Over this past weekend, I was reading the blog of a friend, Nomad4Ever (aka Chris). Chris and I have had only limited contact with each other, but I consider him a friend. We both blog along the same topic, or very close to it. I know that Chris regularly reads this site and comments here, and I read his site regularly as well. I hope to meet Chris in person someday, and as I said, I consider him a friend.
Chris has been living in various spots in Asia over recent years. Over the past 6 months, Chris has been living in Goa, India. In his most recent blog entry, Chris talks about “The best, the good and the ugly” of living in Goa. One of “the ugly” things that Chris related about Goa was the bad attitude, grumpiness and such of the people of Goa. From the way he described it, you rarely see a smile on the face of a local resident there, and they don’t treat foreign visitors very well. His description, while I believe what he says, was quite depressing.
Frankly, the Philippines is quite the opposite. Here, happiness and friendliness is everywhere you go! It’s hard to go out of the house without seeing a smile on somebodies face. Even in the face of severe adversity here, people grin, bear it, and simply enjoy their lives. It is, frankly, very encouraging, and happiness is contagious, so just going out around town, you can hardly help but be happy yourself.
As I mentioned, one of the things that Chris said about Goa is that foreign visitors are not treated very well. Here in the Philippines, while there are some cases where you are treated as a “walking ATM” machine and such, in general I find that foreigners are treated very well here. Oh, you hear complaining from some expats here about the treatment they get, but I find that it is usually a lack of understanding of the culture here that leaves some foreigners feeling mistreated.
In my 9 years of living here, I can really only recall one time where somebody was downright hostile to me. That was one time when I was visiting Tawi Tawi, a place where few foreigners go, one man told me I should not be there, and I should leave the country. He was rude, and his comment left me feeling bad for a while, but he is the only person that I recall being hostile toward me. Have others said things that angered me or made me feel badly? Yes, of course, not not really super hostile. Most of the time when I’ve been left feeling negative about an encounter with a local person, it was due to a lack of understanding on my part. Or, sometimes I get upset when I think that somebody should do something the way I expect it to be done, but as I’ve said many times on this site, we cannot expect 90 million people to change to please us, it is us who need to adjust to accept their ways.
As I think it over, I can’t think of anyplace in the world where the people are so happy, carefree and always wearing a smile more than in the Philippines. There are a lot of problems in the Philippines, but the people and their attitude is certainly not one of those problems. Given the amount of “stuff” that Americans have, we are certainly a rather grumpy bunch of complainers much of the time! Living in the Philippines is a happier experience, in my opinion.
I hope that Chris finds a happier place to live for his next stop in his travels. Maybe he will make it to Davao one of these days! If so, I’ll make him write a guest column or two here on LiP!
Did you get that, Chris?
Wow Bob, thanks for featuring me here!
I know that someone who only reads this mentioned article on my site must surely think that it's quite a rant and those kind of foreigners (like me) should best shut up and go back to their home country.
So I just wanted to re-emphasize that I'm quite a positive character, don't complain too much and try to understand other people's behavior and alien situations in my respective host country. Living the last 6 years in SE Asia, one main feel-good factor was always the contagious good mood and generally positive attitude of people here, be it in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines or other countries.
That's what attracted me most to move here from Germany, where people's mood is mainly grumpy, unhappy, unfriendly and grey – just like the weather. 😉
The more I was shocked, when moving to Goa for a while that people there seem to be similar like my countrymen back in Germany. But yeah, I had to learn from others that somehow mass tourism may somewhat be responsible for that also. People there simply earned too much, too fast the easy money – and now with the construction disasters of the last few years, all the greed and increasing serious crime sneaking in and the recent economic downturn – Goa as a holiday paradise seems more effected than other places – and on a serious decline.
So I guess and still hope that it isn't a permanent way of the people living there.
Yet I'm still happy to move on, this time to your host country – to enjoy the more warm, friendly and welcoming people of the Philippines. It's one of the best assets of this island paradise.
So far I only had the chance of around a dozen short visits to several famous tourist destinations, so it's about time to spend a few more months here, some place not too close to the typhoon belt, maybe North Mindanao, Negros Occidental or even Palawan look good as a base to me.
Hope to make it also to Davao some day.
And yep, I also promise to work more on my diplomatic skills, just in case. 😉
Hi Bob – a very good point, one that I think is often over looked. I always come away feeling very positive after visiting the Philippines. Part of that is getting away from things for awhile, but another part is the happiness of the people there. I've made comment before, but it is truly inspiring to see so many people with so few material things be so happy & friendly.
