You hear it all the time – One person can’t really make a difference. When it is election time, a lot of people don’t vote, and when you ask why they say… One vote can’t change anything. Frankly, I don’t think it’s a good habit to get into having that kind of attitude.
How does this apply to the subject of this site, living in the Philippines? Well, just keep reading, and you will understand.
The fact is that as a foreigner living in the Philippines, you are part of a very small minority. Yes, there are tens of thousands of foreigners here in the Philippines, but on a local scale, you are often a very small part of the population, less than 1%, I suppose. If you go to an upscale type of place, like, for instance, SM Mall in any of their locations in the country, you will see plenty of other foreigners there too. I would guess that whenever I go to a nice mall I probably see at least a half dozen other foreigners shopping there, sometimes more. Sometimes I have gotten a very strange feeling when I have been somewhere where foreigners were actually the majority there. For example, a while back I was in a Davao coffee shop and there were about a half dozen customers there. All of the customers were foreigners! It felt a bit strange to me.
However, if you go into other areas, even in a big city like Davao, which has a lot of foreign residents, you may be the only foreigner they see there over the space of a year or more. I mean, in poor areas where foreigners don’t normally go. So, when you do happen to go there, for whatever reason, it is an “event” in the area, a time when people remember. When you go to a place like that, your actions will be remembered, and will be a reflection on all foreigners. That’s not really fair, but it is a fact.
For example, let’s say you are invited to a birthday party of a kid in a very poor neighborhood. Most residents there have really never seen a foreigner right there in the neighborhood. Let’s say that your actions are really exemplary, the residents will think things like “oh, foreigners are such nice people, just look how nice of a man he is!” However, let’s say something goes wrong there and you get mad, throw a fit, use bad language and such. It will leave a very negative impression of foreigners with the people who see your temper tantrum, and also to those whom they tell about it. Suddenly, they will start thinking things like “foreigners are so arrogant, they are mean to Filipinos” and things like that.
What I am saying is that you are an Ambassador when you are here. If you are a Frenchman, you are not only an Ambassador of France, either, because people will only know that you are a foreigner, and they will associate your actions with all foreigners.
For many years, I used to travel Mindanao pretty extensively. Over the past 3 years or so, I have cut my travel down quite a bit, although I don’t really know why for sure. But, when I traveled Mindanao, I visited a lot of areas where very few foreigners set foot. I went to Basilan, I went to Tawi Tawi, I went all over the ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao), to places that are considered “no-go” zones for foreigners. I never had a problem in any of these places either. I always tried to carry myself in a way that would make people happy to know me, and have a positive feeling about me and other foreigners.
I took a trip in 2007 to Davao Oriental, specifically to Mati City. That was my first time to visit Davao Oriental Province. On the drive there, we came upon a very large Mosque along the highway. I was quite surprised to see it, because the Muslim population of Davao Oriental Province is not large. When we saw the Mosque, I decided to stop and take a photo there.
I posted the photo on my Mindanao Magazine website after we got back. Over the past few years, since posting this photo, a number of people have left comments about the photo. Just last week, though, a comment about the photo was left in another location, and it really got me thinking about how we foreigners are really Ambassadors here.
Auharon Lamaran Abdulcarim commented:
Hi Bob, thanks for appreciating our Mosque. We are the residence of that Mosque in Davao Oriental. And because of your help, our Mosque is now one of the tourist spot of Davao Oriental.
Thanks Bob.. All of the residence in that mosque regards to u.
I responded to Auharon with the following:
Hi Auharon – Wow! I am glad to know that I played a small part in helping your Mosque gain tourist attraction status in Davao Oriental! I was really surprised when I saw that Mosque, because I travel in the ARMM a lot, and of course see lots of Mosques there, but I never expected to see one in Davao Oriental! That’s why when I saw it, I had to stop for a photo! Maybe next time I am passing through, I’ll try to stop off and meet you! Hope you won’t mind a visitor!
Actually, this is kind of normal, though. I get a lot of communications from people in areas where I visit, and they are almost always very nice comments, and many really appreciate it when I visit their place. It always makes me feel good when somebody says something like that.
