I’d like to ask you as question today. Who inspires you? Since this blog focuses in on Philippine topics, let’s stick to people who inspire you, who also have some connection to the Philippines. It can be anybody, living or dead, historical in nature, or a currently popular person. Even an unknown person could be inspiring, if you have found out something about the person that you find inspiring. Why do you find them inspiring? Have you been inspired by this particular person for the long term, or only recently?
As for me, let’s have a look at some people who inspire me.
Fidel V. Ramos – Fidel Ramos was a General in the Philippine Army when Ferdinand Marcos was basically a dictator here in the Philippines. In 1986, when Cory Aquino ran for President against Marcos, and most people agree that Marcos stole the election, Ramos was the first person who stood up against his boss, President Marcos. It is generally agreed that the action that Ramos took was the beginning of the downfall of the dictator, which ushered in a re-birth of Democracy in the Philippines. Later on, in 1992, Ramos was elected President of the Philippines. Under Ramos, a lot of things started turning around in the Philippines. Economic advances were made, and many people (myself included) believed that the Philippines was on the path to success under Ramos. Unfortunately, after Ramos left office, things turned back around and headed in the wrong direction in my opinion. Also during the Ramos Administration, peace was reached in Mindanao between the Goernment of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front. Because of his actions against Ferdinand Marcos, and his actions as President of the Philippines, I feel inspired by Ferdinand V. Ramos.
Datu Toto Paglas – I wrote a while back about the death of Datu Toto Paglas. Toto was a Mayor of a small town in Maguindanao in the 1990’s and after serving as Mayor of the town (which beared his own name, which is also that of his father), he worked for world peace. During his term as Mayor of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao, Toto brought capital investment into the town, namely a banana plantation, Fruitera. Fruitera provided employment for the residents of Datu Paglas. Toto instituted a policy which basically was that it was not allowed to be lazy in Datu Paglas town. Everybody had to work! Toto brought peace to his community, something that was rare in that part of Mindanao in it’s day. A lot can be learned by studying the actions and policies of Datu Toto Paglas.
Louise Lynip – I came to know of Louise Lynip through Jim Cunningham, a regular LiP reader for years now, and a soon-to-be resident of Talakag, Bukidnon. Louis Lynip died a couple of years ago, but she was a real dynamic lady before her death. Lynip, an American, came to live in Mindanao in the 1930’s, and started an Orphanage here. During World War II, when the Japanese took the Philippines, Lynip went into hiding in the hills and mountains of Bukidnon. At some point during the war, the American forces found out that she was in hiding in Mindanao, and sent a submarine to secretly get her and take her to safety. She was taken to Australia by the US Navy and remained there until the war was over, in 1945, when she returned to Mindanao. At that point, her orphanage took roots in Talakag, Bukidnon, not far from Cagayan de Oro City. She remained in Talakag until her death in 2006. Just about 2 months prior to her death, Feyma and I visited the Bethany Children’s Home and met Louise in person. What a wonderful lady! I was quite saddened by her death, but I also felt so happy that I was able to meet her before she passed. Thank you, Jim, for providing me with the opportunity to be inspired by Louise.
Bebe Metillo – I have written about Bebe Metillo many times on this site, but for those who don’t know, Bebe is my Bisaya teacher. I have known Bebe for a little more than a year now, since August 2007, and in that short time, Bebe has had a tremendous impact on my life. A very positive impact. Bebe’s biggest influence on me, of course, is the teaching of language that she does for me. On top of that, though, Bebe offers me so much more – cultural input, encouragement, etc. I really feel so lucky to have found Bebe, and I also have to thank another reader of this blog for introducing me to Bebe – that was through Shannon, who used to live here in Davao and was a missionary. I believe that Shannon has since gone back to the States, but if she reads this, I offer my sincere thanks to her.
Feyma Martin – Yes, last, but certainly not least is my own wife, Feyma. We were married in August 1990, so more than 18 years now. In that time, I have learned a lot from Feyma, and I value her friendship over that time. Feyma deserves special mention too, having put up with me for so long. I am not always an easy person to deal with! Honestly. Feyma has been my friend, my confidente, and has given me a wonderful family. Without her, my life would not be complete.
Of course, there are others who inspire me, but these are the ones that have a real Philippine connection. Through these people, in one way or another, my life has been changed, for the better too. Some have had very indirect influence on me, others have a daily effect on my life. I thank all of them, though.
maayongbuntag bob
i have to say first of all that my son and fiancee in davao inspire me every day.i also have to add you to my list bob. you inspire because you have done it! you moved to philippines and are self sufficient and happy.alot of people dream of doing what you have allready done.also for this terrific site here at lip,i enjoy it alot my friend.
salamat bob
Hi Bob,
Another very informative and good article. Your blog/website is now bookmarked as my daily must-read, right up there with the LA Times and ESPN. I find your coverage around the Southern Mindanao area tailored-made for a Fil-Am like me who grew up in that part of Mindanao.
