Life is so normal here, oh yes it’s different from where I grew up in Massachusetts, but in some ways it’s the same. Its people waking up every day, going about their life and trying to get the most from it, its enjoying the little things that life gives you. It’s taking pride in the accomplishments of your family and your friends, spending as much time as you can with them, and not dwelling on their peccadillo’s but enjoying the successes that happen to them on a day to day basis.
This happened over the weekend a week ago. My granddaughter is in a swimming group called the Dolphins, and practices two to three afternoons a week plus every Sunday. Over that weekend on Saturday and Sunday other groups from all over Luzon converged on Dinalupihan Bataan for a competition among the groups. Our Granddaughter Heather Colleen (AKA: Ling-Ling) was competing in the 9 to 10 year old age group.
Of course plans had been make for a few of us to be there both Saturday and Sunday to cheer her on. It didn’t quite work out the way, as I took sick, and had to remain at my house. But I encouraged Ymir Thea, and Cecil and Mayang to attend. I had no idea that it would turn out the way it did, everyone, her Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and Neighbors all wanted to go. This required a special Jeepney to take them all there. But it was worth every centavo. On her Daddies side no less than 15 people showed up both days and on our side close to 20, she by far had the largest cheering section there.
She won 5 Gold Metals and 2 Bronze Metals in her meets, and the crowd went wild with each win. My phone was ringing off the hook as they called to tell me of each win and I’m busting with pride. Yet, I’m missing the whole thing, and it was killing me, having to sit at home and not be there to see her in action.
I got to thinking how wonderful it was that she had so many people there just for her, and the pride and love that each and every member of her family and friends felt for her.
When they all returned to my house Sunday afternoon, you could cut the excitement with a knife. Food was prepared and our tiny hero was fawned over, and we were so proud of her.
While all of this was transpiring she came and sat beside me, her Lolo, and asked how I was feeling? The medals she had won were of little importance to her, as she was more concerned about me. Its times like that when you know that you’ve made the right decision about living here, and nothing could change your mind about it. For I am truly blessed!
The next day I’m feeling better, then Cecil and my daughter Ymir take my car to go to town, they are planning on going to the Boardwalk on Subic Freeport to beach walk. On the way they picked up my granddaughter Colleen and her cousin Bebe, plus Shay-shay and then brought them up to the house later to spend time with me and go on a long walk with Coco the Flying Labrador.
So the next time I hear or read about someone denigrating life in the Philippines, I will no longer use humor to shut them down, I’ll going to jump down their windpipe with both feet, and recommend they leave this place that we call home.
I promise that next week I’ll return to humor, but this time I wanted to explain what it is really like to live in the Philippines from a Kano’s point of view. Come on in, the water is fine!
Paul, I was glad to read your article today about family in the Philippines. It brought back some great feelings from my trip there, and has increased my desire to return soon. It will be another year before we are able to continue with our return there, but look forward to a great family life like you wrote about today!!
God bless you and your family!!
Scott
Scott;
When I had to leave to pick up a ship and earn a buck or two I had those same feeling everytime, all I wanted was to get home and live life. I hope you get back soon!
Hi Paul,
I feel exactly the same way now. Every time I go back it feels like I’m going home. Thanks for sharing a great story.
Mark G.
Mark;
Home is where you feel good; home is where you’re happy. It has nothing to do about a flag I served the United States for over 35 years, and my love will always be for the place I was born. But I also have a love for the Philippines and all she has to offer. You can love both without conflict.
Hi Paul,
Sorry to hear you were under the weather and missed an exciting event, Murphys law in action i feel. Many congrats to Ling-Ling.
I’m glad that i was a very good swimmer before joining the Navy, i used to feel sorry for those who couldn’t as the Navy instructors wouldn’t rescue them until they were half drowned. If they tried to cling onto the side of the pool they got their knuckles rapped by the rescue pole, lol.
As for the moaners and whiners in life, they need to get a life and remember the old adage “Life is what you make it”.
Regards,
Chas.
Chas:
The Royal and U.S. Navy teach swimming the same way. But I always wondered what would someone be thinking when they joined the Navy or sailed as a Merchant Seaman and didn’t know how to swim?
