Philippine Dreams
The majority of Filipinos face mostly each day of the year the disquietude and uneasiness how to live and how to survive in fear and uncertainty. I experienced that Filipinos are incorrigible optimistic. Only then one might be able to dream that the future will eventually roll up in their favor. This wishful thinking about a better and glorious future let many prayers become a monotonous refrain of asking, dreaming and hoping.
Yet, the wake up in the morning or the plenty sleepless nights make it very clear that not knowing the difference between yesterday and today is at least much painful then without seeing the promise of a tomorrow.
There are official and unofficial figures about Filipinos Oversea Workers. No one exactly knows considering that,many are going out illegally equipped with their desperate situation. “Bahala na ang Diyos” … “God will take care” - and so they put their life and future at risk. Of course, a lot of Filipinos and Filipinas have already prospered materially. They risk their lifes abroad to save their families - and the Philippines from economic collapse and poverty. No need to mention the importance of remittances of those oversea workers.
But in spite of the awe-inspiring and formidable dollars and euros, this is never enough to fill up the emptiness in a Filipino heart. I guess it’s the bravery and fearlessness of the Filipino heart, that helps to sustain him in a better or worse situation in a foreign land, separated from partner and family and having no other choice, if the next generation should survive.
I learned that most Filipinos dream to be free from all kinds of bondage, because only in freedom they can see and enjoy life’s beauty. Deep in the heart, the years and years of separation from the love-ones has cut wounds, which may never heal again. I observed such things more now since I decided to stay in the Philippines for good.
Most of your observations about us Filipinos are quite true. But on the other hand, I think it applies to all human being regardless of race, where you come from, your social status and where you are right now. Isn’t that most of us wish for a better and glorious life? Life is a challenge whatever is your background. As for us Filipino, one of the challenges that we are facing right now is our economy. We are aware that the Philippines is still a country of extensive poverty and ‘still’ being managed by gargantuan corrupt (not all) government officials. It’s sad to say but most of us can’t help but tolerate some forms of this corruption practices. To name a few: (nepotism, bribery, the whom you know system, etc…). This is one of the main reason why up to this very moment the dilemma of common ‘tao’ (ordinary Filipino) is entangled to the scarcity of even to the most basic needs (food, clothing, and shelter). Quite a lot of us are striving harder in order to make both ends meet and ready to take the risk even if we know that our action/decision is life threatening. An action or decision supplemented with guts and by saying ‘Bahala Na’. It is for the simple reason…we need to survive. (e.g. miners who work without proper safety devices, overseas workers, etc…)
Perhaps one of the most misunderstood Filipino cultures is the “Bahala Na” way of life. I’ve got to believe that Pinoy’s way in dealing with problem/issue and corresponding action/decision is unique. The question is: In what circumstances does one say Bahala Na? Well, I could say “a lot” of circumstances but in “specific” situation. I quoted the word ‘specific’ because not all things that we came across, the ‘bahala na’ culture automatically reinforces to our mental instinct. So, what specific situation that one would instinctively make someone say ‘bahala na’. There are only three situations I know when a Filipino says this:
1) If someone is undecided;
2) When someone is not sure of his/her action or decision that he/she made; and
3) Challenges in life.
Given these three situations above, isn’t that happening to most of us humans? Within this context I have no doubt that the Filipino is not alone in going through this manner. You too, can say “bahala na” or “come what may”—the nearest English translation I could think of.
I have been reading Bobs blog / magazine for several weeks now enjoying the very insightful comments, he and others post, like this one. But till now I have not commented on any post I feel compelled to do so now.
I have been working and living in Kuwait for 11 years now, and have been married to a Filipina for 9 years during this time I have been able to observe the cruel and unjust way that most of the local Kuwaitis treat the Filipino / Filipinas that they hire for domestic and skilled work.. The pay is low “but can be better then in the Philippines” and in some cases the living conditions are below the norm in the Philippines. I have always looked in amazement as time and time again individuals complain to the government (Kuwait and Philippine) about there employer not paying them, or that they were raped / beaten, it falls on deaf ears, if you complain to much fake charges are filed, and the individuals spends time in jail “several months to years” then deported, Black listed, never to return.
The governments of Kuwait considers most other foreign nationals as below them, and treats you accordantly, but still I have known those same individuals to do what ever it takes to return, hoping that this time it will be different. This is undoubtedly due to the poverty that is endured in the Philippines, and the desire to provide the best standard of living for there family.
I have the utmost respect for the Filipinos / Filipinas that venture overseas for work in this area of the world, because I have looked into there eyes to see the loneliness and sadness that being separated from ones family can bring.
“bahala na” or “come what may”—can be very risky.
I agree with Teng that Filipinos are survivors. The economy and politics at home are in shambles so Filipinos go abroad to find good-paying jobs and a better life to, hopefully, be able to save enough money to start a business back home. On top of this, Filipinos have a deeply religious background so we say “we’ll do our best and let God do the rest” or “God helps those who help themselves”. And, I agree with Teng that this is not unique to Filipinos. You see migrants all over the world in search of a better life. As an old song goes,
“Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours to see
Que sera, sera…”
Sad thing is working abroad entails separation from family, a huge sacrifice especially for Filipinos because we are so family-centric. Another downside is values have gone down the drain. Families who once worried about day-to-day survival are now showered with dollars, euros, etc. So, what do they do? Instead of putting it in the bank or starting a small business, they spend it on the latest cellphone, TV, etc. Consumerism has caught up with them. Some of those who are left back home do not realize the sacrifices their relatives have to go through to send money home. They think money grow on trees. I wish they could see how hard Filipinos work abroad, some nurses do double shifts, that is 16 hours a day which means they only have 8 hours left to do the commute, eat, shower, sleep, etc. I have heard stories of broken homes, teen pregnancies, kids lured into drugs and gangs, etc. because the father or mother was working abroad. Family values have been sacrificed for want of a better life.
What you mentioned, Steven, is very disturbing. Sometimes, I wonder if it is worth the sacrifice these Filipinos are enduring just to give their families back home a better life?
Hi to all of you, what I can say: “Each of you has given right thoughts. Thanks a lot for completing my short write-up”.