Man, I just can’t take all of these disappointments anymore.
Paraphrasing the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition: Disappointment. noun. 1. A displeasure or frustration. 2. Something not desired nor expected.
Yes, I’m the same person who wrote about my expectations for our Philippine adventure. Yes, I was overly positive; believing that the expectations I held were not lofty. I spoke about every cloud’s silver lining, yadda, yadda, yadda. I badly wanted to prove my wife Emy’s warning of not expecting too much to be wrong. However, I’ve been here for a while now and a cloud without a silver lining appears to be overhead most of the time.
Did I speak too soon? Were those readers who warned me about excitement and disappointment correct? I don’t know. I stare at my return ticket and wonder, “Is it worth it, this ‘Philippine adventure’ thing?”
Here are ten disappointments that I’ve endured in just my first few weeks back in the Philippines:
- My dog, Barto, didn’t recognize me and has a barking fit until I hide myself from his view.
- The new dog we acquired prior to returning, Pauline, didn’t want to recognize me as anything other than an object to bark at and does not stop barking, even after I hide myself.
- There are no roosters crowing early in the morning to wake us up – we oversleep until dawn.
- The neighbor’s goat, of all things, wakes us up at dawn with bleating and “aroma.”
- The weather is much wetter than I had hoped for – much to the farmers’ delight for irrigation purposes.
- The elementary school across the street suffers a number of half-days resulting in my receiving twice as many, “Hey Joe’s” as before.
- We just missed a typhoon, but it didn’t miss our town – plenty of flood damage remains throughout the municipality.
- I do not go anywhere nor do I do anything exciting or thrilling – I find myself stagnantly accepting the status quo.
- Did I mention excessive barking and bleating, and no crowing?
- I haven’t seen any old friends or relatives and, doggone it, they should have been around by now!
Okay, I admit it. I admit that I’m writing this tongue-in-cheek and thinking that things could have been very disappointing had we not turned potential negatives into positives. Each of the above, when you really think about it, is nowhere near an end-of-the-world scenario. Each was really a positive hidden from immediate view. I needed to remove my “kano glasses” and see straight.
Sure, my dog didn’t recognize me – it had been seven months since we last ran together. After an hour, we were best of friends again, just as if I had never been away. The new dog needed more time to get used to new faces, body colors, smells, etc. A doggy treat or two let her know just who it was that put the food in her dish every day (hey, whatever works!).
All of the chickens had been “harvested,” but new chicks are running about. The goat won’t be around long – there’s a party coming up. It won’t be long and we’ll be up pre-dawn, once a couple of chicks grow into junior roosters.
The weather is exactly as it should be during “rainy season,” and I’m happy that it is. If anything, it provides a contrast for dry summers. The farmers repaired an old irrigation dam and cleaned the distribution system out. There will be more than one crop this year!
The school’s half-days were scheduled – rice fields need attention right now and children are a big help to families. The school system extends the academic year to make up for “rice days.” Not to mention, “What’s your name?” followed the “Hey Joe’s.” Once I told them, it was Mr. Keating this, Sir Keating that, and plenty of “po’s,” too. These aren’t disrespectful “kano kids.” These are the future of the municipality and the province. Their politeness and kindness were more than I expected.
A typhoon did pass close by, and did do some damage. Tropical cyclones are a part of life here. There were many opportunities to help clean up in our barangay and I didn’t waste any. I guess that’s why I haven’t been to the resorts, exciting sights, etc. I’ve been too busy helping Rudy, Pablo, and cousin Filimon with my bolo (machete). I’m sure excitement awaits me.
Barking, bleating, crowing, mooing, etc. – they’re all sounds of provincial life. I believe each serves as a reminder for me to enjoy life in its simplicity, taking time to enjoy each minute and all that provincial life brings to the senses.
Hey, why haven’t we gone to see my friends and relatives instead of waiting for them to show up first? After all, they were showing respect for us. They know a long trip does take some of the enjoyment out of life. (We were traveling for about 40 hours; the last 25 or so weren’t as enjoyable as the first 15.) We did go see some friends first – and found this to be the reason why they were waiting to drop in for a visit. Once we made the first visit, the visitors started coming in droves.
