Last week, I invited a group of Filipino friends over to my house to sample some of my freshly roasted and brewed coffee. I know that these people are serious coffee lovers, because I see them often in local coffee shops, so I decided to invite them over for some seriously good coffee!
We not only enjoyed good coffee, we also had some great conversation. I know all of these people pretty well, and enjoy their company, although I don’t get to socialize with them too often because we kind of run in different crowds, and I am also older than they are, so the times we get together are really not often enough due to the circumstances.
During our conversation, one of the people was telling me about his new job, and that it involved a lot of interaction with foreigners. He asked me if I know some of the people the he dealt with. Indeed, I knew most of them, and I told him so. He next said, “oh, you must socialize with these foreigners a lot.” “No,” I replied, “I really don’t, because a lot of those people spend most of their time complaining about the Philippines.” My friend confirmed that he had noticed that too, and asked me why that was the case.
I explained to my friend that I didn’t know why, but it is fairly common that a lot of foreigners, when they get together, basically complain about the Philippines for hours on end. That is the reason why I don’t get together with these folks too much. I don’t like to complain like that. Yes, there are things about the Philippines that I could complain about, no doubt about that. But, I choose to mainly focus on the positive side of the Philippines. I mean, overall, I really enjoy living here, and why would I want to spend my time complaining about the place?
Another thing that I have noticed, before I even moved here, is that some of these same type of people who spend their time complaining about the Philippines, when they go home, they spend their time glamorizing the Philippines and complaining about their country of origin! So, the only thing I can figure is that some people just have to complain, or they are not happy!
Why not look for the brighter side of life instead of watching for the rain clouds all the time? It would seem that you would be happier with your life in general if you are watching for the good things instead of complaining about the bad. Also, when you spend your time complaining about the Philippines in front of Filipinos, it really kind of gives a bad impression about foreigners to these Filipino people. That makes us all look bad.
No mattet where you live, there are things that are not so good, which you can complain about all you want. But, if you choose to talk happily about the good things in life, I think you’ll be happier overall. And, you’ll make a good impression on the people around you too.
I love the Philippines, do you?
About MindanaoBob
Hi Bob- This subject always amazes me as well.I thought when you did not like a something you kept well away from it, so why do these people who continually complain about the Philippines stick around and continue to live here?
All they acheive is to make themselves unhappy and those around them miserable listening to them.
Regards.
Jim.
Hi Bob,
Some people in this world never seem to be happy unless they have something to moan about.Personally they bore me to tears.
My usual reply is “If you don’t like the way it is,do something about it, instead of continually whining”.
regards Chas.
As you know Bob, its not just in person where they do this. Several expat websites spend about 1% of the time saying I love the Philippines and 99% telling you what is wrong with it.
I think socially one goes out on a limb more if they admit to liking something. I noticed myself being pulled into the group complain syndrome, its very easy to let happen.
It seems to be human nature, something we all need to work on. If we all agree to dislike something, then we must be right. And now we are better because we are right. That’s the heart of this complaining syndrome.
It explains both sides, the side of complaining about the Ph when here and telling how wonderful it is when “we” go back. If one goes back to country of birth, most there have never been to the Philippines. Once again, we are in the know. We are the expert. We have knowledge others don’t have. We are better than they….
Its all about “our” own insecurities.
“Push me in the swallow water before I get too deep” New Bohemians. LOL
I guess now we are going to all complain about the complainers? Not a criticism just an observation. We humans, we are a funny and complex social animal. Its similar to a sports team, when “our” team wins, we are part of the winners, the better group.
I agree with you, I don’t hang out at expat hang outs too much either for the same reason. I do like to go on outings with them to places I have not been before.
The positive nature of your site is what draws me to it and I hope my sites are positive as well. I agree with everything you said. See, there “we” go again.
But i do. LOL
Hi Bob
I ant’t say too much about the complaining part yet because I’m not there yet. But just wondering if you served the cat poop coffee. I have to try that one.
Bob: This is why I don’t normally hang around other expats… It just gets annoying listening to it (BTW, same thing when I go to China, HKG, or a number of other places!).
This is also part of the reason we live where we do… I could have moved to Makati or Greenhills or somewhere similar, but I much prefer being around Filipinos rather than isolated in some compound with a bunch of cranky Americans.
Bob .. I don’t have time to complain about the country that I am going to retire in or the people ..I let my wife tell what is wrong and go from there ..I really enjoy the country and its culture ..Phil n Jess
Yep, you hit the nail on the head with this one, Bob. For years now I have listened to various schemes proposing organizations for foreigners and other activities to ‘bring foreigners together. No way for me.
Any rational person can see things that are not right, here or in other countries, but to spend your time complaining about them, day after day? Sad. All that whine and no cheese to go along with it
.
When I was overseas with the US military I often observed the same sort of phenomena, especially in areas that were heavily US, such as military family housing areas. The chief recreation seemed to be to have gatherings where the sole topic was all the things wrong with the host country. Depressing.
Years ago, the British migrants in Australia were well known for complaining a lot, so the Aussies started calling them the “whingeing Poms”. I don’t think they whinge a lot these days, what with England now printing money, and the newer migrants just glad to be in Oz. Maybe Sir Bob, you and your followers can start labelling these whingers as “whingeing Kano”, but then that won’t be fair for the real Kano who genuinely love the Phil. As we all know,not all Kano are necessarily Americans.
Incidentally, I’ve met a few Filipinas here in Oz, who loudly proclaimed they hate the Philippines. Fair enough, they’ve left the country.
Hi All
I can;t understand why people would get together and complain about the very country that they worked hard to stay in (visas etc etc)
It takes such a lot of energy to be negative and complain.
Don;t they know they are shortening their life expectancy by being negative?????
I firmly believe ANY DAY I WAKE UP STILL BREATHING IN ANY COUNTRY IS A GIFT!!!!!!!!
Hi Bob – Just remember, every silver lining has a dark cloud!
For most complainers, it’s just the old “Common Enemy Makes For A Strong Barcada” syndrome. You sort of have to feel sorry for them – complaining is the ONLY thing they have in common!
Kamusta ka Bob,
Bob, I promise when I finally get to sit down and have a cup of coffee with you, it won’t be about the problems I have in the Philippines…lol. And also, will hopefully be spending my time in a more positive way, then to sit back and drink beer wishing I was back in the good ole USA…crying in my beers.
I am sure I will see plenty wrong with the way things are there, but I will just have to adapt to those changes, and/or problems.
I will have an open mind when I get there, but you know, one of the most important reasons for moving there is to start a new family there, and I know there are many advantages to doing that here in the USA, but I really want to raise my family there in the Philippines. The last thing I am going to do…is burden my new bride and her family with the things I don’t like about the Philippines.