There is another swim meet on the 26th of May, and I will be there even if they have to carry me in a Stokes Stretcher.
My contention is that it is not so much that “It’s more Fun in the Philippines!” more like you “Never have to be Alone in the Philippines!” Congrats to the young athletes and the proud Lolo.
ScottH;
I’m not sure if it’s that much fun in the Philippines, as I’ve had fun all over the world. But it is a great place to live and enjoy family. The rainy season started early this year and its cooling down some, now that is fun!
Hey Paul,
I’m all in. Im looking forward to the day I can call the Philippines “Home”.
Sorry to hear that you were ill. You must have been disapointed. I know I would have been. You are right about having family and friends to be with.
Hudson;
I was disappointed for sure, but she’s nine and there will always be something exciting in her life for me to be part of. Even if its as simple as going to the movies. I keep some beer on ice until you get here!
Congrats to your little swimming champion. Sorry you had to miss all the excitement but as you are constantly reminded, there is more pride in the Philippines. Proof is that they brought all that home to share with you. 🙂
Randy;
I’m Kinda’ locked in close to the house as the new grandson is due to make his appearance at any time. It restricts my movement, as the car must always be near her so if my daughter goes into labor I will toss them the keys and hide under the bed. But her hospital is within walking distance to Texas Joe’s. Send me an e-mail so I can send you the pictures I took of three of the cowgirls.
I have only visited the Philippines one time for a few weeks in 2006, but it did seem very normal. In the province it was almost like going back in time 30 or 40 years in the USA, to a much better time. People appeared to have more respect and consideration for one another than has been the case in America for awhile. Thanks for posting Paul, I always enjoy your candid articles
Bill;
The kids go out in the morning to play in the province without fear. It’s a slower paced life that I enjoy after working where everything had to be finished yesterday. I move when I want to now and very little is done on someone else’s schedule. (Except this week I’m going to Manila to pick up my ACR I-Card) I do enjoy that!
My dad learned how to swim at a early age. Some big boys took the little kids out to a sandbar in the middle of the Kansas River. While the little kids were playing the big boys swam back to shore. Want supper? Start swimming! My dad turned out to be a strong swimmer. My dad always told me that if I didn’t learn how to swim well he would dunk me 3 times underwater, then only bring me up twice. I believed him. I was a strong swimmer in my day. 🙂
Gary;
My dad built me an eight sailing pram, and to use it I had to be able to swim, he explained that once the fear is gone swimming is natural. He still required that I wear a life jacket while in the boat, and when I’d return he’d chew my butt because I took it off. How did he always know? He pointed out that it was bright orange. I got an orange t-shirt after that.
@ paul. Felicitation to the winner….and i can say to you also, i like your story but when people read we don’t all see the same thing, there what i saw, and plse correct me if i am wrong, do ou think if you were still in the state, i mean if you never stay in Philippines, do you think you will still be as close to your family than now? just curious about that because we all know that the filipino culture, the family’s side is very improtant..and we all know that american people including canada it is not anymore the family first…so my question is, did you get it from their culture or you think you will have been the same if you never came here?
Thanks for your post..
Lolo56;
You are not wrong, in the states I was so busy with my life there seemed like no time to spend time with my family. I know here its easier because I’m retired but the distances between my brothers is very far. Plus because of snow in New England I would only be there in the summer. Here 90% live within walking distance, and my daughter who is the mother of Ling-ling lives 15 minutes away. But we find the time to get together as often as we can. So your point is valid!
Hi Paul, hope your feeling better. I was in the deep sea fishing indutry for 25 years. Artic and Atlantic and can hardly swim a stroke. But I move to the Philippines next month so I might practice a bit more in the WARM water.
Keep up the excelent writing it makes my Monday.
John;
I tip my cap to any man that had the stones to do your job, I’ve made enough trips beyond the Arctic Circle both on the Atlantic and Pacific side, but that was on full size ships, and like you I had no desire to swim, (with a life expectancy of 2 minutes in that water) If you can swim to the life raft, I guess that’s just fine! Thanks for your comment.
Grand daughters can make life worth living all by them selves. Glad you have them.
Loren;
You are so right about that, I’m puddy in her hands and love it!
