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Hello Chris.
I have always considered the people from the North of England to be the salt of the earth.
Best
Jody
Paul;
May I tip using PayPal? I’m heading to the beer locker right now, as it’s past noon somewhere! And I had a double meat BMT Subway for breakfast. All the comforts!!! (10am)
Hi Martin,
An excellent checklist of dos and don’ts for keeping pilferage at a minimum. Great feedback from your readers as well.
We started our bar/restaurant with an ad-hoc business plan (one of those paper napkin deals over one too many drinks)and zero experience. So we can attest to a few scenarios that you and your readers mention above. We’ve learned our lessons the hard way and have paid dearly
Over the years, we’ve implemented most of the systems mentioned as gaping holes were discovered – often too late. . . but still better than never.
I would be interested to know if there is such a thing as an open- source restaurant POS system. I am a big fan of automation in terms of reports, metrics and tracking. This manual way of doing stuff is just way too painful (even just to watch). But an even bigger fan of “free”.
Hoping all is well everyone.
cheers,
Dennis
Hi
I read your part 1 and I couldn;t help but laugh!!! I CANNOT possibly imagine ANY young person today working 2 jobs!!!
In fact I damn near fell off my chair laughing at the thought.
Here in Vancouver and surrounding area 66% of homes have adult children sponging off their parents or as the adult children put it
“living at home to help out”
I think that any seniors having adult children living at home will say that “helping out” is the last thing their kids do.
I am so glad that you came from such a terrific down to earth family. They seemed to encourage your independence and enterprizing ways.
I am looking forward to parts 2 and 3.
thanks for the insight
Hi John – Thanks for fixing that! It works fine for me too!
Hi Macky – I’m with you! You can’t judge all Koreans based on interaction with a few!
Now, I am posting a reply to the comment that I just left! See, a different reply can be left with each comment, making it easy to see what each person is replying to in the comments! All you have to do if you want to reply to a comment is to click on the link that says “Reply to this comment” which is located at the bottom of each comment. If you prefer to leave a new comment that is not a reply to a comment, just go to the bottom of the page, and enter your comment as you always have!
Excellent changes Bob, I think its more interactive and certainly will make for a better blog, well done…excellent
Hi Rey – Personally, I think Jae is a respectful person. I have not seen a time when he acted like he thought he was better than anybody. I think his first comment here on this thread was more of a statement of what he has experienced. His experiences may be different from what others have experienced, and that is OK. All of us are different, and perceive things differently at times too.
Hi Tina – Is that what happened, you were posting a comment from another post? I could never figure out what you were talking about! Ha ha…. You figured out another way to confuse me, though…. you started spelling words like a teenager (kewl)! Ha ha…. no further comment on that one!
For now, no smiley faces, although you can still make them via using the keyboard, like this
Maybe I’ll try to add them back, if people really want them. I guess I started getting tired of too many smileys!
I apologize, Rey. You did say “most” Koreans. My mistake.
Thanks, Pete!
Bob / Pete
This is my only blog (tried others but they seem a bit boring compared with this one) i like the new format it looks good
congratulations and keep up the good work
Hello Bob! Hello everyone – i agree – this is more interactive! Mabrook Bob!
Hi Tina – Well, I didn’t want to admit it, but I don’t know how to add the smileys! I did the thing for the threading of the comments (by simply adding two plugins to Wordpress), but I don’t know how to add the smileys back. On Monday, when my employee who writes code is back again, I can probably get him to add the smileys back to this new system too…… if you are a good girl, I will add the smileys back, and I also won’t tell Ken about your bad behavior!
Hi Bruce – I’m glad you like it! I think it will make for a better community type feel for the site!
Hi rick – I’m glad that you like the new format! Look for more and bigger changes coming soon!
Jack,
You lost me in this conversation. Or it could just be me but I don’t understand why the “suicides would increase.” Care to explain?
I like the changes, Bob. Thank you. Yes, indeed, better community interaction should come from this.
No problem Bob.
This thread thing is indeed a nice feature you introduced here.
Bob,
Ha ha ha ha ha……Now I’ve got it !
Hmmm……ok, it’s good, I’m sorry I was so dumb before.
Bye
Ian
Hi Angie
The “suicides” I have in italics because its a common known fact here and other parts of the M.E. that a lot of domestic helpers etc jump off the balconies of their locked rooms in their desperate bid to escape employers who abuse them in different ways. A lot of those women / girls die in this attempted escape bid so it’s easy to close the case when its called suicide or when they are actually thrown off by their employers its also “suicide” if there are no witnesses. This may sound ridiculous to someone who has never worked here but I’m sure if other readers have worked here they would back me up. Now can you imagine putting more girls in this position when they are used to total freedom all their lives. This is why I say the number would increase. Of course I cannot back any of this up by fact, it’s just a known and accepted fact. Check out any M.E. newspaper on line and see how many suicides you will find. Sorry for the long winded reply Angie but it makes me sick.
Well Mr. Jae or Mr. IPPL, please look on your first comments before accusing me of something. I’m already cooling down but you want to drag this on… and I don’t get what you mean “worst victim of bigotry”. Please clarify if what you mean we are at the receiving end and you’ve just confirmed it i’ll be your victim too?
Jae,
I’ve always felt that IPPL and Jae were the same person. Matter of fact I almost asked you if IPPL is just Jae’s alter ego. But then I held off asking as I did not want to be accused of being overly paranoid.
But I could tell — just the flow of IPPL’s thoughts and the manner in which they were expressed. The syntax was so eerily Jae’s! So I started thinking, hmmm, this is Jae. Now you just confirmed it and my curiosity is laid to rest… w/o my asking! Neat!
Hi all, and Jae / IPPL,
Hmm, we all get tarred with the ” bigot ” brush, from time to time dont we?
I dont think anyone here is a bigot. We are all multi national, both in our private, and social lives. If we dont like something we see, or hear, surely we should be able to say so, especially on here. England is a multi national country, and yet, there are problems, even here, with various minority groups, the USA is the same, but it shouldnt stop anyone who has seen/heard something from bringing it to our attention.
By the way, have you heard about the ” six minor differences, in DNA “, apparently, we are ALL the same, the only difference between us, are things like,…hair colour, eye colour, height, build etc. The rest, is is just down to where and how you were brought up, education, experience etc
Just thought I would throw that in.
Bye
Ian
Bye
Ian
Well, I don’t see guns in Korean telenovelas. But I see way too many guns in Philppine prime time TV. The murder rate in Korea is near zero. Viritually none by gun. I think you know better than me about Philippines and guns.
Slapping domestic help by Filipino masters? Well, I see way too many of them. I just can’t help thinking, if it’s not true, why is it so prevalent in Phil TV? Surely GMA/ABSCBN are not trying to portray Filipinos are evil people?
Oh my there you go again…
So you really think this only happens to non filipinos? Did I make something out of it when I took my annual leave and got stranded for a night in Manila too?
Yes it’s quite true most of those serving in the government are corrupt but please don’t tell me you’re country is so clean too.
Hi Jae – Yeah, you might have missed, I made a comment about this a few days ago (don’t remember exactly where, but somewhere on the blog) that this was an intentional ploy to make more people stay overnight and spend money in Manila. Tsk tsk!
I never said people who are victimized are foreigners only. Gov’t all over the world have their own problems. But I don’t think we were talking about the gov’t of Canada, were we?
I never said Korea gov’t is clean. Korean gov’t is very corrupt also. They are just more polished and professsional about how they go do their corrupt thingy.
Rey, you are putting words in my mouth/posts. Remember, you were the one who accused me. I am just trying to react to your accusations.
Ok here are some links for you to read
hhhmmm… wonder why it did not appear? anyway just copy and paste
http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/pubs/pubspr/0662653343/200011_0662653343_e.pdf
http://www.newsgroups-index.com/group/alt_-religion_-unification_l291.html
You’re indeed thick! So that’s where you’re basing your impressions towards filipinos, ABS-CBN????
Wonder about the “You may use
Hi Paul – keep playing around with it, and you’ll get the hang! Of course, you can always just move to the bottom of the page and comment in the traditional manner too.
Hi Paul
He he he he….I have moved on to the bronze age now……..
Cant wait for the iron age.
Bye
Ian
Well you could say it is you putting your foot in your mouth.
Now I realize that I have been wasting my breath. Better not to waste time and energy with narra ulos. Have fun, Rey
And you want the Japanese to apologize? I never heard one from you either…and I don’t mean it to me.
Jae,
You forgot a spinoff business to this OFW phenomenon. How about the recruitment agencies or consultancy firms purportedly helping with visas to a foreign country? Aren’t they not thriving also? I think some might even be taking advantage of poor folks who don’t know any better. For instance, charging a hefty fee to give desperate visa seekers “inside information” that is otherwise freely available on the internet…
I know because I have been solicited to help with such fees! Get this, P50,000.oo to get someone started “on the process.” So I said, “dump this ‘consultant.’ ” Why pay for information that is there and freely available on that country’s website? It’s a ripoff!
While I don’t mind people asking to be paid for their labor (which is just fair), I find it abominable that they are mercilessly exploiting others — and these are people who are already mortgaging their family’s future. On the other hand, I understand many of our kababayans still don’t enjoy the luxury of having internet access from their homes 24×7, no wonder they fall prey to sweet talks from supposed-to-be experts/consultants.
And another thing, Jae, so expats don’t mean a thing in the Philippines, huh? I find that hard to believe that the Philippines is indifferent to them. That’s a segment that it should care about because many baby boomers are looking for possible host retirement countries outside of the US & Europe. For instance, Costa Rica is another country that’s actively vying for “baby boomer” business. Real estate investment in Costa Rica seems to be booming, based on my readings on the subject.
Off my soapbox.
Well if the kind of expats who are here are like Bob and the rest, I don’t think they will be taken for granted by the filipino people. I did not say by the Government as they treat the citizenry shit as well. Those who are in the top echelon doesn’t or wouldn’t budge unless it benefits him/her. I’m just glad that in Davao City it is a different story in the local government. I don’t think expats will be treated differently there by our local officials, in fact I’ve heard where a foreigner was being treated badly there, it is the Mayor himself who deals with it and I can say I’ve witnessed one where a scion from moneyed family in Davao was made to kneel and his bodyguards disarmed by the Mayor himself due to his boorish behavior in an affair hosted by a neighboring country. I’ve also heard from the news where the Mayor also castigated and made a certain asian be deported for hitting his own son with a golf club! I think you know where this asian came from…try searching Sunstar Davao if you need another documentation or you could request ABS-CBN from their news archive.
My attempts to ask about the “stuff” below the comment box. Without the instruction book, I’m slow to play! (Told you observation slows down play time!
)
Maybe getting cut off because I type in a few characters after and including the “
I am very familiar with costa rica, as I have travelled/considered it closely for settling down. Costa rica has a very very small population. No way they will have OFWs. The tourists/expats, therefore are very important to them.
Costa Rica is indeed a beautiful country. It’s become a favored vacation choice for some family members. A relative has also started investing there, in real estate. He said so far, so good.
Personally, if I ever decide to venture out of the US in retirement, my logical choice would be the Philippines. It’s my country, after all, and I don’t have to start my education from scratch. However I have not given permanent retirement a serious thought yet. As I’ve previously stated I enjoy mini-retirements.
I can say I’m a permanent “tourist” in life, exploring the highways, the bi-ways, the nooks and crannies… Oh what joy and how grateful I truly am for all these opportunities.
Thank you for your thoughts, Jae. You always provoke me into thinking more…
Ooh, Costa Rica. Heard many good things about the country.
Thanks for tip. Marking it in my growing (and ambitious) list of places to visit. You guys have put me deeper in debt for this.
It was you who started it…please re-read you previous comments again…I have a very nice Korean friend here in Dubai in fact, he put up his business here along with his family, and all those I’ve meet here (Koreans) are actually nice people. So don’t tell me i’m fixated on making Koreans look bad…I just did what you want me to do.
And to think that you base your observations on watching telenovelas and soap operas made by our TV network, speaks highly of you or whatever…
What I did was merely pointing out or telling my experience as what you did in telling your experience from the filipinos also…or was it from the telenovelas or tv soap that you take it from?
Where I am now there is a hodgepodge of culture that I interact to on a daily basis. It seems I’ve interacted with almost all kinds of nationality here, rich and poor if you mind. I’ve a British room mate, Indian neighbours, pakistani, africans from A to S, all kinds of Arabs, East and West Europeans and all other westerners and fellow asians and fellow malays as well. Still we try to get along inspite of all our differences. I do encounter some racist attitude but I always put them in their place. Sadly, aside from a few white South Africans who seems to still have some hangover in the apartheid era, I’ve meet discriminatory behavior only from a fellow asian, he is an Indian. But then, I think it could be their culture since they discriminate their own countrymen too with their caste system. Ok, I digress…
Now, if you please, since you have a filipina wife and is living somewhere in Negros and would want to assimilate or stay in the country, try to be or understand who we are and stop insulting the race of your wife.
Thank you, Jack. Now I understand how the “suicides” got into the conversation. Yes, I heard of many who venture out of our country and who work as domestic helpers and who end up as victims of heinous crimes at the hands of their employers.
A Philippine non-profit org previously sent me a videotape of women trafficking. It was graphic & horrid. Unfortunately I showed the tapes to others who were interested in the story, someone borrowed it and I lost the tape in the process. I also since lost touch with that woman activist.
I think the intent of that grassroots organization was to make others aware of an underground business that was starting to proliferate. It appears the women were being offered as a “side attraction” to tourist packages. Another tourism woe. What a shame!
Jeff,
I was sure that you lived and worked by the spirit of the Hippocratic Oath – and I wanted all who happened onto this thread to know that. Without causing a fuss, I commented with a wink to draw you into stating it precisely – which you did.
The following is said with the best of intentions and is not intended to be a flame of any kind:
Regarding the phrase “you Americans” – please take care when selecting phrases and cliches. I don’t enjoy being painted with a broad brush in the same way a pinoy/pinay wouldn’t enjoy it. (btw, I’m not a newcomer to the Philippine scene.) Having met and interacted with the good and the evil, the ethical and the corrupt, the rich and the poor, etc., in the Philippines and around the world, I’ve learned that the world is made up of individuals, not groups or stereotypes.
If in your past, you have had experiences with, or have heard of, a kano who was arrogant or treated you or others poorly, please associate that behavior with that one kano. Many of “us kanos” try our hardest to treat others as we would want them to treat us, and willingly give our respect and friendship freely. We don’t enjoy those bad apples among us, and work doubly hard to undo the impressions those bad apples leave on others.
I’m sure you know all of this, and that you had no intentions behind the “you Americans” phrase.