Is just me though..and the way I have my mindset for this upcoming move!!
Salamat kaayo,
Danny
Yeah I know exactly what you meant about this article, your right some people just love to complain..I guess it makes them happy. But not me, I try not to make life any harder than it is already..:)
Please take care,
Danny
Bob,
As you know, I go to both of the Expat groups here in Davao.
One of them have the wives/Girlfriends meet in another part of the establishment. This is because they tell it is a support group for foreigners and do not want to insult Filipinos.
I go to meet new and see some friends that I do not see often. Here networking is helpful when your trying to find friends, business possibilities and to just get out. Also sometimes there is a guest speaker that has some good information.
There is a lot of complaining and I try to just ignore them.
As you stated, you like to look at the more positive side of living here and I try to also.
My mom is a chronic complainer. One time she complained about my smoking, I told her I would try to quit smoking if she stopped complaining. She said no deal.
On my site I try to tell stories about living here in an honest tone.
Sure there are things I do not like. My motto is “There are things I do not like here. Can I change them, No, so why dwell on them. Just accept them.
If you isolate yourself every time you find something negative, eventually you will become a hermit and will have isolated yourself from everywhere and everyone.
It is also true, most complainers here were complainers back home. They do not feel good about themselves so blame everything else.
Theres treasures and trash in every Country ..its just where you choose to dig.
U wont like japan Bob…I got refuse entry in a few places …”sorry Japanese only sir “
hi bob,
Would you complain if your company provided you with a
1. Western House housing
2. Western Style Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Snacks? even coffee and tea too?
3. A nice Pajero or Land Cruiser vehicle
4. A tax free salary?
5. Free school expenses for your children?
Brits here are the big whiners, despite having all those “freebies” they still complain about it, every time i encountered a brit who complained about his company or the things provided to him, I would tell him with no hesitation that he should go home, he’ll be better off going home to his country and avoid stress about his complaint.
now that is a real whiner!
Hey Bob- When my wife and I finally get to move to the Philippines I have no plans to go to any support group. I wouldn’t need it. My mother in law is very loving and our family there is very loving and supportive. And if most Filipinos are happy in life then they must be doing something right. When we move there I want to focus on those positive things. Besides I wouldn’t fit in with the group because I am socially challenged anyway.
hi bob,
People who complain for almost about everything are the people who will grow old and will die with emptiness in their life, these are the people who cannot find happiness, contentment and peace during their life, I feel sorry for them because they just wasted their lives seeking for negative things, they don’t seek the best of life and what it can offer, these are the people who don’t appreciate the life given to us, they are missing the essence of life and how wonderful it is, it’s their loss not ours.
Hi Bob,
Another aspect of this is boredom. Taking a line from John M when he said that the “group seemed to largely stand around talking and trying to impress each other”. As in a normal conversation, first comes the topic of weather, then branch out into other things such as putting down the Filipinos, their way of life, business, etc.
Each one of them tries to collect as many “horror stories” as they can to impress the next group or next meeting of fellow expats.
I would tend to feel sorry for them. As people say now – “Get a Life!”
I thought twice about responding to this, you see i,m guilty of being an “ugly foriegner ” myself. It usually happens when I see a massive amount of systemic stupidity which results in “shit happening”. But i,m like that when I meet any nationality. It,s good to share a beer with others expats and I agree it can get tiring listening to their crap but I do not gloss over the truth to newcomers when I meet them. Those who complain the most have, in my experience, been burned badly or stabbed in the back and I wonder if there initial love for the country blinded them to the risks. I also find these same people are in business, not retiree,s or contracted to be here.I personally know two people who lost their companies because they didn,t cover their backs from a legal standpoint. I had staff that sabotaged machines and got a cut from the repair mans bill. Go slows were organised in order to get more overtime, even at the cost of missed deadlines which ultimatly sunk the business, all this from people who,s medical bills we payed, who,s children we bought school books for. So it,s no surprise that complaints are forthcoming. We as expats also come from countries where we stand up and speak out about things and old habits are hard to break. Should we just stay silent when we see something wrong? or speak out and be called a complainer. And why should I leave a country just because I disagree with one segment of it? No country is perfect. Thats the side of the Philippines I hate. BUT there is another side to this country, a gentler side, a more casual way of living away from big business, closer to the community and family, where money and greed don,t seem to have their claws dug in so deep,where you can talk to your neighbours, let you kids run around, where a man can breath. To me this country has almost a “frontier feel”, where you can make your own way without interference from governments that would wrap their citizens in cotton wool ( try living in New Zealand!)Where you make your own decisions on how you live and at what level. This is the Philippines i,m in love with. But I guess not everyone can live like that. I guess everyone has their story and I wonder what story is behind the complaints, but then I can,t be bothered to listen to too many of those stories any way.
Hey, bob, phil n jess, christine,
My mother always tell me ” if somebody throw a rock on you, throw them a bread” and i always answer, Yes mother, but i will make sure that the bread is inside a jar”, he-he-he
I do try to get away from mother quickly, though afterwards. she just have to stare at me and smile!
very nice topic today. I think integration is the key word. People who complain about a host country is not integrated to that particular society.
Complaining as a group is a means of voicing out frustrations, finding common ground. The reason I think might be boredom.
I bet that when a foreigner becomes fully integrated there is no point in complaining as a group.
As a Filipino, there are lots of things to complain about the country now. But I remain cheerful, becasue there are a lot of positive things around like friendship and family.
my point is if the complainers surround themselves with friends and family, there is nothing to complain about.
Hey I will admit that when I was last in Davao, I did some complaining, but since I started reading LiP, I have learned a lot, and when we finally make the move over there, I will be better prepared. I guess the biggest complaint was that I was treated more like a guest, than part of the family. Also, as an American, I am not used to have someone cut in line in front of me. Life takes a lot of patience, and living in Davao is not the same as the Midwest. But, both have their advantages and disadvantages. I will try to adapt to any situation. I am just looking for more simplicity. I just want to retire and live out my life in peace. And warm weather. Keep up the good work.
This is a pretty fascinating topic. My wife (Miss August) and I were discussing this last night as she was composing her replies. My initial reaction was one of “what’s wrong with wanting to hang around with people from similar backgrounds?” As I read more about the specific group under discussion, I realized that it’s merely the American version of a very interesting contrast I see with some Filipinos living in the US.
As she mentioned in her comment, my wife has lived in the United States for nearly 30 years. When I met her 11 years ago, she was already thoroughly “Americanized” and had embraced the culture of her adoptive country. She’s quite happy and content here, having become a member of the society. Her friends and interests are as varied as anyone I know. She’s not lost her love of the Philippines, and she wants us to retire there. Nevertheless, I cannot recall having heard a complaint about the way things happen in America as opposed to the Philippines.