You know, I don’t believe the old apathetic saying that one person can’t make a difference. I have seen it in my own life that when I go to a somewhat remote place and meet the people there, I can make a big impact on how they think about foreigners. I have had a number of times when people have told me that they always heard that foreigners were not very nice, but after meeting me they changed their minds. Hearing something like that really makes me feel good too. I am not trying to brag, or claim that I have done super great things here. I am only pointing out that all of us really are Ambassadors when we travel around the Philippines. How we act, and how we treat people has a big impact on how the people think of us and how they think of other foreigners.
Hey, let me also say that I am not perfect. I have blown up and gotten angry in public places here in the Philippines. When I do that, it feels good to let off steam, until about five minutes later when I am embarrassed by my actions, and wish that I could go back in time and change my behavior. I have learned that it’s best to avoid doing such things in the first place, and I have gotten much better in avoiding getting into such embarrassing situations.
Try to act in a way that would make you proud. Try to act in a way that it will make people think that foreigners are good people. It will make a big difference, even just the actions of one person – you.
Well said Bob. I agree 1000% a few years back I visited right after a lage tropical storm and the bad mudslides covered a portion of Lagaspi. We where there to try to help with what little we had giving food and tarps for people to cover there roofs that had blown off. When I got there I thought ok ill just give this money and let them (my family) take care of giving it out. Well of course I had to go out and do the giving in person :/ Not exactly what I wanted, It makes me feel funny to stand there and hand out food and what not. But once I started to give it out I realized that most of the people I was helping had never seen a white person before!
At the beginning I was feeling and looking a bit agitated that I was put in a situation I did not really want to be in, but as time when on I realized that no one felt as I thought they did about me. So my attitude changed to one of smile and joyfulness and I was very happy to hand out.
It made me realize If I had stayed angry I may make them very uncomfortable and in the long run not like me or other foreigners making it harder to help those that need it.
Hi Jack – You were doing a good thing, and it’s good that you kept your attitude in check! Congratulations on that! It’s not always easy, but it’s the right thing to do.
I can relate to this article very well,the people really dont know me so alot of them assume im just a mean German guy maybe because im bald or something.When i buy food items they have like crispy pork and then buy some for them to share also im like a God to them.One area in particular told me i should run for mayor.Im just an old softy when it comes to making people smile and the little kids happy,they also havent seen many foreignors.I have gotten smarter in the city though ,i dont pass out coins to children instead if im in say like McDonalds i buy an extra burger for the kids outside saying thay are hungry .Many will just buy glue or something else ….Have a great day everybody….
Good morning, Maynard. You have a good heart, my friend! I often do those kind of things too, like what you describe. I don’t like to give money to the begging kids, but giving them a burger, or some rice, well, I think it is more helpful. If they really are hungry, and not just trying to get some money for and old guy around the corner, well, it will fill them up!
Thanks for sharing, Maynard!
Bob;
One person can change things quite a bit. Small acts of kindness as Jack’s post will proves. A smile and a calm manner when dealing with a server in a restaurant or the worker in a store. The gift I received was my many years living in Puerto Rico, and learning to live and get along with people of a different culture, has aided, me well in adapting to life here. As you’ve heard me say before; “We are a guest in their home, and we must act accordingly.”
To repeat another thought; We choose to live here, no one asked us to come here.
I agree, Paul… each one of us can individually make a big change to our small area. Maybe we can’t have a huge impact on society at large, but we can have a huge impact on a few people around us!
Bob:
First off, it’s a beautiful little mosque, and looks very different than the mosques you see in other places (And different than others that I’ve seen in the Philippines). The other point I took from this article is for foreigners to take the time to see things off the beaten track. If you stay locked in a compound or venturing no farther than SM, then you simply miss out.
When Rebecca and I go nto Abulug, though the people in town are now used to seeing me, when I first ventured up there, I was stared at everywhere we went. More from curiosity than anything else. “Just WHAT is this Kano doing up here?” Needless to say, my actions were watched: All of them. Some good (“Tell other people to come visit!”) and some bad (I was informed that I drive too fast through town… Still trying to figure that one out. I drive like an old lady up there).