Congratulations to LingLing you will be very proud of her. But, also proud that she took time to check on Lolo.
Although I am at the other side of the world to the siblings of my Daughters in law, those on f/b always keep in touch with me. David and I have gained from our extended family.
Hope you are OK now.
Marjorie;
I have Brothers in New England and e-mail and face book is my only contact with them. They’ll never come to the Philippines as its out of the United States and they don’t do that. I was the one with the Wanderlust in my family. But I love them all, and miss them.
Paul
My Philipppine extended family keep in touch with me better than my English family. I like the way we older people are treated with respect over there.
Marjore;
The Pinoy’s are very warm people!
Congrats to your grandaughter Paul.
I have had the idea in my mind that to successfully live in and enjoy the Philippines as a full time resident it requires a certain balance of things. Plenty of money but can not adapt, fit in, or get along with the culture won’t work. Get along with the culture and differences from another part of the world but not enough money, won’t work. Thinking of moving there to strike it rich and show ” them ” how to do things, won’t work.
Enough money with some kind of external steady income such as retirement or investments, adaptable and at least get along with if not able to fit in with cultural and other differences, having some kind of sense of humor for certain circumstances that can happen at any time, and give ” Them ” a chance to show ” You ” how they do things. That sounds like the combination of what it takes to live there full time and really enjoy life.
love your blog bob. ive been reading it for the last 2 or3 years. i hope to visit one of these days.
Thank you Steve!
Bob;
My Granddaughter thanks you, for your kind thoughts!
You’ve summed up living here to the “TEE!”
1. We do the adapting, we’re the guest!
2. Learn from our hosts, you might be pleasantly surprised
3. A smile will open every door for you. Anger will slam them shut!
4. Money; There is no one size fits all. Each of us must find our own way.
5. You must give respect, to get respect!
6. Their politics belong to them, stay out of it!
These are the rules I’ve tried to live by, they are the ones you also pointed out above. Bob; “Great Minds…”
Senior,
Tell LingLing congrats on her swiming awards and keep it up.
Remember Paul you can’t always cure your self with SMB sometimes you actually
must take some medicine!! Glad your feeling better Shipmate life is always a challenge but even harder when your not 100%.
I agee with you about the Philippines I’ve been immersed in their culture scince I was in first grade. My best friend was Filipino and his family took me in as one of their sons. We grew up together all the way till I joined the Navy. That was my only way I could get to the Philippines. Through living there in the Navy,
my friend and the love of my life my Asawa the Philippines is truley my home.
So in short I know where you comming from life in the Philippines is a wonderful thing and We’ll be home shortly.
I agree with you on people who denigrate the Philippines. I’ve got your back shipmate.
Remember on life you can never hit replay so live where you are the happiest.
Paul,
Now you really got me excited about my flight over there now on October 19th. Nothing like spending quality time with your family. Family is what the Philippines is all about. You just have to be glowing with the accomplishments of Ling Ling and that she cares so much for you. It kinda put a lump in my throat. I know you drink a few swigs of the Captain to help cure your illness. Looking forward to drinking a few cold ones with you and Bruce when we are there in October. Come on in, the water is fine. I think i heard that on TV the other day lol. Have a wonderful day
PapaDuck,
Could not agree with you more Family is what makes the world go round. And children will always bring out the best in you. ( It does me I love kids they always make me feel young and loved.) Paul is a very luckey man it will be an honor to drink a few with you guys.
PapaDuck;
I’ll have the beer on ice, The Captain at the ready, and then we’ll swtand by for heavy rolls!
Bruce;
You’ve got that right, I’ll tip a cold one with you and The Duck, when you get here!
Great story Paul l have been to the Philippines but was immediately struck by the beautiful hearts of the people.
Trevor;
If everyone could just see it the way you do, they would enjoy their time here far better, then the complainers.
.
Can I get an Amen on that!! Amennn!! 🙂
AMEN!
Hey Paul, congratulations to your grand daughter! with all the medals that she won, so.. do we have a future SEA Games gold medalist or Olympian? Good luck to her.
Sugar;
Thank you, if she keps it up, one never knows how far she’ll go. Until she discovers BOYS!