By contrast, some of my dear asawa’s relatives spend much of their time in very tight Filipino groups. Some of them have jobs in places that employ large numbers of Filipinos. Their command of the English language is far below that which allows them to comfortably carry on a conversation with most Americans. As a result, they tend to insulate themselves. While I’m not sure they complain about the country in which they live, they certainly seem to be simply marking their time and getting their Social Security credits. They’re “fish out of water” here in the US, with no intentions beyond setting themselves up for a life back in their “real home.”
Not, by the way, that I have any problem with that. I’m simply pointing out the fact that they keep to themselves and don’t bother to integrate with the culture of the US because they don’t intend to stay here. In many ways, I think my wife is much more well-adjusted to life in the United States than some of her relatives because she decided to LIVE here; not just BE here until she could go back.
The same thing must happen for men who decide to move to the Philippines for whatever reason. Some of them may have been seduced by the misunderstanding of how well they might live compared to the US. Some of them may have been lured there by a beautiful woman. Some may even have wound up there against their will. As varied as the reasons men may have to move to a foreign land halfway around the world, they all share a common experience: they are a stranger in a strange land.
As my wife has been reading the various websites about life in the Philippines, we’ve both gained knowledge and insight that will aid us in our final decision. I know that I have approximately 7-10 years to prepare myself should our decision be to retire in the Philippines. In that time, I intend to visit the country as often as possible; possibly making at least one attempt to stay for 2 or 3 months. I intend to learn Tagalog well enough to carry on a rudimentary conversation. I intend to arm myself with as much information as possible about the Philippine culture: everything from pointing with one’s lips to a waggling of the eyebrows that means “yes.”
Finally, and this is the most important thing, I intend to train myself to recognize that there are things in life over which I don’t have control. Nevertheless, I will ALWAYS have control over how I decide to react. I think I’ll be socializing with some “Westerners” when I get there, but something tells me I’ll be MUCH happier overall if I become part of my community.
In short, should we decide to retire there, I’ll make it my number one priority to LIVE in the Philippines; not just BE in the Philippines.
What is this?
So if you come from the Philippines and become a citizen in USA then you are not really an American because you came from the Philippines? What? No matter who comes to USA they become American as much as I am. A citizen is a citizen.
Same in the Philippines if whoever becomes a citizen I think you need to accept them as that a Pinoy.
Are you better because you are born there? I do not think that about people that come to USA. Everyone is equal when you are a citizen or at least it should be that way.
Bob – I don’t want to argue the semantics of being a Filipino. We both know about the Philippine law and the US law. So, I’m just going to ask you, if you are filling-out a form in the Philippines (or any where in the world) and one of the question is:
Are you?
Filipino
American
White/Caucasian/Anglo-Saxon
Foreigner (American/Australian/etc)
Asian (Filipino/Korean/Japanese/etc)
Which box would you check?
I am not being negative or mean when I say, even after you get your Philippine Citizen, in my eyes and I am sure most Filipinos, you will still be a “Kano”.
I don’t know anything about this “Expat Support Group” so I can’t say if they are racist or sexist. I was just pointing out the need of some people to have a group that they can share and vent their frustrations and feelings. If you have first hand knowledge that they are racist by all means call them racist.
To me it would be like joining a “Philippine Expat Support Group” here in the US. We meet once a month, we speak and talk to each other in Tagalog, eat “stinky” foods (at least stinky to my husband) and just talk about our feelings and frustrations living in the US. Then, my husband wants to join our group… I would be hesitant for him to join. Just because I do not want him to join doesn’t mean I’m racist or our group is racist.
I agree with you that the group in Davao should include their wives & SO (significant other) in their meetings. But, I can also understand why these Expat wouldn’t want their wives/so or other non-expat in their group. Now if they do not let a dark/brown skinned expat from Africa/Mexico/USA/etc then I would have a problem with that. I would be the first one to call them racist!
I might have started that Bob, but what I said were true and based on my experiences here. I have nothing against the Brits. One former flame was a Brit.-and I just love the Pommie accent!
Just not fussed on the cockney.
Mind you, I think you can expect the English to get into strife wherever they go. They used to “own” half of the world, didn’t they?
Incidentally, how many of you knew that the Philippines came close to being an English colony?
Thanks for being a good sport Chas – and all Pommie in LIP.!
Bob, very good observation. Very true indeed. Most of the foreigners I have met who spend vacation here complain. I met a couple from Australia who took a vacation in el nido, had to walk three km because the buses where stuck in the mud (it was during the rainy season here). they said why can’t Filipinos just make a road. I just said at the back of my head that it is so easy to say it. They do not realize that Palawan has just started to imporve 4 years ago. If they had come here 10 years ago they would have been stuck in the road for a full one week..which is the minimum….. they should have seen it as an adventure…hehehehe..I enjoyed that part where the buses were stuck in the mud and we had to walk barefoot in the mud for three km. Sometimes it is just being positive and seeing it at a better view that will make a person enjoy where he is or the situation where he is at…. Bob thanks for loving the Philippines….
PS…was not able to visit regularly coz…school has ended and there were many things to do….and then the blackouts..heheheheh
Wow Bob, more then 120 comments. What can I say? Yeah, please allow me to quote chasdv:some people in the world are not ahppy, if they have nothing to complain about it. AND, JohnM., you said it so clearly: that’s why (many times) I hesitate to hang out with other expats. Sad to say, really!!! But, what can we do???:
every place has its pros and cons about it but complaining about it seems pointless. of course i see negative things about the usa and the philippines both but when push comes to shove i also see the more positive also! but one of the main reasons i will eventualy be living in cebu is because i can never afford to retire in the usa if i stay here in america i will be working untill the day i die literally .but if i sold my house here (which is totally paid off) and started a couple little side buisines in p.i i could probaly live a good life!
I believe the expat groups are a bit better organised down in Mindanao than up here in Cebu, but from a personal perspective I dont spend much time with expat groups but do come across the complainers aswell as guys who treat their partner as more of a servant than a wife/girlfriend. Everyone to theyre own.. but its not for me, I think some people have valid points but not always. I suffer with the usual issues you get anywhere in the world such as traffic congestion etc.. but im also a person who looks for alternatives rather than complain about it too much. The state of the UK has led me to leave those shores in the first place but thats a gripe you will find with most Brits regardless if they are expats or still at home. The Philippines has a lot wrong with it but it also has a lot of things which are better.. you have to give and take. Regarding business as I tell many people myself there is probably more opportunity here than they would have in most countries because of the lack of capital here.
