by Julius Bantigue
Hi. My name is Julius P. Bantigue (www.philippinevoyager.com). I would like to thank Bob Martin for giving me the opportunity to post on his blog. Although Bob and I have never met in person, I feel that we have known each other for a long time because of the similarities of our views and experiences. You see, we both used to live in the states, but are now living and raising our respective families in the Philippines. Bob and I both have our personal reasons for leaving the states and moving to the Philippines. But I think Bob will agree with me that one of the important reasons why we did it is for our families.
Bob mentioned in one of the previous posts from his blog that he has a mentally handicapped child named Chris. Bob felt he could get more care and attention for Chris here in the Philippine than in the United States. I agree. The states have a lot of excellent programs for special needs children than the Philippines. What is missing, however, is the personal touch. Life has gotten too fast, politically correct, and insensitive in the states’ health care industry, that most patients and families feel they are only viewed as another addition to the revenue. On the surface, most health care professionals project a warm smile and professional demeanors. However, beneath the shiny exterior, the patients and their families cannot help but made to feel that they are treated as just another paying customers with their own demands and complaints. I am not saying that it does not require money for Bob’s son to be cared for in the Philippines. On the other hand, because of the slowness of life here, that is characteristic of a Third World Country, the patients and their families are given the individualized care and attention that they deserve—which they do not get in the states anymore.
Bob’s experience with his son is similar to my reason on why I moved my family, and more specifically, my children, to the Philippines. I wanted my children out of the educational system that I taught in in the states. As a former educator, I saw the futility of the “No Child Left Behind” program that the current president of the United States had implemented a few years ago. This program’s intention is great on paper. It is supposed to focus on students that are in high-risk category of dropping out of school, and encourage them to finish high school and then move on to college. But we have to be realistic. The students are all from diverse backgrounds. Not all children are going to be doctors, lawyers, engineers, and other white-collar professionals someday. Many young people are more interested or have the aptitude to work with their hands instead of being forced to become “Think Tanks”.
But what the educational system does is put these diverse student population together in the academic classroom and continue to raised the bar for graduation. And those who do not move up to the appropriate grade level after repeated tries, due to the lack of academics fostering at a young age, are socially promoted so that the school systems can get their hands on federal money by being in compliance with the “No Child Left Behind” program. Consequently, society is burden with high school graduates–armed only with a high school diploma– but little else in the academic and/or trade skills department, and more specifically–their own self-respect . So is it any wonder why the typical American classroom is always out of control, and the overall educational system of the United States continues to fail to produce positive results for the federal government, according to the latest news? We are lumping the students (with various interests and aptitudes) together in one category and expect to make “pencil-pushers” (white-collar jobs) out of them, because tradesmen (blue-collar jobs) are being outsource to migrant workers (who are willing to work for less), as well as, to offshore companies.
To close, there are many other reasons why my wife and I move our family to the Philippines, and I will share them with you in my future articles. But those reasons are just secondary to the most important reason of all—the future of our children. One of my friends in the United States had expressed his disagreement with me on my decision to move my family to the Philippines back in 2005, “what future will your children have growing up in a Third World Country like the Philippines? The opportunities are here in America.” I answered his rhetorical question with a couple of rhetorical questions, which he probably did not like. ‘Why do we have to base our decisions in this society (the United States) on material returns all the time? Why can’t we be impratical sometimes and just go back to basic? ’ And then I just walked away. Till next time….
About Guest
Great Post, Julius. This is such a great informative site and it’s getting better all the time!
Hello Julius and let me be the first to welcome you as an offical blogger here! I often read Bob’s daily posts and usually make several mental notes for my own future plans. Today I will remember the important note you added in your last line “just go back to the basics”. Well put!
Hello Julius and glad to meet your acquaintance Bob. I am extremely familiar with Author Julius Pangilinan Bantigue’s goals, knowledge, and history. I have enjoyed his article(s) for sometime now.
His 1st article on your site, extremely well written; hits home to the hearts of numerous Filipino in the states and worldwide. I am a registered Nurse and my husband’s profession, Network Adm (IT); we have four children age ranging from 8, 5,3, and stepson age 20. We are returning back to the PI with the same goals, mentally, beliefs, and that trust in the old saying, ‘return to basics’!
Our goals, to instill the old values, discipline, the appreciation of basic needs in life, culture, work ethics, respect, quality education in our children and so on… I admit, our plans will be a great and long adventure that we are praying works out well.
I come from a family of one brother (Dr. in the U.S.), sister (RN U.S.), father (retired USN), and mother (Dr. in Pharmaceutical); all educations acquired in the Philippines! I was born in Charleston, SC and work as a RN. After returning back to the US, I worked and worked, but there was always an empty space in my heart? There is no place like home…
I will continue to review both site and looked forward to exciting and very informative article(s) from both.