Hi Rey/Jae – I don’t think this is the kind of respons that Bob wanted with his new foremat you guys arguing on this forum.
If you wish to continue this debate please do it in private as it’s obvious your hogging the comment board and thats not fair to other readers.
I hope I don’t seem rude as it is not my intention.
Rey – This argument between you and Jae has gone far enough. Please refrain from further arguing on the board. Personally, I don’t see what you have against Jae, when I read his comments I have not found them to be condescending toward Filipinos. As a matter of fact, I always thought that Jae was so different than the typical stereotype that Koreans get in the Philippines.
Rey and Jae,
Come on guys or Gals, whatever,
Its time to put the handbags away now, I think.
I think you both need to cool off for a little while.
Angie,
Sorry if I got you (and Bob) a little confused here. I was responding to a comment that Jae made on another post “….How Socially Integrated Are You?” I was reading thru comments on different posts and I guess I lost track of where Jae had made the comment I was responding to. Jae understood what I meant because we were online at the same time. Since you came on much later, that’s what caused all the confusion. I think you eventually caught on because I saw you made a comment on the other post also.
See, I was rushing to work and tried to get everything in before logging off. Oh well… This new format that Bob has will, hopefully, prevent this from happening again. Well, I won’t guarantee that ’cause I tend to be all over the place posting comments!
Angie,
I do not know if you saw it on the blog about foods, but I put Elenas receipe for Mango Float. I only do not know quanities.
I hope you enjoy if you try it.
Hi Angie – Thanks for your stamp of approval! It’s good that most of the “regulars” seem to like it!
Yeah, i dont meant it that way. I also have problem sometimes communicating or have some language barrier problem but im learning from time to time. When I first move to Hawaii, I am so afraid to answer the phone coz I am scared to say the wrong english word. My stepdad used to get mad at me coz I dont even get the name and number of the person calling. I guess I was a little stupid that time.
The point in this topic for me I guess not to judge a person or certain culturejust because of a bad incident. We all know that theres always up and down in anyones life. We just have to go with the flow sometimes to make our life easier.
Like I said, Tom – more changes are coming! I am still in negotiations with San Miguel. I want to be the first to distribute their products through wireless technology, but they are being hard nosed about it!
Hi Resty – If you are a former Philippine Citizen, I think that the easiest thing for you to do would be to apply for dual citizenship! A few years ago the Philippines passed a law that people like you who are former citizens who have already been naturalized abroad can now file a form to re-gain your Philippine Citizenship, while still keeping your US Citizenship as well! You can apply at any Philippine Embassy or Consulate that you are near to. Good luck!
Hi Bob, We will wait until shes a citizen to put our plans into place We are fortunate that five (5) years is not required. Marlou only has to be here three (3) years of which she already has a few months in the bank on that issue. I do have a question for you regarding passports and citizenship. You mentioned your son was very young when you moved there-is he a U.S. Citizen as is his right or is he dual as is also his right Thats something I am trying to learn with Marlou being pregnant. Ron
Hi Anton – I have been to Iligan many times myself, and I really like the place! I am like you though, I like to travel and see more of the Philippines too. There are so many interesting places to visit in the Philippines!
Good luck with your retirement!
Hi Anton – Wow! You have a real tale there! In many aspects, the banking system here is very antiquated, no doubt. I do see progress being made, though. I am particularly fond of banking at BPI. At their ATM machines you can get P20k per transaction, which I believe is the highest in the Philippines.
Hi Angie – I still love your idea of “mini retirements” it sets you apart as an individual! And now, a “permanent tourist” you have come up with another unique perspective!
Hi Anton – So much of the world is moving to e-mail as a primary method of communication, especially for things like booking of accommodations and such, the Philippines really has to jump on board and improve their timeliness and use of e-mail and modern communications if they want to compete in the tourism market!
Hi Jae – You have been a long time contributor here, and your contributions have been fair and balanced. You are right, sometimes it’s best to just ignore and save your energy. I appreciate that attitude.
Hi Jae – I have suggested several times to the blog readers that we set up a forum here, but in each instance my suggestion was roundly rejected. For now, my plans for the site don’t include that. Maybe later, though.
I know what you mean, Jeff. I had to move to different countries/cultures about every three years while I was in the Navy. Each locale was different with its own, new challenges. Each one was tough, but do-able. (You know what I mean!)
Your stepdad probably wasn’t mad at you – he may have been a little frustrated with himself not being able to help you become more familiar with your new surroundings. All fathers feel that frustration from time to time (me included) and we’re not that well prepared to hide it.
We lived in Ewa Beach and still have plenty of family in Waipahu, Kalihi and Kahuku (and plenty on other islands, too). I was fortunate enough to be considered kama`aina by the locals, and of course, would be jokingly referred to as a haole from time to time.
The kanaka maoli (Hawaiians) looked at all foreigners as haoles, but assigned other nicknames to different groups as well. In the end, haole ended up referring to white foreigners. A Filipino who came to the islands to work the cane or pineapple fields as sakadas were often called buk-buks. So, me being haole and my wife being buk-buk, my hapa-haole sons were often referred to as buk-les!
I totally agree with your thoughts: we all need to give the other guy or gal an even break, and sometimes things are beyond our control and we just need to go with the flow (and “hang loose”!)
hahaha! thats funny… I used to work at a farm before. Some of my co workers are hawaiians and would say a word that I dont understand like buk-buk. But i am becoming more local now. I think Hawaiians are still lucky because Ive heard that they can rent a land for just a dollar a month or get good education benefits.
Hawaii has really changed lately. Its getting crowded now and very expensive to live. I cant wait to move back to Davao.
Hi Kevin K. – I believe that your original comment went into moderation (not sure why, maybe something written there triggered it), so it was held for my approval. That’s why it did not show up right away.
Hi Kevin K. – putting links in your comment often make it go for moderation, because the software then suspects that it might be spam.
Thanks, Rey. I’m glad that you like the new commenting system.
Hi Cheryll Ann – Thanks for your input on this topic! You have some really good info there, and your assistance is invaluable to those who want to travel with their pets!
Hi Ron – Congratulations on the pregnancy! Great news! For the citizenship thing, it will probably take 4 years once everything is done. Unfortunately, the system is slow, and it takes a while to complete everything.
No papers or anything have ever been filed on behalf of my kids regarding citizenship. By being born in the States, they are all US Citizens. If we want, we can apply for dual citizenship for them at any time between now and 18 years old. Actually, when Feyma obtains her dual citizenship, it automatically applies to the kids too, so no papers ever must be done for the kids.
Hi Bob,
Too late, I have got he franchise for San Miguel,…….of course, you can buy it, if you like. Hahahahaha
Bye
Ian
Hi Kevin, I really appreciate your letting me know that these Cebuano lesson posts are helpful to you! You give me a good reason to keep doing this! I am so happy that it is really helpful!
I will go look at the Spanish site and get back to you. The idea sounds very interesting!
Okay, I just went and looked at the site you mentioned for learning Spanish, and I think it is a really great way to learn Spanish! Before learning Cebuano, I used to speak Spanish, and this would be a great tool. Spanish has a simple grammar, with a few irregularities that can be avoided by the beginner (I always worked at avoiding them and did quite well).
As for Cebuano, some aspects of this method could work, such as the substitution exercises, and using clever ways to remember what words mean in English. Cebuano is even more of a ‘tool box’ language than Spanish is. By this I mean that with one little root word, you can add different affixes and or suffixes and even some ‘in’ fixes to get different meanings, everything from nouns, verbs, describing words, places or states of being from one small root! This sort of method would be helpful in rememebring how to make new words from the few, basic words you know.
But, I think that just learning a few basic words will not actually work for good speaking ability in Cebuano because the grammar is complicated, and so much meaning is tied to the grammar itself, not just to basic words.
In Cebuano, the sentence patterns used are not simple. How you arrange the words in a sentence, what markers you use, as well as what you do to the verb roots and pronouns, change based on some pretty subtle and sometimes unexplainable reasons related to ‘focus.’ Even today I learned from Jul and Sam that ‘giligsan’ implies that someone or something was run over intentionally, whereas ‘naligsan’ implies that it was an accident. A big difference if you were giving a report to the police about an accident you saw!
I am not an expert, but I can speak Cebuano pretty well and have been taught the grammar, which is so important, in a way that I understand it. I am also pretty good at explaining things I understand. It is not exactly the blind leading the blind, but more like, ‘the lady with big thick glasses leading the blind!’
Rey,
I admire your candor and being man enough to correct yourself in your reply to me. It is difficult to do that on the internet where anonymity is a convenient wall to hide from. Thank you.
Allow me to be frank here. I myself do not know Jae. I only read his comments in this blog. Interestingly, we had a minor disagreement in a post a few weeks back. It stemmed from a healthy debate and learned from it (like we all should).
I agree with Bob that I find him quite intelligent and well-intentioned. He is not the “ugly korean” that you so want to target. He may have views that you disagree with, but believe me, he is not the only one. Trust me on that.
This is getting quite ugly, Rey. As a Filipino, I do think that you have made statements that is quite harsh and unfair. It seems that it may have been unintentional but when you start throwing out additional dirt like “wives of Moonies”, your argument becomes quite shallow.
It holds the same weight as “wives of the Rizalistas” (apologies to any Rizalistas, just making a point).
Oh, and we don’t need to watch ABS-CBN to know that there are some unpleasant issues within our culture. That’s easy to see.
If a Korean (or anybody for that matter) really wanted to research more stories about the ugly stories done by Pinoys just to peg them as bad people, it would be soooo easy to do.
But why do that? What is your agenda other than going after Jae? You already said that these stories does not mean ALL Koreans.
It now seems your just throwing dirt at Koreans and hoping something sticks to get an edge on Jae. Let’s not do that. I see how Jae got upset because you have targetted his culture. I would too.
Jim is right. Let’s keep this civil, kababayan. we are just visitors in this blog and the discussion is vearing away from the blog’s main purpose.
Thanks, Jul, your comment has helped ME understand the finer points of how this language works! As to publication, we will see! It might make a helpful Ebook at some point.
Thanks for your encouragement, Bob, I’m glad this helps!
Thank you, Samuel, for your helpful comments! I am learning from this too! Both you and Jul have explained the difference very well!
Yes, I am living in Cagayan de Oro, and spent most of my time learning Cebuano in Gingoog City, after formal study in Butuan.
Nice response, Cheryll Ann. Thank you for that!
Guess what? I did see an automatic dishwasher for sale here once, but indeed it is very rare!
Macky – Thanks for jumping in and saying this, I appreciate it. I don’t want to jump all over Rey, because I also think that in the end he is a nice guy, but maybe has some problems with Koreans that his channeling toward Jae. Another Filipino, like you, can better address it with Rey. I hope that Rey also understands that I am not against him, I just want to have a place where we can all get along, compare ideas, and help each other!
Thanks again, Macky!
Hi Ian – Thanks for your comment! I think a number of people missed this post, because it really drew only a couple of comments. I am very happy that it was meaningful for Myrna! That makes my day.
Hi Pete,
I do hope that Im not too late with this reply? For some reason, I have missed looking at your post….heheh
We have thought about this, long and hard, and decided against doing the semi retirement thing. It seems that if you have say £100,000 ( approx 9,000,000 pesos,or $200,000), you can have a pleasant life there, in the Philippines.
We would like to put say £50,000 in a bank here, with as high an interest as possible, and put the rest into time deposits with various banks there.
Some banks, in the Phils are offering 9% + interest, and we have heard of 20%, and this should be enough to give us a nice income, while the money we will leave here, in England, will earn a little extra income for us, just in case.
We have not included anything else, in our calculations, such as, pensions etc.
It might be worth looking into, for you, to help make your decision.
Bye
Ian
Oops. Sorry Bob. I forgot to follow the thread reply system. My fault.
Hi Macky,
You have it wrong, WE drive on the right side of the road, which is the left side. Unlike the Phils, where they drive on the wrong side, which is the right side. yep, I think ive got it right….or is it left? hehehehe
If you dont like the rain, there is no point coming here, when it rains here, it rains for days and days. Good weather for ducks though….hehehe
Hello Macky, thank you for your interest in the things Ian and I were talking about, I am happy you visited our country, you may have noticed that for all the good things about our country, there are things under the surface that we constantly moan about.
Thats normal I guess, we tend to see all the things that foreign nationals do not see when they come for tourism purposes, that is of course normal in all countries, car jacking and car damage is a big problem over here for us, Ian will support me on this no doubt.
The United Kingdom can be the most accomodating country in the world when it comes to our open door policy on tourism, immigration and hospitality, although it will never match the hospitality of the Filipino, that is something we will never be able to match.
But like all countries it has its fair share of crime and disorder, suprisingly if you see the figures Macky, you will find that the UK has the most amazing Policing by consent system of any major western democracy.
Policing by consent is a must in our country where police numbers are very low, and of course our country is the only one where our Police officers are not armed.
Yes its true, they still go on patrol with nothing but a can of mace spray, and a batton.
There are of course special patrol group officers with weapons in their car, but they are rarerly called to an incident, our government relies also very much on Police Community Support Officers, who are basically what we would term, Plastic Police officers, they have no powers of arrest, but provide a visible prescence on our streets to help with the reporting of crime etc.
Policing by consent works where the majority of the population are law abiding, the police rely on the honest and good character of the m ajority of our citizens, although we talk about so much crime here in UK, the system actually works, we know this because most offences are caused by repeat offenders.
So we might let off some steam Ian and I when we look inwards, but going back to the Philippines can sometimes be a breath of fresh air for us…
Thanks for coming in Macky.
No worries – you are always free to post comments in the old way!
Hi Bill:
Savor the beauty of this island and enjoy the Mindanaoan hospitality. For sure you’ll be in good hands! Welcome and congrats!
OK, Guys – by popular demand, I have brought back the emoticons! I didn’t really know how to do it myself, and was waiting for my php coder to be back on Monday, but enough were asking that I figured it out on my own! You guys are really stretching my programming skills to their limit, though!
Hi brian – Not very smart! Short term wealth for long term problems, for sure! A lot of people do this kind of thing, and then things seem to not work out for them. I wonder why?
Pete, you`ve given quite abit of food for thought. More like a ten course meal and it`s rather all hard to digest. I wish it weren`t so.
Ive been planning on retiring to the Philippines for sometime now. I`ve gotten married and have two great daughters by my Filapina wife. My children are still young yet and wonder how safe it would be to raise them in the Philippines..sending them to school and all if I should take an early retirement.
Do you have any suggestions as to which cities might be the safest in the Philippines?
Hi Ian – Good thinking on your plan, Ian. Too many troubles to deal with if you do it the wrong way!
Ian, While archery may seem passe in a madern world it helps to train in discipline, control and form. I started out with archery way before I ever held a gun.
