For today’s video, Feyma and I head up to the Marilog District in rural Davao and stop at a roadside Vegetable stand. They have wonderful fresh vegetables, and very low prices at this kind of place!
During our stop, Feyma did the Vegetable shopping, while I talked with some local kids who were selling peanuts! I met two new and great friends, Vanessa and Lea. Vanessa is a 2nd Year High School student, and Lea is going into her 1st Year of High School. They are both selling peanuts to help their parents make a little extra money. I enjoyed meeting them, and teased them a bit, as you will see in the video.
Fun video! We like to buy veggies there too on our way back from Davao! The people are nice and just let you buy without hounding you, and the kids are cute and polite. And the veggies are really nice a fresh!
Hi AmericanLola – Yeah, I like that little place, I always enjoy talking with the kids there. They already know me by now, because we have been there so many times. It's a fun place to stop, and as you said, the veggies there are great too!
Any ideas Bob, why Filipino kids are very shy as opposed to american children who are generally not shy? Is it an asian thing right? Maybe if it was a Filipino that approached them. maybe they would be more open.
Hi Roy – Interesting question. I think that a big part of it is language. The kids are shy to speak English, embarrassed that they might make a mistake. I have noticed that when I speak my limited Bisaya to them, they open up a lot more.
Here is something else that is interesting, Roy. My kids, and other American kids are generally very embarrassed to sing or dance like a recital in front of their parents or guests. However, here in the Philippines, kids are very open to singing and dancing, or maybe reciting a poem to guests in their home. Kind of the very opposite of what you observed. So, it does go both ways.
Really? Hmnmn…Was I shy to show off my talents in front of my parents? 😐 I think & this is just what I think, american kids are encouraged to speak more, it's just the culture, what happens in the school and home. In the Phil, classes are usually jampacked so teachers are more or less tired, if they would encourage the students to speak out. As for their ability to perform at the drop of a hat, I am guessing again that kids get these in variety shows seen in TV.
Now, something you wrote piqued my interest further. Do your kids identify themselves more as "american"? I know they are americans in the sense that they are well, american citizens. But culturally, do they identify more w/ being american? Fr a non-american stand point (just like in the movie Spanglish), if a child would say "Not now, I need my space" that qualifies as being "american". Assertiveness is an american trait, that's what most non-americans think, at least to me.
Hi Roy – I have three boys, all born in the United States, and I have one girl who is really my niece, but is like our daughter. For this discussion, I will not include our girl, because she has never been to the States, and it's a different situation than with the boys.
My oldest son is Chris. Chris is mentally retarded, but functions pretty well. Chris was 8 years old when we moved to the Philippines. Off all of our kids, I would say that Chris is the most Filipino in regards to his attitude, culture, etc. When it comes to foods, he enjoys both American and Filipino foods. He is more the type that tries to fit in with the situation, much like a Filipino would (in my observation). Chris looks more Filipino than the others (darker skin than the others, etc). I would really say that Chris is very comfortable with his life here, and will never go back to the States.
My second son is Aaron, or AJ as I call him. AJ was 3 years old when we moved here. AJ is very American, and tends to identify himself more as American, although he certainly acknowledges his Filipino side too. AJ eats American foods almost exclusively. Both Feyma and I expect that someday AJ will go back to the States, either to study or work, or perhaps both. When it comes to language, AJ speaks Bisaya a lot, but he is really American in his personal culture, eating habits and his lifestyle. He enjoys spending time alone, likes having his "space" etc.
Jared is my third son. Jared was only 1 month old when we moved here. It's funny, because although Jared has virtually lived his entire life here, he is simply very American as well. He and AJ look a lot alike, although I think that Jared's skin is even a bit whiter than AJ's is. Jared mostly likes to eat Filipino food, he tends to think that American foods are "yucky" and it's hard to even get him to try those. Jared, like AJ, enjoys having his own space, and hanging out alone in his own little world.
So, I would say that my kids make up a mixed bag. I'm OK with that, and whichever side of their cultural heritage they embrace is OK for me and Feyma. One thing that is quite interesting about our kids, sometimes if you ask them – "Jared, are you Filipino or American?" His response might be "I'm Jared." In other words, he, at times doesn't identify which he is, he identifies that he is unique! I think that is kind of cool, Roy. And, this exact same thing and attitude is shown by AJ too. Not so much by Chris, though.
So, what do you think, Roy?
Hi Bob, Sorry I haven't made any comments on your videos. It's not because I don't like them – it's because I start dreaming about the Philippines again, and forget to send you a Thank You! Keep up the good work – we all love it.
Hi John in Austria – Over recent weeks, I have wondered if the Videos were much of a hit or not. A number of people tell me that they enjoy them, but there are few comments, it seems! If people enjoy them, I am certainly happy to do them, but if people don't care for that, I am ok about that, and can just write a regular column instead!
I am glad to hear that you enjoy them, and if others want to give their "vote" on the topic, that will help me decide whether to continue with videos, or if you all prefer a traditional column instead!
Thanks, John!
Ok, Bob. I enjoy them a lot.
The Bukidnon piece was a tease though (too short). I'm still waiting for the whole kit and kaboodle—i.e. a series of videos from Kitaotao to Manolo Fortich….just kidding….no pressure 😉 .
On this particular video: Those vegetables look very 'clean'. Are there any 'organic' stalls around?
You videos are definitely a hit.
Hey Bob good video …i like it ..Kids are so much fun …
Hi Bob – I've not had an opportunity to watch the video yet but they are surely appreciated, as are your regular columns. You do a great job all around.
I agree with all the people who have commented about your videos. Those are very much appreciated as well as all your columns. Please keep them coming! You keep us who are living far away from Davao very well informed. Thanks so much for all you do, Bob! 🙂
Hi Dr. Long – Next week I will be doing some traveling to some places that should make for some very interesting videos in future weeks. So, keep your eyes peeled!
I have never seen an organic stall for the vegetables…. maybe it will be the wave of the future!
Hi Phil R – Glad you enjoyed it. Indeed, I always enjoy interacting with kids!
Hi Randy C – Thanks for your kind words!
HI Vicky in Missouri – Thanks for stopping by! I am happy that you enjoy the site! 😆
we(wife and i) enjoy a lot your columns and videos, Bob. Do keep it coming. we both love watching the videos especially my wife who is already homesick of Davao. we always get a dose of "liveinthephilippines" every morning, before we start our day (sort of our "reading the newspaper while having breakfast" routine!" funny thing, my wife is on labor right now with our second baby (boy). she's been on labor since yesterday and we are going to the hospital this morning but she just had to have her daily dose of liveinthephilippines before we go. so, maybe my wife has to resign to having her dose of liveinthephilippines after three days since we think she'll have the baby today. 🙂
Hi familia_solis – Haha…even while in labor she had to get her "LiP fix"? Wow…. not to test if you are really… really a fan, if the baby is a boy you need to name it "Bob" – if it's a girl, "Feyma"! 😆
Hi Bob I enjoy your video I like very much I remember
my holydays 2005 – 2006 I homesick to visit philippines again.
I look all your video and I enjoy Bob.
Hi Zois – Nice to hear from you again, it's been a while! I'm happy to know that you are enjoying teh videos – I'll keep them coming!
Bob I enjoy the videos also. It is interesting to see how people react when you talk to them.
Did you do any video on your trip to Basilan and Tawi Tawi?
That would be great to see.
Hi Danny – I'm afraid that I didn't own a video camera at the time I went to Basilan and Tawi Tawi. Keep tuned here, though… because I have an interesting trip coming up soon!
I think that root crop looked like taro/gabi (or possibly ube?), but I couldn't say for sure.