Toto Paglas was indeed a good Mayor of Datu Paglas town. When I was in Notre Dame of Tacurong grade school in the mid 70's, Datu Paglas town was the sight of numerous violent incidents related to extortion activities and Muslim-Christian struggles. I lost some friends during those times getting killed by indscriminate ambushes of public buses by Muslim 'rebels'. When the young Paglas took over, the town prospered and peace followed. With his death, I hope his legacy continues.
And honestly, seeing a picture of a white guy like you in Datu Paglas these days still make me cringed. I still have bad memories from those civil war days and Abu Sayaf incidents a few years back. You are a very good ambassador not only to expats but to OFWs thinking of retiring back to the Phil. More power to you and take care.
Hi Ron W- Wow, I'm honored. Thank you so much for including me in your list!
Hi Gerry- These days, Datu Paglas Town is quite a peaceful area. I would go there again anytime, in fact I want to spend more time in that part of Southern Mindanao. A lot of the credit for this goes to Datu Toto and his progressive policies.
Thank you for your comment, Gerry, and for keeping LiP at the top of your reading list!
Hi Bob,2 Filipino's who inspire, come to mind.Henry Sy who in 1946 opened a small store selling cheap shoe's,called Shoe Mart,today known as SM the largest chain of shopping malls in PI.Jack Dulnuan,nickname "Mr Practical".Born to poor Igorot parents in Kiangan,Ifugao, taken at the age of 10 to live with his uncle in Baguio City where he worked as a houseboy in return for his schooling.Unable to afford to go to college after leaving school, he worked as a delivery boy for a bakery in Baguio City.3yrs later (1957) at the age of 22 having saved P1000 he bought a small sari sari store and went on to buy several more.Customers kept asking for bread,he opened a bakery to supply his stores.Customers started asking for meals he opened a restaurant,and founded "Jacks rice" where the complete meal came on 1 plate instead of many different portions.A few more restaurants later,he bought a farm to supply his restaurants with pork,chicken and vegetables.Today at the age of 73 Jack has 9 restaurants in the Baguio area with more planned,established Jacks Industrial Develpement Corp (machine and repair shops),a technical vocational school,and recently acquired Dangwa Transportation Co that needs P100million investment.Jacks companies now employ more than 300 people. Last but not least Bob Martin who inspires people to live their PI dreams,regards Chas.
Hi chasdv- Of course, most all of us know Henry Sy, and he certainly is inspirational. I am interested in this Jack Dulnuan, though… never heard of him until now, and I find his story quite interesting. I'll be doing some Googling and see what else I can find out about the fellow!
Thanks also for including me in your list. It's humbling!
Hi Bob
First of all I would agree with your first mention of Fidel Ramos for the exact same reasons. I actually met him when he was a General and any fan of Philippine history would realize his place in building the Philipppines after the Marcos era. Secondly I would choose Pearl S. Buck who worked with Amerasian children in the Philippines and other parts of Asia finding homes for many of the Amerasian children left behind. She is from West Virginia, my home state. And last but not least my wife, Bing, who left home at a young age to work abroad and helped her family survive. Plus she puts up with me which is something in itself.
Hi Dan Mihaliak- I had not thought of Pearl S. Buck, but that is a good choice.
You know.. after your mention of Bing, it made me realize, I should have also included a generic one… "The OFW" – because without the OFW, the Philippines would have collapsed a long, long time ago. The remittances from OFW's are the number one element of the Philippine economy.
Good choices there, Dan.
Hi Bob,Yeah well worth a google on Jack Dulnuan,apart from his entrepenuer skills he has put a lot back into his community,its a very interesting story i came across a while ago,regards Chas.
Hi chasdv- This guy really sounds like my kind of guy. Thanks for bringing him to my attention.
Yes Bob , untill now i speak about Ramos when i tell people over the history of the Philippines.
He is my choice to.
The other people i know only by your blogs , but anyway i know.
27 years ago , first time in iligan , my family in law know nothing about
what,s going on.
after we married and my wife came to Heerlen , it take some years
for her to understand it , and that was because she see it on our television.
But my family not ,years later, they still speeks good about Marcos ,
maybe 1 antie from my wife was barangai captain and she can give always some money to them.