Kamusta ka Bob,
Great article, and can't wait to see those smiles!!!
I read Chris' article, and thought it was very good as well, and to me it read as not being negative, but just honest.
Salamat kaayo,
Danny
Hi Randy – One thing that I have often felt in the past when I visited the Philippines (before living here) is a feeling of guilt. How can these people be so happy although they are so poor, while I have so much and am not that happy. I think that most Americans, while not unhappy, are just somewhere in the middle, not really super happy, rarely smiling, yet they have so much materially.
Yes Philippine people stay friendly and possitive despite of the crisis which hit them harder than us foreigners, dont forget that.
Philippines is a capital-starved country and now with the crisis even more problems, I wish them the luck they deserve.
I live here for 15 years now.
Hi Cebu Architect – Thanks for your comment! I agree that Filipinos certainly have it harder than foreigners do. Well, there are some foreigners who have it pretty tough too, but most of us at least have some kind of regular income.
Wow, 15 years! You're practically a local already! You've got me beat by 6 years.
As long as people are happy 🙂 it make living a lot easier..Phil Jess
I agree with Chris's observation of Goa and of India as a whole towards foreigner, I am an Indian myself who have travelled extensively and am now in Cavite, Phils.
For the past 4 months I've been here, I find the Pinoys to be really sweet,friendly and respectful. My friend who is also from India feels the same way too.
Hi Phil – Very true!
Hi May – Well, Chris did offer that there were good sides to Goa too, even great things! I hope that the people could be friendly and happy, though!
Hi Bob,
What Chris describes about Goa sounds just like the area I live in. I don't really mean that with everyone here. There are a lot of people here that just refuse to be friendly and will not speak unless I speak first. Some of them just seem to be mad at the world and others are just cold hearted.
This is what comes to my mind about the people in the Philippines and that is they know how to appreciate things even though they might not own much. I see most of them to be down to earth people the way it use to be here a long time ago. They are a good example to the rest of the world on being happy and when I go there I will do my best to tell them that as many as I can. I'm sure their happiness and smiles comes from their parents teachings from generations back. This is another big reason I would like to live there to be in a place where a lot of people are happy, smile a lot, and have good attitudes.
Thank You,
Dale
Hi Dale – When you say that it describes people who live in the area where you live… I have forgotten, where is it that you live? Not in the Philippines, right? I remember when I was a kid in the States, it seemed like people were a lot friendlier then. Even if you were a stranger, they would say "Hi" or something along those lines. These days, it's like everybody is afraid of any person that they don't know!
Bob-I guess I was being a little sarcastic because I just get frustrated with so many people that don't seem to be happy or maybe their afraid of something. I live in Texas and people in my area are not as friendly as they use to be probally because there are so many more people moved to my area from Dallas and Fort Worth. You remember I spoke about a good attitude yesterday in my response and I feel that if a person is not careful your good attitude can go blank by others trying to pull you down. Just seems to me that there are so many unhappy people where I live.. I guess I get pretty excited reading about the smiles in the Philippines and thats why I want to go there soon.
hi bob
many of us have heard the phrase something like "Money can't buy happines", although it is a very simple phrase only few people can really understand it, you need to see the people who don't have much but still happy in able to understand the phrase.
Hi Dale – Got you now… When I first started reading your first comment, I thought you were talking about somewhere in the Philippines, but then I though… "hold it, Dale doesn't live in the Philippines…" Just wanted to make sure! 😆
HI dans – You know, it is funny. I think all of us know the saying. Yet, somehow, we also think that "well, I would certainly be happier if I did have the money…" Somehow we think it applies to everybody else, but not to us. Don't you think?
hi bob – certainly, money is an instrument of happiness for a person doesn't know what contentment means. I am very content living in a 30sq meter house, no A/C just fan, small tv set, internet access, a decent food on the table. of course a lot of people particularly from the developed world cannot live the simple life I wanted.
Hi dans – Yes, you are certainly right. I know that I could not live the way that most Filipinos do live, it would not be remotely possible for me to do it. If I had to put up with half of what most Filipinos do, I would certainly not be happy. It is humbling.
hi bob – The things i mentioned about the simple life I wanted is very comfortable for me and that would make me happy, now, think about the poor filipinos who have less, i.e. no 30sqr house, no fan, no internet and only one meal a day or none at all, and despite of that, they still have the smile on their faces. think about their contentment in life?
Hi Bob,
It must be the sunshine and warmth down there that brings out the smiles as well. I notice the same in Europe and Canada – when it is sunny there are lots of smiles!