Hi John – That mosque is pretty typical of many mosques around Mindanao. I like seeing mosques, because it reminds me that I am in a place totally different from where I was brought up, and I enjoy studying the coming to understand the cultural differences. I agree with you so much on the “get out and see the place” attitude!
Hey, John… slow down that car a bit! Leave the fast driving to me! 😉
Hi Bob, We should all be mindful that we are all Ambassadors. I think not just for the goodwill that it might spread, but to help each of us personally feel more satisfied and content as foreigners living within the country or just as visitors here. When I hear fellow foreigners griping and complaining about the inadequacies here and abroad, I think that if instead of spinning their wheels with nagativity, if they would do something positive themselves instead, their whole mindset might change and they could get out of their own head and own feeling of self importance for a change. It doesn’t have to be a huge expansive act–even small kindnesses can make a difference.
The idea that doing a good turn can ripple out and affect many is true, even a small deed or more sensible or patient attitude can make a difference in many peoples’ perception and lives and we should all share in the responsibility for that. It’s not just for the “saps” or “do-gooders” to do…
Hi queenie – Maayong buntag! Kumusta mo? I agree with you totally on the foreigners that you hear bitching and moaning about how bad things are here! Hey… if you don’t like it, go back home! Of course, they complain about “back home” too, though. 😉
At least it is not as bad as it used to be here where any white person was automatically an American. We probably got a lot of bad press because of that.
Hi Miguk – In most of the Philippines, I think that any white person is considered an American. I know it is like that here in Davao, and in most places I have visited in the Philippines.
I have always had the same thought in mind when visiting in a foriegn country. Yes, at times ones patience can become short experiencing the way things are or are done in a foriegn place. One thought I keep in mind when situations ocour is not to ruin it for the others that will follow me in the future by leaving a negative impression on those that live there. Fortunately situations that really try my patience have been few and far between when I have visited The Philippines and when I think about those events after the fact I usually get a good chuckle out of it.
Hi Bob – Ha ha… those frustrations come along pretty regularly if you live here. I guess that every time I go out somewhere some little annoyance pops up! But, in most cases I have learned to deal with it, thankfully.
Wow! You wrote this article from your heart….”cool”
Thanks, Lenny. 😉
Hi……Guys I think some of you are hanging around the wrong croud or spending to much time at a Huchi-Bar? Most of what you are saying,goes with how you were raised.
comen curtisey, moral values and good caeratuer.never If you don,t have them, you probley , never will. It’s amatsing how much happynes,a Fiesta can be for thevery poor. We do it for ,are farm workers at least twice,and boy are they happy, most of the village comes. The Fiesta’s are the best of foods they have all year long. I realey don’t feel that i am a guest their, mor like a host. thanx guys…… Nice pictures Bob….
Hi jim – To be honest, I don’t know your situation, where you live, etc. Based on your IP address, I would say that you must live in the USA, though. Living here is a lot different from visiting here, and stuff happens here that makes the average foreigner get angry sometimes and blow his stack. It happens a lot, and if you hang around you see it happen. It does not really have much to do with how you were raised or anything. Even very good people with very good manners have this problem and must learn how to deal with it.
If I have misinterpreted, I am sorry, I don’t mean anything negative. Maybe you live here in the Philippines already and know what I am talking about.
P .
P.S. …..Magpet is the closet town, so we pay them in Rice, for their conveince. Plus peso’s
Hear Hear! It is too easy for people either not to realise this very important fact, or to simply forget it!
Thanks, Jim.
In almost three years in Navotas City I’ve seen one other foreigner – a missionary of some kind looking decidedly miserable. I get “Hey Joe” every time I walk outside and lots of funny looks from pedicab and tricycle drivers when I say “Lakad lang”. I visit the markets almost every day and still get occasional amazed comments along the lines of “You can do the marketing by yourself!”