I guess this article is all about one’s view of life. Some have said that, unless you’re the lead dog, the view is not very pretty. I say there is no need to follow a lead dog, or anyone else for that matter. A positive attitude and accepting adjustment are two important tools that a Westerner needs in his or her toolbox. Without them, he or she won’t be able to make anything worthwhile of him or herself in the Philippines.
Paul is a CPA and a retired tax accountant, having served companies and corporations of all sizes, as well as individuals, in public accounting practices. Prior to what he refers to as his "real job," he served a 24-year career in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer. It was during this career that he met and married his OFW spouse of 40+ years, Emy, while stationed in London, UK. (Though he pleaded for the assignment, Paul never received orders to the Philippines.) A "Phil-phile" from an early age, Paul remembers his first introduction to the Philippines in the primary grades of a parochial elementary school where, one week each year, children donated their pennies to purchase school supplies, food and other necessities for Filipino children in need. That love for Filipinos continues to this day. Calling Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte--in the far northwestern part of Luzon--home (just about as far away from Davao as one can be while still being on one of the major islands) Paul prefers a more relaxed provincial life style, and willingly shares a different view of the Philippines from "up north"!
MCPO Paul, I enjoy the sound of my neighbors rusty hand pump at dawn every day. He eats his 45 day chickens around the 4th week, so very little noise there except when they jump my wall and my dog’s chase them. But then, he has to listen to my Country Music from 8am till noon every day, he’s starting to like it.
Or the sound of an un-muffled two stroke Trike racing up the hill past my gate, oh, the sheer pleasure of that sound. And the kid’s on the way to school every morning as I sit out on my wall having coffee, greet me now as Kuya Paul, or Daddy Paul. (I swear to the lord I’m not!) Hey Joe moved. Due to my large mustache, it’s sometime Hulk Hogan (I have all my hair). But I love it all, and smile at them and wave. It’s a great life.
Hi Paul – I’d stay away from those who call you “Daddy Paul” as they might be put up to it by Mommy.
btw, we can belay that naval stuff 😀 I found my place where they think an oar is something you use to stir the charcoal under the lechon!
IT IS a great life!
Kamusta Po Paul,
Very important article for us newcomers wanting to live in the Philippines. Positive attitude and a great big open mind to new and unusual, different ways of life.
The little inconveniences of the Philippines are just something we all will need to get use too. Just like some of the things here in USA, loud traffic, neighbors at times, etc..we are use to. My Rose says of course she is use to the roosters crowing, she doesn’t notice them anymore, as well as the “brown outs”, and other things we westerners are not use to (of course where I lived at in Southern Maryland-Paul you might know this area is near Patuxent River Naval Air Station in the boonies of Maryland, the electric seemed to go out whenever the wind would change direction..lol.)It just takes a little adjustment to get use to these things, the most popular answer I get from Rose about these things is “I use to it honey, so it not bother me”.
Keep up the great writing Paul, I enjoy it very much.
Salamat kaayo, og ingats,
Danny 🙂
Magandang umaga, Danny – Know the Pax River and Ft Meade areas quite well. Made many a trip to those locations while stationed in WashDC.
Yes, flexibity and positive outlook certainly help adjustment. When you stop and think about it (and there’s enough time to just stop and think) there are very few “inconveniences” here. Those things we Westerners think of as inconvenient are just a different way of getting something accomplished. We’ve had some brown outs over the past week, but each was scheduled and broadcast to residents over the radio (and, of course, word of mouth). A new, major transformer that served a very wide area needed to replace an old, failing one.
One certainly is surprised at the number of things that are gotten used to! Now, if Auntie Lydia’s tiengi (sari-sari) ran out of San Miguel Beer, that would be a little inconvenient. I’d have to walk a half a km to the next tiengi! 😉
Kamusta po Paul,
Well you didn’t say anything about them running out of beer there, now that is different story, and good reason for revolt..lol. (good thing I don’t drink anymore..hehe..lol). I know your not fond of scooters, but this would be good time to have one, just don’t start drinking till you get back home though…lol.
