The other day, an American friend came over to my house. He is not a close friend, in fact, I had only met him once previously, but had exchanged a few e-mails with him since meeting in person. He’s a nice guy, I met him at a meeting of foreigners who live in Davao that I attended at the beginning of the month.
One thing came up in our conversation that surprised me. He told me that in his opinion, the label “ex-pat” had to go! He didn’t like it at all. Another word that is used is “ex-patriate”. For me, it just means a person who is living in a country other than his own. My friend, though, felt that it implied that you are no longer loyal to, or have good feelings for the country of your origin.
For me, nothing could be further from the truth. I am proud to be an American, I feel like I am patriotic. I just don’t live there. I have a number of reasons for not living in the USA, but they don’t mean that I don’t love my country. My friend emphasized that he loves his country, and calling him an “ex-pat” implied that he no longer did.
What do you think? Do you feel it’s a slam on you to be called an ex-pat? Would it be different to call you an “ex-patriate?” I’d like to hear more, because the other day was the first time I’ve ever heard of somebody feeling this way.
I do consider this to be parallel to something that bugs me. I don’t like it when I walk downtown and everybody yells at me – “hey, Joe.” It rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it shouldn’t, but it does. So, in a way, I understand my friend’s problem with being called an “ex-pat,” although that particular phrase has never bothered me.
Hey Joe !
Bob, your friend makes a very interesting observation, (Scott brings in his own brand of humour as usual), I am quite happy to be labled as an ex-pat, as for the British it means something quite different, because of the old empire, it was quite common for many British especially in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Gibraltar, West Indies, and various other parts of the old empire to be stationed there, in Hong Kong, there were at one stage thought to be over 100,00 expats who were working in Hong Kongs economy and running the government, being an ex-pat was a perk really, and the salary and lifestyle that came with it was very sought after.
I personally like the term "Ex-PAT", Back in 2001 I worked in Hong Kong for six months as an ex-pat, in the financial services industry, it was great fun to have British people around me in what was to me a foreign country, although before the handover to China of Hong Kong in 1997, it was considered to be British Sovereign Territory, after the handover, not much seemed to have changed apart from Chinese flags flying alongside the Hong Kong Flag.
You would always see the Brits gathering after work in their various banking jobs, and it was customary to hang out at the local watering holes of Hong Kong for happy hour ! happy hour was normally from around 4.30pm to 7pm, people would chat, exchange ideas, and network, that was what being ane expatriate was all about, and the UK was generally thought to be the Mother country, but you would never want to go back there and live the life that people lived there, that is why you were an expatriate, as you have said Bob, being an expat is someone of one nationality who lives in another country by choice, i.e. family connections or work.
I also would say Bob, that I resented also being called Joe, it happened to me in West Makati, Manila, someone just called out to me when i was walking for a taxi to take us back to Makati, Gina said, they called me Joe ! at the time I did not know why, then it was explained to me, that they thought all foreigners were Americans called Joe, of course the U.S. Influence is all over the Philippines for everyone to see, and after the exodus of the American bases, it is obvious why foreigners are always thought to be Americans.
The one thing I have issue with, is constantly being referred to by Filipinos as the "Foreigner" its funny, I dont mind being labeled an ex-pat, as that to me has status, but to be constantly be called a foreigner, seems to get to me, I don't know why, but it does, no matter how much I try to assimilate or aculturalize, I am still and will always be a foreigner, I guess that by not being born a Filipino, anyone is a foreigener, but hey i can live with it, hahaha, its not a major problem, in any event, foreigners seem to be treated like celebrities wherever they go.
I think with your freind Bob, its a personal identity situation for him, we all have different takes on this I am sure, but for me, expatriate or expat is just fine….
I'm also guessing your American friend is confusing the root word patria (Greek and Latin for country) with the Greek patrios and from Latin pater (of one's father).
Expatriate is a combination of the Latin ex and patria – simply meaning living out of (one's own) country. This is not to be confused with the word patriot which comes from the latter root and means one who loves, supports and defends ones country. They are different words, but sound alike.
Hey Joe is a horse of a different color, as they might say in Oz. Even after 13 years here I still don't feel I fully understand all the nuances of its usage. My observation is that it is almost always used by males from an age group of, oh, about 15 to 25. But it can be found in the heart of Makati as well as rural roads of the provinces. And I'm guessing that it's usage is multifaceted – sometimes in good spirits and sometimes not.