Regards,
Hi Jen—I think most of us have forgotten what it’s like to go back to the basic ways of life. It was much more simpler and peaceful, without having all the complexities that stresses our lives. Thanks for welcoming me and I promise all of you more interesting and informative articles in the future. Till next time….
Welcome. I would not defend the education system in the Untied States because it has many problems as you noted a few. It also has it successes too. It really seems you dislike the United States as many do. I would really like to know more your feeling in general to the United States and maybe even the west in general. I think it could help open my mind to a different point of view.
Julius,
My wife and I will be starting a family soon and we are planning to move to Phil in time for the eldest to start school. Like you, I would much prefer that my children are educated in Phil because I believe that the education system here in Australia is becoming far too politicised and revenue centric. There is a proposal by our ultra Right-Wing government to introduce performance pay for teachers based on the results of their pupils. I can see it now….all students will be achieving “A”.
Politicians in Australia are always concentrating on the Economy. Well, I’d rather live in a society than an economy….that’s another reason why we are moving to Phil.
Julius,
nice post, great to see a western filipino’s view point ! I agree with u 100%, America has become entreanched in political correctness to the point of paralasis. From our laughable criminal judicial system to our schools and beyound. I live in a very nice neighborhood, most familys have kids my daughters age (8) but you never see tham out playing ! Everyone is paranoid of everyone else ! You have no community cohesiveness at all ! yet when we visit my inlaws in Davao within 2 days my daughter knows 10-15 kids on a first name basis in the neighborhood to play with every single day ! We have lost our sense of community in our country (USA) ! Ironic that most flips who wish to come here ( please do not take offense to this shortend word for philippinos, my wife tells me its acceptable ) do not realize they will sacrifice one of the core values filipinos cherish, community cohesiveness. The path our elected officials have taken this country has turned the american dream into an american nightmare…somewhat ironic isnt it that most of our representatives came from the ‘hippie’ generation i.e. love , peace ,rightousness , watch out for government run amonk….have so ruthlessly butchered our rights.
Julius,
I too want to welcome you to Bob’s site. I am american, and am in the process of getting my fiancee to America. I have been to Manila the first trip and then for 2 weeks over Christmas/New Years at her home in Davao.
I will be comming back in 4 weeks to see her again.
I agree about what you write about the school systems in the US. I am a hands on learner and dropped out of school at the age of 16. At 17 I tool the GED test and passed. at 19 I went to a technical school for electronics and worked in that field for 20 years. After the event of the PC, the service industry shrank and there were not as many jobs as there was with the Main Frame areas.
At 39 I went to another technical school for computer drafting. I have been in this field of Architecture for almost 15 years and make a great living.
If school here understood the “right Brain” type of person, I think more would stay in school.
I have told my fiancee that, even though I would love to live there in Davao, I know I would not be able to work, and I am not a writer to have a blog site. I am a worker and not an entrepreneurial person. But I plan to move there after I retire.
Hello Julius,…Bill Huff here……welcome my friend. Not one time in reading everything you had to say, did i get the feeling that you disliked the US, as Ben might have suggested. It felt more like you were offering a slice of reality, its just the way it is. Like Bob, i also love the US….but its life style and demands for this life style have out-grown me, and i beleave the Phili is more to my size. But in some ways, one must remember..” Nomatter where you go, there you are”
Hi Bruce – If you are doing Comuter drafting, wouldn’t it be possible to do the work here and send it via the Internet to your clients or employer in the USA? Just a thought.
Hi Julius – Welcome to the site! I enjoyed your first post, and look forward to many more to come!
Welcome Julius, and let me doff my hat to you, a US teacher honest enough to tell it as it is. I have two grown sons from my previous marriage, both successful in life in the US but I have to say that in my parental opinion their success is in spite of rather than because of the US public schools. There are some dedicated teachers and administrators and I’m sorry if my comment unfairly wrongs them, but in truth the vast majority of those responsible for othe education of our youth in the US are after two things and two things only, federal funding and retirement … sad, indeed.
Two years ago my dual-citizen wife and I were at a party at her sister’s home in Florida. Almost all the guest were Filipino and Fil-Am medical professionals (as is the sister). When my wife and I announced our soon to be realized permanent move to the Philippines it was interesting to see the different reactions. Roughly half the room expressed dismay, mainly at what they perceived to be the lack of monetary opportunities, the other half got a wistful look and murmured … “If only”.
I’d write about some of my neices and nephews here and the opportunities they are taking advantage off in the Philippines, ut it would be a blog post in itself. Again, welcome aboard.