Blaming the Brits?? narrow minded views of “the past” and stereotyping all British people would only make you as bad as the people you are complaining about. The old attitudes were forced out a long time ago.
I enjoy people who complain to me about me ..when they are done I always say ..”Thank You ” then they look at me funny and say “What “..Then I just laugh at them ..I say ..
‘If you are complaining about me then you are leaving other people alone to get on with their life’s in peace” ..Bob I am to old to care what people think of me now days ..I have things to do and places to go I don’t have time to complain .. My wife is very good at doing that so I let her tell me what she thinks about the world around us and I go from there, with a smile on my face ..
Wow Bob what a post.
I still can not complain about Phil’s but I am so complaining about here. In press Obama just told GM get your stuff together of I will not give you 6 billion more. Truth is they will give. I am so glad I sold house and just have to live with Open corruption.USA bailout hehe would have given every American $750,000.00 and not a dime to ceo’s. I think most would have spent to fix what is broke.
Sound like complaint?? Well yes, at least there You know they are working hard for rich. Here they try to hide It. And who really pays.
hehehe I am sure I will not complain and did phil n jess r tell you he sold his house too like me?? we will both be there about the same time.
I knew about the last paragraph, but did not realized Exclusive Gentlemen’s clubs existed till the 70′s? I thought that ended after the WWI or at the very latest WWII? That is very informative Chas. I did feel sorry for the Antique dealer. But I don’t think he was serious because he’s still here, and that was 8 years ago!
I knew about the 12 Tribes of Israel a bit. I’m not big on religion, though I do participate with the required Jewish festivals. But this thing about the lost tribes of Israel does get you thinking. The rest of the 12 Tribes are scattered around Europe. This guy I was talking about also said that the reason Jews have always been victimized throughout their history was that they kept breaking God’s covenant. Naughty people really. Apparently even their extermination by Hitler in WWII was part and parcel of that punishment.
Hi roy – It could certainly be a big convention!
Hi Jim – Good morning, I hope the sun is shining in Talakag as it is here in Davao! Your statement is so very true, and I will never understand the thinking of these people!
Hi chasdv – Yes, very true. These people complain about the Philippines when they are here, then when they go home to their country of origin they glorify the Philippines and complain about their home country!
Hi Rusty – Now, I never thought of that! I’m complaining about the complainers! Good catch.
That’s funny.
I have expat friends, and many of them are close friends. I have Filipino friends too, many of which are close friends as well. When I am with Filipino friends, I don’t hear complaining. When I am with expat friends, that is a frequent discussion.
One statement that I really agree with Rusty is when you said that if you say you like something, you are really going out on a limb. So true, unfortunately.
No Rusty, you’not exactly brimming w/ positive vibes. Just recently, you devoted your entire article to the deplorable state of fashion (the lack thereof) here in the Philippines. According to you, your sartorial taste can take a back seat now that you are in the Phil since there’s not much choice available for you.
mabuhay sir bob, people complain about the philippines yet they go back agian and again why?? you spend your money on a plane ticket you go there come back and complain the people asking for money family want you to buy food,beer,a loan buy me this buy me that,guess what americans do the samething here.yes i have friends that go there ( some are phil ) they complain my family all the time ask for money i dont want to go home any more i spend 2 week there they is enought i say why family lazy guess what so are a lot of american
Hi Andy – Civet coffee is not my coffee of choice. There are other coffees that I like much better, so I don’t drink the civet beans often. Usually I reserve that for when I am with a new friend and want to shock them a bit!
Hi John – Interesting observation about choosing where to live based on who else lives there. I had not really considered that.
Hi Phil – Me too! If I didn’t enjoy it here, I wouldn’t live here. That’s why I find these complainers so strange!
Hi Phil! Has anyone told you you’re brighter than Doris Day? Your attitude from day one seems to be this: Nothing but nothing can ruin my day. The wife is lucky!
Hi Dave – Would you say that this habit of complaining about the host country is fairly universal in every foreign country where you have resided? I mean, in places like Germany and such where it is a developed country it would seem that there would be less to complain about.
Hi Christine – One thing that is interesting and ties in with your comment is that when I meet Filipinos who used to live abroad and are now back in the Philippines, they are sometimes among the strongest complainers (about the Philippines).
Hi tonka – Good morning! Yes, it is funny how people who complain either live here, or they keep spending their money to come back time and again!
Hi Tyleen – You sure are right on that!
you are so right any day or night you get up walk,run,drive your car in any country you are bless. we all complain some time in life look at all the beauty around you take it in remember all. you are bless to be where you are
Hi Paul – Some people will do anything for friends!
I’ll be the devil’s advocate here Sir Bob. I personally believe Whingeing Pinoys hate their country because of its poverty and the lack of social services/infrastructures + the culture of “I’m more equal than you because I’m rich”). I think PI for what it’s got (i.e. tropical, high rain, beautiful beaches, idyllic lifestyle -depends where you are of course)is beautiful. But the poverty and how it impacted on its people is not. I’m also sure that some of the origins of these criticisms are from whingers having been the victims of Filipinos who are simply trying to survive.
Hi Bob & Christine,
That is why there’s this commercial about a balikbayan from hell punctuating every 3rd world reality in the Phil w/ the phrase ‘walang ganyan sa states’. I pray to God I will never be one when I get to go back there the first time.
Really Christine, yooy’ve met some pinoys who do that? I wonder what happened. Do they still go there on a vacation? I hope not.
Hi Christine – I’m not sure how it gets started, but it is an easy trap to fall into. I try my best to avoid it.
Hi roy – I haven’t seen that commercial, but I think I’ve seen a similar one.
Ahemm, yes Roy, they certainly do, complete with Balikbayan boxes on the way out, and another box full of Phil. souveniers on the way back! figure that out. I’m curious which ad you are talking about? Were they promoting something? I imagine that would have been a Phil. ad. I don’t subscribe to Filipino pay TV, so I’m unlikely to see it. I’m curious
Hate is such a strong word! There are many things I strongly dislike (maybe even close to hate) about the Philippines. Sanitation and public restroom is on the top of my list. Just because I may strongly dislike/hate certain aspects of the country, it does not mean I hate the Philippines.
Hi Danny – I think it’s different to sit down and talk about problems that you are experiencing. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that if you are looking for a solution to your problem. The people I am talking about just complain for the sake of complaining, and that I have a problem with!
Hi Danny – I’m with you all the way on that!
Hi Bruce – One of my big problems with the expat association that you speak of is that they do not allow Filipinos to enter their meetings. The decision is based on race only there is only one word for that – racist. I do not participate in the group, and will never participate in a group that is racist.