Hi Bob
Its been a while since I made a contribution. Yes, we British, as Pete says, don`t mind being called Ex-pats, can you think of a better term? Maybe because `Patriate` is associated with the word `patriotic` makes you feel that you are no longer proud of your country. In UK we don`t normally refer to someone as a "foreigner " but usually we name his nationality, i.e. that `Polish guy` or that `Chinese woman`! It used to bother me being called " Hi Joe" but now I just shout back `Hi Pedro` or `Hi Jose` and that seems to confuse and silence the shouter! Keep up the good work Bob and I look forward to meeting you when we come over in October to Davao
Malcolm
What I'm about to say may sound controversial–and I apologize beforehand–but I think it has a certain truth attached to it and it needs to be told. The term "ex-pat" is just a label. It can apply to anyone. I call former Filipino citizens (and there are millions of them out there) who live in their host countries like the United States, Australia, Great Britain, and etc. as "ex-pats" all the time. And I think most of them don't take offense to it. My opinion is the majority of Filipino expats, who have decided to become citizens of their host country, no longer feel patriotic towards the Philippines (otherwise they wouldn't have chosen to give up their Filipino citizenships). Other than the nostalgic longing and certain belonging to a race of people–the Philippines is no longer the hands that feed them. Those of us who live (whether born or naturalized) in the country that feed, support, and protect us physically and materially, can't help but feel a certain patriotism and indebtiness towards her. It's human nature to pledge allegiance and adapt the view and ideology of anything or anybody that support our basic needs–and more–to live. I don't think anyone is exempt from this situation, unless your lying to yourself or you're just there for the ride. Why do you think we love our parents? Not because they're our biological parents (that's an ideology. A step-parent can also take the place of our biological parents). It's because our parents are the ones that fed and nurtured us. So it's just a matter of semantics when we use the term "expat" because it has different degrees of meaning (ideology) to all of us And I don't think that labeling someone an expats is equivalent to being unpatriotic to your own country–unless she oppressed or disowned you herself. Till next time.,,,
most people belive that the term expatriate comes from the word patriotic, but as nick pointed out this is not true
From my observation ( currently living in the USA, working hard to retire early in the PI..next year? ) being called 'expat' or 'joe' would bring a grin to my face…for I miss hearing them !
Never has offended me…growing up in an irish family where everyone else (irish strangers) were called "mac' aka Mc— nick names as the such are comparable to kids here yelling out 'hey buddy' .:wink:
Hi Scott – I'll deal with you next time you're in Davao!!! 👿
Hi Pete – I'm like you – personally, I like being an ex-pat. I feel like it makes me special in a way – it certainly means that I am different than most of my countrymen. I like being different!
Hi Nick – thanks for the linguistic analysis. Your comments are right on base with my thinking. My friend did come right out and say that "ex-pat" was equivalent to "ex-patriot". I told him that "patriate" and "patriot" were different words with different meanings. I didn't have the deep explanation that you do though.
Hi Malcolm – You might be confused. I don't have a problem being called an ex-pat, it's a friend who does. Based on your comment, I think that you were thinking it is me. Just want to be clear! Indeed – looking forward to meeting you!
Hi Julius – I think that what you said is clearly on the mark. Nothing controversial there!
Hi Ken – You are right on track, at least in the case of my friend.
Hi Brian – Interesting. The "Hey Joe" never used to bother me until I lived here. It's just such a constant thing, I guess…
When I'm overseas and people ask me where I'm from I say "Planet Earth".
Good one, Laurence! 😈
Hey…. Bob. :-D.
Would I consider myself now also as an expat now I'm currently living in Singapore (temporary, while having a contract work)? Still having some doubts whether the term is also applied to us OFWs, since (pardon my ignorance) I usually hear this word "expat" used among foreigners, especially the Americans or British.
Coincidentally, I was reading a rather thought-provoking and hilarious forum on the "Hey Joe" phenomenon back in the Philippines. (http://www.gov.ph/forum/thread.asp?rootID=77819&catID=25). My two cents only: we have in our culture a very twisted bad practice of calling names and making fun of people, to the point of labeling. We have tons of words (codes) we use to categorize people, some of which seems positive while some are really annoying and downright unflattering. I had my share of remarks / labels while growing up as a kid. Seems like every Filipino had his or her own share of labels. Either we shrug them off or talk back and confront those people.
I know that "Hey Joe" is mostly used by the uneducated, poor or by the Class C,D,or E of our country. It's mostly used by them to start a conversation to foreigners especially to white Americans and British people. Most of them don't know how to connect to you guys, so they can only use these (that's what I know and I believe). You would rarely hear that used by the educated or by the elite classes in RP. If you hear one from them, either they could just say it to crack or joke, or maybe to jest. But it could also be out to tease. But if so, pardon us Bob, Pete, and others who find this offensive. I give you permission to pummel those guys who call you those labels (ah, kidding there… hehehe).
Hi Jio – Thanks for dropping by! I have seen that thread on the gov.ph website that you pointed to. Let me be clear, I do understand why people here say "hey Joe", I understand where it originated from too. It just bothers me. I have tried very hard to accept it as much as I can, but it gets under my skin. I don't blame Filipinos about it, it's as much my fault for not being able to just ignore it.