Later when i met her ,i noticed that she was a good captain foor all the people.
But she was ritch , had houses and money only trough her marcos connection ,
but she shares.
For me, the greatest is my father in law, having 8 children , working hard to support them , until now [ 78 yr ] he works ,
and we send him money every month , but he,s going on.
But that,s what most Philippino,s do , i think of them as wonderfull people ,
especcialy the poor one,s who still are happy.
I
Hi Anton- You have some nice thoughts there, Anton. Nice that you have such a good feeling toward your father in law. It sounds like your family in Iligan is very special to you, and you should be proud of that.
hi bob,
Rag to riches people do not really inspire me, what really inspires me are the people itself who strive very hard to make a living and with a smile on their faces, people who despite they eat once a day or none at all and still smile to me is the most inspiring people i ever come across.
I've seen other nationals that is being provided by their company of free foods, big houses, nice cars, free education for their children and still complaining how bad their jobs are or how insufficient their benefits,
every time i see a poor filipinos with a smile on their face, at the back of my mind, questions keep building up like, how these people can afford to be friendly and give you a smile when their stomachs are empty? how these people manage to survive everyday and they still have time to say "hi" to me with their genuine smile on their faces?
I don't need to find a certain person who succeeded in life just to be my inspiration, all i needed to do is look around me and there's plenty of them who inspire me everyday, I maybe above their level but i can guarantee you, i am what i am now and that is because i learned a lot from them.
Hi Bob excellent reading today only one filipino springs to mind benigno aquino who was assinated I dont know why but he had an influence on my wanting to live in the Philippines and of course my wife who has been my inspiration for 31 years and has given me 3 wonderful children.
Hi dans- those are nice thoughts about everyday people who remain happen even in tough times. There are certainly so many Pinoys like that.
Hi andyp- Sure, I am familiar with Ninoy Aquino, he is a hero to many, no doubt. A good example to follow.
Hi Bob- What an excellent topic. Incidentally I just knew from the first few lines that you were going to mention Louise Lynip.
When I look for inspiration I could also look at entrepenuers,politicians etc but like you when I look at what Louise achieved all for the benifit of others and not one penny did she make for herself. Till today needy children continue to benifit from her legacy as well as the Bethany community in general. When I receive comunications from Bethany that times are hard and difficult although not now with us she still truly inspires me to try that little bit harder to raise funding. I feel she is watching me every day after promising her the last time we met that whatever happend I would not let her down and do my best to help keep her liveswork and memory alive.
A truly remarkable American whom I was humbled to have met and known. Its just a pity that she was not fully recognised by her country for leading such a selfless life, but that was Louise everyone else came first.
Regards.
Jim.
Hi Jim Cunningham- Of course I had you in mind when I wrote this article. In my mind, you and Louise could not be separated. She really was a wonderful and selfless lady. I don't recall if I told you this or not, but when she died, I contacted the US Military people here in the country and requested that they send an honor guard to Louise's funeral, but they said that they had no resources for something like that. I really believe that they missed out on an opportunity to honor a special person, and a person who had a connection with the Navy, due to her unique circumstances during WW2. Honestly, I think that if the right Hollywood producer came along, the story of Louise Lynip's life would be a very good movie.
Hi Bob- I totally agree with Dans there is a lot to be said for the comman man and woman who comprise the majority of Filipnos that desite the adversity that they live amoungst they can remain cheerful as well as law abiding.
Hi Jim Cunningham- Yep, Dans had a good response!
Hi Bob- I was always happy that you took up my offer to visit her before she died.
You have given so much exposure to Bethany that has brought help from people who have read your posts from all over the world.
I knew you had approached your embassy to give recognition but we have to be mindful it was short notice.Anyway as long as we who had the privilage to meet and know her never forget thats what really matters.
Regards.
Jim.
Hi Jim Cunningham- Thank you. I hope that a few acts of kindness have gone to Bethany through the few articles that I've written about them. They deserve it.
I agree with dans.
We had a laundrywoman named Franscisca who had been poor all her life but I never once heard her complain. I would always see her smiling and always grateful for her blessings. In all the days that I saw her, she would always utter the words "Salamat sa Diyos!" Everyday!
She inspires me to be grateful for my own blessings….everyday.
I cannot remember seeing her angry or disappointed. She always had a positive attitude. She washed clothes all her life until her body failed her. Not once did she complain.
God bless her soul. May she rest in peace.
I am also inspired by Jose Rizal and Ninoy Aquino for their courage, for standing up for what they believed in even if it meant giving up their life.