Hi Angie – good way to look at it!
Hello Ian,
Sorry to hear about your car, looks like you and I have the same issues, I suppose the other problem with our infrstructure here is that car park spaces are somewhat smaller than spaces in the U.S.A. and amazingly, in the Philippines it seems so easy to get a car park space without having to look when you open the door.
I marvel at the fantastic car parking available at the large SM stores, what I also find amazing and delightfully so is the fact you can pull up just about anywhere apart from a small number of places where the traffic enforcers are, and just plonk your car down a side street, no one seems to mind, no one really cares, if there is something I love about the Philippines, that would be it.
Have you noticed how sometimes in downtown areas, young men come out to guide you into your parking spot, for a few pesos, they will give you silent directions into a spot they are monitoring, now thats what I call service, yes Ian like you, I am savouring the day that I can finally say goodbye to these islands, and go to those islands, for all the downright incomprehensible way of life sometimes in the Philippines, I still want to make my life there, there must be something that draws me hahaha dont you think.
Hello Scott,
Thank you for joining the discussion about personal security, I am sure Bob will back me up on this, since he would be a good person to comment on your post, he has raised his family in the Philippines and I am quite sure his children attend school in the Philippines.
Actually Scott, my wife and I do not have at present children, I have had children, in another marriage, they have since grown into adults now.
But if my wife and I had a child, I would rather that child be raised and schooled in the Philippines, for one thing, if you have the money to school your daughers in a good school/college/university, I am sure they will recieve an excellent education.
As Bob has alluded to in the past, many people who leave for Philippines always seem to end up in the city that their wife originally came from, and by the way, I have done the same thing, or at least built a house in the city that my wife comes from.
Thats not a problem in itself, although there may be relationship issues with your wife’s family, that may come into play when you settle, but thats for another topic.
As for my recommendation of cities, well actually I could not recommend any paticular city, because in doing so, I have no idea where you are thinking of settling, Interestingly and Bob will love this since he lives there, Asiaweek Magazine has voted Davao City Mindanao as the Philippines most livable and safe city.
The city is said to be extremely safe, and foreign investment is flooding in, perhaps Bob can add something about it when he sees this thread.
I doubt whether you will move to a city just on its crime figures and quality of life stats, I would have thought you will move to one because your wife has links, thats common, its really hard to make a recommendation on one paticular place, its the old story, you have to try it and see how it goes.
Hey Ian good to hear from you again, you mentioned about saving £100,000, thats around ( 9 Million pesos at current exchange rates), its interesting you came up with this figure.
My wife and I often sit down and talk for hours about this very subject, as you probably know at present, we have spent just about every penny we ever had on the house, and sometimes I am mindful about the cautions I have received that we should have rented first.
With all of those cautions in mind, I chose not to do that, i have very good reasons for doing it, yes I have bucked the trend, but my research into the real estate situation in the Philippines led me to do it now whilst I CAN !!
The figure we came up was also putting a £100,000 to time deposit savings, in actual fact, if you do the maths on it, 9 million pesos, should yield an interest of about 800,000 pesos per annum less any government taxation on interest, which is something perhaps we could both check out.
You may have noticed that savers rates seem to be better in the Philippines, but then again mortgage rates are also higher to pay for it.
I have also heard of 20 per cent interest being offered in the Philippines, however, may I caution you, as you would me, that those banks offering 20 per cent are often the less stable banks, and more prone to risk of going bust.
But on those calculations give or take some adjustments, in exchange rates, taxation and so forth, there is no reason why you cannot generate yourself a nice little income from savings, when I speak to Filipinos about it, they are quick to say, put it into business that generate cash quickly, i.e. constant cash turn around, this is always more risk, since your capital needs to be used up to acquire something that will generate cash for you.
If we both have a savings eventually of around £100,000, I would stick that straight on long term time deposit, i.e. 1 year revolving and I am sure you could generate an income of around 80,000 pesos, even if it generated only 60,000 or 50,000 who cares, thats more than enough to enjoy a reasobable standard of living, all one has to do is save enough to have the capital in the first place to put in savings.
A good subject Ian, one that we should discuss more in the future, I did meet a Brit who has his house in the same city as mine, he works on a budget of about P1500.00 per day.
And has a Maid and a driver, not bad is it.
Hi Bill – I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I’ll be happy to meet you whenever the time is right for both of us!
I am not familiar with the service, so could not make a recommendation. One of these days, when I have a need for the service, perhaps I’ll check them out. Thanks for the tip, Mark.
Sorry Bob, yeah I was way out of line here. Could be I was merely affected by the heat here.
My sincere apology to all people here.
Peace Jae!
Hi Jim – Interesting idea! Maybe I could even add a poll where people could register where they are from! Thanks for the idea, Jim.
Hi Jim – Yes, we are really in agreement on this, as usual! You don’t want to go into hiding every time there is a knock on the door, or a ring of the doorbell!
Thanks for that, Rey! It’s really the sign of a man when he can step up and apologize like that!
Hi Frank – Yes, the Philippines has issues to work out in many of it’s systems. Things are moving in the right direction, though, compared to when I first came here over 17 years ago!
Hi Resty – do you plan to work at the US Embassy in Manila? If so, you should be able to get a diplomatic visa when you come to work at the embassy. After completing your duty then you could apply for a 13(g) or go for dual citizenship.
Hi Jio – I used “Brian’s Threaded Comments” and “Better Comments Manger” to achieve the new comments style.
Hi Ian – Thank you for your comment.
Hi Bill,
You will be welcome at our place ( as soon as we get one, and get there….hehehe), anytime, and your wife too.
Just follow all the good advice, you will get here, sit back, exhale, and take in all the wonders the Philippines has to offer.
YOU WILL LOVE IT.
Safe Journey
Ian
Hi Jae,
I understand and appreciate your concern about the Philippines. I think what would help all of us in this blog is to be careful about our choice of words. There are certain words that just cause us to react strongly and be defensive about our country/countrymen. I guess because some of us are not used to this kind of language – i.e., “slimeballs”, “**sholes”, “jerk” etc. I wonder how you would feel if a Filipino calls your fellow Koreans these terms, despite knowing there is some truth to it? Won’t you feel offended, too? You may agree with him but you have a bad feeling inside you. That is how I, as a Filipina, feel when my countrymen are attacked this way. But, if this Filipino says, yes, there are “undesirables” or “opportunists” or “users”, don’t you think these are more palatable?
Again, we are here to voice our opinions and dispel misconceptions. I hope you understand where I’m coming from.
Bob,
I tried to respond to Jae’s comment above but the “Reply to this comment” did not work. Did I find a bug???
Jae,
Here’s an interesting observation, my observation.
Filipinos don’t throw trash everywhere! Filipinos’ trash habits are probably abominable *when they are in the Philippines* and when in the Philippines, that can be observed depending on their locale. I bet you, you won’t find trashing inside Forbes Park or Greenhills or White Plains. Get the idea?
In the same token, Filipinos don’t throw trash when in the US (with very few exceptions again, depending on the locale. But in such locales, people throw trash, regardless of national origin.)
So what’s my point? This is not a genetic predisposition. The habit is not acquired or is passed on because one is Filipino. I think it has to do with consciousness and “inner programming.” And once this inner programming is entrenched, the same non-trash-throwing Filipino will behave identically whether s/he happens to venture into the slums of Manila or is back in his/her own natural surroundings in Greenhills or whether s/he resettles in the US.
I think many or some of us are aware of the phenomenon of the “hundredth monkey syndrome”? Google for it as there are so many articles that explain this. But I took a “blurb” which might sum it up for a quick read, as follows:
—————————————————————————
“This phenomenon is considered to be due to critical mass. When a limited number of people know something in a new way, it remains the conscious property of only those people. The Hundredth Monkey Syndrome hypothesises that there is a point at which if only one more person tunes in to a new awareness, a field of energy is strengthened so that new awareness is picked up by almost everyone.”
—————————————————————————
Those are my thoughts on this subject.
Be well.
-Angie
I agree that we should assume the best about each other. We all care about the Philippines, and we all have different experiences which are experienced in a unique way. As Tina said, name calling should not happen. I think the word ‘bigot,’ which was tossed in my direction a couple days ago, should also not appear on this blog.
Words like ‘always,’ ‘never,’ ‘everywhere,’ and the like should be carefully considered, because there is usually an exception and gives the appearance of judging a group by the actions of a few individuals. I have learned not to use those words when talking to my husband about something I want him to change!
If someone says something we consider to be outrageous, then we can ask if what it sounded like they said was really what they meant to say. This assumes a misunderstanding rather than a glaring character flaw. If there is clearly a glaring character flaw, then we can all sort of back away and leave them to their own problems, or let Bob deal with it.
Hi Tina – Actually – You DID reply within his comment! It seemed to work fine. Notice how your comment is highlighted in blue and within the same little box that Jae’s comment filled? It just appears that it is not, becuase it is already at the bottom of the comments!
Now, I do want to comment on what you said to Jae too. Did Jae use words like those you listed? If so, I overlooked those. If I saw such words used, I would have commented on that. Now, this particular post was posted by Pete, and I don’t read every comment, except for the posts that I make myself, or if I am particularly interested in a thread. So, I agree, those kind of words are best avoided. In particular, if you are talking about the site owner (me!) NEVER use any of those words!
My carelessness… I should have replied to your last reply, Bob.
Ha-ha-ha! I think we’re all experiencing a learning curve on this new format/layout.
Bob, are we going to be given a score on how well/fast we catch on to this new format? I know I’ll probably get an “F” for “Fool” or “Flip”
Now, it’s okay for ME to call myself a “Flip” because I know I am, I don’t need anyone to tell me that. I just won’t accept it from anyone else. And re name calling, Bob, I don’t think the English language has come up with the term I would call you yet… 
Uh-oh, did I get you thinking now??? No, no more changes to this blog for now, please, we can’t handle it. Oooops, I promised not to use a lot of emoticons, now here I am pulling them like crazy. 
No problem, Jio. As Tina pointed out, we are all learning!
Hi Tina – Better watch out on that “Flip” name…. I have found out a little more about it from AmericanLola – she did some research, and it is very bad! The website that she found indicated that this was a term used by US Military people back in WWII as I recall and it meant “F****** Little Island People.” I had not heard that before, but the source seemed reliable. Anyway…. that’s a topic for another day.
So, are you happy that I racked my brain and figured out how to add your smiley faces? More changes are coming, but probably at lease a week off (although I did add a poll feature on the right sidebar).
They called us WHAT??? Ooooooooh, after the Filipinos fought side by side with them, died alongside them???? Now, you really got me riled up, Bob! See, if this is true, then it’s very sad because you see the ugliness of bigotry. It didn’t seem to matter that we were fighting a common enemy, after all. I have researched the history of American rule in the Philippines, the massacre of Bud Dajo, Balangiga, and other atrocities committed by the US Military against the Filipinos. I have accepted it as part of history, after all we cannot turn back time. But, it continued on in Korea, Vietnam and, now, Afghanistan and Iraq. You and I know that American foreign policy has made it the most hated country in the world. It is sad because the American people, in my opinion, are one of the nicest, genuine, caring people in the world. So, where did we go wrong?
I don’t know if you can download PBS shows. If you can, there is an interesting show tomorrow on PBS re how Europeans see Americans. Ken and I can’t wait to see it. It will be verrrrry interesting, for sure! But, like you said, this is a discussion for another day…
Yeah, thanks Bob for bringing me back my friends. I truly appreciate it. I feeeeel the love!
Hasta luego, mi amigo!
Bob,
The show is “America at a Crossroads”. It’s on at 10pm, EST. Let me know what you think.
You all know where I stand on “flip”.
So, don’t be taken aback, but I actually had a laugh when I read your research, Bob. I know it’s bad, but it’s a product of the times. Inexcusable? of course. My crude sense of humor at work here and it helps that I’m Pinoy.
It’s a dated term, anyway. Along the line of “Fubar” and the rest of the WW2 lingo.
Hi Tina, Bob, Macky,
Honestly I was never aware of the term “flip” until I read it on this site. The only times I’ve heard of it used is in the phrase “let’s flip a coin.”
Tina, a few years back I was active on a site about Philippine history so the “Bells of Balangiga” caught my attention. But now I forgot what happened to the bells. Were they not brought to Wyoming or something? Anyway I know this is getting to be a side-topic. Sorry, Bob. (See, as I said, this cannot be helped
)
Oh, BTW, I put in the manager’s name after Attn: Manager’s_Name. And I also put in the dates after “Will be in Vigan, from date-to-date.”
Great, Angie! I’m glad to hear that you found a situation where e-mail worked! That manager must have been forward thinking!
AmericanLola,
Very good summation, esp. this one.
“If there is clearly a glaring character flaw, then we can all sort of back away and leave them to their own problems, or let Bob deal with it.”
Yes, why be in the midst of someone who is intent on wallowing in his/her problems… unless the person needs help, and asks to be helped, then we can do so. If the person is just bent on creating problems, then we can back off, as you say. We can all *help* define what our life’s experiences should be like.
Even on blogs, I’ve noticed that it does affect my *feelings* depending on the quality of exchange(s) going on. I’m always mindful about how I feel and why and whether it’s time to go do something else to get away.
And as to you being a “B”?? Nah. One comment that dissatisfied one reader does not make you that. That is not the sum total of your persona. Or else you would not do well being a missionary because a “B” would not be congruent with that calling.
Twenty years or more on a mission? That already tells me who you are.
Good day, everyone.
It seems Klaus latest blog post clearly says about this and I could be guilty of it…ok, I’m guilty!
The filipino people as a whole indeed have some bad habits which can be changed and I’m doing something about it through my kids. I inculcate in their minds what this bad habits are and to avoid from doing it and also to be compassionate and not look down those who have less in life but instead to help them in whatever capacity he can. It is through this new generation which can make change if we guide them to the right path. I have a high respect also to those people who try to make a difference and I’ve seen and heard a lot about it here in this blog.
To you Sirs and Maams, I salute you. And don’t get queasy if I called you that as it only means that you’re respectable and decent humans.
Hi AmericanLola:
Thanks for this very good reminder. In this constraint space of blogging I try to write in a way to bring the message across in a simple and short manner, trying to avoid words that will “murder” the spirits of the readers. I, whose field is not in communications and with limited knowledge on comm arts (thanks to my professors for giving me passing marks!) had to delete some of my responses when I believed it’s not worth. To be honest, there are bloggers here that kept me on the edge of my chair when reading, not so much about the thoughts of their writings but by their choice of words. You and Angie just made me say, whewww, what a relief!
Jae,
There is so much antagonism in your post. As AmericanLola says, when this happens, back off. So after this, I will back off. Time to go hit the trail.