I think that you would be called an ex-pat, based on the fact that you are living outside the Philippines. But, it depends a lot on whether you wish to be called by that name. Much as whether I would like to identify by "hey Joe" I guess.
Anyway, thanks for your comment! Don't worry, I won't be pummeling anybody!
the kds always say hey joe to me and i always say don not joe. they often think that don is a formal title and not my first name so thay think i must be titled or very rich.
Hi "Don" – ha ha…. now THAT is funny!
Hi Bob,
Personally, I think the word expat is better than being called an alien – as if I come from another planet. We are all citizens of this world so it really doesn't matter which country we're from – we're all human beings – that's all that really matters.
Hi Tina – Yeah… I like being called an ex-pat. I don't care for an "alien" like you say.
Hi Bob
Talking about Ex-pats again, I wasn`t suggesting that you don`t like to be called an Ex-pat but was using "you " in the sense of "one". (:-))
Malcolm
Hi Malcolm – OK, I got you! Thanks for the clarification.
….have had a few brits over there call me a Yank ( short for yankee) ….wish they'd get over that tea thingy !! lol
Hi brian – Ha ha… those brits aren't so bad. Well, some of them aren't anyway! Maybe Pete or Scott could take you under their shoulder!
Hey ex-pat beats being called or called minority for us non-white people in the States. Having been born here in the US and having served in the USAF, I just wish everyone here would just call me American. Then I go back to Davao to visit my folks and everyone calls me AmBoy. I guess I'm not Filipino enough either. I give up.
Hi AllenO – I understand your feelings on that. I experience it here, but can't imagine experiencing it from both sides, as you say. Good luck to you!
For those who get offended by the "hey,Joe" thing. Have you ever asked any of these "hey, Joe" callers why they call you that? For as far as I know, these people(Filipino people) who say"hey,
Joe are mostly uneducated, ignorant and just want to be friendly with every foreigner they see or meet. I don't believe they intend to offend or embarrass anybody but I believe that that's the only and best way they know to get attention from ANY foreigner. These people do not know the "hey, Joe" history. Maybe they never went to school or even if they did(like I do), it wasn't something the school taught their students.
So, please, if anybody calls you Joe next time, try to approach that person, shake his hand and introduce yourself(sincerely). So now that you know each other, he will start calling you by your name next time. And it is just the beginning- For the more people who will know your name, the less people will call you Joe(I don't think you would even need to give some history lessons). I promise, these people are just plain innocent or ignorant. I've encountered many of them and I could tell that they don't really know the story behind. This "hey, Joe" calling will never go away unless you do your part. Remember, it's not their problem, it's yours. And the worst part is, they don't even know you got a problem with it so you remain miserable and they remain innocent.
Hi Kiarizona – thanks for leaving your comment, I'm glad that you stopped by! Just for clarity, if you go back and re-read what I wrote on this issue, I did say that the problem was mine, and that it was something I needed to get used to. It's just been one thing that I have had a hard time adjusting to. Believe me, I have indeed adjusted to many things, and I've made a big effort to do so. That "hey Joe" issue is just one that has been hard for me.
I like your suggestion about going up and talking to the person and getting to know them. I think that would be a good step toward understanding.
Hello there! Thank you. I promise to do my part too as a wife of an American. I just want everybody to be happy, that's all.
Well, first lets remember that expat is short for ex-patriate. Having said that, as others have commented, I think your friend is confusing "patriate" with "patriot" 2 completely different words, and meanings.
Just because he is an expatriate(or called such), doesn't mean he is not patriotic to his country of origin.
As an american I can say that it has essentially the same meaning as to Brits, so that isn't the issue.
Hi jeff – I think you are correct on that. This is my feeling too.
i like the term hey joe–i find it comes from the vvar and is a term of "thanks for your help" refering to those troubled times around the vvorld — so thank you to all the filipinos that shout to me–i vvill give you a smile and vvave–thank you for vvelcoming me to your country–bubba
Bob
Right now I am an Ex-pat wannabe but this does not bother me either. 🙂 I personally feel your friend has misunderstood the meaning of Ex-pat. I will also will admit that I did not fully understand the word myself and thanks Nick for the good clarifycation. As for the “Hey Joe” comments I always considered that to be a way of the filipinos use to get my attentions just like they use dong or die.
Perhaps he feels guilt for leaving his country and living in the Philippines? Maybe where he is from it may take on a different connotation, but again as a foreigner in the Philippines, he should remember that words can be perceived differently than what he is used to.
From what I know, the term "expat" in the Philippines takes on a positive connotation. Someone who is successful, someone who has the ability to travel, someone who can adapt to different cultures. My parents are expats, having moved from the Philippines to the U.S., but their hearts will always be with their mother country and I believe that to be very admirable.
