Manila is a tough place. It’s tough in many ways. Manila is a city of 20 Million, and is considered to be the most densely populated city in the world. Living in Manila is not easy, especially if you don’t have much in the way of finances. This is true whether you are a Filipino or an Expat. Regardless of what many people believe, being an expat does not necessarily mean that you are rich.
This story starts about 2 years ago for me. Back in 2011, somebody e-mailed me and told me about a show that was on TV in the UK, on BBC. The show was called “The toughest place to be…”. The title changed a little bit every week, depending on what profession they were featuring. The show was very good, but the main one that interested me was called “The toughest place to be a bus driver.” The show featured a British man named Josh. Josh was a bus driver in London, he drove a double decker bus… a very fancy one at that.
As part of this documentary series, BBC sent Josh to Manila to become a bus driver there, and experience the difference between being a bus driver in London compared to Manila. In truth, Josh did not drive a bus in Manila, he drove a Jeepney! To me that made the story even more interesting.
Josh was in the Philippines for a week or two, I suppose, although I am not certain they ever said exactly how long he was in the country. He lived with a local couple, Rogelio and Edith, a Filipino couple living in Manila. Rogelio is a Jeepney driver in Manila, and lives quite a tough life. It was Rogelio’s job to train Josh about how to drive a Jeepney, and also train him about life in Manila. As you can imagine, Josh was in for many surprises. He had never been to the Philippines before, and knew little about the place. It is my recollection that Josh had never really traveled outside of the UK before at all, although I could be wrong on that.
During Josh’s stay in Manila, he got training on Jeepney driving from Rogelio, and he also got some driving instruction from a Filipino driving instructor. Josh got his Philippine driver’s license, and was even licensed as a Professional driver, as Jeepney drivers must be.
Toward the end of Josh’s stay in the Philippines, Rogelio took him to the Province where he was from. They did not say what Province it was, but it was on the ocean, and many of Rogelio’s family members there were fishermen, barely eking out a living, if even doing that. Rogelio longed for the opportunity to move his family back to the Province, but the fact was that there were no opportunities for employment. This trip to the Province seemed to bring Josh and Rogelio closer together, and by the time they parted company, they considered each other as brothers. I can assure you that Josh shed many a tear trying to come to grips with the tough life that Rogelio was living, and the seeming impossibility for Rogelio to be able to lift his family from poverty.
On Josh’s last day in the Philippines, his big day was at hand. Josh would be the driver of Rogelio’s jeepney! Josh was ready, but was quite nervous about the whole thing. He got a rocky start in the morning, got lost a time or two, but by mid day or so, he was right at home behind the wheel of the Jeepney. Rogelio was not allowed to accompany Josh on the job, he had to wait at home. As the evening neared, Rogelio was waiting on the road, watching for Josh’s return. It seemed that Josh was running later than expected, Rogelio was quite worried, you could see it on his face. But, when Josh rolled up in the Jeepney, both men got huge smiles on their faces. It was a very triumphant moment.
As Josh talked, though, he had come to realize the cycle of poverty in the Philippines, and the inability for the Filipino to overcome that poverty. At the end of the show, Josh was struggling, trying to come up with a way that he could give Rogelio a hand in bringing his family to a better place in life.
A couple of days ago, I got an e-mail from another friend, Gerry. Gerry was letting me know that there was a follow up show that recently showed in Britain, telling the future story of Josh and Rogelio. I was able to see that show today, it was extremely touching.
It seems that after 2 years, Josh decided to return to Manila to see his Filipino brother, Rogelio. During the past 2 years, Josh had participated in a number of things like running competitions and such where he was sponsored and raised money to assist Rogelio. One of Rogelio’s biggest wishes was that he wanted to send his grandchildren to a good school so that they could break out of the cycle of poverty. Josh wanted to help two of the grandchildren. When Josh got to Manila, though, he found out that there was now an additional grandchild, a young man that was named after him… Josh! This touched Josh so deeply that he decided to also assist this third grandchild with his future education. He has committed to do everything in his power to send all of these three grandchildren through elementary, High School and College! As you can imagine, Rogelio and his family were deeply touched.