I try to be a good role model and answer the same old questions every day with patience and a smile. Learning a little Tagalog helps, even though it causes a lot of hilarity. It’s not doing anything for the reputation of Australians though … everyone takes it for granted I’m Americano.
I would really like to visit some more out of the way parts of the country but my family is very reluctant. For them, if they don’t have a local friend or family member to act as a guide, they’d rather not go. I think it’s just fear of the unknown and reluctance to risk looking silly in a strange environment. I’m working on it but it’s hard yakka.
Hi Ken – I would personally encourage you to get out and do some exploring! I have been in some pretty “dangerous” places (places that are considered dangerous, but I don’t necessarily agree), and I have always had a good time and learned a lot on my journeys too. I think that you would find it enlightening and adventurous!
I am relatively new to the country but I have already found that Americans seem to have the most challenges adapting here while those from Europe and Asia adjust much faster. I guess it has to do with Americans having so many conveniences back home they are used to efficiency and higher standards. Being a good Ambassador is very important and trying to adjust to cultural differences is a must but easier said than done. I take my hat off to anyone that can stay here the 3 or 4 years needed to overcome that temper hump so to speak. However, I think that if this country does not change its culture to one of action, love of country and better training of its people on the job instead of inaction , complacency and corruption, I suspect the Philippines will be left in the dust by the rest of Asia in not too many years. I do think we as foreigners can teach people here lots if we are willing to commit ourselves to tolerance and patience.
Hi Paul – I don’t know that Americans take longer to make the adjustment, or have more challenges. In my 10+ years of living here I have seen people from many countries having such problems. You are right that it takes several years to make the adjustment. I usually advise people to give themselves 5 years to do it.
Philippines will be left in the dust by it’s Asian neighbors? That happened in the 60’s and 70’s. It’s already too late to avoid, only hope is that the Philippines can claw it’s way back, although I see no evidence that the Philippines even strives to do that.
Hi Bob- Sorry for missleding you , or aney one else. You are 100% rite, we live in Nevada USA.,which is not the most poupler place to live.
My dear wife and step son are from kidapawan. We have been maried for 4 and a halfe years. I have lived in kidapawan,on and off,for a little more than a year. Most off oure time has been spent, living there,working on our house and farm,not as a tourest. My wife is going to take the oath for citz. We plan on returning as soon as posabel. We have gone through, heart break and hell,getting every thing ready to make the move. We have no one to blame , we knew it would’t be easey. These are my words, not San Miges Tanduy or Tuba. We treat peopel the way we want to be treated, we don,t need a lecture from, San Mige You all have my apolige. Jim Mccurdy
Hi jim – I don’t think you mislead me, I didn’t mean to imply that. I just didn’t know your background.
Hi…..Bob Excuse me for the mixup.
No problems, jim.
Hi Bob- I wasint refering to you, about the San Mig ect it was the Post refering to Guest verses Host. I am glad he feels, that he is a guest, i feel like a host, not worth arguing about. In the big picture………..We are What we are……..Thanx Bob
guegt verses
Thanks for clarifying, Jim.
Jim;
I glad you feel like the host in someone else’s country. I’m just a guest and I’ll stay that way and act accordingly. This has worked well for me over the last 15 years.
I’m with you Paul. We are guests here in the Philippines. Sure, if we invite somebody over for dinner or something, we are hosting them, as Jim suggests, but overall, we are guests here in the country, and should act as so.
Hi Bob- Ecellent post and like you i enjoy travelling and do so when I get the opportunity.
For 15 weeks I was a driver for the Expat Ladies Charity Inc (ELCI) group in CdeO when every Monday we visited the displaced children and families of the people affected by the new airport being bult between Ilegan and CdeO. The feeding was continuous every day over the 15weeks but ELCI went every Monday to supervise the feeding and weigh the children to see if the feeding was having the desired nutritional effect. In the beginning I was just the Kano who helped out as far as the children was concerned but as the weeks passed I was blessed when I arrived and received smiles from even the most shyest of the children.