Everybody complains from time to time, I have no problem with that, and I don’t isolate myself from every complaint. I do remove myself from the situation when it involved people who complain almost all the time. I have not time for that, and don’t care to participate in it. There are plenty of people who are positive, and I prefer to associate with them. But, as I said, there is nobody who never complains.
Well,
I am happy for the few friends I have made here and am social but not a close companions to others.
You are a friend, but too busy to see often.
I’m not trying to defend or excuse the “Expat Support group” but if it’s an “Expat support group” doesn’t it make sense that they don’t invite Filipinos? Also, from what Bruce said the wives and gf’s have their own group.
From Wikipedia:
An expatriate (in abbreviated form, expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country and culture other than that of the person’s upbringing or legal residence. The word comes from the Latin ex (out of) and patria (country, fatherland).
Just my 2 centavos.
~August
Hi Bruce – I am glad that you have made friends in the group. I’ll just ask… how do you feel about the fact that your wife is not allowed to sit at the table with you because of the color of her skin? Not trying to be mean, but that is just the truth.
Hi brian – I agree. Also, if a man digs and uncovers trash, he is a wise man if he moves to a new digging place.
I abhor racism, so although I may like Japan, I would not like that one establishment.
Bob: I would never go anywhere that my wife is not allowed… In fact, I doubt I would keep my cool if I were informed as such and would likely tell them where they could stick their group!
It sort of makes me wonder why they married Filipinas if they do not even feel they are worthy to share a table or meal. If they don’t like Filipinos, then why not go home and sit with their “own kind”? Damn hypocrites.
Have you ever met a German?
(I should note my very good friend was born and raised in Germany.)
When I was in the military, I was stationed in Germany which was most certainly a developed country. There were still people who complained about it.
I wonder, though, if the people who complain the most about the Philippines are also the ones who moved there for a very short list of reasons.
Hi John – I fully agree with you. I wouldn’t even go near the place the way they disrespect Filipinos. As Bruce said, they don’t allow Filipinos because they would not want to insult Filipinos by saying things in front of them… so in other words, they insult Filipinos behind their back? That is cowardly, and racist.
Wow, this is not where I intended this article to go, but it’s a topic that needs to be discussed too. I have a feeling the conversation is going to get a little heated, if those who agree with the policy choose to participate.
Hi Tom – Nice to hear from you! My experience is that many of the people who complain so much came here for mostly monetary reasons – it’s cheap living. Also, many chase women a lot too.
what part of germany were you at i was in wildflecken very very small town it was growing alittle bit at a time i did cmplain a little of being there but i did grow to love it
Hi Miss August – Sorry, I just don’t agree. A bunch of guys get together to complain about Filipinos and the country – why even come here. For example.. look at my wife, Feyma. She lived in the States for 10 years before moving back here. Would she be allowed? She is in many ways an expat herself. Would she be allowed? She is an American Citizen. No, she is not allowed there because of the color of her skin. Who is a Filipino? Who is not? How about my kids, if they were adults would they be allowed? They are half Filipino, half American.
When you start excluding people based on skin color, there is a problem with that, in my opinion. Frankly, what they choose is up to them, just don’t count me in.
Hi Miss August – Just thought of one other thing I’d like to add… I am considering applying for Philippine Citizenship. If I did so, I would become a dual Citizen – US and Philippine. If I did that, I would legally be a Filipino. Do you think I’d be excluded from the meeting if I did so? I doubt it, because I argue that the exclusion is based on skin color not citizenship. If the policy was based on citizenship, Feyma would be allowed, because she is a US Citizen. She is not allowed there, though.
Much like the Victorian Gentlemen’s club in Victorian England? Of course back then they are strictly enforced. They would think it a sacrilige to let a woman in. I think I’ve even read somewhere it was considered bad luck to allow a woman into their club, not even the spouses of the Lords and HRHs.
No the Davao Area Expat Association (and yes I’m naming names) separates the wives from the men (and I use the term men because there are precious few in the group who truly earn the title of husband) for no other good reason than so the men can complain. Complain about their wives, complain about the Philippines etc etc. Funny thing is if you know a little bisaya and wander within earshot of the wives they’re mostly complaining about the men, funny eh?
Bob, I would stop short of calling the DAEA racisist, I am not sure the separation falls under that category or would be better called sexist. In that way the men can “talk about the important things while the women can gossip”. That seems to be the real attitude among the bad members of the group.
Good point Bob. Maybe the club has unwritten policy that only native english speakers are allowed?
IMHO, becoming a “Philippine citizen” will not make you a filipino. You are still an expat and “kano” in my eyes. Maybe you are a filipino at heart, but when other filipinos look at you, you will stll be a “kano”.
Your wife Fema, or any other Filipino who goes back to live in the Philippines after living abroad, is a “Repat” or repatriate.
I’ve lived in the US for 3 decades, and have been “americanized” more ways that I would like to admit. But when I retire in the Philippines, I wouldn’t consider myself an expat. It’s my home country and I will be returning to it, that makes me a “Repat”.
As far as the “Expat Support Group” I don’t know them and I don’t know if they are really racist or not.
I think I understand for having and wanting to be in a support group. Maybe they want to vent their frustrations about living in the Philippines without their wife being there. Maybe its more cultural frustrations than the color of the skin? I mean if they are really racist, why marry a filipina and live there?
Let me ask you this… if I start a “Repat Support Group” and members should only be Filipinos who lived abroad. Would we be consider “suplada” (stuck-up)? In my opinion, filipinos who hasn’t lived abroad wouldn’t understand the frustrations we would have about acclimating and integrating in our home country.
Hi roy – Actually, there are plenty of people in the organization who are not native English speakers. Plenty of Europeans who’s countries are not English first.
Bob: About 15 years ago, I worked in the Bahamas. In Nassau, at the country club, the American Men’s club brought in a speaker to talk about doing business there. The honorary chair was always the US Ambassador to the Bahamas. The club charter prohibited women. That made a real problem when Clinton appointed a female ambassador. She then headed a group in which she was not allowed to attend the meetings. They still refused to change the rules. I started attending to develop business contacts, but stopped going. First off, non-white Bahamians were rarely allowed…The direct British descendants were always welcomed. Second, this group seemed to largely stand around talking and trying to impress each other about how much money they all had. Finally, came the typical gripe sessions about how backwards the country was and how things should operate like in the States. Too much garbage being spewed, and, though I met a few people, mostly it was a waste of time.
The best (Most idiotic) line I ever heard there? “This is really a great country except for all these damn Bahamians here! Couldn’t they just live on another island?”
Hi Bob, my, this is certainly a hot topic!. I think if you ask everyone to donate Ph1 in order to comment on this, they would happily do so, just to put their 2 bob’s worth (no pun intended on that one Sir Bob).