(Unfortunately this content has been removed from YouTube so we cannot show the videos any longer)
I have to admit that watching this story touched me deeply. I do things to help the poor here in the Davao region, but seeing something like this makes you wonder if you are doing enough. Surely there are so many people that are so poor that you could never even put a dent in the poverty situation. It’s a question that I ask myself, but cannot answer. I do the best I can, that’s all I know, but I always wish I could do more.
Anyway, over the past couple of years, I think about Josh from time to time, and wonder how he is doing. I think about Rogelio too. I was quite happy to see this newly updated documentary, and want to thank Gerry for letting me know about it!
If you are interested to know more about Josh and Rogelio, you can visit their Facebook page.Watch the original documentary below:
. It’s a nice story Bob Martin! tnx
Thank you Emorej, I’m glad you enjoyed the story. It really touched me too.
Bob, You are like many of us here in the RP. We see the need, we do what we can and we always wish we could do more. In fact we actually do more than we think because an article like this stirs up compassion in the readers and many of them get involved in helping someone. As a Christian man, I have always tried to help those less fortunate than me but I am limited in how much I can do by myself as are you. but collectively we actually do quite a bit.
Hi Joe – There is certainly a big need there, I hope you are right, that an article like this stirs many people into action. That would really be great.
What a Great story !
Thank you Craig, I agree, it’s a great story and very touching.
Saw it the other night, Rogelio also got help from a local TV show, he became quite well known,they bought him a fishing boat, but he still couldn’t earn enough to keep his wife supplied with the medicine she needed, so he rented the boat out to a cousin and carried on driving the Jeepnee.
Yes indeed, Larry. One of the TV shows did buy him a fishing boat. Very touching move too.
very touching..
Indeed, Catherine.
Awesome! Love it.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for sharing that documentary type show. So many thoughts going through my head..
First, on a lighter note, the show made a good choice in picking Josh to try his luck driving in Manila, Josh being a mild-mannered enlightened person, was at a better advantage for sure! Under the best of circumstances we all know that driving and being a passenger in the Philippines can be a real experience, let alone a jeepny driver with noconductor!
I think that Manila is in a totally different realm than many other parts of the Philippines when it comes to huge population problems and poverty, lack of jobs etc. It’s very painful to witness on so many levels, especially with all the trappings that the rich can avail themselves of, being right under the noses. Of course poverty is everywhere, but not at such a dire pace it seems. The large gap between the haves and the have nots is so extreme in the city especially..
You saw how easy it was to feel for the humble Rogelio and his family, so similar to many others. One can’t help but think as Josh said, that if things might have been different it could have been him living the life.
I sometimes wonder though, beyond going to the city to seek a better life and not being able to afford to return back to the province, which is the case for many, do some workers who could afford to go home to the province, choose to stay in the city instead? Is there a certain “energy” in Manila that is exciting to people that makes them hesitate to go back to the sleepy province? I’m not sure..
Knowing the province of Cebu well now, I think that if I was Rogelio, I’d cast my lot and move back to the province with my family..From my experience in the province you’re well known in your barangay, and town and everyone does what they can to help each other out.
A poor fisherman can still eek out a living for his family, and the fresh air and quiet life is free. Look at his family members in the province–although poor I’m sure, they don’t have to deal with many of the struggles that city dwellers do. So many question marks to consider for me..
Bob, as far as feeling bad for not being able to do enough, just be greatful for the lives that you have and continue to touch. That;s how I try to feel. Any kindnesses and help that anyone can give big or small, get passed along all the time. The ocean is too deep to get caught up in what you can’t afford to do. Don’t you think?
When we all think about how much it costs to live in the Philippines, my husband and I can’t help but try to factor in how many school uniforms, tuitions medicines funeral expenses etc. can be covered in our yearly budget. Everyone in good conscience if given the fortunate gift of knowing and living among the Filipino people, must try to do their part in any small or big way to help those around them.(some of them being family and some not.) It’s really something that the Filipino people bring out in me as I always feel that whatever I give comes back so much more.
I think that must how Josh must feel.about being lucky enough to be able to help Rogelio and his grandchildren.
Well, let me get off my soapbox now, but it is food for thought..