Hi Ben–I love the United States and the Philippines because I’m a product of both cultures. You can say I’m “torn between two lovers”. But I know the American educational system has experienced more failures than successes. Just read the latest news on the fitness report of the American school system. Also, spend some time in a typical public school classroom and you’ll know what I’m talking about. Half the kids are engaged; the other half could care less. Now I can’t afford to send all of my 3 kids to a private school with my teacher salary in the states, where they would probably get more one on one attention than in public schools. However, The Philippines is the only viable and affordable solution. I don’t think anyone can argue the discipline and rigor of the school system (private and public) in the Philippines is not world class. Most students who are products of the Philippines school system, and have immigrated to other countries have always excelled. Till next time….
Hi Daniel–I appreciate the response. I look forward to being an active contributor to this blog. Till next time….
Hi Crooseyejack–It’s a major leap that you and your family are taking. Goodluck to you. It’ll be a Great experience. Till next time.
Hi Lawrence–I’m glad to hear that you and your wife have also seen the light. And we’re all doing this for our children. Goodluck to you. Till next time.
Hi Brian–You’re right about the downsides of being too politically correct. Sometimes I wonder if having too much choices is really all that great. I think, if anything, it just makes our head grow bigger because we get too over-confident. Till next time….
Hi Bill–that’s a great buddhist saying: “no matter where you go, there you are.” And I agree. You can spend a lifetime travelling in circle, but you’ll still be where you are. That’s the way I define my life. I’m always travelling (at the behest of my wife who wants me to settle in one place and plant our roots). But because of my adventurous blood, I can’t seem to stay in place. Glad to know you understand my views. Till next time….
Hi Bruce–You’re a true-to-life-Horatio Alger story. Just keep your horizon open and always be open to possibilities. People and plans change all the time. That’s what makes life great because nothing is written in stone, except birth and death. Heck, even tax laws change. Till next time….
Hi Dave–I couldn’t have put it better myself what you’ve just said. I guess we just have to take everything in life with a grain of salt and just keep moving forward. Glad to hear from you. Till next time….
Bob,
I could work there and send work over the internet, but being a drafting service, you only get work when the industry is busy, and as of now the building industry is slow. Also I would want to make sure I have a guaranteed income to support Elena and me. But we will see. Maybe with your apartment ideas, maybe we can team up and become design builders. We can discuss this in 4 weeks.
Hello Julius…just a comment or two. I too plan on retiring/living in the Phils, at least part time, in the near future. I am a frequent visitor as my wife is from Negros. In my opinion, the Phils is a place to unwind and relax; enjoy the beaches, laid back life styles, etc., but would never opt to school my children (thankfully both are now adult) or to be hospitialized in the Phils over the U.S. Individual care and attention, does not in my opinion, substitute for quality of care, or for education. Granted, there are a few exceptions such as with the private international schools and hospitals in Cebu, etc, but overall, believe the overall “quality” factor belongs in the U.S. or even elsewhere…but not in the Phils. I am in no way knocking the Phils our your decisions to return there…just cannot understand why that you have elected to limit your childern’s educational opportunties.
Regards
Harvey
Welcome Julius,
I am very interested in hearing your viewpoints about returning to the Philippines. I have dreams of moving to Davao and starting an educational business. At this point, my wife wants us to stay in Minnesota and build captital before we consider moving back. I do want a slower lifestyle. I want to smell the flowers, swim in the ocean, and just “be.” Someday it will happen. Until then, I am content until our next vacation back to the Philippines tin two years.
Hi Bruce – Ha ha… that will at least be another reason why we have to get together!
Hi Harvey – I have to disagree with you on both the educational opportunities and also the hospitals. Yes, there are schools that are not very good, but there are also excellent schools here that are competitive with the best schools in the USA. I know that my kids are well ahead of their cousins in the USA when it comes to academics. On hospitalization, I speak from experience, I had a stroke in 2001. I could not have gotten better care than I did at Doctor’s Hospital in General Santos City. I was treated royally, I had 4 of the best doctors in town working on my case, and the cost was very inexpensive. They had every piece of equipment needed for the treatment, etc. I could not have asked for more.
Hi Stebujiji–Moving to the Philippines is definitely a big move and off the beaten path. You’re not longer in the box; you’re out of the box, and the freedom is immensely rewarding. Starting a traditional (traditional classroom schools) educational business could be competitive, but there’s a need for it. Consider distance learning through the computer, especially the ones that will award American equivalent certificates. I’ve seen them popping slowly but surely. Goodluck to you. Till next time….
Hi Harvey–Ditto, Bob. Just because the tools and the system is state of the art in the states, it doesn’t mean it’s foolproof. People still dies, because it’s their time. I’ve seen people die, in spite of the high tech approach because the doctors pump the patients will all sorts of medication to cover themselves from malpractice suits. And don’t disregard human error. No amount of technology can make up for doctor incompetence. And in spite of all the regulations in the states, mistakes are still made.
