Any subject I write about here on LiP which BTW is located in The Republic of the Philippines (RP) may come from a myriad of sources; one that is very normal for me is to be shooting the breeze over a beer with friends and comparing life and why we like it here.
My friends will call where we live the “PI” and I’ll explain there is no such place. I live in the “RP” Or how this country is listed in the Atlas as the Republic of the Philippines, the name the Filipino people have chosen to refer to their country by.
I point out a small piece of useless information I have collected over the years. The US Military’s supply system once referred to Puerto Rico as “PR” and the Philippines as “RP” can we see the problem?
So since the US Military’s for years referred to the Philippines as The Philippine Islands using the slang expression: “We’re heading to the “PI” So the US supply and military mail system changed the RP to the PI. (Anyway, that’s the way I heard the story told!)
As I’ve said many times in the past, we can only talk about our own experiences here in this land of enchantment. I tend to quickly find the humorous aspects of life here.
As a legal guest of the RP I wonder, but seldom complain about how my hosts run their country. I took the time to learn the rules, and decided to stay here anyway. I fully understand that my stateside second amendment rights do not apply on Philippine soil.
I was chatting with an old High School friend back in the Dorchester section of Boston and she was very upset that people in the Philippines eat dogs. I said if you love irony, check out China as this is the year of the dog, and every year they hold a festival where they consume vast amounts of dog.
So I asked what about that group of Americans, and what they ate during that winter in the 1800’s crossing the Serra Madres at Donner Pass. (AKA I-8, between Sacramento California and Reno Nevada.) Of course, she had no knowledge of those culinary delights.
So I explained that around the world people do things in a way that we just don’t understand. A woman cheats on her husband and in some countries they stone her to death, (Yet with the men, its okay to cheat) but eating a dog is the end of the world? I further explained that because of social changes, eating dog meat is a slowly disappearing custom in the RP. The younger generations, of Filipinos, are mostly repulsed by the very idea. The world is slow to change, but change it will.
If there is a rule here that we simply cannot abide while living in the RP, we have the right, by law to fly or sail back to our home country and never deal with that subject again. And yet so many stay?
In my home country, I grew up with a set of values and standards that are being rejected by some of the citizens back there, but because of the media and political correctness these new values are taking hold. I moved here where I can ignore it, if people want it, the right to vote for it is still the law of the land. As in California where 35% of all students graduating from state controlled high schools, must take remedial math and English to enter any out of state College.
Because in their history books they are striving to identify the sexual identity of historic figures, as political correctness is more important than the basic subjects I was forced to take I often wondered about Washington and that powered wig?
But as an example this is why I refused to reside in California or moved from my country. I served my nation in its military for 24 years and obeyed all rules and regulations set forth by the corrupt politicians. I still love my place of birth, pretty much as a Filipino loves his own country but find I no longer want to live where I was born. But they can do a Dobie legally now.
Is the Philippines perfect? Better question: Is anyplace perfect? I think not, but no one here tries to regulate every moment of your life. I’ve (My point of view only) noticed that common sense is more likely to prevail instead of some rule written by some crooked politicians.
Attend a Barangay mediation session, I have, and found that if I won or lost I walked away feeling satisfied with the decision. Not always liking it, but living with it. That was because as I thought about it calmly, it was fair.
I’ve scratched my head sometimes, but in 1994 I decided to live here, I preformed every legal measure I was asked to perform, to receive my visa and stay here. Paying my yearly head tax and obeying all another required rules.
Albeit the BIR’s dress code rules will change every year, so be prepared for that! Example this year it was a Shirt with collar, long pants and no slippers Last year I wore T-shirt and shorts no problem, I always wear shoes (Canvas slip-ons) when I’m outside in public.
These rules change every year. And what is required at one office is not always what is required at every office. You could drive around until the rules match what you’re wearing. (LOL)
In the BIR in Manila the last time I was there, I wore shoes and socks, dress pants and a shirt with a necktie. Even the guard smiled when he saw me. So if you live in the PI or the RP, enjoy every second of your time here, Your blood pressure will stay lower if you go with the flow and laugh as often as you can.
What a great article Paul, I am one of your follower born and raised in Polomolok, next bid town from GenSan where Manny Pacquiao reside. I just love reading your humorous article.
I know quite a few Filipinos in the Philippines. Not a single one would eat dogs. Are you sure those who do are not transplants from China?
Paul: I always enjoy your “takes” on all things in the Philippines. Your advice, “Your blood pressure will stay lower if you go with the flow and laugh as often as you can,” is right on. -Rob
Bob;
Be thankful, as you live in a very special part of the Philippines, far away from the rest of us.
Paul, good article. Yes, i agree you’ve got to “go with the flow” if you live in the PI. Us “visitors” may not agree with much that goes on …but it’s not our country. Even many of my Filipino friends (living here and abroad) understand things are different and they also just “go along” for the ride. Every time us AF guys here in AC sit around having beers (we allow Navy guys to drink with us) we always talk about living in the PI (not PR). Cheers. Al
David:
Did you read this part? I further explained that because of social changes, eating dog meat is a slowly disappearing custom in the RP. The younger generations, of Filipinos, are mostly repulsed by the very idea. The world is slow to change, but change it will.
I have lived here for over 26 years and in the past DOG was served at many parties, ONCE MORE I”LL SAY: ” IT IS A DISAPPEARING CUSTOM” And is now a violation of Philippine law.
Back in the 1970’s I used to handle ” Traffic ” ( messages ) for the Navy MARS ( Military Affilate Radio Service ) and those coming from or going to The Philippines were designated ” RP ” if I remember correctly.