Hi Bubba – I personally don't care for the "hey joe" thing, but it's a personal choice, I guess. Hey… are you in the Philippines right now? I suspect that you must be – the "double V w's" gave you away! If so, I hope we can meet before you go home.
Bob
"Expat "is good
"Hey Joe" is worse and Im sure constantly being called that would suck
Being called" Chicken Legs" is the worst of all 😆
Hi Larry – That's "Day" not "Die" – not criticising, just thought I'd let you know. It is short for "Inday" and indeed is pronounced the same as "die." Basically, ex-pat just means "expatriate" which means that you live in a country other than the country where you are originally from.
Hi Joanne – I agree with you, being an expat feels kind of "prestigious" to me, or "mysterious" maybe. It's a good thing, in my eyes. Also, just to be clear, expat is a term used worldwide, not just in the Philippines.
Thanks for commenting!
Hi Neal in RI – Yep, I agree with you! If you plan to live in the Philippines, best to just accept the "hey joe" thing, because if you don't, your blood pressure will be rising! A day won't go by without hearing that!
Chicken legs… they are my favorite part of the bird…. so I have to say I like them! 😆
As for Kiarizona's comment, I must admit some of her comments didn't sit well with me. As long as you continue using terms like "these people," "ignorant," and "uneducated" to describe Filipinos, how can you have a problem with them saying "Hey Joe"? (Especially considering that you are living in THEIR country).
Hi Joanne – I think that Kiarizona is not using those terms to describe all Filipinos. She is saying that the people who use the "hey joe" term are generally the undereducated type of people. Filipinos who are educated, have a bit higher social status, etc. don't use the term as much. I certainly don't think that she was saying that as a slam on Filipinos in general.
Just my thoughts.
Hi Bob – I'll admit the first few times I heard the term ex-pat I didn't have a real positive reaction. As I've learned since, it's not a negative term, and in fact can be considered quite the opposite, as some have pointed out.
On the other hand I think "Joe" is kind of cool, as noted by my use in my description on my blog. Of course if I lived there, and heard it all the time as you do, I might have a different opinion.
Hi Randy C – Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Yeah, I personally consider expat to have a positive connotation.
Regarding the Joe thing… I don't think it really bothered me at first, but over time, I think it tends to grate on you. 😡
Wow, interesting comments as always when this subject comes up. For me, I like being called an expat … just don't call me an ex-Pat … that's my ex-wife's name and a source of family humor 😉
The tradition of calling overseas workers/residents expats is along, long tradition with roots in the former British Empire and other places and it bothers me not at all. much more preferable than the more common 'foreigner' or worse 'alien' which, of course are true, but which rub me the worongawy. I caught a bit of a show on TV the other day featuring BI chief Marcelino Libanan. He mentioned a new BI service, a tool-free number to call in with questions and it is something like 1-800 aliens or some such … I didn't write it down, it rubbed me the wrong way, like the "Joe" thing bothers some folks, the fact that I am legally an alien doesn't seem to be necessary to use as a form of address continually.
One thing, though, "Joe" and "foreigner" and "alien" forms of address/reference are not likely to go away, so that's just another thing to consider … a lot of people seem to base their decision on living here upon financial reasons, and that's not the most important consideration. This is not 'home' and there are things which will wear upon an expat … gotta think throgh more than the exchange rate.
Hi Dave Starr – It's funny how different terms rub people different ways, don't you think? Like, for me the "Joe" thing bugs the heck out of me – other's (like Bubba and Randy C) are fine with it. For me, I don't mind at all being called "foreigner" and you don't like it. Alien – I rarely hear that, but I think it would bug me if I did hear it a lot.
One thing that is interesting to think about is this – how could the Filipino people know what to call us, when even each of us has different preferences! I guess that the thing we have to keep in mind is that unless a term is used in a derogatory way, it's best for us to just consider the words used as terms of endearment or friendship.
Giving nicknames is a Filipino way of life – read a funny point of view from a British expat: http://visitpinas.com/a-rhose-by-any-other-name/
When my husband goes biking, kids will yell: "Hey Joe, what is your name?". He always yells back – "Joe!". 😀 He's been called others: like Viking, puti (white) and foreigner. Hey Joe used to bother him, but not as much anymore. His name is hard to pronounce so he is used to being called nicknames. 🙄
Cheers,
Ellen
On my first visit to the RP ttwo years ago I was not prepared when people in small villages and towns would say 'Hey Joe' to me, I wondered how they knew my name, until someone told me that they called all Americans ( or anyone they thought was American) 'Joe'…….but sometimes I would hear some say "Oh my God,its a Negro" Now that offended me for a while until I realized that no offense was intended, and most of the time the next question was, "Do you know Michael Jordan", then when I told them I was from North Carolina, they would say come on now, you know Michael Jordan. Anyway when I heard someone shout 'Hello Joe' I would just turn and wave, and reply with a hello and how are you.Some would just smile because those were the only english words they still knew how to say…..but with others it was the start of a friendship.