Hi John – Your story sounds very familiar, just in a different place and at a different time.
Hi John, that is so funny–the “idiotic line”. That line is easily transposable. “This is a great country except for all these damn Filipinos! Couldn’t they just live on another island?”
Seriously, I like that story you shared. Their policy of male exclusivity brings to my mind the story of the writer of Out of a Africa. Being female, she was refused drinks in the club of british expats in what is now called Kenya. Obviously, it happened a long time ago.
Hi John, I worked and lived in Papua New Guinea a few years ago. The expats there were very critical of the natives too, whingeing how backward the country is. They also have an expats club, but they did accept any expats, including Asians. They even accept Papua New Guineans, but only if he is rich and/or influential, i.e. politician or rich businessman.
We had an English couple for a neighbour, both had strong colonial attitudes. One day I found the English wife yelling at my housemary (housemaid) for sitting in a rock near her garden. Once I got the maid home, she was upset and angry and told me that had I not arrived on the scene, she would have thrown the rock at the English wife. As far as my maid was concerned, the English wife had no right to yell at her (my maid) because it is her country, her rock, and the English couple were only visitors.
Wow that sounds so British to me John
Bob: I haven’t been to an expat meeting since… anywhere.
Miss August – I am sorry, whatever you may think, if you are a Philippine Citizen, then in the eyes of the law you are a Filipino. I don’t know what your citizenship is, but living in the USA, if you were to become (or did already) an American Citizen, you are an American. That’s how the law works.
Yes, I understand how a support group works, and I have no problem with that, but shouldn’t the wife of the expat also be able to support him? You say that maybe these guys don’t want to say things in front of their wives. What if the man and woman are white? They are both allowed to attend, why would that be?
For me, I think that such a group should include the man and his wife. She should also be able to attend, in my opinion. As I already said in this thread, if these guys don’t want Filipinos to attend, that is their choice (although I think it is illegal to do so), but I won’t attend. I am pretty sure they can live without me anyway, so it’s no skin off their nose, nor is it from mine.
If you were to start a “repat” support group, you are free to choose who attends, as these guys are. What I think about it is not really a concern for you, because I can also choose whether the group is for me or not.
Hi dans – Those are some nice benefits. I wouldn’t complain about those. I don’t know what these guys are complaining about, but it would seem that it is probably something other than these benefits.
Hi Dans, why do you think they are labelled as the “whingieng Poms” here in Autralia? They whine and whine, but they stay on.
Several years ago, I was in an antique shop. The owner and I just got talking, he was rather friendly. He was from the UK. Then he started whingeing, not so much about Australia, but about the area he was living in. I said why don’t you move? “Can’t, I’ve got my business here”. So why not move back to the UK? “Can’t, I’ve burned my bridges”.
So therein lies the reason why our whingeing expats stay on.
Hi John – I have been to a few expat meetings in Davao (a different organization), but I just find that I don’t have much interest. For the most part, I find that not much gets done. It’s more of a social thing, and my social schedule is already pretty full.
Bob: I was invited to join a group here in Manila, but as you stated, I just have little time or interest. My travel schedule even makes it worse. Back in the days in Nassau, I was young, new to business, and had few contacts or experience. Then it made sense… Now, I doubt it. I get far more out of talking to local leaders here in my military and business circles just in the normal course of business. Those people tend to be far more useful to know (from a business and just living here point of view) than most of the expats I have met. There is nothing wrong with attending a “support” group or sharing a beer with someone from a similar background… Not at all. And, it is possible to miss or be nostalgic for your homeland once in a while (It has happened to me). But, you move on… The Philippines is what it is. Everyone knows the problems and no Filipino wants some outsider’s solution on how to fix things, most of which are not broken to begin with. I just wonder about the logic behind the “us vs. them” mentality. It makes no sense to me.
Finally, in staying the “Filipino” course, it has made moving here far easier. It really helps in adjusting by staying away from the expat community (I have found). In fact, almost all of my expat contact is from this site… AND you tend to get mostly readers who WANT to be here.
Sorry for ranting on today… Your article touched a nerve in me.
Hi John – No need to apologize! I’ve enjoyed our discussion, and I think that you and I have similar outlooks to life here.
Hi David – I suspect that you are socially normal, but the group is socially challenged!
Hi dans – Yes, very true. Looking at the bright side just makes for a happier life. That’s my experience anyway.
Hi John in Austria – Ha ha… your story rings so true! I try to collect stories too – problem is that my memory is so terrible!
Hi Christine – Ha ha… there you go, you are a woman after my heart! A real businesslady!
Hi Daryl – I disagree with much of what you say, obviously. However, something you said toward the end of your comment summed it all up for me, and it is something we agree on 100%. You said “where you make your own decisions on how you live.” Exactly. I choose not to live with all the complaining that I hear from other expats. I choose to blow off (not ignore) the stuff I don’t care for. I choose to enjoy the things I like. You and I simply choose two different ways of life.
Good luck to you, Daryl.
The last half of my post is the life i,m moving towards, i,m glad to see the back of the first half! If I had remained there i knew it would cause me to miss out on the beauty of this country and the life it can offer. If i get to sit down with you and have a coffee one day I promise to be positive!
Hi brspiritus – OK, I am willing to accept that it may be sexist instead of racist. Let’s do a little litmus test to see. I know some white expat women who are married to Filipino men. In this case, then, if this couple went to the meeting, who would join the expats? The Filipino man, or the foreigner woman? Or, would that couple even be welcome at all? How about a gay couple of two men, one foreigner and one Filipino? Would both men be welcome to attend the meeting?
Bob, you’ve stirred the hornet’s nest, now you’re gonna throw the cat amongst the pigeons?
Hi Daryl – I’ve made that same journey myself. It’s worth the effort, don’t give up!
Hi Christine,
Weird. They hate but they still go there, pasalubong & all. The commercial was aired about 8 yrs ago I think. It’s about a balikbayan grandma saying “walang ganyan sa states” after each lubak, etc.
Yes, I think deep down the Filipinos who complain still has that strong attachment to the country. As I said, I think it is probably more the poverty that they say “I hate Philippines”. I think next time someone says that to me, I will ask him/her to elaborate what it is they hate about PI.
You lost me for awhile there with “Lubak”- but I got it.
You should of let her throw the rock ..
Hey Phil – I was kind of thinking the same thing!
Hi cris – I like your thinking!
Hi pifos – Maybe so that they will complain less when they surround themselves with family and friends. Funny thing is that I have not seen that happen yet. I hope you are right, though.