I must confess it made me feel good as a person not only just being there but the change in the attitude of the people I mixed with. When the feeding programme stopped I was sad but thats how such help goes in most cases. During the time of visiting the area I was able to explore and I found out so many things about the geography and culture now I know how Dr David Livingstone must have felt at times when he first went to Africa.
I thoroughly agree, first impressions good or bad are lasting impressions but if I never made an impression on the children they certainly made an impression on me.
Kind regards.
Jim.
Hi Jim – Nice comment, and I can tell that you have made some visits to places that touched your heart. I had a similar experience right in your back yard (and at your recommendation) a number of years ago when I went to Talakag and visited Bethany Children’s Home.
Hi Bob- You know that was early 2006 four years past since you made that visit to Bethany, maybe its time you came back to see us again.
Regards.
Jim.
Hi Jim – I was thinking that very thing while typing in my reply to your comment!
Hi Bob – For years, my nemesis was the scraggly-bearded, scruffy-looking, smelly “puti” known as the Peace Corps guy. Though that fellow had lived in our town over 40 years ago, his memory stays as if he was just passing by yesterday.
My neighbors, upon first seeing me, spread the word that “this one’s not Peace Corps – he’s Navy”! (Our town had a considerable number of its young men enlist in the US Navy, so they knew “salt” when they saw it.)
Parents still admonish their children about overall cleanliness and neatness in appearance, referring to the Peace Corps guy as a bad example even though the parents themselves weren’t born during the guy’s stay. (Their parents certainly used the bad example while admonishing them.)
In our town, the Peace Corps had tremendous effect, caused by one person. 😆
Hi Paul – Yes, people like this Peace Corp fellow are the exact kind of thing I am talking about in this article! When other foreigners make a bad example of themselves, it affects all of us for years to come. I’m glad that you finally overcame your nemesis!
Hi Paul, That’s really unfortunate about that guy, because as US Paece Corps volunteers, firstly before the work that we were assigned to do, we were foremost to be looked upon as Ambassadors. I remember sometimes feeling the weight of trying to always be accountable, patient and accomodating and doing what I thought made a good representative.
I was often told about the two female Peace Corps that had been in the town way before me back in the sixties. Even though it had been a long time since they had served there, I was entertained by townspeople all about where they both had come from, there habits, temperament and quirks etc. I’m sure they could tell a lot of stories about me then and even now!
One could see how we might be remembered because of our unique position, but the same
holds true for every foreigner that happens along, and all the more reason that we should all make the effort to represent the best way that we can. Impressions can be lasting for good and bad…
I was expecting to hear from you on that one, Queenie! 😆
Just gotta represent Bob! lol
Hi Bob,
Excellant article. Feyma, your family and you have made many positive contributions to Mindanao. The power of one is very true and the impressions you leave behind will be part of many conversations between members of the community. I know that I have left both positive and negative (which I regret) impressions. It would be great if some western people could work together and work on a project in on of the poorer communities.
Simple things are appreciated. Juramie and I visited the Tagbubunga school on 2 of my visits where we left books. I was able to read two books to a first grade class. The experience was absolutely amazing.
Hi Jack- If you click on this link http://talbukscafe.blogspot.com/ which is my wife Marilou’s blog and you click on my website http://bethanytalakag.blogspot.com/
you will see that not only us but lots of people like us are already trying to assist the people of the Philippines. All you have to do is search using Google and become aware of whats going on here.
Best wishes.
Jim.
Thank you, Jack, I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I’ve done things similar to your book reading at the school too, and such experiences are very rewarding!
Jim,
Impressive webpages. I just bookmarked the 2 links. Please keep up the good work.
I have been reading to JJ everynight. Her favorite book is a Dr. Suess book “Mr. Brown can Moo, can you?” She is very cute making all of the animal and other sounds. Her first english sentence is “How about you”. I am going to send a copy of the book in a balikbayon box for Mrs. Relon’s class.
Salamat kaayo,
Jack
Hi Jack- Glad you liked the links just another way of keeping like minded people informed.
All the very best.
Jim.