Joseph
Hi Ellen – Interesting, and thanks for sharing that! I'm glad that your husband has been able to overcome his negative feelings regarding the "hey Joe" thing. I try to do that myself, and am not nearly as bad about it as I used to be. It still bothers me, but I tend to shove it aside.
Hi Joseph Avery – Oh yes, comments that sound racially negative could be a whole different column! But, you are right, when Filipinos say these kinds of comments, they do not mean it in a negative way in most instances. It's something they have heard on TV, or maybe read in some very old books and such. And, I've heard a lot worse than "negro" to describe a black person before. I'm glad that you were able to overcome that negative feeling, because I can really see where that could lead to some real bad feelings for you! Congratulations! 😀
hi bob–remember the g I joe comic books?? i grevv up vvith them–yes i am in Digos novv –have been here for a month–been kind of busy learning my vvay around but i have intentions of looking you up soon–i love it here–my lap top got fried right after i arrived–i vvill ask you for a good computer shop location vvhen vve meet–G I JOE /BUBBA
When i'm in the Philippines strangers sometimes yell "hey Joe" at me. It doesn't bother me a bit. I usually just smile and wave. Usually they say that as they're pulling out of range on a jeepney or something. Sometimes i pretend to be surprised and yell back "hey, how'd you know my name?"
Hi bubba – I'll look forward to it!
Hi pogidaga – Ha ha… how do they react when you say that? I am betting that they are a bit confused! 😆
Hi Bob,
I don't mind the label at all, even though I am not one yet. I will be, and I know in my heart that America will always be special to me. I am one that is proud of its history, and come from a proud family that have all been good hardworking Americans.
As far as being called "Hey Joe", I am not sure that will bother me either. The American military was there for a long time, and left an impression on the people there. I just hope a lot of filipino's remember all of the fallen soldiers there during World War II, American and Filipino soldiers who lost there lives there during that time, trying to defend the islands against the Japanese. My grandmother lost two "twin cousins" there during the fall of Bataan and Corrigedor (sic?), one during the last days of holding out…the other in the death march. So to me, being called "Joe", I don't think would bother me, and besides, like someone mentioned, is just a way for them to speak to you..the easiest way they may know how to, and open up a conversation with you. Is almost like me here, when I am around Spanish speaking people, I usually will say "Como esta",or "Que Pasa" and then "hola papi" or "hola mami", or "amigo..etc….is easy way to open up conversation with someone, especially if there is a language barrier.
I look so forward to reading articles each day,
Take care all,
Danny
Hi Danny – I'm glad that you enjoy our articles here on the site! I hope that you'll continue to come back for more!
It sounds like you have a very open attitude toward the various labels that we all may find ourselves being called. That's good, and I feel that it is a good sign that you will adopt to the culture here and fit right in! 😎
Bob
I need spell check for Visayan
Hi Larry – No biggie! I was not trying to be the spelling police, I only pointed it out because I thought you would want to know for future reference! 😆
Learning proper spelling is hard enough in one language! Start throwing in foreign languages, and it gets to be a bit more than most of us can handle! 😯
Hi Bob;
Interesting topic. If I were an "ex-pat" — which I hope to one be another American living in the Philippines — then I would prefer the person calling me an "ex-pat" take the time to learn my name then call me by name.
As human beings we tend to label people so we can them put in catagories and form a quick opinion. This is OK for a first impression but it is rarely an accurate or correct discription of the person. So more time and effort is required to get to truly know the person.
The "Hey Joe" thing was explained to me by a cousin to my wife on our wedding day . . . while I was waiting for my bride in the living room of her father's house . . . (marriage is to start at 2pm . . . we arrive at church 5:30pm . . . my wife wispers to me"2pm Philippino time") . . . while I waited, her cousin Guy came up to me and we talked.
He said "my family respects you because you first respected us and we are happy for your marriage". We continued to talk, speaking mostly about the differences between American and Philippine culture. This is when I mentioned the "Hey Joe" thing and I commented that I thought everyone in the Philippines is friendly, I said "even people who have never met me great me — they say 'hey joe'".
In response Guy said" those men are not saying 'hey joe' they are saying 'hey Jew' and 'hey jew' is a very derogatory comment. It implies rich American has come to buy or steel Philippine woman". He went on to say that these men are not being nice to you and beware and be carful.
Now that I think of it "Hey J . ." was yelled at me from tricycle drivers while my wife and I were crossing a busy street — many times we had to run to get out of the way of these drivers. Maybe our actions angered these drivers and the expressed it by yelling "hey . . .".