Hi Queenie – Thanks for stopping by and making a comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the documentary. I feel it is an excellent show, and it really pulls at your heart strings. Like you, I feel that Josh was the perfect choice for making this documentary. He is so non-judgmental. He is so analytical, he looks at the situation and instead of just throwing up his hands, he tries to think what he can do to help.
When I saw that the wife of Rogelio needs medicine that, as I recall, runs over P300 per day, well, it brought tears to my eyes. How could they ever afford that?
I can’t help but want to do more, it’s just part of my being, Queenie. I am thankful to be able to help those whom I have helped, but I feel guilty about my own comfortable life when I see others who are suffering, though. I wish I could just look the other way, but I can’t seem to do it. Like you say, the ocean of poverty is too big that a single individual cannot do it all… but you still want to.
Bob,
This is a great heart tugging story. I have spent time in Manila as my wife’s sister lives in Manila so I have witnessed some of the poverty while visiting and attending the local Churches it’s always so sad to see. If there were more people willing to help those in need and GOD bless you and those that do this world would be a much better place to live in.
Hi CJ – You are right, it is really a heart tugging story, no doubt on that. Truth is, it is a story that can be told about almost any location in the Philippines. I know that there are thousands of such stories here in Davao. I really enjoyed the story, while it is sad to see, it is also uplifting to see how Josh deals with it.
Hi Bob,
I know what you mean, but you can’t control the life that you’ve been given, it’s only counter-productive to think about what you can’t do, If you were not in a position to help, how much more helpless would you feel? but It’s human nature I guess.
Being a pro- promdi, I know the rural health center at least in his province could be assisting with that medicine for Rogelio’s wife.
If I can mention as an aside, I recently read a novel by Merlinda Bobis–The Solemn Lantern Maker that takes place in Tondo, Manila. that some might care to read.
Painful, but poignant and thought provoking too
Hi Queenie – Yeah, I know what you mean, but still, I guess it is just my nature to hope I could help more. Like you said, it is probably human nature.
When they mentioned the cost of the medicine, I wondered if they have tried to locate generic drugs for that, of if those prices were for generics. We buy all generics here, and the cost savings are phenomenal.
Thanks for the book suggestion.
You’re right Bob–generics can make a huge difference it seems..
Yes, for sure. I found that when I switched from name brand to generic, some of my medications decreased in price by up to 80%. You can’t beat that!
It’s difficult to watch someone working as hard as they can and still not be able to cover the needs of their family. I can understand how the boat can be too expensive to operate and not make a profit. I’ve seen folks in a fishing village come up empty. Guys were paddling around on their bamboo & styrofoam canoes looking for schools of fish. When they saw one, they yelled and everyone came to the shore. Looked like the whole barangay. The canoe guys dropped about 100 yards of net in a big half circle. Folks waded out from the shore and pulled on both ends until the net was in. Nothing. Some old women stayed and picked what they could out of it. They got about a quarter of a bowl full of minnows, bits of seaweed, and tiny crabs. The folks we were visiting with told us that happens often. Possibly from over fishing? I don’t know. But it’s a tough tough life for many of the folks we’ll see each day. We can do what we can for some few of them.
Take care
Pete
You are correct, Pete, that Philippine waters are over-fished. In the successful fishing ports in the country they have to go further and further into international waters to bring home a home catch.
Bob,
Thanks so much for providing the documentary for us to view. It will give me even more motivation for my fiance Anne and Myself to make a difference in the lives of the poor and unfortunate. We are fortunate and grateful that we will be able to accomplish that and its one of our goals when i move there. Take care and have a nice day.
Thanks Papa Duck. I an glad that you found the story inspiring like I did. Home luck with you, plans to extend help in the future. I hope that you, help program is a huge success.
That’s a good point too guys about overfishing.
Many fishermen have to balance out their earnings with some small farming too. Also, during the rainy season, sometimes the sea has too many waves for a small boat to safely go out, and seafood for the family is snails and small fish from the water’s edge.
Still, in my view, the province is still the lesser struggle. It must depend on one’s location though I guess..
I think the life in the province is healthier and less stressful. Cleaner, less crowded, better all around.
Hi Bob as you know I live in London and have seen both shows twice. Josh was a really great guy with a heart full of emotion that he didn’t mind showing.