Hi Bob,
I applaud your attitude and wish we would all remember that, wherever we are, where we’re the minority we will be seen and judged as typical of the group we represent. Being Westerners we need to come off our high horses, and replace our pride of perceived achievement with a deep and humble gratitude that we have been so fortunate.
Rather than looking to teach the Filipino people we should first learn from them how to be hospitable and truly caring and happy. Only then may we share with them what may be useful from our own culture. At least that’s my view./ Goran
Thank you Goran. It is indeed important that all of us foreigners leave a good example, as it affects how other foreigners who follow us will be thought of as well. You are so correct about coming off of our high horses!
Great article Bob! I’m reminded of a very imortant piece of wisdom I once received:
“People will forget what you said and forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
I get the distinct impression you’ve made a lot of people in the Philippines feel special.
Hi David – I like that piece of wisdom myself, and I’m going to remember it! Thanks for sharing!
Bob,
I wish I had known the mosque in your picture was a tourist spot. We just drove by it 3 weeks ago.
Hi Steve – There is always next time! 😉
To echo the comments of others: good article Bob. A question, however. Why have you cut back your travel to the more difficult and dangerous areas of Mindanao. Other commitments or do you feel that the level of danger has gone up?
Fourteen years ago I visited San Jose, Dinagat (in one of your pictures). By chance, it was the fifth (I think) death anniversary of the founder of the Philippine Benevolent Missionary Association. Huge meeting in the outdoor ampitheater, women on one side, men on the other. Suddenly I heard an announcement over the PA system, “And now for some words by our economic consultant, Prof. Don.” Walking up to the stage, I figured this was NOT the time for the “Why christ was not born in the Philippines” joke.
I had a very good time there. Did you see the masoleun of their leader? His house? Roller? Boat?
Sad story. I was visiting two former teachers from Palawan who had moved there. The husband had become badly sick with somethin unknown wrong with his stomach, some massive growth/tumor. He had been in the hospital six months when a PBMA missionary came by, lay on his hands, and prayed over him. The next morning the doctor examined him and the growth was entirely gone and he was well. So he and his wife took early retirement and move to a rocky farm outside San Jose, Dinagat: nipa hut, no electricity, no piped water, but near their literal savior, they believed. After my visit came the terrible mess with the son of the founder of the PBMA. I cannot imagine how they must have felt, since they, as all members of the PBMA, believed that he was the direct linear descendent of Christ.
Hi ProfDon – I can’t really give a single reason why my travels have decreased a bit in the past few years. I suppose the reasons are many. Danger has gone up in a few areas, but that is not even part of the reason. Partly, I suppose is the “been there, done that” thinking on my part. But, I am getting the itch to hit the road again, though, and I may be doing so soon. We shall see.
No, I didn’t see the places you mentioned when I was in Dinagat, but I sure had an adventure there! My time in Dinagat was short but memorable! Memorable especially because I contracted Dengue there! 😯
Bob I was thinking that it would probably be a best seller for the person that pens a book specifically dealing with All the Specific Issues a foreigner will run into here and that can drive them crazy and cause manay to lose their temper or leave the country.
Taking each and every issue and dealing with it head on. Many issues will of course have similar answers but at least if someone can relate to them in a written context and how to deal with each may help them to understand and cope better.
I have no wife or GF to guide me so I have learned the hard way here but I am learning fast and a foreigner does have the ability to deal with many things themselves and not get ripped off or get confused by a cultural aspect of what they are dealing with. It is just a matter of learning a procedure for a given event.
You seem to be the most appropiate person to perhaps tackle specific issues we face in a written format.
Hi Paul – Actually, I already have a book on these kind of things, it is called Culture Clash and is over 400 pages. It deals with cultural differences that make foreigners uncomfortable here, and how to deal with them! The book is only $24.99.
Hi….. Paul- Sorry i made the Post, sound as a personal attack on you. I was looking at the words , not you. I am not that arragant to think i am a host to the Phillipens, buy aney menes. I know, we are very good hosts, in are Small pice of the ph. O buy the way, haveing a cold one rite now……….not a prude after all……….ha ha ha
Hi Jim;
A cold one on a hot Nevada day, just makes good sense. BTW: I took no offence over your post, I just felt you might have missed my point. I was not speaking about being at one’s house, it was more about being in their country. Are we good now?