Hi Beth- That's a good one! We have a labandera like that too.
Better late than never as they say – I know you don't like to bring politics on this site but when you put a crook like Ramos on a pedestal well……… Anyway I would have to vehemently disagree about Fidel Ramos. If anything he is a man probably most responsible for the totally out of control and rampant corruption in the Philippines that makes anything Marcos did look pale in comparison. Ramos was and is in a sense the mentor, and trainer and instructor to many current prominent politicians including a cunning Gloria who has probably amassed more from corruption than anyone can possibly imagine. It is very sad indeed. Living in the province it is very difficult to see how absolutely profane corruption is and it is good for those of you living in the province area. Living in Manila you see corruption up close and personal and for those who know Ramos know he is makes Marcos look like kids play. Nevertheless he as remained under the radar as he knows how to play the system. I am of the opinion the Philippines has lost so much opportunity because of the corruption from people like Ramos and this economy will be going down so fast it is quite scary. Just wait to see how many OFW's start pouring back here and the lost revenue that will accompany that. Heaven help us all that live here. I laugh at the thought of someone as corrupt as Erap actually sitting in the presidency again. Only in the Philippines. ha ha ha.
Bob I think it is important to really know who the people really are who you hold so high in regard. Just my three cents worth
Hi richard- You presented your opinion and I presented mine. You gave no facts, just your opinion. I do not believe that Ramos was corrupt, you do, we'll just have to disagree on this one. The Philippines made great strides under Ramos.
Richard,
Corruption aside, of all the presidents after Marcos, Ramos is the one who brought in more positive results in the Philippines as pointed out by Bob.
If I'm not mistaken, we are enjoying the cellphones and internet now because Ramos was the one who opened the gateway for better telecommunications in the Philippines.
I think based on results, Ramos is ahead of Estrada and Arroyo but if we put it in terms of corruption well Estrada and Arroyo are way more corrupt than Ramos, IMO.
Just curious why no one mentioned President Corazon Aquino? Maybe, you all know something I don't. She was such an inspiration on my visit there in 1986 ( when I was stationed in Hawaii with the US Army at the time and President Marcos was soon to be exiled there). I was my contention that she too showed extreme courage with the possibility of facing the same fate as her husband. In my opinion, she helped pave the way for President Ramos (my hero too). I since that she to may have the stigma of corruption as seems to be the trademark there. Is this why she is not on this list? Someone please enlighten me!
Hi Beth- I do believe that FVR played a strong role in bringing a lot of infrastructure development to the Philippines. He also put the country on the path toward Peace in Mindanao. There are a lot of accusations about corruption toward nearly everybody in Philippine politics. Some of them are proven, like Erap was convicted in court of corrupt practices. Ramos was never taken to court for any such offense, and unless he would be proven to be corrupt, I simply don't buy it. Thanks for sharing your view, Beth.
Hi Ed Griffin- I have no problem with Cory, but she just does not inspire me to the point where I would have listed her. She certainly did many things that I find inspirational, but there were other things in which I believe she failed. Of course, that is just my opinion, and we are all entitled to our opinions. I would certainly welcome you sharing more opinions why you find Cory Aquino inspiring.
Hi Bob, I passed by Datu Paglas on my visit to Tacurong in the mid 80's, and still vividly remember the burned houses and scorched cogon lands along the highway. I was therefore a bit surprised when a few years ago, a friend told me that Datu Paglas isn't anymore the devastated town that it was. Turning Datu Paglas into a prosperous and peaceful town is worthy of emulation. We need more leaders like Toto Paglas.
Hi DomAndres- Absolutely! What Toto Paglas did in Datu Paglas town was nothing short of miraculous, and for that, I believe that Toto was a great man.
Hi Bob, again a very heartily and interesting post. No doubts, i agree with you about Fidel Ramos. We were able to meet him several times;last time during a press conference, when he stayed in Davao City. As Beth mentioned: Corruption aside, FVR was the best thing, which could happened to the Philippines. And, I think, every one of us has his or her special people for inspirations… .
Mr Warren Buffett…one of the greatest Americans in modern history. Humble, the richest man in the world, lives in the same old house, drives the same banger.
That's the man for me.
Hi hill roberts- In what way is Buffett connected to the Philippines? Maybe I missed something….
Hi Klaus- Who are the special people that inspire you?
