constitution and form of government …
WHY IS THAT FILIPINOS? WHY?
Filipinos in my country imitate the worst behaviours that many of my fellow country me act out.
Some Pinoy say “ang ganda ng Italya ay na hindi gaanong istrikto dito, mabait ang gobyerno….”.
So you can imagine how the Pinoy behave here in relationship to driving for example and other aspects…
….I meant fellow country men….
I don’t feel ashamed of leaving this country someday when I am 24… I feel sorry for him.
Hey hi there. A while ago I was curious about a certain city in the Philippines. I think the name is Tagaytay or something like this (it’s located at the south of Manila). I was curious to see how it looks like so I searched for it on Google and then picked a random location on Google street. I still can’t believe what I saw. I will try to describe it.
We see 2 police officers in uniform sit down on garden chairs on the side of the road under a crappy and dirty tent. One of them is texting and the other one is falling asleep. The place is a fucking mess. There are panels of publicity upside down and on the ground. There’s a big wooden panel facing the ground. It’s full of filth and rocks around them. On the front side of the foldable table in front of these 2 cops, there’s a big panel that says: ‘TAGAYTAY POLICE STATION’. WHAT??? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?? How the hell can you call this a Police Station?? This is nothing but a stupid table with 2 clowns wearing police uniforms who don’t even bother pretending to work. I’m sure the guy who passes the mop at McDonald’s is smarter than these 2 Bozos.
Personally if I’d never went in the Philippines before and someone would have described this to me, I would think he’s a FAT LIAR. No one is dumb enough to pretend there’s a police station with table, 2 chairs and a tent.
Well yes, this is real. In the Philippines we see things like this. It’s not a lack of discipline. It’s a lack of morality, guidance, intelligence and common sense.
Seriously guys, how can you deal with such nonsense on a daily basis? I’m curious to understand this. The way I see things is that the only way to be happy or pretending to be happy in the Philippines is by closing your eyes and blocking your ears all the time. Every time we don’t do so, we see and hear creepy things everywhere.
I guess you won’t feel better even if you fantasize of doing it before or after at age 24. But I presume a lot more will definitely do feel better with one less filipino(?) idiot whose loud bravado is only anchored on an obsolete and unpleasant escapist thinking policy of exception and entitlement.
Just go ahead, your excess of arrogant pride is dangerous but won’t make any cultural change and you won’t be missed either!
Is this the Filipino crab mentality you guys always talk about when you see your neighbor getting something you can’t? It looks like so huh. Dude, you should definitely see that so called police station I saw. Nobody deserves to live in a country like this. Nobody
You’re barking like a dog at someone who’s not even talking at you at all!
About the police station you claimed you saw. Dude, a police station, even in a third world country, as a station house has a Desk Officer, a Station Commander, an office and a temporary holding cell for offenders. You might just have mistakenly thought of some Police Outpost as a Police Station. It’s not!
Indeed, as you mentioned it, “No one is dumb enough to pretend there’s a police station with table, 2 chairs and a tent.”
So, no, you simply can’t call it ‘Filipino crab mentality’. I guess it’s just actually ‘First World Stupidity’, with many being strangers, in a strange land.
I can also tell a bad story about my experience living in the first world, but I’m not going to make a general or oversimplified statement about the place and the people. Filipinos need to realize that their country can become paradise on earth if they really care to make serious changes.
Hello Rai. I just found it:
Link
As I said I wanted to see Tagaytay since my friend has a friend who lives there. I chose a random spot on Google Street and this is the first thing I saw. I am still puzzled by this. This is the ultimate definition of the word ‘Mediocrity’. I’m curious to understand how the whole Filipino society can possibly tolerate something so grotesque. It’s completely outrageous and an insult to law and order. It’s very serious. It’s obvious that there’s no future in this country. As Tequi la mentioned, Filipinos don’t care. It’s like they all want to be pampered by white people. The problem is that on the west people are very busy with different things . They don’t have the time and the energy for this. Even if they would, you guys would end up blaming them for this and that just to play your victim and get more care and free stuff.