Paul, where did you work at while stationed in Washington, DC area, I grew up around Andrews Air Force Base, my father worked for Air Force One for many years, from the Eisenhower to the Reagan years.
I also worked on many U.S. Navy bases and installations in the area for a government contractor, like, Washington Navy Yard, Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Naval Supply Depot in North Philadelphia, and Naval Surface Warefare Center in Indian Head, Md. as well as some others I can’t think of right now.
Take care, and thanks,
Danny 🙂
Hi Danny & Paul
Sorry to be out of topic here. I was in Maryland in the early 1990 for 4 years, Worked in Upper Marlboro and lived in La Plata (Port Tobacco area). Nice quiet town. For shopping and entertainment, had to go to the next town Waldorf but overall I love the place. Do you know the area? The place must have changed a bit since I was there.
BTW Paul, I enjoy reading all your post. More power to you and keep them coming.
Well….life is not just happy happy happy….it has ups and downs positives and negatives, but in the end it is what we make it!
Hi Michael – Yoou are absolutely right. Life is full of ups and downs, positives and negatives, etc., but we make life what it is.
Even for me, somedays my house burns up, other days my house burns down. But, I’ve always been a “glass half full” kind of guy – never let it get any lower before ordering a refill. 😉
You were a Navy CT, Paul? CTR brancher here……..6 years in, now 33 years out. I do have fond memories of the job, and still do Morse > 40 WPM.
Hi Paul. I am glad you are adjusting well on provincial life in Northern Luzon. On a totally different subject, I was just reading that the first coconut bio-diesel plant will be built in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. Is this near you? Any details about the proposed project? When will be the scheduled completion date? This will bring job opportunities in the area and will improve the local economy.
Cheers! David
LOL i’m 15. I’ve been living in the Philippines since birth, and yes, i’m 100 % Pinay. I think the animals here are bleeting annoying too. When i wake up, the dogs and chickens are making enough noise to make me throw my slippers at them. Somehow, you get used to it too. :))
hahaha Paul – 8.I do not go anywhere nor do I do anything exciting or thrilling – I find myself stagnantly accepting the status quo.
that’s my favorite part about living here !
Hey Mr Paul..How are you ?? Finally decide to check out your Blog..Very Interesting..When you go there you have to have a Hobby or what I want a little Hobby Farm,,I got bored and figured out I have to have something to keep me busy and Happy if I want to get off my Butt…I have that choice..I miss the Roosters Starting up at 5am. in our village.One Farmer even tied his Cow up outside my bedroom window one Morning..When it started Bawling I yelled at it to Keep The Noise Down that started a lot of laughing by my family,who sleep all over my Front-room when we are there. The next Morning I got up and started Crowing like a Rooster which I do very well.I had all the Roosters Crowing a Hour earlier than the village got up,it was funny they were all out of bed and working around there houses a hour early..My wife said Bob What are you doing..I said having fun…I did it at least once a week.You must be positive always over there.You know when you are not there you miss and love these people.Thats why I visit alot because when I move there full time I must be Happy..Its a loving Family life there.My own family here hardly even remember I exist but my Philippino family constantly love there Uncle Bob and want him with them always…Thanks Good Friend…….
Hi Bobby – Well, outside of walking the dogs at 5:30 AM, my hobbies include keeping an eye on our spending. Seems as though my wife has hobbies of her own that include shopping, shopping and shopping. 😀
While reading this article, I cant help but shed some tears. Not only that I am thrilled and much happy that there are westerners who love and enjoy the simple life what we the locals used to enjoy, but I am much captured on how the author of this article, describe and emulate the positive things out of the negative daily occurrence in his daily life. Its really a matter of someone’s disposition and attitude on how you should consider things that happen in someone’s life.—-
Hi Alexander – Thank you for your kind words and observations. Yes, it’s all in how you look at the glass: half-empty or half-full.
The simple life isn’t for everyone, but I enjoy it tremendously! 🙂