Bob (NY)
You are so right!
Hello Paul,
Quite a few old songs have a line to the effect of “I’m going where the weather suits my clothes” .
And, yes, I’ve noticed quite a few changes taking place. One of them is in the way dogs are treated. This year, for the first time ever, I’ve seen Filipinos walking well cared for dogs on leashes. There are a number of veterinary offices available now. We just got a notice from the barangay hall that they have enacted a leash law and dog registration program. But I haven’t yet seen any enforcement of it. The same dogs still roam the street by our place.
The folks I’ve talked to who still eat dog treat it as pulitan, food to eat while you drink. Most mention it to me, I think, just to see my reaction. Not long ago, I was walking on our street the morning after some Filipino holiday or another. I noticed a neatly severed dog paw laying in the street. I’ve never taken a census, but, I haven’t noticed any of the local dogs missing. I suspect the pulitan puppy was purchased specifically for the purpose.
Take care,
Pete
Pete:
One would be wise to be concerned about the health of the animals you eat. In PR I only bought land crabs from a trusted vendor who flushed them with milk and rice for three days.
Hello Paul: I lived in one of the most beautiful places in the world for five years, Guilin, China. A very progressive city but our weekly trip to the market involved the first stop which was the “live” section which had all the critters in cages. They ranged from dogs and cats to ducks and chickens. You could make your choice and proceed on to the veggies and fruit and as you exited you picked up your freshly killed meat supply.
I enjoyed your picture of the gathering of friends for beers and chats. I lived for 30 years in Thailand and our table dwindled from the one you have down to just me and one other old bugger. I moved to the PI because my wife who is Filippina missed her family, you know how that goes. I just returned from Davao, about a 5 hour van drive from my home where I have done most of the work to get my ACR-! Card, I am now waiting for my NBI Clearance to submit my paperwork. I guess I am here to stay except yearly holidays to Thailand.
I was going to add a picture of my house but could not find an “add” button.
Hi Paul;
Been to China never lived there, I smile when I remember my many times in Thailand, Good luck on the ACR card, a pain but only every five years.. I have no idea how to add pictures on this site Bob Martin, puts mine on with the article. My group is dwiderling also but I’m still here! (LOL)
My best wishes to all your expat friends and am happy if you are all happy and healthy. Living in Bislig City I am sort of the spare p…k at a wedding and I am about the only white guy here but once I master the machine gun spoken language of Visaya I should do better. God Bless all expats
Pauk;I
lived in Puerto Rico and did learn Spanish, (I was single and didn’t want to miss out.) But when I came back to sea here in Asia, to many countries and not enough time to learn. RP there is enough English that I get by. My days of learning are over.
Great article.
RP is correct. Some say PI rolls off the tongue better. Doesn’t really matter.
When it comes to traffic I’d prefer enforced laws. In that field “common sense” doesn’t seem to exist.
Horace
The traffic Police mostly don’t drive, so they make up the rile as it suits them. But at the Barangay Hall it works better..
Nilda:
That is far south on the Archipelagos, I liked GenSan when my ship pulled in. Thank you for your kind words.
Alanouel;
It was like the station dito sailers in Olongapo, they never had the money to keep up with the fleet sailor with no budget. I saw that in AC when I flew in (With you guys) from Diego Garcia. I ran both the clubs and package store on DG, I’d drink with AF guys all the time.
It is a little off topic but still about eating different things. In my time working in China the SAR;s epidemic hit and when it did I was in Guangzhou where they finally figured out it all began and the reason was the Chinamen eating “forest food” and the culprit was Cevit Cats. I noticed that the restaurants serving this food quickly closed but as it has been a long time since I have been back to China maybe they are open again, you know how quickly people forget about things like SAR’s, WAR and a lot of other things.
Paul;
SARs was a big deal here but I never heard of any one getting it in the RP. But they love to wear the surigal mask anyway, but take it off to eat? (LOL)
Another good read, Mr. Paul T. A wicked good article..it really is no big deal about the difference between PI an RP..but I kinda’ do pay attention when a Filipino returning to the Philippines refer to his country as ” pea-eye”.. ?…but that’s none of my business. ” A mi no importa” ..
Jose;
Kinda true, but ask a Kano what part of the SU he’s from? (LOL)
Hi Paul,
I personally do not like abbreviations much. I find after awhile they become confusing. I already get confused enough. I prefer just the Philippines over RP or PI. Enjoyed the article!
Peace
Jay
Jay
Ilike the irony that abbreviations is such a long word, Being from Massachusetts .I was happy when they shortened it to MA.
I’m with you on abbreviations for the Philippines. I prefer writing out the whole name rather than using abbreviations like PH, PI, or RP. out of respect. I know that by saying this, people will react by saying, what about USA, DPKR, PRC, and so on. I don’t care about other countries, I only care about the Philippines, which, to me, will always be The Philippines.
Hi John,
You hit part of my feelings on the head, but another part is if you are communicating with someone who does not already know you are referring to the Philippines they would not necessarily think of RP as the Philippines. They might think RP is Republic of Peru, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Pakistan, etc.. If you write or say USA most people think United States of America. Most Filipinos I know living abroad will just say the are going HOME even if they have not lived in or visited the Philippines in many years. I am not mad at anyone for using PR or PI just the way I feel/think.
Peace
Jay
Jay
Technically USA is incorrect as the United States is also a republic, So it follows we live in the Republic of the United States. Because aren’t Mexico Canada Central and South America all America?.The US Military supply and mail service still refer to the Philippines as the RP. But I think I wrote about that above.I think?