You misunderstood me and probably it can be that my post might be misunderstood by others. When I talked about Greenhills and such locales, what I really was trying to point out is *not* the disparity between rich & poor. Okay you say it’s a very minute percentage of the population. That is true.
But I mentioned that because my point was this: the poor Filipinos and rich Filipinos are capable of having the same disposition. Good habits are acquired, rather than being predestined for those born into rich circumstances. Poor people are just as likely to get good habits, if exposed to them. That was my point. It’s a matter of training and getting to a critical mass. Even in poor neighborhoods, the same good habits can be bred into the community.
So again, that post is not about richer communities being more superior just because of their financial edge. My point is that we’re all naturally born with the same brain matter that can be trained into doing things (which then become habits).
And sorry Jae, I was not lecturing you. I was trying to add to the discussion. If you felt that you were lectured to, no one can change that thinking except you. I’m not even going to try. You are the master of your own devices.
I’ll heed AmericanLola. I’ll back off now.
Jae
Listen to the girls, the comments of Angie, Tina and Americanlola, i know you are very fluent in english and i admire you for that but you are missing something here. Views expressed are sincere and although you are very entitled to your opinion, moderating advice is given by the above ladies is very genuine and in the best interests of all.
Passion is admired but once cooled down it is not necessary to re-visit. Macky came in strongly on Rae and he calmed down immediately with good grace and maturity. As noted above the ladies advice was intelligent and constructive, not meant at all in a patronising way, please take it as such
i have read your posted comments and valued your contributions very much, i don’t think the above post is of that standard
by the way Americanlola the bigot reference was way way way off the mark, in fact i feel insulted on your behalf, my goodness me if anyone did not have to prove their openess and sincerity it is your self, as judged by myself and many others in these postings, i think Angie is your biggest fan. Angie, do you work in the media or journalism? your style of writing is…. what can i say, well i admire it.
very best regards
Hi Jae, and every one,
We have a word here, in the North West of England, ” SKALLY ” short for SKALLYWAG.
Originally, it meant ” SCOUNDREL “, that is, anyone who is poor, petty thief, of limited intelligence, poor behaviour, lives in substandard housing etc.
I feel the need to call people skally’s on a regular basis. If I see them drop litter, they are a skally. If ” as has happened “, I find something has been done to my car, it’s the skally’s who have done it, and if i hear young people swearing, in public, they are skally’s.
So, I think I know what you meant, when you referred to slimeballs, also I can understand why people became defensive.
Perhaps, the words you used were misinterpreted and vice versa.
Have a nice trip.
Ian
I clicked on the ‘reply to this comment’ under Jae’s comment, but it opened under Rick’s. I don’t know why.
What I call someone whom I know has stolen from me is “thief” or “kawatan.” Someone I have reason to no longer trust I call a, “former employee,” and I say, “Too bad I could not longer trust them.” But even those terms I do not use when talking to the relatives of the person who has wronged me, if I want to remain friends with them. I learned this through sad expereince. A whole family of people we loved and respected avoided us for years because they were so ashamed that a family member had stolen from us. It would have been better to never have mentioned it to them.
Jae, sometimes you are very reasonable and fair minded in what you write, but when you rant on and on like you have in this comment, using insulting names and making broad statements, people might think you qualify for one of those names. If you blow your stack and call names with the Filipinos around you, where you live, it will only bring you trouble.
Yeah, Jae, I think you need a break from this blog. Maybe when you come back from your trip, you’ll feel differently. You may be under a lot of stress right now.
If, when you come back, your perception of the Philippines and SOME Filipinos hasn’t change, then maybe the Philippines is not the place for you. You are, obviously, living a miserable life there and it is not healthy. I read your comment somewhere that you would build a pyramid for a home with a secret entrance to keep out unwanted visitors. Maybe, you should go find yourself your own island, then you won’t have a problem with “**sholes”, “slimeballs”, and “jerks”, for you will, unfortunately, find them in any society.
You have a great opportunity to rectify misconceptions about Koreans on this blog. Are you up to it???
Welcome back, Rey! I always felt that there is a side of you that is compassionate and understanding. The gem in you was just waiting to shine through.
I hope to hear more from you. Hi to your wife and kids. As I remember you’re in Dubai?
American Lola,
Thank you for taking the time to look at the website. I intend to move to the Philippines in 2 years. At that time I want to be able to speak well enough that no one will have to treat me like I am a new arrival. I have come up with a plan and I would like your opinion on it. The germ of the idea comes from the fact that I grew up on Guam.
Because Guam has been a US territory for over a hundred years now, everyone speaks American English. But people speak Chamorro also. Young people know English better than Chamorro so they lack the extensive Chamorro vocabulary of older people. Consequently when a young person is speaking to an older person, they speak in Chamorro but when they get to a word they don’t know, they automatically insert the English word. What I think is neat is they also do something else. There are prefixes and suffixes that change the “flavor” of the word. For example, if you say the first syllable of the word “small” in Chamorro more than once, it changes the meaning from “small” to “really small”. So not only do you hear young people “speaking Chamorro” with about a sixth of the words English, but with the special prefixes and nuances of Chamorro appended to the English words.
It occurs to me that everyone in the Philippine speaks English. If I can learn enough Cebuano and Tagolog and understand the nuances, then when I get to a word or idea I don’t know the Cebuano or Tagolog for, I intend to just insert English. Since the people listening to me know English, they should be able to understand me. As time goes on and my vocabulary increases, I should need to substitute English words les and less.
What do you think? How can I acquire the necessary vocabulary and understanding of grammar and syntax to grow my own special “Tanglish” and “Bisanglish” languages?
Hi Bob,
I understand it now. Links to other web url’s cause the comment to go to the “needs moderator to look at it” in-box. Now that I know they are delayed rather than missing, I won’t take up time and space repeating things.
Hi Ian,
Bronze?
There is something better than elk’s horn or shark’s tooth?
Julius (Bobs new blog format gives me a chance to reply specifically to your point here about negative expat views)
please realise that many really horrendous “foreigners” that Philippine people meet in the Phils are looser characters who are runnning away from real life in their own country
i have met many myself who are a complete embarssment to themselves and their country, please try and recognise them as suchpeople.
apologies on their behalf for the impression they give but i suppose the problem is with us because peole associate them with us ooops
all the best you Julius, i enjoyed your blogs on Bobs format hope you carry on
very best regards
Yeah, you know what, Paul, I’m not so sure if I like this new format after all. I seem to get lost in the comments… So many comments to read, so little time…
Hi Richard-I totally agree with you. When I was a child families tended to live closer together Aunts and Uncles Cousins etc were within easy reach of each other. Even close neighbours took responsibility for minding their own neighbours children during holidays and when your own parents had to go on earands etc.
During this era children had manner were generally polite and respectful to their elders and especially to teachers,policemen, church ministers and so on.
Nowadays as you say immeadiate families remain close not necessarry withing easy reach but extended families such as my brothers and their children the Uncles to my children don’t live close by and as such have had no real influence on their upbringing or social welfare.
The reason for this has been mainly due to the constant search for emplyment and subsequent prosperity which necessitates the purchase of land and property.Once the land and property has been purchased it then becomes harder to move around geographically and return to the family seat so to speak.
When most common people owned nothing they tended to stick together as you first pointed out. Perhalps prosperity is the cause of the breakup of the extended family life as we once knew it and that is why people with little or nothing by comparison stick together.
Hi Richard, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this post, I could not agree with you more, we are only custodians of the land, I take a similar view, actually all this land ownership is kind of false really isnt it, I mean we buy these plots of land, but really it will be there long after we go, and has been there millions of years before we arrived.
We cant take it with us, there are no pockets in a shroud, and there is no point in being the wealthiest person in a cemetry, its laughable isnt it, I have no problems with my asawa owning the real estate we have, she laughs about it, and says, everyone knows here in the Phil that you paid for it, they know I cannot afford it.
Hahahaha, Filipinos are pretty tuned in to the fact that the foreigner has paid for the land and house, they kind of accept that situation, who care who owns it Richard, I just wanna live in it.
HAHAHAHA
Yep, there is a trash problem in the Philippines. And it really hurts to see dead rivers and the like in the country.
Jae brings a point about Filipinos learning to adapt when in a foreign locale. I’m not sure about the Forbes Park example since the residents normally have a household staff (and security guards) to regularly clean the area. I bet you won’t see the home owners doing the sweeping.
I just see it in my own family visiting the US or newly arrived immigrant friends.
My own folks for example are suddenly aware of recycling rules or traffic laws. Tipping, something Pinoys are not known for, becomes a regular habit. Smoking is done with consideration for others, though my dad has had a little practice in the smoking laws in Davao.
I have lived in the States for a decade now and I always see an evolution of habits from new immigrants. I find this quite inspiring because I know how we cut corners whenever we can.
I am describing Filipino immigrants of various social status. When they move here, the lines are blurred and they learn from each other.
Whenever I fly home or visit friendster or multiply profiles of friends in Davao. I am also pleasantly surprised that there is a grassroots awareness of environmentalism. I see friends taking up hobbies that are in vouge like diving, hiking and surfing and that brings awareness. Some of them write blogs and I witness a maturity in them that I would not have expected.
These Filipinos, the ones in the Philippines and those returning to the Philippines, become a starting point to change.
The growing number of expats might also bring with them knowledge they can share about conservation (mind you, i don’t mean “tainting” a culture. Just a positive awareness that is common in other countries). This group discussion is proof of that.
There are bumps in the road, of course. I am fully aware that we still have to go a long way to match other country’s standards.
But maybe I’m a glass half full kind of guy (As a Pinoy, you really have to be). As long as people get educated and the word spreads, a culture can change for the better.
Hi Cheryll Ann – Nice comment with a lot of interesting information. No reason to be ashamed because of some Filipinos that you’ve met or seen in the States. There are good and bad people in all cultures, and the things that the bad people do are not any indication about the good ones.
The Korean place in Victoria Plaza parking lot – is that Twosome Palace? I’ve been there, but was not sure of the name of the owner.
Hi Cherlyll Ann,
You make a good point about the segment of society. But I would take it even further and say a middle class subdivision homeowner in a city like Davao, who may not have vacationed outside the country but is very much familiar with modern living will be aware of this as well.
I have classmates whose family fit this description. It helps living in a city where westernized concepts become increasingly familiar. In the 80’s, you’d be hardpressed to find a microwave or satellite tv in a home. Now, those 2 are very much common (satellite tv replaced by cable tv).
Hi Paul,
Hmmm…..you are kidding, arent you?
Dont they have flint wherever you are?
Or obsidian?
hehehe….:wink:
Ian
Hi Kevin – I am familiar with the Executive Check-up at St. Lukes as a friend of mine had one there a year or so ago. It is indeed quite thorough. This is just one more example of a great savings that can be achieved while still receiving first class service here in the Philippines.
Hi Leon – Happy to feature your site this morning! Feyma and I were most happy to meet you when you were here also!
Australian or US Dollars – you still made an excellent savings while getting some nice work done by Dr. Lourdes!
Hi Jim – I didn’t know that the website would recycle names like that – it called me Kuripot Bob!
Just kidding….
Yes, Tina – it is very shameful. I’m going to watch for that show on PBS, it should be quite interesting.. It’s getting to the point that you hardly want to admit to being American anymore….. and that doesn’t feel good.
No problem, Kevin. Not all posts go to moderation, by the way. They only do if the software somehow thinks that they might be spam.
Thanks Rick, for that vote of confidence. I have to admit it made me feel kind of sick, and made me think maybe I should spend less time here. Sigh.
I think that moderating the way we communicate in this blog setting is good practice for getting along in the Philippines in person. I think the verbal ’scuffles’ that arise here are a picture of the kinds of things that come up between people in face-to-face cross-cultural situations, and are often never resolved.
In this setting we can be guided by some collective wisdom given by Filipinos who are willing to help us understand (Angie, Jul, Tina, Macky, yourself, and others) and by long time residents who have learned some things the hard way (like me, Bob and others).
Rick,
“Angie, do you work in the media or journalism? your style of writing is…. what can i say, well i admire it.”
I did not mean to ignore you but I took a break from the blog and I’m now just catching up… Thanks for the above comment. That’s nice of you to say. Actually I’m in technology. Surprise!
I do love writing and I do so but only for a hobby. I am not formally trained in writing nor journalism though I’ve been invited a few times to be a staff writer, esp during the early days when ezines and web publishing were just gaining ground. However, I’ve always declined as I don’t want the added pressures of deadlines. There are many deadlines to deal with already, both in business and my personal projects
Commenting or posting on blogs just suits me because I can do it as I find time.
For instance, I’ve been on a lull for a few weeks, as I await something major to begin. And it will, just in a couple of weeks. That means I will probably be less active on this blog for a while.
Thanks, Zois! Yes indeed, we do use Linux. We like Mepis Linux (using version 6.5 now). It is very simple to learn.
Hi Cheryll Ann – I agree with you regarding the electric central hot water. On the solar, though…. it is somewhat expensive to set up, but I think it’s an excellent system, though.
Thanks for your support, Marygrace!
Hi Pete,
I agree, and I hope that the traffic will be better than Manila too….lol
We are not yet at the ” counting down the days ” stage yet, but were getting there, slowly…hehehe.
Ian
Hi Tina – OK, I’ll watch for it. It will probably be at least a couple of days before it is available for download.
Hi Michelle – Since you insured it, you should be able to get it back. Go to the US Postal Service and file a claim for it, they should be able to get it returned.
Hi Macky:
Speaking of trash disposal, people started segregating their trash (bottles, papers, plastic etc) in separate cans or bags years ago. In fact, there’s even a color coding scheme in the garbage cans. Some school kids were the ones educating their parents in this regard. The sad part is , when the garbage trucks collect the garbage, the segregated trashes were simply dumped into the truck.
What I did was to give the bottles/cans to children who go around and collect and later sell these bottles. Sometimes my cousin kept the bottles (esp Tanduay!) and wait for those who buy them door-to-door. The sale though was enough for 1 bottle of Tanduay.
Good comment, Macky, on adaptation! On one hand, we still get amused looks when we clean up our table after eatng at a fast food restaurant here, but on the other hand, I am finding it harder and harder to resist dropping a gum wrapper on the ground… Oh dear, years of brain washing is weakening! But I still don’t do it!
Recycling has been going on for years in the Philippines and has been supporting the poor. That’s what ‘Smokey Mountain’ was all about in Manila. The fancy colored bins look much better on the streets, no doubt about it, but the stuff gets segregated and re-used very effeciently without that.