Hi..Paul Ya your wright, i did miss the point, by maney kalomators. Typeing faster than i think, by the way you write, some enjoyabel article. Have a cold on jim……ok? Yea were GOOD PAUL!
Bob,
Good afternoon from J-ville 🙂
Love your article it is so true one can make a difference on how other cultures view foreigners.
When we were there in 84 we went to my wife’s family in San Pablo Cavite. Back then it was a goverment relocation for the poor. Got their New Years Eve brought food and other goods for her family. Seeing how bad their housing was I got with her bothers and built a better cooking area and fixed the house some. We had a blast our family dinner turned into a block party and My wife told me to go with her brothers. We went house to house drinking Buko and talking bula bula. It felt wierd being the center of attraction and oh my God the Kids were everywhere. You are right Bob if you blend in and and follow the golden rule people will invite you back. But if your a BUTT you leave a sour taste in their mouths and also embarrase you wife. Thats not cool!
The only problem I had with the visit was my wife gave the rest of the money to her family and we had to take a chicken bus home to Subic Bay no a/c and the smell OH YEA still in my nose.
Morale to this story is stay on your best behavior and keep some stash for the ride home 🙂
Ha ha… good story, my friend! You can still smell the chicken poop? Since ’84? That must have been some strong chicken poop! 😉
Yea threw the clothes in the garbage, and everytime I hear Alice Cooper sing about that smell can’t you smell that smell I always chuckle. what a memory!!! 🙂
😉
Bob,
I have to agree with all others here that this was a great post! I find each time I travel to the Philippines that I am their guest. I have found a smile goes a long way. I try not to be rude or arrogant at any time. I know the places I go in the Philippines I will be remembered as the only “white guy” they will probably ever see. This makes me the center of attention a lot of times but I think I handle myself fairly well. I try to do my best just to blend in with them and get my hands dirty also so I dont look so much like a tourist. They are caught of guard when they find I can work also and not just bark orders at them from behind a San Miguel.
Thank you, Steve. I appreciate your kind words.
Yea Bob i know what you mean I go to the out-of -the -ways places too . the people there have never seen a white person in their area so I am the first and I have a good time .. everyone wants to talk to me but don’t know English.. but i have a good time …we had nutrition day at the school last Friday and since I’m the only white person in the community I was invited on stage to sit and watch with the school board and brangay capt. and other dignitaries… it was fun ..lots of food too
Hi Phil – how’s it going? I hope all is good up in NorMin! Glad that you are having a good time with the local folks up there!
Hi Bob,
It’s an intersting topic you’ve brought up and good on you for doing your best as an “Ambassador”.
I’d like to point out that it’s not just “ethnics” who see the white person who act this way. As a Chinese person by race, I also got lots of looks back in Australia, where I was born and bred. The local population was almost exclusively white, and I remember after I finished high school, about once a month some little tyke at the local shops would look up at me, and pull on their mum’s hand and say something like “Look! China Man!” They qweren’t being racist. I was just something new they hadn’t seen before and my actions, as you say, would help determine what the child, and by extension, the parent might think of Asians as a whole.
I’ve also been told by my Asian friends who lived in country towns where Asians are even more scarse they have the same expereince you did- everything thing you did was watched and judged.
Sorry for droning on a bit. Just wanted to say my 2 cents.
Have a good day!
Hi Bob, thank 4 giving me an important article of this site. Thank you! Thank you! Salamat . . . .
Shukran . . . . Hope that we will be meet someday . . . . Thanks for appreciating our mosque that was built by my late grandfather Calusan Lamaran 4 his people because he is the datu in his times. . . .This mosque probably built on 1971 . . . .We are the Kagan muslims here in Davao that full of cultures and traditions . . . .
Thank You! Thank You! You are a good person and i’ve 100% appreciated your work & continue your good work for us true Mindanawons . . . .
🙂 Best Regards
My pleasure, Auharon! Hope to meet you one day.