By the way, also a big thank you for introducing me to Chris' column. Very interesting. But don't worry, yours will always be the first one read every morning. 🙂
Hi Bob – Comment from Chris:
"That’s what attracted me most to move here from Germany, where people’s mood is mainly grumpy, unhappy, unfriendly and grey – just like the weather"!
Very true and sorry to say – Chris made the correct judgement – Ivy and me feel the same about my home country – although Ivy is Scottish by birth!
Cannot wait to join you all down there for our retirement soon 🙂
Our Davao daughter-en-law has always a smile ready for us, that´s why
we always call the PH people, "The Happy People", friendly and respectful, although they have a much harder life than ours.
To all of you LiP writers; keep on with your excellent stories, every morning when I switch on my PC – first we read the LiP website!
Thanks for cheering us up over here 🙂 Rudy & Ivy
Bob,
I am a people watcher and enjoy sitting outside the mall when having a cigarette. At times I finish the smoke and continue to watch the people go by.
I always enjoy when looking at someone and they catch my eyes. Most will give a smile.
Also most times sitting there, someone else near by will start a conversation. It usually starts with "Where are you from?" then goes into a conversation. If there English is bad, but they try, we usually have learning experience from each other.
Today I was talking to a PNP officer. He asked "Are you American?" I answered "yes, good guess" then to get a smile I then asked "Let me see how good I am, I guess your a Filipino." This brought a smile and a chuckle. I then thanked him for helping make Davao City a safe place for me to live.
Hi Bob!
My husband and I have been visiting your site for quite some time. My husband is American and he has been in the Philippines for 15 years. We have 5 children.
Filipinos are a "happy" people in as much that they don't allow negative things get them down. Their strong belief in God allows them to place their long term fate in His hands. I find that Filipinos, for the most part, judge foreigners on a one-by-one basis.
It may not be well known but in the issue of Daniel Smith, there were a large percent of Filipinos that believed and sided with Smith. Filipinos, by nature, are not anti-foreigner as most have or had family members work in a foreign country. We must not forget the 3.3 million Filipinos in the USA. That is a large influence back home.
My husband had his "ups & downs" early on but after a life as an expat (40 years) he was able to adjusted very well and, now, has absolutely no desires to go back to the States.
Both my husband and I are bloggers for quite so time now. We have quite a few blogs.
Bob, You do provide a lot of advice and help to new arrivals and prospective arrivals to the Philippines. It makes their transition a lot easier.
Take your bow, Bob, you deserve it!
Warm Regards,
Jo
Hi Bob- My wife and I often have a chuckle when we see a news item from the Philippines, which is more often than not a story of a disaster, or some sort of calmity, and still the people are smiling even when wading waist deep out of floodwaters etc. Happiness in the face of adversity.I hope that never changes.
I'll have to try that Bruce , sounds like you're having fun 🙂 ..Phil n Jess ( not the smoking though )
Phil n Jess,
I really enjoy talking to and getting to know Filipinos.
Hi dans – It really is hard to believe that somebody could be so content with so little. People from my country could certainly learn something from the people here. Of course, the other way around too, but something different.
Hi John – Would not want to lose my prime reading spot to Chris! Put him #2 or more! 😆
Hi Rudy & Ivy in Germany – I wonder if John in Austria is right that the warm weather plays a role. Germany can be a cold place, as can Austria, maybe that is hwy the people can be less friendly? You and Chris mention weather too!
Hi Bruce – I love it when Filipinos ask me where I am from. I have two standard answers for the question:
1. If I am in Davao and somebody asks where I am from, I answer "Marfori Heights" (the subdivision where I live).
2. If I am outside Davao and somebody asks, I answer "Davao City."
Both of these replies gets funny looks! I get a kick out of seeing that look and confusion that is on the face, then they usually realize that I must live here!
Hi Jo – Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I'm happy to have you as a reader, and I intend to check out your site as well. Wow, your husband has been an expat for 40 years already? He is hardly an American anymore! I'm glad to hear that he is getting along well here.
Thanks again for visiting! And, for your kind comment too.
Hi Anthony – Yes, even in the face of adverse situations, Filipinos always find happiness somewhere deep inside. It's amazing.
Hi Bob – Needed to read a lot of comments before making any. It seems as if just about every angle has been covered, save one: social evolution.
"What the heck you talking about, Paul? Are you on drugs?" are probably some of the questions abuzz with the mention of social evolution. Still, it's something to consider, even if it is offered by a skeptic.