Usually, any trash we put out for the collectors in the evening has been completely picked over by morning. All that is left is the burnable, un-sellable trash which the colllectors collect. Recently we told Marylan, our working student that if she wanted to do the recycling, any money she made from the junk dealers would be hers to use in addition to the allowance she already recieves. She has done quite well! The difference is that the money is going to someone we know, rather than someone we don’t know.
Recycling kitchen waste is something that we have recently begun, and is not something people know how to do. That has really cut down on the quantity (and smell) of what we throw out and is benefitting our flowers and potted plants.
Hi AmericanLola – Actually, your comment IS under Jae’s thread of comments. It’s just that there are getting to be so many comments that it is confusing, that’s all. If you closely look at all the little boxes, you will see that ultimately, yours is under Jae’s.
Hi Rick,
We are neigbours, we live in Cheshire, but I come from Lancashire, just over the pennines from you.
Ian
Hi Rick, did google sort out the term for you Asynchronous, hahahaha, synchronous is probably similar to instant messaging, Asynchronous is bulletin board messaging, very similar to Bobs Blog.
I like Bobs family setting, he has it all yes, neices and nephews, cousins etc, no shortage of helping hands when required, Bob is quite blessed in this respect, I hope to have that also in the future.
No I didnt feel up to the Notting Hill Carnival this year, I hail from Yorshire also, south actually between good old Donny and Barnsley mate, I came from the Democratic republic of South Yorkshire many years ago, but now I live inthe London area.
Ahhh, composting, AmericanLola! We tried that in our garden. It was a lot of work! Did you put coffee grinds, eggshells, vegetables, etc.? My poor husband did it once and swore he’ll never do it again. You have to turn the compost every couple of days! But, what I can tell you is we got big fat wriggling worms!
I got information on the internet (where else?!) on small scale, apartment balcony, composting. It uses a plastic trash can with holes in the bottom and a basin (plangana) under it sitting on some wood pieces. We cut up the big stuff (peelings, etc.) and crunch the egg shells, and layer it with dirt. Seems to work pretty well, and turning such a small amount isn’t difficult using one of those garden fork thingies. Doesn’t smell bad as long as the stuff is covered with dirt. Seems to work pretty fast. When it is full, you dump it in the garden. They say you can make it work faster with rabbit berries, ete or locally available ihi mixed with some water… Maybe your husband really does not want you to know this!
Hi AmericanLola,
I think the problem was he was trying to do too much at one time! Now, we just get our share from the Parks Dept. They give away compost 1 or 2 times a year. You bring your container(s) and they fill it up. Great!
AmericanLola,
“Recycling has been going on for years in the Philippines and has been supporting the poor. That’s what ‘Smokey Mountain’ was all about in Manila.”
When you say recycling has been going on for years in the Philippines, you are right. I am reminded of my childhood years when even then I remember that our househelp would prudently set aside bottles for “reselling.” And newspapers, too, for that matter. At that time, recycling was probably not even fashionable in the USA. So Philippines was ahead in environmental awareness, at least certain respects.
BTW, is Smokey Mountain the same as Payatas, the one that collapsed and buried many people? I remember (vaguely) reading about it. What do you mean though that Smokey Mountain is about recycling? Was Smokey Mountain really started to allow recycling for the poor? Or did it just morph into that?
Hi Ian
I was born in Cheshire, stockport (stepping hill hosp) and lived there for many years but i escaped some few years ago, its ok here in yorkshire (hudds), the east west divide has eased somewhat, apart from manchester and liverpool, ooouch still the same, where are you from?
I’m sorry if I missed your point, but I don’t find this post “making fun of Filipinos”. What made you think that ? Because Filipino names sound “funny”, not your usual American-sounding names? Sorry, Louis, I totally missed your drift. No further comments.
Louis – your post was condescending toward Filipino habits and ways. This post is in no way condescending toward Filipinos. I have no way of knowing, but I would guess that the website that AmericanLola pointed to is probably a website owned and operated by a Filipino. While some Filipino names are funny to us who are not used to them, the names that are generated by the site don’t seem to be – no “Ding Dong” “Bing Bong” or whatever.
On your original comment here you said that you were “chased off the blog,” which is nowhere near the truth. You wrote me an e-mail and asked me to remove you. I make posts where people disagree with me and such, but I don’t consider disagreeing with what I say as “chasing me away.” To me, if I get a big chorus of people telling me that I am wrong, I tend to take a look at what I said and re-consider. Sometimes I see that indeed I was wrong in what I said. At other times I feel that I was right, and I hold on to my opinion.
I don’t believe that there are any double standards here. You were treated fairly here. If you had been “chased off” you would not be able to even leave a comment here anymore.
No, Louis, I did not miss your point. I chose to ignore it because your ’sour grapes’ comment made you look bad, and I didn’t want to draw attention to it. I answered it as if you had asked a good question about why I posted a link to the fun site I had found.
“It is for fun, but it is also for those of us who have always sort of envied grand Filipino names and their fun/creative nicknames. As Vangie, I just sort of blend in…”
Others also did not take you up on your challenge.
I also knew that you left off writing for this blog of your own accord, but I didn’t mention that either. I guess it is pretty hard to save you from yourself.
I did get the link from a site run by Filipinos, and I do not feel it is in any way disrespectful, any more than similar sites giving people a ‘Jedi Knight’ name is disrespectful of George Lucas.
Bob,
Make me #2 for going back. Same reason as Tina. The old method was a group listening to one speaker at a time. The new method is more one person listening to the clamor of many group members speaking at the same time.
As one ages, it’s harder to keep on top of things!
Hi AmericanLola – Yes indeed! It’s a great way to enjoy a good vacation, get your dental or medical work done and end up spending no extra money in the process! Makes you wonder why more people don’t do this.
Hi Paul – First comment (and second) were sent for moderation – that means that the software wanted me to check it out and make sure it isn’t spam. It’s not unusual, this happens to some comments. It is not related to the new commenting system, it happens on the old system too. Hope you understand.
Hi Jul,
I’m not sure which city you are based, but Davao recently set up a segregating bin system. I heard similar comments like yours about the collecting but I cannot verify if its true.
I found it quite different from what I was used to — with labels like “nabubulok” . I would to see it simplified. maybe have illustrated guides. But I am glad that it is being started.
I remember seeing the bins chained down because the city paid so much for each bin (I think around 40k each?) and did not want vandals to steal or destroy them.
This ordinance, the smoking and seatbelt laws and similar rulings makes me quite proud about my hometown, I must say. Now, if those councilors succeed in having electric jeepneys, I would be very pleased.
Nicely put, AmericanLola! Spot on!
NP Bob – it’s that age thing and not knowing if I’m clicking correctly!
I think it’s funny that many Foreigners come to PH, Thailand, etc to get dental and medical work done…
Like my friend in PA, who just died of lung cancer she told me before she passed away she wanted to go to Thailand and have a face lift, etc. And she was wealthy, her parents Leon and Ruth Meltzer have donated Chairs to University of Pennsylvania, she had a trust fund etc.
Then there are the wealthy Asians all who MUST go to USA for medical treatment, ehhehe.
I have to agree with AmericanLola if they have insurance and the procedure is covered by insurance they should just have it done there.
What they should have done in Asia are those not covered by insurance like nose job, boob job, etc. hehehe.
Much cheaper.
Hi Cheryll Ann – no doubt, if it is a procedure covered by insurance there would be no advantage to coming here for the procedure. For the boob jobs… oh, never mind… I better leave that one along!
Hi Cheryll Ann – I never thought about that…… Americans and other westerners coming here for treatment, while many of the affluent in Asia travel there to have important procedures done! Very true, though!
Hi Anton – This sounds great – and you being a chef? What time should we show up for dinner?
Yes, a lot of people insert English words and ‘Cebuano-ize’ them. In fact, if you look at the examples I gave in this lesson, you will see the root words ‘award’ and ’snack’ used. The word for ‘enjoy’ is ‘hinamhinam’ but people always say, “Nag-enjoy gyud kaayo ko!” I found that in a pinch, I could even use some Spanish words. But be aware that the farther you are from a big city, the less often English words will work in that way.
I also find that it is hard for me to straddle two languages. I do much better if I am speaking one or the other, not both. People with whom I have spoken English will not hear much of my Cebuano. In my ‘home town’ of Gingoog, I don’t really know who among my friends speaks good English, but if they begin speaking to me in English, it is hard for me to switch back to Cebuano.
If you start out speaking survival Cebuano and make it work, people will adjust and figure out what you are trying to say, and it is unlikely that you will get much better at it. It kind of depends what your goals are.
That is a good course! No, I took the one put together by New Tribes Mission. We had a lot from their mission with us at the time. The ‘grammarians’ from So. Bapt. that wrote the course spent time in Butuan at our language school before branching out on their own, so there would be much the same terminology and so on.
I have a couple good friends who are language supervisors for the So. Bapt. folks, one in Davao still, I think, and the other in Ormoc.
Well, I did switch back and forth some with Feyma, but when I do that, I feel like my Cebuano is kind of ragged when I do that. I also don’t want you to feel left out, but I know Feyma enjoys speaking in Bisaya…
Yes, ’survival’ Cebuano is not a good thing. I have also called it
“Me-you-eat!” and “I go yesterday.” People CAN figure it out but…
‘cavemen Cebuano’
Hi AmericanLola – a couple of observations….
First, when Feyma and I are together with you, you seem to switch back and forth between English and Cebuano quite easily. You speak to Feyma almost exclusively in Cebuano and me in English!
Second, I think that the Cebuano course that I am taking is based on the exact same course that you took. It has a heavy emphasis on grammar, and I’ve picked up some phrases that you use that make me think it is the same course. For instance, “survival Cebuano” – that is used by my teacher a lot, and she keeps emphasizing for me to avoid that. My course is based on books by “Philippine Baptist Mission, Foreign Mission Board, SBC” Is that the same as what you took?
Hi Jack – I am tending to agree on that. What do you think about adding a forum for side discussions, though?
Hi Macky – the trend is certainly toward going back to the way that it was, no doubt on that! I’ll probably give it a day before deciding, though. Thanks for your input.
You are probably right, Macky, it is certainly an outdated term. Actually, I don’t think that most foreigners even know what “flip” is, even just as a name for a Filipino. I actually think that the most usage of the word these days is from Filipinos using the word!
You’re right, all that WW2 lingo is so outdated and should go away. Wait! Isn’t “Joe” a reach back to WW2… never mind… I’m not going to go there!
Hello Charlie,
Best of luck with your mag-anak,hehehehehe, extended family can bring many benefits, and your wife will love you for it if you embrace them, hahahaha, best of luck with it.
Get ready for lots of names to remember, such as Lek lek, tin tin, boy boy, honey girl, sweety pie, precious, peaches, apples, Ning Ning, Mellit, Nong, Neh, lovely, Let Let, Mai Mai or what about Jun Jun, ding dong, bing bong, bang bang,
hahahahaha go for it Charlie. !
Hi Ian, thanks for your best wishes, I wouldnt wish this bad back on my worst adversary, and I consider him a close personal freind, so I wouldnt wish it on him, there is an old saying Ian, remember it, keep your freinds close, but your enemies closer, so I wouldnt put my bad back on him.
Yes Ian sadly our society has changed big time, have you noticed, people just dont care anymore, no one wants to help anyone, you could be in your house for days, and no one would find out if you are alive, we all live a isolated existance.
Thankfully we are going to a country where that does not happen, or at least is not as bad.
I saw your earlier posts, sorry Ian i am struggling to answer my bank holiday is pretty miserable, so I am just taking my time.
Hi Cheryll Ann,
Guam is the “hub” for Contintal Airlines in Asia. Since my parents live in Guam it is very convenient for them to get to Manila. Ten minute drive to the airport, 3 hour flight, and they’re in Manila just like that.
They have never needed to go to the Philippines from the US, or vice versa. To go to the states they take Continental to Japan (also a 3 hour flight) and then go on United Airlines.
It is possible for them to not be able to board a particular flight because of how full it is with regular passengers, but this has only happened once that I know of. With United there is a kind of scoring system to determine who gets “bumped”. Since my brother has the rank of a full captain, and quite a few years of seniority, my parents are less likely to be “bumped”.
I agree Arizona is hot in the summer. But my parents must not mind it because most of the time they are only there in the summer! They use their house there as a kind of USA base from which they make trips to see relatives in the states. So one week they’ll make a week long trip to San Francisco, then come back to the AZ house, and then make a different trip to Chicago and then back again. They love it because they are never forced to overstay at a relative’s house, and they don’t have any hotel or car rentals costs since they have a car at the AZ place. Part of the house is partitioned off and is usually rented to a student getting a PH.D. (it is very near to AZ State University), and the rent they receive covers all costs for the house, so I think they will never sell.
Hi Cheryl
I had a very beautiful girlfriend too called Cheryl, she was like you too a first class girl, me too i hate cattle class, trouble is i am a cow, ooops change that a bull
Hi Bob, good to hear from you, you certainly have found a nice balance, and I think you have shown us the way forward, I have also started that process of hand picking who I like and can live around, its interesting what you said.
I noticed that there are certain ones you feel that you could have around, and yet there was one person who I strongly told my wife I did not want around, this person was constantly criticizing the size of our lot, the type of house, the workmanship, he is the type of person who says
“You paid too much ! you could have got it cheaper, its not done right, you should have done this ! I could have done that for you, this is not right, your house is smaller than I thought,”
Those are just some of the comments we had by a so called relative, dont know about you Bob, but i dont want that type of relative around, i made it clear to my wife he is not to be at the house, he can come around and say hello, but i dont want him living with us or near us…
I also met some family who are a joy to have around, and immedeatly I met our helper, I knew she was right for us, just as you have alluded to in the past Bob, getting a good helper is important.
I also took to the driver straight away, its interesting Bob, I find that the helper and the driver seem to be like family anyway, and we all sit out and eat, when the meal times comes.
Thanks for your insights.
Hi Pete – I could not have that complainer around either. Too negative! I want to enjoy life, and he would ruin that for me!
Another thing for me – I cannot have a driver. I tried it before, but I didn’t like it. I really enjoy driving myself wherever I want to go. I like having control of the wheel myself. Tie this in with your post about personal security. For me, one of the reasons that I like to be behind the wheel is that if there was any kind of ambush or anything like that, I know that I could do the very best job to get out of the situation. I feel like a lot of drivers would just stop and let whatever happens happen. Thankfully, I have never been in that kind of situation, but I do feel safer and more comfortable being behind the wheel myself.
Thanks for your input, rick.
mmmm – i love that Korean Restaurant in VP parking lot too (on the far side of the lot). Too bad I can’t remember the name either.
Hi Anton – On my poll, there is an option to add a country! All you have to do is “click to add option” and add the Netherlands to the poll so you can vote!