The only thing I found strange was he was not very comfortable with driving in Manila, he drives a huge bus here in london, our rush hour is not much different to Manila but he struggled, maybe it was the jeepney controls 🙂 I find it easy driving in Manila but then I am in just a normal van.
I still visit the Phils at least once per year and have different projects every year where I help, the same as you I do what I can but wish I could do more 🙁 Sometimes even when you think you are helping, sometimes it can be negative…. which I found this year 🙁
It has to do with medicine. A teenager that I was helping, after an MRI scan and other tests, her condition was diagnosed as incurable, it would cost 4000P every month for the rest of life, I couldn’t commit to that for the next 70 possible years as I will probably be dead in 20 for sure. So I initially gave her hope but then took it away…. a sad lesson learned for me.
Hi Gerry, thanks for sharing this. You know, I have also been hit with negative consequences a couple of times when I have helped people. But, those couple of times have been far outweighed by the good.
That story was really a touching one, and I was so happy to have seen both episodes.
Thanks for posting the original documentary, hope fully you may be able to post the latest documentary.
I thought that Rojellio’s wife looked better in the latest documentary as she is now taking her medicine.
I do hope that the BBC do go back and do more follow up visits, as I believe that Josh is looking at getting a bigger and newer Jeepney for Rojellio
Hi Gerry – I looked for the newer version of the documentary, but could not find it on YouTube. If it becomes available there, I will write a follow up article and feature that too.
BTW, thank you for letting me know about the follow up, I greatly appreciate it.
Like you, I thought that Rogelio’s wife looked much better now!
What an inspiring & thought-provoking story! Thank you so much for sharing & bringing this to our attention.
Thank you Rae, I agree that it is a great story!
Very nice documentary Bob; I just watched the sequel on yoochoob too. I understand it’s part of a whole series on “toughest place to be…”.
When I looked on YouTube they didn’t have the sequel. I’ll have to check that out! Thanks, Jim.
I got an e-mail from Gerry this morning. Gerry is the person who had let me know about this documentary. Gerry has now been in touch with Josh, the British man in the documentary. Josh sent an e-mail back to Gerry, along with info on how to donate to his cause to help Rogelio and his family. Here is the information that Josh sent:
Hi Gerry
Thanks for taking the time to wright this email. I’m working with danceaid.org. They are looking after for rogelio and family. My page is danceaid.org/Joshuawest and on that page you can see how much money has been raised so far.
You can set up a DD on that page to pay as much as you want to for as look as you want to.
Thanks again for your kind words. I hope this email helps.
Please feel free to email me whenever you want. If you have Facebook you can go to my Facebook page. Josh west (London bus driver)
Thank care
Josh
I remember seeing part of this on Youtube some time ago. Thanks for the second part of this item Bob. Although Manila is just a pass through for me on the way to Mindanao, I have seen some of the poverty from a distance. I believe many of the participants of this website have and continue in our own way to assist many of those in some kind of need in The Philippines in what ever way we are able to or can afford to do. As I pointed out in one of my articles on this website, even something as simple as a bar of soap can make a big difference to someone less fortunate than many of us reading this. Without the information presented on Mindanao Bobs various websites and the information exchanged in e mails with Bob Martin, I may have never visited The Philippines. The annual Minda Claus drive continues to brighten up a most festive time of the year for many people who otherwise would go without.
In one of your comments Bob, you mention ” I can’t help but want to do more, it’s just part of my being ” . Your websites and the information they convey, may be doing a lot more than you may at first, consider.
Thanks for your kind words, Bob. You know, you are right. I know of a lot of good things that have come through my various websites. I never considered that. But, actually physically helping just seems so much better! 😉
I finally watched both videos. Touched? I am not sure as I see this everyday. It is life here in the Philippines and even more so in Mindanao. The poorest people in the Philippines live in Mindanao. The host on TV was right that the first video didn’t present the Philippines in a very nice way. I am not sure buying Rogelio the boat was the best thing to do. Not enough fish to make a living. It took a long time for the Philippines to get this way and it will take a long time for it to get back to the way it was.
I would fully agree that we see poverty every day. However, I don’t think we often see British men figuring out ways to help very often. That is the part of the story that I found touching.