This is the explaination I got from a philippino; I can only hope I am wrong and the phrase is "Hey Joe". Perhaps the context in which it is used determines its meaning.
Wala Suliran
🙂
Hi Carl n Ruby – Carl, the person who told you that people were saying "Hey Jew" was simply wrong. He was either pulling your leg, or for some reason told you information that is 100% incorrect. While I don't like the label, I can tell you for certain that they are not saying "Hey Jew." They are saying Joe, and it is in reference to "GI Joe" and the American Troops that were here for so many years. I really advise you to put that out of your mind, because it simply is not the case.
Honestly, I am sorry that somebody told you that, because I feel that it gave you the wrong impression of the Philippines. 👿
G'day Bob
I learned to diffirentiate the word from foreigner to expat back in the 90's ..The day of "Old Prnice Restaurant" here in Makati. When i say he is foreigner…i got this looked..then my hubby told me then about it..So instead then to say he is a foreigner live here..or etc..I learned to say expat living on this area..and so forth..and it is acceptable…(I even wonder what happened to a lot of expat living here at those days….) that become our friends ..Nomads time…Play House…Well times moves on for good …
Anyway..as my husband is an expat here and some our friends…it doesn't bother them at all…But calling Joe is another thing….He just answered back…Hello Jose…and move on..point taken… 😉
Locally, it is about time that they were supposed to know that a westerner doesn't mean to be onl;y american..but there is also others that exist…and for them to learn the different accent and culture right at the tip of their nose…to learn to observe …and be aware of others culture…
Have a good day 🙂
Hi jocelyn green – Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I think that you and I have similar thinking on this subject. Good luck to you and your husband!
Hi Bob-Nick Nichols explained the origin and meaning of the expression ex-pat beautifully. I was one once for 10 years in Nigeria and enjoyed all the benifits of being one.
However when I come to retire to the Philippines in November I'm no longer working so technically from the old perspective I'm not an ex-pat.
The term does not bother me but I'm afraid Joe does.
Hi jim – I totally agree with both you and Nick on this one. Unfortunately, when it comes to "Joe" I think we can never get rid of that tag. 😆
"Hey Joe"? So some times I replied with "Hey Pinoy". They smiled at me… I have no problem with it. Thanks Bob for your excellent article… – What ever are the answers: i tried to adopt also the Philippine mentality while not missing my "own identity". I am glad and happy living in the Philippines as an ex-pat or, however one might describe it.
Hi Klaus – I try to keep my own identity… it's who I am after all! Glad that your system works for you and makes you happy living here. I am also very happy to live here, I wouldn't even think of going back.
Hi Bob
How are you doing? I`m still reading your blogs regularly. Is it me or is there a lot of Deja vu lately? I seem to remember reading quite a few of your latest blogs about a year ago?
All the best
Malcolm
Hi Malcolm – As I have said many times, I do rerun an article from time to time, because we get new people on the site all the time. This one did indeed run a little over a year ago originally. However, I don't know how you could have read "quite a few" of my articles before, because I never run more than one per week that has been run before. And, it usually only happens about once per month.
Sorry to disappoint….
hello bob
wow alot of comments to this discussion huh.i was also called joe everywhere i went in philippines.actually after awhile when someone asked my name i would just say joe hahahaha,the other name i was called alot was hogan,i guess i resemble hulk hogan the wrestler.mabe i could have signed some autographs hahahaha.its a double possative there for me because i never been rich or a celeberty until i landed in mindanao.i love that place.
salamat bob
kamusta bob
i will say im never dissapionted reading your blog.actually i can relate to alot of what you write.makes me think alot of my experiences there.you have a very happy blog reader here bob my friend
salamat
Hi Ron W – I know what you mean about the celebrity treatment – I get that every day, it seems! I do enjoy living in Mindanao a lot!
I'm glad that you are enjoying the blog, and I hope we get to meet in person someday soon!
On the Expat issue, home is where the heart is. That is something each person needs to deal with in their own mind.
I lived in Iligan City for 6 months and foreigners are rare as hens teeth ( only met one in that time ). I toured the Pines and the longer I stayed in the country, even I was using the term foreigner to describe a non Philippino lol.
The "Hey Joe" greeting was one I found very amusing even though I am an Aussie, it did not worry me. At first I used to ask the people "how did you know my name" ? Then I used to just wave and acknowledge their greetings with Hi Philip! ( short for Philippino ). It has worked well for me.
When I walk with my fiance down the street and hear the word JACKPOT, now that confused me a bit until I worked it out…..
Just a quick Hi to my fiance Miss Daisy ( I know you read these blogs ), love you babe and I will be back home in the Pines in July.