In the days of conquest/colonization, Filipinos weren't allow to have much of anything and treatment, over the years of colonization, turned from cooperation to domination. One thing the Spanish couldn't take from the Filipino, or truly forbid of him, was the smile. Regardless of situation, a smile often appeared on the Filipino's face – in good times and bad. Whether or not it was an organized, non-violent political activity is immaterial. The end result was the smile being the prevalent socio-political tool to subdue foreign disfavor. It continues today. Outside of barcada joking around or haggling prices in the palengke, a smile doesn't really appear until a foreigner (and someone from a different province can be a foreigner) appears.
Just a few skeptical thoughts of one who has often wondered, "After all the Filipino has been through, after all the less than nice interaction with colonizers over the centuries, and after considering the current social-economic condition of the average Filipino, why is it that the Filipino smiles?"
(Need more coffee and another SIR pill?)
Hi Bob,
I am an avid reader of LIP since last year. I like reading
the blogs on this website, it is very stimulating. I also like the design
and creativity of this website. I read your articles daily and I noticed that there never has been any downtime on LIP. May I ask as to who is your hosting company? I am putting up a website for my "wedding accessories" business. It is a tough choice as to what web hosting I should choose. Since you own several websites, I am confident you can give me
a good recommendation. I am a Filipina based in the US. Thanks
I remember reading an article last year that a survey all over the world, listed the Philippines as number 2 happiest people in the world. I do not remember which country was number #1. I was pretty sure it was not the US. Anyway, this illustrates that money is not important in measuring happiness, but attitude in life, family values and traditions. If someone had read the survey, please let me know.
Hi Bob.
As usual I am very late with my comment. Being a pensioner I do not understand how I before had time to go to work. About the happiest people in the world, I found this link:
http://www.visitdenmark.com/usa/en-us/menu/presse…
and this: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/14/60minut…
Well well, what can I say. If I were a cow the grass would look greener at the neighbor field, but that is only because that where the cow is eating it looks right down and can see all the dirt inbetween the grass, whereas looking at the other pasture the cow will see from an angle and only see grass.
What am I trying to say her is that collected data in a survay can be translated in many ways.
Am I happy and contended? Absolutely, I love living here, I am born here. Would I like to live in the RP? yes, for a period of time, but not permanently. Why? all our friends and relatives and our children lives here. Do I envy the expats living in the RP? Not at all. We all do what we find is best for ourselves, and I enjoy to leave comments once in a while.
Definitely the horrible weather is one of the reasons for the misery of us Germans. :-)))
That really wouldn't be too good! After all, Bob is much more ambitious and has at least 1-2 good articles per day, while I bring out maximum 1 per week. So there is really no danger at all. LiP will remain our favorite read for sure. 😉
Hi Paul – What the heck are you talking about, Paul? Are you on drugs? 😆 Joke lang!
I have yet to enjoy my first coffee of the morning, nor have I taken any medications yet this morning, so indeed, I need more coffee and my SIR pill! 😀
Hi Charmaine – Thanks for your comment, and thanks for being an avid reader! I'm happy to know you.
The hosting company that I use for most of my sites, including this one, is ServInt.net. You probably don't want to use them, because they are very expensive, though. I also use HostGator.com for some sites, you might want to try them out, as they are very reasonably priced.
Hi David – I saw that survey or a similar one. I was thinking that the Philippines was more like about #5 or so, but I could be mistaken on that. I think that #1 was like Finland, Norway, somewhere in that area.
Hi Preben – I know what you mean… I am somewhat "semi-retired" myself, and I have no time! I am glad that you are quite content where you are, that's a good way to enjoy life!
Hi Chris – 😉
I'm with yea Dan… 🙂
Thanks Bob!
I knew I could get an expert advice from you.
I'd like to visit Davao next time I visit the Philippines.
Hopefully, I'll see you.
Perhaps I should have made that question reflect my immediate needs! 😆
Hi Charmaine – Hope to see you here!
Hi Paul – 😆
Nomad4ever is actually the first travel blog I started to follow! That's where I found your link.
Hi Amanda – Thanks for visiting! You are welcome any time!
I didn't read all the comments above, but I honestly think it is the sunshine! When the sky is clear and it's just bright outside from around 6AM to around 6PM, i think it's hard for one not to notice the better side of things and the lighter, more blessed side of life.
And the night is truly dedicated to rest and an avenue for dreams and anticipation of another bright sunshiny morning! Oh I miss 'em! 🙁
Hi Michelle – Maybe so! 😀