Hi stevo – I understand what you are feeling, I’ve been there. To be treated like family instead of a guest, in my experience the number one best thing you can do is to start to learn at least a bit of the language that your wife’s family speaks. When you do that, you will find a whole new level of being part of the family opens up for you.
Good luck to you. I think you have the right attitude that will help you adjust to life here.
Hi KanoDoug – Thanks for leaving a great comment. Your attitude is that of a person who can succeed in living here, and having a happy and successful life. Fitting into the culture as best you can is the path to a happy life here instead of a life of complaining.
Good luck to you.
Ive come across “the groups” in the UK at a building I was operating in within Birmingham in the UK. The security guards are mainly from Pakistani backgrounds, cleaners Jamaican,Students mainly Chinese (from China studying in Birmingham) and the maintenance guys were all white. Each group didnt mix which is something odd to see at lunch times although there was racism also in evidence within each group one of the older cleaner guys (I cant remember his name nearly 5year ago now) he hated the security guys and the security guys would give overtime only to theyre own over the two white security guys who worked there. I didnt have any issues with any of the groups and the maintenance guys found it odd that the security guys would ask me if I wanted any lunch from one of the restaurants when they went out to get their own..something the maintenance guys never had in over 6 years. Why? Because I dont regard race or colour as an issue it only becomes an issue if you let it. It also happens in the Philippines but it doesnt seem to be in the same way from what ive observed as some words I wont use because they are offensive to people of certain races and havent been used for decades in general conversations in the UK but are still used in the Philippines. I think its more to the fact the people saying the words dont see the issue in using such words. Im getting off topic..
Regarding your comment regarding them clocking in and clocking out just biding time I do exactly the same I am heading back to the UK to restock up on some cash and me and my wife just call it going to the office because I see it more as working than going back to the UK. Because thats all I do when I get there.. work and as soon as I have my budget I head back to Cebu.
Hi Eugene – Exactly my thoughts. Thank you for saying that.
Eugene – It’s all semantics… you can be a Filipino Citizen and not be a Filipino. By virtue of Bob’s race and physical appearance, Filipinos will not see him as a “Pinoy”. I’m not talking about the law here.
Hey Roy ..I don’t have time to complain , life is too fast ..just need to enjoy it ..
Hi Miss August – If I were filling out such a form, and I were a citizen of the Philippines, I would not hesitate to check off “Filipino” a single bit. Now, such a form, in my opinion would not mix nationality and race as your example did, though, because those are two different things.
Regarding your Philippine Expat Support group, I consider it different if you are hesitant to bring your husband there, compared to the group specifically banning your husband from attending. Especially if the reason for banning him is the color of his skin or his sex. That, in my opinion is simply not right.
As I have already said many times, I have no problem with the group existing. It is not something I’d have any interest in, though.
I agree with you, “hate” is such a strong word. But I guess it is easier to say “I hate” than say “I dislike”. Mind you, for people who might only have finished a high school education (if that)!- do you think they actually distinguish the meaning of “I hate..” as opposed to “I dislike..”? I think not.
Ha, ha, peace and love guys
Welcome to Bash the Brits Week,LOL.
Hi chasdv – We have a lot of Brits here on LiP. I wondered how long it would take for somebody to speak up! I’m not sure how or why the Brits came into the discussion, and really see no reason for it.
Yes, Chad, it’s all about you, Brits.
Hi Miss August – You might be interested in reading an article I wrote on this very subject about a year ago, “Once a foreigner, always a foreigner…“
sir bob,the #1 card to play is the skin color card iknow this for a fact.alot of places here in the usa use it and other countrys do to and it will always be so. me im black-white-indian but im still called the “n” word people at work will call you friend leave work they dont know you if with there friend and vise -versa alot clubs and restaurants will do the same.women are treated different when it comes down to a lot of stuff my wife and i are 50 50 my wife is phil my daughter is half phil/black we all are treated different in life and always WILL
Thanks for the link Bob. Very interesting article.
I wasn’t being derogatory when I say Filipinos will never see or look at you as a “Pinoy”. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing!
Hi tonka – I hear you, and I fully agree that race is often used in such ways. It’s a shame too.
Hi Christine – Not trying to stir anything, nor to throw the pigeons to the cat either.
Hi Miss August – I didn’t think you were trying to be derogatory or mean in what you said. I agree that most people would think the way you said. However, in fact, a person who is naturalized as a Philippine citizen is a Filipino. Anybody who would say he is not is simply ignorant (ignorant, BTW is not a derogatory term, it only means that they are uninformed).
If somebody told my wife that she was not American because of the way she looked, I’d chalk up that person to be quite ignorant, and probably racist.
Hi Palawan – I agree. Palawan is an eco tourism area. If there were big highways built there, then they would complain that the environment had been ruined by all the building and construction! An argument can be made on either side of any issue, and with each argument there are more complaints!
ehehehe…yeah…you are right I heard that when I had this 2 hour talk with these two french. they said they prefer palawan to be as it is..hahahaa…
Hi Palawan – See what I mean?
hi bob,
I remember from one forum, I had an argument with one of the member there, the issue was about is “a filipino an asian or a pacific islander”? he is insisting that filipinos are from pacific islander descent, the argument was long and somehow it went into an issue of “who is a filipino”?
the problem lies with the “Filipino” term itself, it is loosely used to identify the “Native People of the Philippines”, “Race of Filipino Descent” and “The Citizen of the philippines” in other words, the “Filipino” term has a multiple meaning.
There are many people who are very confused about the “filipino” term, it is confused with citizenship/nationality and race.
I seemed to understand what Miss August is trying to say, when she said and i quote her twice..
“It’s all semantics… you can be a Filipino Citizen and not be a Filipino.”
“MHO, becoming a “Philippine citizen” will not make you a filipino. You are still an expat and “kano” in my eyes. Maybe you are a filipino at heart, but when other filipinos look at you, you will stll be a “kano””
I think what she is trying to say is this, you can be a filipino citizen (by means of law) but you cannot be a filipino (by means of race or even culture).
With her example of a form asking a question
Are you?
Filipino
American
White/Caucasian/Anglo-Saxon
Foreigner (American/Australian/etc)
Asian (Filipino/Korean/Japanese/etc)
there is a flaw with the question, the first two is a question of “Citizenship” and the last three is a question of “Race”
why did I come up with this conclusion? well, the last three choices is more of a race particularly the 4th and the last one, i.e. it is a choice of the color of the skin.
the problem is, many government forms in the u.s. are very confusing and not accurate when asking certain question,
if the question is “What is your Race” then the answer would be Asian,
if the question is “What is your Citizensip” then the answer would be the current citizen of the person,
and if the question is “Are you a native of what country” then the answer would be philippines.
I hope i make sense with these.