I’m still willing to bet on educating my kids in the Philippines than in the states. In doesn’t matter how modern the classroom is in America, if the system, the legislators, the administrators, parents, children, and the public in general do not give their 100 percent to education and the children, it’s not going to work. Till next time….
Hi Julius,
I read your post with interest. There is is similar move with the education systen in the uk, the govenment wants more and more graduates for high end jobs that aren’t all there to be filled yet.
On my first visit to the philippines I saw a job vacancy in jolibee, the post was for an assistant and one of the qualifications required was a college degree. I was confused at first but later realised that for a lot of filipinos to gain basic employment they need a degree. My wife has a cousin with a commerce degree who is a farmer!
Sure, someone has to clean toilets, sweep streets and flip burgers in jolibee, but they don’t need a good education to do these jobs. We need people to do these jobs as much as any other, but this is one case where I think the west is catching up with the philippines, and other eastern countries.
regards
phil
Hi Phil—Unfortunately, because of the scarcity of job opportunities in the Philippines, the work force will grab whatever comes their way. And this is a great advantage for the businesses. They get to choose the cream of the crop, so to speak. And that’s what they’ll do. Pick a college grad over a high school grad, pick younger and, probably more innocent applicants, women over guys, and so on. There is no equal opportunity laws in the Philippines for fair hiring. This is the reason for the old saying, “the richer keeps getting richer; the poor keeps getting poorer.” The businesses can fire and hire at their own discretion, without having to justify.
Now I don’t agree with the West’s purpose for hiring college grads if they’re going to flip burgers. Traditionally, we all know that these types of jobs are transtitional, and you can hardly make a career out of it. I do advocate raising the pay to burger flippers in the West if they want to retain good and quality workers. If they did this, then we wouldn’t have as many turnover in the low end food industry. Thanks for commenting. Till next time….
Hi Julius! I’m glad you’re in Bob’s lipblog and I admire your honest opinionsregarding the Phils.Here’s also my 2-cents on Harvey’s comments: Why is it that the US hired hundreds of health care professionals from the Phils, who by the way, were educated in the Phils? I believe “quality care” isn’t all technology but TLC’s, good bedside manner included. On US educ, wishing teachers could scrap out the lesson plan and focus on teaching Good Manners & Right Conduct, instead.
Just a question…why did you leave the Philippines in the first place ? Don’t take it against me, but right now I’m looking forward to working abroad in spite of leaving my family, even breaking my heart on the process just to earn more and save money . To the fact that I really work ‘ to the bone’ here in the Philippines as a Telecom Engineer just to give my family a decent living. I’m not a rich guy though, only a man with dreams and persistence.
I would also like to thank Bob for giving me an idea and inspiration /motivation to do online business someday. His advices gave me the ‘spirit’ or ”wind’ to go deeper on my study and research on how we could get at least sustainable income here in the Philippines . In short , reading his blog gave me hope during my most depressed and surviving times.
More power Bob and thanks!
Hi Arnold – I’m glad that I have played even a small role in inspiring you to do some business online! I hope it works out great for you! Be sure to check my “Virtual Earner” blog at http://business.auctiontopia.com to learn more tips about online business!
Hi Jul–I can answer your question with much zest on why the U.S. prefer hiring Filipino healthcare worker from the Philippines. The Filipinos are hardworking, patient, and know how to put that “personal touch” that I was talking about. Unfortunately, most U.S. medical graduates, enter the profession with dollar signs in their head, so do Filipina medical professional export, but the difference is the latter have mastered the great art of “personal touch” that I was talking about.
Now when it comes to teaching the right manners and good conduct, i mentioned in my own blog article “A Great Place To Educate My Kids on Academic And Values”, those traits are taught at home and in society. By the time the students set foot in the classroom, those values should already be set in place. Unfortunately in the states, where children have plenty of choices (and parents allow them), the easy way out of self discipline is usually the first choice. It’s the “me” society in the states, with little regards for anything else. Till next time…
Hi Arnold–I left the Philippines when I was 12 years old because my dad was in the U.S. navy. But my Philippine value was already intact. Knowng from experience now, it’s still better to raise the children in the Philippines than in the states when it comes to discipline and values. There is a fine line with this last statement. You bring the small children to the states for opportunities, you run the risk of losing their culture and discipline; you keep them in the Philippines, you lose the material opportunities for them, but you become rich in culture and values. You have to decide which one is more important. I’ve already decided for my own children. Till next time….
hi Julius thank you so much for your uplifting comments and concerns about young people; and the declining education system in the United States. This has been going on too long. Your right, it is time to regroup and get back to basics. My hat is off to you in your decision to move to the Philippines. Such wonderful people.
Hi Tony—Thank you for your comment. It’s good to know that other people share my views about the difference in education in the Philippines and the United States. It makes me feel good that what my wife and I are doing for our children is worthwhile. Thanks again. Till next time….