Thanks, AmericanLola, I’m glad to hear that you think it’s a good course! I have made up flash cards to help me learn vocabulary (OK, I’ll admit, two of my nieces helped me by making up the cards for me). It is really making it easy to add to my vocabulary. Learning how to construct sentences is easy too with my study guides!
Hi Rick,
Hey, thats where we live, not too far from Stepping Hill…..small world.
Originally, I come from Ashton-under-Lyne, do you know it?
Ian
Ian
Yes of course i know A-U-L very well, although it is not my favourite place tameside, seems very unfriendly to me even now and i was / am / from there, do you know what i mean?
i am from stockport and lived there for many years but after working in asia and returning without anywhere specifically to live, i was never going back to stockport, even though most of my family still live there (one of the main reasons for moving away….oooops sorry Mum, although she can’t use a computer and would guess blogging was something to avoid….digressing here)
where in stockport are you Ian? i lived in great moor and hazel grove, went to stockport school and stockport college
i think you are the Ian who was in the army like Pete?
Pete i also know south yorkshire quite well, used to work in sheffield (meadowhall project, i am in construction) so know donny / barnsley area quite well, like you say the republic of south yorks, not very interesting for the non britts but we lived through it, arthur scargill and dennis skinner, dennis still going i think, “KING” arthur dead now i think…..aaah well, don’t suppose him and maggie T will greet eachother fondly in the next world….must finish here am talking gibberish (especially for the non britts and the is a LIP blog) sorry……..
all the best
Hey Rick, glad to hear you worked on Meadow hell !, incidentially going off topic, Gina and I were there a few weeks ago, meeting my Nanay ! Gina’s mother in law, I appreciate our non American readers and our far east readership, and by the wasy, our European readership, cos I think we have a reader from the Adriatic or Greek Islands, they wont want to hear about meadow hell, King Arthur I thought he was still around, but as for the Beast of Bolsover, yes he is around.
Speaking of you living in stockport and not wanting to go back, I will be doing a post about that very subject so watch out for it today.
Hi Pete,
Im a believer in the ” your family are your closest friends “, and although most of them are now dead, and my sister is widowed, and now moving away with her boyfiend, I still feel that way.
Its not very pleasant, knowing, if we died no one would know, or give a damn here.
Last October, Myrna’s Nanay died, and it is really good to know, that on the anniversary of her death, everyone will go to the gravesite, and hold a vigil. We cannot be there, but Myrna will send over some money, to help with the expences.
I believe that it was ” National Heroes Day, yesterday, in the Phils. That got me thinking.
The one thing that we simply MUST do, when we get there, is to find again, her Tatay’s gravesite.
We recently contacted the American Forces Adiministration, to see if he was entitled to any medals, ( Myrna has nothing of his ), Myrna didnt know him very well,as he died of the wounds which he recieved, during the last world war, when she was a child.
Then, they arrived, and quite a lot of them too. ( James, our Son, is very proud of his grandfather, now He knows what a hero really is, i saw his chest puff out with pride ). So now, she can return to the Phils, knowing that she has done evrything here, find her Father’s gravesite, see her Mother’s grave, and be at peace, before we go to Rizal to live.
That is important too, when leaving your country of origin, to be at peace, with the move, ( get everything sorted out, see everyone, do everything that needs doing etc ),well, I think so anyway.
I for one, am looking frward to the move, a new start, in a new place.
Wont miss the bank holidays though?…..hahahaha
By the way, what do you think of the post I made regarding time deposits etc? Perhaps the financial side of making a move could make an interesting blog? I know that Bob has done one, but from the American viewpoint. Perhaps you could do one from the Brit point of view?
Take care of your back.
Ian
Ugh, deadlines. I feel your pain, Angie.
Angie technology eh, yes i am surprised, the quality of the written word in this blog is i think very high
we have not heard from Julius for a while but his written posts were / are of a very high standard, (i wrote and told him i thought so) but also most of the contributors also with a wealth of views and experience. Sometimes passions flare or a rotten comment comes in like the bigot comment regarding Americanlola, but in the main things stay in proportion, although Louie may not agree? Jae and Rey had their spat too but well there are so many views here from different perspectives, perhaps it is inevitable
easy for me being in english but as i mean 100% very good standard of expressed english, even for a techie, just joking Angie, all the very best regards
Hi Angie,
Yes i’m in Dubai right now and sees my family only through the net and can be physically with them only for a month every year.
You mentioned you’re in technology, are you into development?
Hi Rick and all,
It is indeed inevitable and since the topic was about social integration, it is only normal that someone from the host country like me would be riled up and try to defend his fellow countrymen if he/she hear or read a disparaging remark which sounds like a generalization. Majority of us filipinos may be poor but we still hold a degree of respect on ourselves and stripping us of our dignity by anybody who’s living in our country could turn into something more ugly. I commend you people who tries to understand and integrate with us especially those who learns our languages and dialects as we have nuances that cannot be expressed in the english word. Unlike the western world where you express what you want and in whatever way you like, there in the Phils. is quite different as we don’t want to be confrontational (take a cue from American Lola). We’re not used to that and we try to avoid using hurtful words as this could lead to something uglier especially if the other party stops using only words. This is one the bad sides of the filipinos, especially mindanaons. But not all are like that especially the filipina women as they’re more likely to use their mouth (mamaak na sila!, ok just kidding, peace ladies!
)
Expats would sure be overwhelmed by the adjustments he/she has to make by living in our country but we are also trying to adjust from you as we are used to things we’ve been exposed to since birth. I’m not trying to justify here our bad habits like throwing trash anywhere, as most of us filipinos don’t like it also but telling someone “hey, you’re DISGUSTING habit has to stop!” is surely asking for trouble. Telling insulting remarks on a person because you thought he’s trying to steal from you even if hasn’t stolen from you could result to to a distended stomach. Even if that person has indeed been contemplating it but since he hasn’t done anything yet you just can’t say it.
Now, some of my kababayan may not agree or may get angry with me on this for portraying an ugly side of ourselves and is now scaring those who wants to live and assimilate here and destroy the gains Bob & Co. has generated on living in the Philippines, I tell you it is not my intention but only to help them avoid the problems that they might encounter as they were exposed differently. I’ve read somewhere but can’t remember exactly the phrase “Speak softly but carry a big stick” would work. But speaking SOFTLY and NICELY is more effective as you can gain a friend here for life who may even die for you if need be as filipinos have this “utang na loob” syndrome which is what makes us unique and could be the cause also of all our troubles especially in the field of politics and governance. But that is another topic and I seem to have hijacked this blog again. ooppss, sorry…:smile:
Helloooo, excuse me Rey, what did you mean by “This is one the bad sides of the filipinos, especially mindanaons.”? Are you from Mindanao? You better be, ‘coz if you’re not, you’re in BIG trouble, boy! And, no, Mindanao women don’t bite, we fight tooth and nail! As a matter of fact, I’m currently learning Tae Bo to prepare for my move back to Davao.
Just kidding, or maybe not… 
Hi Peter,
You can get a cheque book, and the debit card on the same account now. I’m not sure which bank it is who is doing it, But I think it may be BPI ” bank of the philippine islands), or HSBC.
Ian
Hi Zois – Thanks for your input. Numbering the comments might be even more confusing, because the numbers would be all over the place. For example, after #1 might be #47, then #16, etc. It just depends on when the comment was entered, although it might go in almost any order.
Hi Ian, thanks for your input. I’ll be considering and probably make a decision tomorrow or the next day.
Hi Angie – I’m like you, I really liked the new format at first, but now I find it hard to keep up! I am still a little bothered by the sub topics, though. One reason for that is that some people might not be following certain posts, but they may be interested in a discussion that is going on in the comments, although they will never know there is such a conversation.
Hi Bob,
If and when you decide to go back to the old format, how are you going to handle the nested comments? Will they fall into chronological order then, no matter whether nested or not?
Hi Julius you no write any more artickle how are you?
everything good.
Hi angie – the bells were brought to the USA after WW2, and are still there to this day. It is something that has caused a bit of contention between the two countries, I believe.
Hi Zois – Julius has a full plate right now taking care of other things. He has actually asked me to remove him as an author here because he feels that he cannot really give the amount of time needed. I am still contemplating my decision on this one.
Hi Tina – I believe that when I turn the threaded comments off, they will simply fall into chronological order. I hope so anyway!
Hi Angie – Ha ha… funny you should ask. I was just thinking about a “donate button” yesterday, in line with a number of changes that I am working on for the site. I might be adding one soon.
sorry Pete, replied above to Ian
won’t bore everyone with a repeat, hope your back is better
have you kissed and made up with Louie?
John
I will be over there in Jan next year definately, i need to sort out my finances but i will then know what i can afford to contribute, i am looking to give some deserving Phils charity a small but regular contribution, monthly in line with my retirement income, i think this will help your friend and of course the hostel
i showed my wife your film clip from the home and she knows the area where it is, quite near the old airport she told me, which i know of course but i do not reust her directions, maps and directions and Filipina’s well i have had my fingers burnt. Just a joke here girls, listen i don’t pretend to be able to sing. Digressing here
John i will contact you later this year and would love to visit the hostel and hope i can help, please be patient, i won’t forget
best regards
Bob,
Go for it! One of the most highly successful internet marketers I have been following confessed that it took him a while to get over his “personal challenge” of incorporating the “donate button.” At first he felt that it did not align with his personal mission, as he might be perceived as being greedy. He rationally got over this misconception and he said it has been very good. He lamented, “why didn’t I do this sooner?”
Also because he “tithes” a consistent percentage of his proceeds to community causes, then everyone benefits, anyways. With his big readership, a few dollars here & there from those who benefit from his practical advice & experience (hey a book easily costs $24.00 nowadays)… and there, he has a healthy collection to help with his site maintenance, fund his favorite charities, and probably some change left over in return for his “intellectual property.” Now who can argue about this fair/healthy exchange?
All the best to you Bob. You are helping a lot of people already.
Hi AmLola, I am glad you agree with me, I think the sensible way to look at it is, provided you get to your destination in one peice, and your bag is there when you get there, you have done well.
By the way, American Lola is correct in saying that Cebu Pacific have some very good fares at present, take advantage of them while you can, I can tell you this, I have flown on about 6 Cebu Pacific flights in the last month and the aircraft are all exceptional quality, Airbus A320’s, clean, leather seats, plenty of room.
And to top all of that, they always seem to put me in either rows 12 or 14, that is the central emergency exit doors, for some reason I always get the same seat, I think its because I am a big white man.
Its either 14 F or 12 F or something like that, the leg room is superb, and no extra inconvenience to read the exit door safety card, I like Cebu Pacific and to be honest, find them far better than PAL, the only downside is that you have to fly into terminal Domestic, rather than Terminal 2, but really and truly who cares !
I have flown Air Philippines only once during my 4 years of visits and I have to say the experience was fine, although there schedule of flights is somewhat limited and hence using Cebu Pacific is the norm.
The other point to take into consideration is Cebu Pacifics superb internet booking system, it really is great to use and most of the time, apart from one time it could not process my visa, works fine.
Your comments here nicely sum up my own sentiments about the subject. This is the way I feel about family as I’m sure is also the way they feel about me.
I love the company of people (and family) but I need to have a lot of “dates” with myself. Solitude in healthy doses keeps me well aligned. After all, if I cannot bear my own company only, how can I expect others to bear with me?
As the lines in “The Invitation” (a poem by Oriah Mountain Dreamer) go:
———————————————————————-
“I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.”
———————————————————————-
So to me, empty moments are just as precious. I eagerly await them with the same excitement as I would company.
Items #1/#2 listed above are critical aspects of the Filipino/western inter-marriage. I wonder how folks have handled these? These are stressors in this bi-cultural marriage and if yours has survived a long time, say beyond 7 years, then you must have skillfully navigated these.
Hi Jul – sorry if I disappointed you!
Hi Luz – I might make a decision today to turn back to the old style.
Thanks for your encouragement, Angie!
Ha ha ha! I can just see that, Tina! Must have been hilarious!
Hi Cheryll Ann – No, the turkey holds up very well during the lechon process! It is soooo delicious!
Hey, speaking of turkey, they usually have turkey steaks at Gourmet Deli, which are quite tasty. They are out of stock right now. That means that you either bought them all yesterday, or somebody else did! I wanted to buy some today and they didn’t have any!
Hi Rusty – ARMM is the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. It is an Autonomous area that is operated by a Muslim government. The area consists of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan (not including Isabela City, though), Sulu and Tawi Tawi Provinces. This area (most of it anyway) is about 90%+ Muslim, and yes, of course the culture is Muslim. This is only a small part of Mindanao, though. Yes, you are spelling General Santos City correctly. By the way, General Santos is not part of the ARMM, nor is it even near the ARMM provinces.
I have personally visited every part of the ARMM, except for the Province of Sulu. Right now, Sulu is the most dangerous Province in the Philippines. I will visit there, but I have to wait until the time is right, and until people that I know there advise me that the timing is good. Every part of the ARMM that I have visited has been friendly, and very interesting places to visit. I have been to most parts of the ARMM multiple times, and I always enjoy my visits there. Probably one of the most interesting parts of the ARMM, in my opinion, is Marawi City, the Islamic City of the Philippines. Culturally, Marawi is amazing, and is rarely visited by foreigners. I’ve been there three times now, and learned something new on each of my visits there.
Other parts of Mindanao, though, including General Santos City, are very much the same or similar to the rest of the Philippines.
Hi Mike – keep in mind, though… Zamboanga City, and all of the Zamboanga Provinces are not part of the ARMM, though. The closest areas of the ARMM to Zambo would be Basilan to Zamboanga City, and Lanao del Sur to Zamboanga del Sur.
Hi Rusty – You make me laugh when you mention about making your GF do Mano Po to you! If she did that, you really couldn’t be a couple anymore, as it is a sign of respect for an elder, but would never be done between couples!
Hi Tyleen Reynders – I hope that my article answered your concerns that you had expressed yesterday.
Hi bharbie – Well, it just depends on so many factors. The projected life would be different for every small business, depending on the skills of the business owner, capitalization, acceptance of the product offered, and thousands of other factors.
Hi Danny – I am sure that you will do just fine! Especially if you go with a professional teacher, that made all the difference for me.
Hi aime – Those squatters areas will disappear in coming years! You can count on it.
Hi Justin – Yeah, I think that Steven meant that he would grow Coconuts, and then process them for Copra, not literally growing copra! The beauty of business is that we can all find our own niche. While Steven would like to grow the coconuts, you would prefer the copra buying and selling business. All players are needed in the game, and we can choose what makes us all happiest!
Hi Gary – I don’t know about in GenSan, but here in Davao it is not hard to get a good sandwich.