Hi dans – Oh, I perfectly understand what Miss August is saying, I just don’t agree with it. I pretty much agree with you point by point.
I do not believe that there is a race called “Filipino.” Racially, most Filipinos are Malay, or as you also correctly say, Asian.
I stand by what I say… if a person is a Citizen of the Philippines, he is a Filipino. Let’s take it a step further, I’ve heard the term “Filipino Citizen” before… most certainly, a person of any race who is a citizen of the Philippines is a “Filipino Citizen,” don’t you agree?
Anyway, it is certainly a question of semantics. But, I don’t think that anybody can argue that a person who is a citizen of the Philippines is legally a Filipino. What people think is really of little concern, because under law it is a fact.
I totally agree with you bob, any person from any race WHO is a Filipino Citizen is a Filipino, look at the chinoy, they are asian from china and with Filipino Citizenship, they are a legit Filipino, it is just like the Fil-Am in the states they are all Americans.
Hi dans – Absolutely.
120 posts? and still going. That’s got to be a record Sir Bob. People obviously feel strongly about this issue.
I did not mean to start a “Brit bashing” forum. When I said that in Australia Brits whinge a lot, I meant it to illustrate that people do whinge wherever they are, and whatever their nationalities are. Just got sort of sidetracked. It’s just I happen to meet a few who were whingers. At the same time, I’ve met a lot who are quite happy to settle here, and declare they’d never look back. Mind you, I’ve never met a Brit who bagged England, unlike some Filipinos who loudly declare they hate the country that first nurtured them.
Hi Klaus – Yeah, it’s another good thread going here, no doubt. Thanks for your comment, Klaus.
Hi Christine – Nah, not a record, but getting to the upper end, though. It’s actually gotten where around once or twice per week we get threads going with 100+ comments.
Don’t worry about the things you said about the Brits in Australia. We Americans usually get the bashing! So, time to spread it around a bit!
Just kidding Chas!
Hi Christine – I just did some checking. Between February and March 2009, I wrote 7 articles that got over 100 comments. One got more than 160 comments… so, 125 or so… it’s kind of somewhat normal these days… During those two months there were plenty of articles with comments in the 80′s and 90′s too, probably 10 or more such articles. One thing I really enjoy is interacting with readers like this, it makes the site worthwhile for me.
Hi Roy,
Yes its all Britains fault,LOL
Hi mike – very true, every place has good points and bad, it’s a matter of finding the place that suits each individual best.
Hi Tropicalpenpals – Yeah, I fully agree with you. No place on earth is perfect, but something about the Philippines just sits right with me. We all complain some too, but I try to keep it to a minimum.
Im all for improvements.. no point complaining about the electronics being bad (which a lot are) unless you find a solution which in my case is import the equipment I need. Fire safety is something that worries me in my current area which is why im looking to buy a fire engine. Similar is being done by another Brit on the other side of Cebu for his sub-division nothing major but hopefully useful enough to take off bars to allow people to escape and hopefully contain the fires until the larger engines arrive. Its all fixing it if it bothers someone to much. Same with my visa the problem I have is the price has been different the last 4 times so when I arrive back later in the year will just go 13A its just less hassles. One thing I do think is the main cause of the complainers is bordem as they have little to do a lot of the time and a fixed budget, but its all down to networking and finding things to do.. for me the majority of things I do with my pinoy friends for one its cheaper and two they are in my age group.
Hi Tropicalpenpals – You see, for me, talking about what you are mentioning is not really complaining. Saying “there is a fire danger here, let’s pitch in and buy a fire engine for the subdivision” is more solving a problem, and that is positive, not negative. To sit around complaining about something, and complaining about the same things for the rest of your life is boring and also will ruin your life. I like your approach much better.
Dont mix British with English thats another topic..lol Im Scottish and will never be regarded as English in this lifetime. Regarding the colonies that is another major issue which has caused a lot of the worlds current problems especially in regions such as Africa where tribal genecide takes place and outside interference to stop it is then stopped because they blame it on “colonalism” where the reality is they just dont want people seeing what they are doing to theyre own people. The majority of the issues are past.. but they are often pulled to the front in defence of an arguement. I think a lot of the British Empire argument has out lived its usefulness as decades have past aswell as the fact people forget the things such as the developments of railroads and India for example all happened in this period of time.
Hi Christine,
You are correct,the British were at war with Spain and attacked the Spanish in Manila,the Spanish surrendered in 1762.The British only controlled parts of the Philippines and left in 1764 after the Paris Treaty.
regards Chas.
Agree with you totally.. Its all about adapting if someone isnt happy with something either change it or stop complaining about it. The world isnt perfect and if it was no doubt people would complain its too perfect!
Hi Tropicalpenpals – Ha ha… you sure are right on that!
Hi Phil – I must say that I mostly agree with you. I don’t care a lot about what other people say. However, there is one thing when they complain about you, and to you, then you do get a chance to evaluate what they are saying, and in turn decide if they have a valid point, and something you want to change. That’s my feeling.
Hi Chas, don’t feel bad. I’m friendly with a guy who’s into bible studies. He said that England is one of the 12 lost tribes of Israel. So is the USA. He pointed out that England has mostly been a prosperous country since the unification of the the Normans and the Saxons. And the US has been a world power for close to 100 years. Not sure if his history is accurate. You can correct me on that and I’ll pass it on. But apparently the 12 tribes of Israel are God’s chosen people hence God made them prosperous. The scary thing is, he also said that the world system (not the world itself)as we know it is going to end in 20012. He believes that this economic meltdown is one of the signs. Got me thinking that one, hence I’m following the news when I can.
Hi Christine,
Don’t worry i don’t take these things to seriously,every nation has
good and bad points.
Im not to informed on the 12 tribes of Israel so cannot comment.
You mentioned earlier about Victorian gentlemans clubs in UK that did not allow women in.These clubs existed up until the 1970s,and i think a few secretly exist today.It was also common place to have men only rooms in Pubs(bars),women were only allowed in lounge areas accompanied by husbands or bf’s.Women who entered unaccompanied by males were frowned upon and classed as loose women.This used to exist
in OZ also.
The term whinging Pom,comes from uk settlers during the 1950/60s who were given cheap assisted passage £10/USD15 to help with the labour shortages that existed in Oz at the time.They had to stay a minimum of 2yrs or pay there own costs to return to UK.Many did not like it there and could not afford their fare home,so they stuck it out for 2yrs by whinging everyday.
The POM part refers to Prisoner of mother England,as most of the earliest UK settles were convicted criminals shipped and exiled there to do cheap labour @100yrs ago.
regards Chas.
Hi Andy – Yea, the economy is really bad now, and probably getting worse. Sounds like you will be here soon!