I can't really answer the question as to why Cory is inspirational except the fact that she replaced the dictator and a tyrant in my opinion. I still remember the security guard I met in "86 who remarked about me and my conversation with several people at the Intermodal Shipping Agency in Manila. I would keep the tv on CNN and on one occassion awakened in tears and wrote a poem dedicated to Cory and the Philippines. Since leading the People's Revolution with the help of Fidel Ramos, I think all succeeding administrations after the Marcoc Regime should have made the country better. In reality, looking from afar, it appears that each administration had some corruption. I don't forsee this changing anytime soon. I even forsee (looking from afar) that "Pacman" (the boxer) is getting ready for politics after boxing and possibly will be groomed for the presidency in the years to come. I know he is very popular but, will be bring about needed change. Then there is the Estrada factor. Can he really run again for president without a constitution change? I know that Cory was popular at the time she became president. I don't know the people opinion of her once she became president. Please enlighten.
Hi Ed Griffin- I have been thinking about Cory since your first comment. I guess the image in my mind is of Cory cowering under the bed during one of the coup attempts. I don't know if that really happened, but it was widely reported. I find it hard to respect a person who does that. Her fight against Marcos was great, but the image of her under the bed is what sticks in my mind. My thinking may not be right on this, but it is what sticks out to me.
Hi, Bob..oooops, Mr Buffett came to mind because I was talking about him to my husband. Anyway, it's Mr Henry Sy, Sr. who really inspires me the most. I met him
personally in 1980 and he was down-to-earth, warm, sincere. In those days, he
didn't have that monumental chain of shopping malls. Still, I knew he would be
king of malls one day. Sadly, this gentleman is now wheelchair-bound and I could only weep when I saw a photograph of him with his professional children.Chat later, Bob, hello to Feyma. Cheers!
Hi hill roberts- I didn't realize that Sy was in a wheelchair now. I do find him inspiring myself as well
Hi Bob, I might be late with my response, but… there are some people, who inspired me very much. Among some, please allow me to mention the following (while "order doesn't matter"):
– my mentor, Professor Dr. Dr. Hermogenes E. Bacareza, former Chaplain of the Philippine Community Berlin during the 1980s and 1990s. Because of him, I experienced a lot of "open doors" up to now. Bacareza is a known book author and respected advocate of German-Philippine relations.
– my family, predominant from Rose's side, because without their knowledge, help and never ending support, I would have given up many times, while starting a "new life as an expat in the Philippines"
and
– my friends: those "old ones", I haven't seen again, since moving here for good, and those "new ones", I have been able to find here in the Philippines: such as you, Bob and Feyma ( and your whole family); such as John (and Steve), Migs, and the other fellow LIP columnists (even I didn't meet them personally!), Ted – such to mention some.
Who inspires me? This could be a whole brochure. But it's just a little comment on your site regarding your question, Bob!
Hi Klaus- Nice choices there, Klaus! I'm glad that you receive so much inspiration from so many people!
I know this is a late reply to this site but I've been away from it lately and when I read this I wanted to add something to it. First let me say I've only lived here for 3 1/2 months and prior to that I've only been to the Philippines for the 21 'fun trip', if you want to call it that…………………. Since my return here though I have done some things that I've never done before in my life. One of them is going out to joke/KTV bars here in Davao. I am now a regular at a club called "Studio Aunnie" (spelling?). On my first trip there I had alot of fun and I've gone back enough times to where I know everyone and they announce me before I sing by my full name and where I'm from etc. Many times when I sit in the audience I am part of the talking and joking going on, which is really a neat way to be involved. -………………Past all that I've befriended a person there that is a singer there by the name of Abhed (again spelling?, sorry I never asked the correct spelling of his name). Abhed has become a very close friend to me as I see alot of myself in his spirit of what he does. Abhed is a gay man but he is very proud of who he is and what he does and has done in his life all together and for that I respect him even more. He inspires me to see such a young man who has been all over the Philippines at one point or another, gone to many parts of the world on trips, meetings and love, of course all not in that order. Abhed is a great man and just this week I have taken the time to meet up with him in private to sit in a coffee shop at MTS and to finally tell him how much I am inspired, how much I respect him and to tell him how much I think of him as a person. I think Abhed was a little shocked by what I said but I also think he knew my utmost respect for him. Abhed reminds me of how sometimes I have lost respect for what I do and who I am back home and he has led me on a path here in the Philippines that I will never forget no matter in what part of the world he may be in and what part of the world I may be in as well. I hope that somehow through it all we can become even closers friends and maybe oddly enough I can find a way to inspire him as well………….. and for what I can offer and for what I have received from him…….I am eternally grateful !!!!
Hi Tim Walker- To be very honest, I feel quite inspired reading what you had to say about your friend. It was a moving thing that you had to say. I'm really glad that you have found such rewards in Davao!