Hi Bob,every time i here hay joe the person saying it has a smile and a wave of a hand,that dont bother me and i wave back and smile.ALso is a philippino in america an expat,dont think so they all love thier home but like us thier looking for something whatever it might be.Expat,hay joe or yank we stick out like a beacon and its ok.
Good Day Bob:
It's all relative to how you view yourself and your circumstances. If you are a person that lets or cares about how social labels may define you as a person something such as the label ex-pat may bother some and not others. Personally I do not give a rats pooper about social labels or or what other people label or think about my person or my life. I am only concerned about if I live up to my standards that I set for myself.
As it looks now I will never be an ex-pat anyway. My wife's family has extensive land holdings and we and the family are in the process of developing to be as they say "scientifically productive". As we develop this my wife and I will send winters in the RP and the late spring summer and fall in the US.
Interesting topic Bob. It's provoked much reponse, and I'm afraid I didn't have enough time to go thorough all the replies in detail, but the consensus, correctly in my opinion, seems to recognise that your friend has indeed confused patriate with patriot, thinking that being an ex-pat means that you are no longer a patriot of your own country. An easy mistake to make I guess, now that it is mentioned.
As for being an ex-pat myself, I've been one in South Africa, and the Middle East, and can't wait to be one again, on a more permanent basis, in the RP.
As for being called Joe, I just take it as fun. As some have said, it's just people trying to be friendly rather than insulting. What does annoy me somewhat, being British, is when filipino's (usually behind one's back) refer to me as a "cano" apparently short for ameri-cano! I'd try getting a supply of Union Jack flag t-shirts to sort this out, but I don't think it would help, since most of the Filipino's I speak to seem to think that the UK is "London", and can't make any sense of it when I try to explain that I live the same distance away from London as Davao City is from Manila.
Will be permantly moving to the Philippines in 2010 from USA. 😆 Going to Calbayog City in Samar. Have to email or meet other expats 😉
Hi Bob – Guess that makes you an "ex-joe" 😆
Hi Peter Mystakas – Oh… there are lots of foreigners living in Iligan. I have 6 foreigner friends who live there, and there are lots more than just the ones I know. Maybe they don't get out much! 😆 Like you, I often use the term "foreigner" myself. 😉
Hi Jim – Personally, I would refer to a Filipino abroad as an expat – why not?
Hi Jim Hannah – I didn't realize that you were once in South Africa – I lived there for 2 years myself. You are right about the "kano" thing – although it technically means "American" it is used to describe any foreigner. 😆
Hi Ted Kennedy – wow, your time is drawing near. I bet you are getting excited!
Hi Paul – Ha ha… I suppose that's right! 😆
Hey Bob!
If Mindanao Bob keeps getting more famous, maybe we'll eventually we'll hear foreigners being hailed as "Hey Bob!"
Personally, being called "Expat" is fine to me . I think a lot of Filipinos use "Foreigner" because they realize that not all are American (Hey Joe).
Mark C.
Hi Mark C. – "Hey Bob"? Hmm… it works for me! 😆 The resf of you guys might not care for it though. Maybe it would be OK for a change! 😯
Bob
While stationed in the Philippines in the US military we were briefed on the "Hey Joe" guys, mostly who wanted to sell us something when we first arrived in country. Actually many Americans referred to these guys as the "joes" so it went both ways.
Hi Dan Mihaliak – Interesting! I didn't know that it was a 2 way thing. 😯
Bob,
I find it rather amuzing they some people get upset by Filippino saying "Hello Joe", personal experience when I first had it said me was by a bunch of young children in a provence north of Manilla. I lined them up and told them I from Australia and because I have red hair, they could say "Hello Blue", because in Australia any man with red hair is called blue or bluey. So the time I eas there that is what they called me even the parents did the same.
There is a hell of a lot worse beiing said that to the asian or any other culture by people of European decent. Filippinos are not different than any other culture in regards to treatment of foreigners. At least you do have content with blatant racism as anybody who has different coloured skin in Western countries
HI Steven – I hear and understand what you are saying. There is a difference, though, between hearing "hey Joe" for 2 or 3 weeks while you are vacationing in the Philippines, and living here for years and hearing it every single day over the years.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Wow Bob, ur deluged w/ comments. I wld read them leisurely nxt time, I just need to add my 2 cents worth. The term ex-pat connotes a certain air of privilege for caucasians who chose to stay in the Phil, at least for me. I wld describe foreigners living in the Phil esp white people as "expats". Strangely, now that I'm in the states I cannot describe myself as an expat. However I look at it, I wld always be perceived as an immigrant. The term "expat" doesn't seem to exist here. Everyone seems to be immigrants.
Hi roy – you sure were right on that! There are a ton of comments on this topic!