Hi Andy Wooldrige – The Philippines has a drunk driving law, it is just not all that effectively enforced. In Davao, there is a traffic cop (TMC) at every major intersection in town, and some not-so-major intersections. They are the guys in the green shirts. There are lots of them. I’ll pass on the cheesecake, I don’t eat stuff like that, but maybe a cup of coffee!
Hi JohnM – I’ll be looking forward to that!
Hi Allan – Indeed it is funny when the guy said you just married an Asian because she will do everything. Philippine women are not slaves, and are often in control of the relationship!
Hi John Miele – When my mother-in-law was still alive, she and I had a few little secrets of our own. She loved to gamble, Feyma and her siblings would do anything to keep Mama from gambling, but I would often slip her a little money so that she could enjoy herself. Whenever Feyma would catch me, I would just say “she’s an old lady, let her have some fun!” When I would say that Feyma would leave me alone. So, I guess that I did little things to express my love too, but I still feel bad when I feel that I am being fed better than the others.
Honestly, there is nothing I enjoyed more than giving those little amounts of money to Mama so that she could enjoy herself.
Hi margs – thanks for that.
Hi Justin – Well… I see a number of holes in the way the contract was written. For example, what if you did repairs in one year, and did not renew the lease the next year, then you are out? Anyway, that is all beside the point. Also, what kind of house can you get for that kind of money? I pay that amount per month!
Hi Tom – Well, I don’t know about that! But, I do get a lot of visitors, and having these kind of get togethers will help make it a little easier to meet all the people, I think. I do hope we can meet later this year!
Yes Bob! I enjoy living alone now but whenever I get the feeling that I think I left my door unlocked, etc. I miss my motley of household members in the Phil.
Hi AussieLee – Thanks for dropping by this morning, I hope all is well Down Under! A lot of the people who contact me and wish to move here have little or no money. They will tell me that they have $500 or $1000 to get started, and I always advise them that they need to build up a nestegg before they can move here and get a new life going.
The Dow is a funny thing… it’s a roller coaster ride of ups and downs!
Hi Bob,
I would think you are probably correct, as it did not state the year this calculation was made.I would think Americans make up the biggest percentage of western residents.
regards Chas.
Hi Rey – I must be missing something, because I honestly don’t see anything demeaning about the question asked. I mean, if it is a question that should not be asked, does that mean that the Philippines is not having problems? Everything is perfect here? I don’t think so. Every country has troubles. By asking why the troubles here are present, the guy is just showing that he has an interest in the place. Nothing more.
Hi Dans – Thanks for your information. One of the reasons I am asking about this is so that I can understand why there would be such a reaction, so what you say is helpful to me.
Hi Phil – Hmm… not politics again.
I’m sure your’s is much better than the 32-cup coffee brewers that were found almost everywhere in the Navy. Coffee “thickness” varied throughout the day: A medium “wake-up” version in the mornings; a weaker “keep-me-going-through-the-day” version in the afternoon and early evening; and a thick,strong version called “Mid-Watch Coffee” to keep you “vigilant” through the night.
At any rate, it can’t be any worse that the “cowboy coffee” that newbie naval coffee makers would come up with (Cowboy Coffee – coffee that is made by boiling the grounds directly in the water and sharing those grounds with every cup dispensed!)
Scott,
Animals in India and Sri Lanka are worshipped because they believe spirits are in them.
Yes, animal cruelty is a big problem and issue in the Philippines. Sad to say, people in our government are more concern with their own welfare and pockets than other important things like this.
I used to work in a local radio and tv station and I fully support their fight against animal cruelty and rabies. But that govt. program was good for a short time though.
I am happily married to a Brit and we have two lovely kids. We have a brave local dog and looking forward to having a beagle for our daughter and a german sheperd or a rottweiler soon. Animals are like family to us, we got that from my father. We even give them our family name.
Hi brian –
samal is about 3 or 4 miles wide and 10 or 12 miles long depending on where you are on the island 66,000 acres or 1000 farms like my USA 63 acres with 87 people living on 66 acres. If 87 people lived on my USA farm here I would freak. Also it seems the Chinese plan on a chicken farm on Talicud Island. 1000 or 2000 acres of chickens is going to smell pretty bad. Unfortately my land on samal is near Talicud island. Also last wed the neighbor killed a Cobra snake on my samal farm. Maybe the chicken poop will run the Cobras off? OR maybe I can get a mongoose permit? I am still working on this but the USA is goign to suck really bad the next 10 years I am just trying to change my money to pesos b4 the USA prints 2 trillion in worthless paper money and the peso is like 20 p = 1 US dollar. Back in 2004 it was 55 p to the dollar. lets hope i get lucky and the peso devalues!My Davao wife said we would just carry knives because the samal locals like to get drunk and crazy, thats the word this week she calls me everyday with updates on davao.
Hi Bilal – Yes, in the US you are no longer a minor at age 18. I don’t know what the law is in the Philippines regarding the age at which you are no longer a minor. You can vote at 18, but you can drink and smoke and such at pretty much any age, as far as I know. I do not believe that the law is the same here in regards to he age of majority.
You sure have it right about jobs, my friend! You need a college degree to pump gas or flip burgers here!
Hi Alma – Your shipment will probably be OK, but I can’t make any guarantees, since I am just a private person like you are. For a large package like that, there will probably be some customs to pay, but not too much, maybe a few dollars. The best way to send stuff and be assured of no customs charges is via a balikbayan box.
Good luck!
mahuhay bob what kind of iron do they have there i 6′ 5″ i lift about 375 to 425 in the gym i would like to work out with some heavyweights dumbells about 150 do they have that there? tredmills bikes so on so on i hopr to be there in june wells see
So Marc finally got married and they are still together. Good for him. Nice to hear he is living happily in the Phillipines.
Hi Phil,
Absolutely! These creeping costs don’t take a break, so small business owners shouldn’t either. I guess it is like gardening — you need to do some weeding and pruning every now and then to keep things in order.
Cheers!
Well I’m bot sure that slapping the kid around will solve much, it’s not my style of child raising, but I doubt the kid even thought he was doing anything wrong. The main issue to me seems to be the complete idea of entitlement the father and other government officials display. I think they are beyond a ’slap cure’, although I have to admit the idea is at times extremely appealing
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!
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 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 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 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!
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.
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 Danny,
You are 100% correct from a technical standpoint. Definition-wise, wages are variable costs. But in a small business environment, letting staff go isn’t so easy. Many staff members wear multiple hats, so it makes it very hard to have a flexible employment strategy for small businesses. Big stores can get away with this, and they do — mostly through the use of 6-month contracts. I would not recommend this strategy for small businesses with say a dozen or fewer employees. With few employees, wages behave more like fixed costs because if you let go a person, you may be letting go of someone who handles 3 or 4 tasks that are vital to a small business. This would be detrimental in most cases. Maybe in dire circumstances employee reduction is necessary, but I would say in small business it has to be a last resort.
Just out of curiosity, what were the costs you had found to be most difficult to deal with from a retailing standpoint? I’m sure there are people who would be interested in learning from your experience.
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 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.
Its wonderful to hear that the family doesn’t want to harm the monkey. I think a lot of cats might help. Or dogs. Don’t think monkeys will be fond of either. Monkeys don’t seem to like cats. I’m very worried that one will attack Juliet before I get her cage built.
promote growth of natural predators I think is the only real answer. Owls? Eagles? I know that’s easier said than done.
I surely don’t know. If a Filipino farmer doesn’t know I can’t imagine anyone that would!
As all guys said: in J.P. Laurel Avenue near Victoria Plaza Mall in Bajada, Davao City, since many, many years… .
Hi John H – Yeah, times are hard in the States now too. I’ll have to see how the whole economic thing works out! Thanks for your comment.
Hi Sandeep – Good luck.
Hi anton – Actually, quite a few people suspected this to be true! It was fun, and a valuable lesson too!
Hi dans – That’s true… it does take getting used to, though!
Charcoal filters ! … Cool ..Phil n Jess
Bob,
From what I hear, that already takes place there, so that job is filled…lol.
All kidding aside, Rose has told me of this happening from time to time, especially if her neighbors or friends are receiving mail or packages from outside of the Philippines.
All of the things I have sent to the Philippines have arrived unopened, the only thing I ever had a problem with, was a letter I wrote to her from my hotel in Key West, Florida while I was working there for a week. It never showed up…and that was a long letter too, and even with some drawings and little sketches I made for little Chesca..hehe…lol. But nothing of any expense, I did mail a postcard that very same day, and it arrived safely.
Salamat kaayo,
Danny
I too mourn the death of common sense and welcomes the birth of stupidity. LOL!
ha ha Tommy. Hey if I could be made president of the Philippines … or the US for that matter, I would go down in history. Shortest presidential term ever. Hung by public acclimation within the first hour in office, likely … unless the rope was out of stock LoL
Hi John – When I read your comment, I can see your situation so clearly, I feel that if I were to be looking in through a window, I’d be seeing myself instead of you. It’s almost like deja vu. I remember writing a couple years ago several articles in relation to this topic, and what you are going through now is so similar (identical) to my experiences. It is something that we all have to go through independently, but at least reading this site gives one a bit of a glimpse at what they might expect when they come here.
Funny thing is that I hear from many, many people things like:
Yet, it happens to them and a year or two later they will tell me that they were surprised that what I described to them is exactly what they experienced. It’s almost universal, I think.
Hi John Miele – Wow, It really brought back the years that we were just new here in the Philippines. I went through what Rebecca did right now. The good part John it will get better but it will take sometime and some more arguing before the brothers will realize. It is not an easy process though. Don’t let this situation put a strain on you and Rebecca’s relationship. The stress will really get to you sometimes. Just try to relax, tell Rebecca to take it easy. Don’t give up.
Thank you John for sharing your story. It’s really a helpful tip and an eye opener for the people that wanting to move here. It is not easy but it will get better.
Take care.
Hello anne – I’m sorry, but Chris, the author of the article is no longer with us. I doubt that he will reply to your comment.
alf .the samething happened to me in mati (2003 ) everywhere we went with my wife’s friend with her husband, and driver i paid for food,gas,hotel rooms ect,ect, one day i told them no more of course they got mad and said a few choice words to me but so what i was there for my wife and daughter not them. not to pay there way my wife’s friend said thats what i was to do no way anymore they gave my wife a hard time for a while but they are friends again.
Perhaps I should have made that question reflect my immediate needs!
If you want to read more about Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do, go to: http://www.thejkdbrotherhood.com. Thanks!
John: I don’t know if you ever get to Cebu, but about a month ago I had a meeting at the Cebu Yacht Club, and was surprised that they have a fair number of Indian dishes that weren’t bad… The chef is Pakistani and several of the cooks were OFW’s in Indian restaurants in Dubai. I think they offer it because a few Brits and Aussies either are crew or own many of the yachts.
In Manila, the restaurant Spices at the Peninsula makes “passable” Indian food, but it has been modified to match Pinoy tastes (Tofu instead of paneer and much less spicy). I’ve been told that there are a couple of decent restaurants near the Pakistan and Indian embassies in Makati… Perhaps a quest.
I’m lucky though that Becky learned how to cook Indian in Abu Dhabi… Her Puri Bhaji and Chana Dal are fantastic.
Thank you, jonaky.
Bob: Thanks. Glad you had a good time. I’ve found that just being aware of your surroundings helps most.
Hi Phil – I love to travel, but coming home is always the best part! I am so happy to see Feyma again, and get a day of just sitting around resting!
I worked as a crew for Jollibee SM Makati (Franchise) while I was a sophomore in college. I was 18.
Their Standard Operating Procedures are very well written and very very specific down to “how to efficiently peel an egg”. And in that franchise they were very strictly followed.
Like many Philippine employers though, they hardly ever regularize employees. They have set very high (almost unimaginable) standards. At least to me. Or I might have just had too much on my plate at the time and could have just been overwhelmed. ^_^ But I have only really heard of one Service Crew that ALMOST passed regularization. They sometimes re-hire after you six month contract.
Like any other job, the crew are at the mercy of the managers. In my time, they did not hire anybody past 23 (maybe 26, as part of the crew). So usually, (although not always) it’s the employee’s first or second job. And Jollibee is really known (definitely to those who have worked in fast food chains …Manila setting) to give “experience” to the “inexperienced”. Give credit to the managers who party with the crew after shift and tolerate (if not encourage) promiscuity. One of my high school classmates even confessed to losing “it” to HIS manager.
The parties after shift did not work for me and I imagine it doesn’t to other working students. And in my experience (as maybe the same with most jobs) you are not “cool” if you don’t socialize after work. My husband refers to it as “politicking”. So I don’t recommend Jollibee or any fast food employment as a part-time job for students. Very tempting but very bad idea!
Hi Bryan G., I am sure, it was a jelly fish. I didn’t yet get such experiences. I still love to stay in the ocean – even for some hours. Anyway, I am sure you will enjoy Las Pinas. Take good care always and give my regards to your wife – and to San Miquel… .
Hi Bob NY – The first time that my Mom visited here, she went to bed one night (her first night here). After a short time we heard screaming from her room, we had no idea what was possibly wrong. We ran to check what happened, she was standing up on her bed. She had seen a lizard!
We quickly explained to her that they were harmless! 
She still didn’t like it though.
Hi queenie – Yeah, I hear you, but to me, it doesn’t have that affect. It seems rather well….. I don’t want to be mean, let’s just say that I don’t care for it.
Chill out Man… you just have to get in touch with you “inner Jeproks” LOL!
Will do, thanks Feyma.
Bob, I found this information very helpful. Do you recommend any specific condos in Davao? A website? Or realtors? Thanks!
What an in-law nightmare. I don’t know if I would marry into this situation. Her family will make you miserable. If she can’t say no to sending money, what will happen if they insist on her moving closer to them so she can more fully financially support them? Yikes.
You have to sit down with your wife and talk about this! You should explain that it would be hard for the both of you to start a family together (with or without a baby) when she is still supporting her family. Tell her that if she feels she needs to give them money on a monthly basis, you should set a limit, like maybe $200. Once you have sent that, then you will not send more. He needs to tell her family your decision and say if they have any problems to talk to him and not blame you. State that in the future and you need to save money or that as well. This way it is not like you are saying no, but are setting a little to help you budget.
Hi Jim, I agree with Bob. I do understand your sentiments towards other Filipina including your wife. There really are women like that, marrying for convenience and are pressured financially by their parents or rather wanting to help her relatives in a way that the foreign husbands suffer.Ive been around with so many Filipina whose married in foreigners and honestly I despise their attitude, they feel they are all high and mighty that’s why I keep to myself rather than befriending this type of women. Anyways on my experience I don’t deny that I use to send my family money monthly before even though it creates disagreement between me and my husband, since its the money I worked for he cannot complain about coz its my money but I know it could help our finances if I don’t send money in the Philippines.
What opened my eyes is that my parents started to depend on me and inviting neighbors and relatives to borrow money from them and always has parties going on. I don’t mind that as long as they will be able to do that without the money I am sending. My husband and I cannot get our foot fully situated because am helping my family in Philippines who seems to not mind how hard I worked for that money and just splurge it to their friends. Now I just send them money when there is special occasion. Don’t get us wrong we love my family so much and am grateful to have them but I sent money to help them and to start a small business going coz I got my own family now I cant be there to support them the entire time. So to those other Filipinas who reads these whose married either foreigner or Filipino, you will only lead your relationship into disaster put some boundaries, limits and don’t feel pressured if your parents starts spouting that they raise, fed, clothed and send you to school have some limits ok. f you really want to secure your old parents for their retirement then buy them a pension plan.
And for me am proud to tell everyone that I married my gorgeous prince for love.
Hi Joe – I am sorry if you felt bad, but I didn’t feel that you were slammed, just advised that the religion was not the reason for the man’s poor behavior. Like you having Muslim friends in the States, I have a lot of Muslim friends here in Mindanao myself. It is true that a fair number of Filipinos are very anti-Muslim, but that doesn’t really mean that we should adapt such an attitude ourselves.
Good luck to you, and I am happy that nothing further than a $60 payment came from the incident.
Just wanted to add that the link to your website is: http://philfaqs.com/ I tried your other link and it did not work. I really enjoy your column. Very informative.
Oo nga Bob..give ur friend another chance, an ultimatum w/ stern warning. Now, I’m curious w/ Barry. How can a guy be so gullible?
It’s true Bob… that’s what I meant that nobody can bail him out if it doesn’t work out!
Hi, Bob!
I was born and raised in Marilao. I saw the beauty and potential of this small town growing up. I saw how politicians gradually pulled this down to the muck too!As one of your commentator had said, the river used to be so clean and refreshing, it is indeed very true. With all the politicians who has the power to stop the big businesses and companies from ruining the environment did not protect the small town like Marilao. Allowing all the waterways and rain water drainage to be filled and built with commercial buildings made most of the road and farmlands get flooded everytime it rains, even just a high tide. This, I may say, caught up on the citizens of Marilao and it’s neighboring towns.Meycauayan, my paternal side of the family originated from, was indeed the tanning capital, and has the most polluted river, is no different from Marilao.
The other attraction, that disappeared because of the pollution was the “Hanging Bridge” they called. Due to the heavy pollution, (Piggery Farms, Noodle Factories, etc.) the famous hangout for families and tourists diappeared.
Aside from the popular “Putong Pulo” we also have the famous “Pansit Luglog and Pansit Palabok” to brag about.
Having the SM Mall, had made a big impact on the town’s reputation also. Be it crimes, attractions, neighborhood, you name it! We used to know everybody in town. Having the big mall , it’s not the same anymore.
Also, about the GI’s haven during the 60’s & 70’s there was’nt really that much bars and saloon in the area that they can go around. It might have been in the border of Bocaue and Marilao, somewhere in Abangan, where it is near the most concentrated site for the restaurants, bars and motels are located. Believe me, that area where the SM is standing right now, is used to be a rice field and where my grandpa planted rice on some part of it. Progress is good but the environment was neglected.
Thank you for featuring my hometown, Bob!
oohhh i can’t wait to go there and try their steak.i’m a big fan of steaks ang i hope they have a good selection of wines to go with it…
Hi Bob, the 12% figure might not be accurate. I read this in one local newspaper sometime last year. I hope that 5.4% of unemployment in Davao is accurate. Figures from the government? I don’t know how accurate it is. But this I know for sure, millions of OFW are leaving the country to get a good paying job not available in the Phil. They sacrifice for their family to have a decent home, education and better standard of living.
Hi Ben – It’s hard to say how the reputation came about. Yeah, there are some Filipinos who are out for money, just as some Americans are, some British, or whatever country you might choose to look at.
Queenie, I agree strongly with most all you have said. It seems that many have difficulty in maintaining a balanced view. Am I happy all the time? Heavens no. Are there things I perceive would go better for my wife and I back in the US? Heavens yes. But I’m basiclaly happy and then again occassionally P.O’d in either country … and I average a lot mor e’happy time’ here in the Philippines.
Hola Antonio: I agree that the majority of the middle class are abroad. Your summary of the number of deaths in the three wars is depressing. I think the casualty during the American-Japanese war is much higher. The Bataan Death March is one episode of that war, I want to forget. I cried the last time after reading the Bataan Death March- the walk of death according to some historians.
The front of our house in Marinduque was a design we copied from an Architectural Digest magazine. The rest of the house, I believe is more of French colonial than Spanish colonial. I really do know much about architecture, but I subscribe to Architectural Digest. My forte is on landscaping. Again, thank you for your comments!
Hi Steve – Ha ha… I’m not even going to ask where that creamy gravy comes from.
Henry: Gotta watch the coconut wine… I always equate it with about the same characteristics as paint thinner!
hi Bob,i am new on this site,its great,it prepared me for my first visit and now i am here in dipolog permeantly,packed my bags and left las vegas with a buyout from work.About the banking account,I walked into BDO with nothing more than a passport and a Nevada drivers license and i opened a dollar account with an atm card which i pick the card up in 10 days at the bank,i dodnt even have a phone yet,so no number and i am staying at a motel,which i didnt even fill in the address on the paperwork.I didnt have the 2 2×2 pics that were needed.The banking lady as i was sitting at her desk told me not to worry about getting the info i didnt have.Heck,i just walked off the plane 3 hours earlier,carrying $3000.00 in big bills from the USA in a sandwich baggie stuffed in my underwear.The bank lady took down all the serial numbers of each 100 dollar bill and i had to sign for each one.I am very relieved,good luck to you others whom try to open an account.
Hmmm, expensive though.
Hi Wildcat – Good suggestion for sending money. This conversation, though, is more on expats moving here, living in the Philippines, and needing a bank account here. Not so much on remittances. Thanks, though, because the info is useful.
Hi queeniebee, thanks for the additional information. I will try to check it out… .
Hi mike – Yeah, me too…. I can’t help it!
Hi brspiritus – ah, I can just see you relaxing with that pipe post-4am!
In one respect, not having a regular J.O.B. (Just Over Broke) can be very empowering. You don’t have to make that momentous decison to resign, and listen to all the dire predictions your boss and co-workers are likely to make.
But, of course, one has to eat. What sort of business are you in now? Is there any chance of running it remotely, or in moving it online?
I’ll tell you one great advantage you do have if you decide to move here and go in business .. the fact that you already successfully run a business.
So many people write me and ask for advice about starting a business here … and they have never run a business in their home country. Scary.
IMO, the first step in coming to the Philippines to run your own business is to start and grow ione back home … even if the business won’t ‘transfer’ here, the experience will be extremely valuable. The Philippines is a poor place for a foreigner to go to ‘\hands on business school’.
Hi jerry – I suppose it could happen. I wouldn’t expect it, though. Firstly, I don’t think the family would even know who we were or where to find us, unless the girl told them. Secondly, it would end up bringing shame on the girl.
Ernest, thank you so much for writing. And yes, I can agree with almost everything you say. But I want to add something that maybe won’t be pleasant for some to hear, but I think it has to be said.
While everything you say is true, the time has now come to Get Over It.
I’ve had many learned Filipinos lecture me on the same issue. The Spanish imbued the Filipino with a senns eof hopelessness, etc. and etc. The US could have done better, and so on.
I dispute none of that, but I do dispute and at times even get angry with Filipnos and Philippine apologists who keep reciting the same mantra in 2009 as they did 40 years ago.
In my opinion the Philippine government and the educational system often go out of their way to perpetuate the sad facts of Philippine history as a crutch for modern times. Understanding the root cause of the problem is a worthy academic goal, but fixing the problem is much simpler … teaching children from day one that “Filipino Pride” involves more that rooting for Manny and Charise … it involves getting up every morning and saying “I” am an exceptional, unique person with value and worth, and I don’t have to box like Manny or sing like Charise in order to be someone, and I won’t denigrate my own country, especially to foreigners, I will speak of my country with the pride she is due.”
Again, sorry for coming on strong here, but the Spanish are more than 100 years gone, the American government more than 50 years in the past, it’s time to live in the present. Or so Dave opines.
Hi – I also have an older Tecnogas oven. Could you share where you get your parts from? I am looking for a manual & ignitors for Mod 8960. Cheers
Hi Ellen,
Yes, that’s a great point on consumption and ‘tiers’ used when applying rates. I think you are right about it being a progressive system (i.e. the more you use, the quicker you get ‘bumped’ into a higher per unit charge). I didn’t realize that was the reason behind multiple meters, but it makes sense if that’s the case. It’s also another reason why we all might want to try and be more energy conscious!
Cheers!
I wonder if these KW/hour rates are universal for all of The Philippines or do they differ from one area to another or from one supplier ( Electric Company ) to another ?
One of my Filipino friends rented an apartment a while ago and tried to explain the stiuation about the electricity there and it left me totally confused and having a headache from trying to figure it out. This article has clarified a lot of things for me. Thanks for writing it.
Its just me being me.
Its not that great of a thing socially though. People sometimes I’m putting them down or disapproving in some way. I’m not, I don’t go that far most of the time. I’m very open minded so I often am not making a judgement but others don’t see it that way. When ever I’m diplomatic, I’m surprised. LOL
Hi shieng – I hope you got my reply from your query. I also hope you got what you wanted from the place I recommend.
Nice to see you here! Take care.
hello sir how r u hope you fine i am from pakistan i was also plan to buy a jeepny in davao so when i saw your website then i am upset and little disopinte i want to jeepny business so what is my perfomes in start what i do whats the frist step if i buy jeepny then can i register my name only or not and can i make clean profit like 600pesos per day clean profit like a 5000usd jeepny per each plz reply
best regard
munaf
Hi Macky – For the Samal thing, for what you are looking for, go south, or go to the other side of the island. That would be perfect.
If we are neighbors…. keep plenty of diet coke on hand, in case I run out!
Hi James – it is most certainly a beautiful area. I got your photos today, things are moving ahead! Thanks for sharing those, and have a good time on your journey to check out the place!
And that’s the nice thing in all of this: There really is no rush. You’re still a young man with lots of life ahead of you!
Hi John Miele, I can only say: THANK YOU for your additional comment!
Hi Dave,
I thought the vid of the dancing traffic cop in San Carlos was cool.
regards Chas.
Dave, there is one short video of my driving the Tricycle. It is only 46 seconds and was shot around Caticlan on North Panay. You can find it here on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjqHYbyoN8E or via my channel http://www.youtube.com/user/Nomad4everCom
Hi erik – Don’t worry, I will still be around, just in a slightly different role. If people who enjoy LiP wish to support me in any way, I have plenty of products and services available, and by using my services, that will do their part in supporting the site. I value LiP a lot (if I didn’t, I would have completely walked away from it). I also believe that it can be developed into a profit maker, just more slowly than my original thinking.
let me remind you that most of the appliances available here in the philippines are not locally made but made abroad. Electrolux for instance is made in Sweden. La germania is Italy and some brands from China. Unfortunately you live in a remote city in the Philippines no wonder service centers are too hard to find, well if you could find one….. I’ve lived in the US for yrs. and have experienced a great deal of looking for some parts of my electric convection range, that took me years to find….There’s is no such thing as paradise, unless you change your way of thinking.
Hi John – Yeah, I understand. You really have to feel these things out. Sometimes accepting may be the wrong thing to do, other things not accepting might be an insult! It’s best to always “feel it out” by saying no, and seeing how serious they are about wanting you to eat!
Hey, if you come to my house and I offer you something… if you say no… well, you ain’t gonna get anything!
These matters are usually taken to the Barangay Captain. I know a Filipina that called the police and they told her to see her Barangay Captain first.
You’re correct about the family. They often will apply pressure first, they have their ways to do so. When that doesn’t work, they may apply their fist or bats.
Hi Andy – I appreciate your patronage in the past! Thank you.
Hi Evelyn,
I am glad to here that you are a regular reader of this site and will do my best to keep you interested! As a special treat I will drink a shot or two of ESQ for you!
Thanks John yes having the will is half the battle
and yes I am grinning with you…I think we all have some little quirky story growing up, and we can all laugh about it now…
Ingats my friend,
Danny
Hi Paul – For lamps, your US lamps will work fine here, just put 220v light bulbs in them, no problem!
Based on experience…. I will say that within 2 to 3 years all of your 110v US appliances will be friend already. People will invariably plug them into the wrong outlets.
I’ve been there and done that… seems to work that way every time.
Hi Marcelina, thank you very much for your nice comment. Yeah, we did it, although we couldn’t see the full moon. Good idea, to write that. I guess it’s again time for a little poetry… .
Hi John l – There will always be some people with negative attitudes. Most of the comments, though, are positive, and say that Filipinos are not liars or bad people. Ignore the negative.
I guess, that is just one of those “faux pas”
Vert funny Dindo, I can viualise you carrying you personal tabo around with you.LOL
It was not that far back that some places in the U.S. used corn husks to wipe.
Vacant lot? The outhouse is really outside.
Hello Bob of NY, I cannot imagine a customer of a hotel checking out from the hotel w/ a toilet seat among his loot, let alone a mall rat stealing those toilet seats in mall CRs. How does one carry those? & what’s the street value to warrant such demand for stealing?
I personally have no need for toilet seats. If I need to use the toilet outside of my house, I arm myself w/ lots of TPs to cover the toilet rim itself. Sorry to be graphic about this. My point is maybe, just maybe, it could be that the contractor saves money by not installing the toilet seat
Hi chef – Well, I can assure you that I am not envious. I simply think that it was an insensitive and inappropriate amount to spend on a meal. If others do it, well, they do it. I can’t control that. I still feel it is inappropriate.
God I hate the missing toilet seat thing to, What’s up with that? Lets see let’s take the seat, the paper, and the soap. They also tend to just not have doors either. SM Robinson in Angeles is like that, so if you need to drop the kids off at the pool then your out of luck. God help you if you have LBM lol.
We always brink a small ziploc bag with some TP, if were going out or some wetwipes.
Hi Mita,
I often wonder if any of these people actually find anything but I will probably never find out as I am sure that if anyone actually did find treasure and advertize it that the government would get in volved as would the bad guys!
Good luck to all of them!
Hi brian – Funny how that works!
Hi,
I hope that you get to meet the sharks in the open ocean on day and you will appreciate the beauty of the Apex Predator!