I can feel what you are saying about being an immigrant… I feel much the same living in the Philippines. I think we have parallel lives, just in the reverse! 😆
It's much nicer to be called an Expat. Where I am, the Filipinos and some (not all) other nationalities from Asia are called 'TCN' (Third Country Nationals). Most of the 'Pinoys' here are not bothered to be labelled as 'TCN'. It's true anyway. Expats are those workers from the first world countries. 😉
Hi Teng – Nice to hear from you. You know, I never heard that phrase before "TCN" – I don't really like the sound of it. It kind of gives me a bad feeling. I'm like you – expat is better. 🙄
The term Ex-Pat has been around for a long itme when the world seemed to be a much larger place than it does today. I have a few friends in my country ( USA ) and also friends in the UK who now reside in other countries. One of my UK friends told me once that a lot of retirees from the UK move to Spain to retire as to them it is their version of our Florida.
With todays communication networks such as the internet, satellite, and ever increasing and more efficient air travel many times at an affordable cost to just about anyone ( that could be changing ) other parts of the world are closer than ever before. It used to tale an air mail letter 5 days to get to my friends in England. Today if I don't get an internet connection in 5 seconds or less I start to become impatient !
These days someone could move from lets say New York to The Philippines easier and faster than one could move to California 100 years ago or so.
Manufacturing of products of all kinds now cater to a World Market. When I was a kid everything was made in the USA for purchase and consumption in the USA, not so these days and due to automation, the same quality of goods can be produced nearly anywhere on the globe with the same quality. These days it is not the country of origin that determines quality, it is what price range a product is designed to sell for determines the quality of the finished item.
How many people work for an employer based in their country of birth but find themself actually working somewhere else for long periods of time ?
Speaking of being called " Joe " as a generic name for anyone that is American, I also learned that some Filipino also refer to Americans as " Kano " and that was a new one for me. In a few instances while I was recently in Mindanao for the first time a few people refered to me as a Kano, I wasn't bothered by it at all. I know on the reverse side of the coin Filipino's are sometimes refered to as " Flips " which I understand they don't care to be called that and I never refered to anyone there as a " Flip ". I just took it in stride when someone said " Kano " to me and sometimes I even made a joke out of it.
I feel the term " Ex-Pat " should be replaced with something more reflective of the times we are living in now. There are many reasons today for living in a country other than ones country of birth or citizenship and decades ago maybe some of these reasons did not even exist.
Bob, intresting topic as always. My story is that my filipina wife's name is Jojo. When I went to her town of Baybay Leyte to marry her in 1990 , I noticed that everywhere we went, people would shout "Jo Jo". I thought my wife to be was the most popular girl in town as everyone knew her. Only later was it explained to me that I was the target of the "Joe". 😀
Hi bob,
In the mid-east, westerner's call any nationals from third world as TCN's or in the state they are called FOB's (Fresh Off the Boat)
Hi Bob New York – Iligan is a Bisaya speaking area, so when you visited there, there is nothing wrong with being called "Kano". It is not a "shortening of Americano" exactly. Kano is the actual Bisayan term for an American. So, you should not really feel uncomfortable when people say that. To me, I am very comfortable with being called an expat, so it seems we are kind of the opposite! 😆
Hi Richard – Ha ha… that's hilarious! I saw it coming from a mile away, though! Thanks for a good laugh! 😆
Hi dans – I never heard of that "FOBs" either. Tsk Tsk… 👿
Thanks for straightening me out on 'het Joe' Bob — I am glad to hear I was told wrong — like many other times I am confused or mistaken.
Carl
Hi Carl n Ruby – I'm glad that you told about that story, because I wouldn't want you to think what you were told was true – it would really paint the Philippines in a bad light in your mind, I am sure.
Take care!
Happy Fathersday"Joe"
Hi Neal In RI – I am sure that Joe appreciates your greeting very much, wherever he is! 😆 Happy Father's Day to you also!
Hi Bob:
I was just reading all of these post to this very interesting subject since my husband is an as you say ex pat. I noticed that you answered all but one so that made me curious. It seemed very different from the rest. Did you miss # 70 from Mr. Derby or ignore it?
Hi Johanna – (or is it Wayne – I notice you both have the exact same IP address). Wayne has been a little rude lately, so i decided not to get into a discussion with him (you). Wayne, you said in #70 that you don't care what other people think, so why would you care what my response to your comment is? Last week, you told me that I was too full of myself, so I just don't feel a need to go any further. I prefer to remain friendly, and keep the site enjoyable.
Hope you understand.
Hi again Bob
This blog sure did appearto get a lot of comments. What we were talking about though with Deja Vu, there was another one last week as well about the maid and what she will do for you. I do remember that one too last year. And what was confusing this time with the ex-pat blog was that my comments on that last year, along with many other people`s, were included in this years comments on it! (:-)) . Was that an error?
Malcolm
Hi Malcolm – I have been open, transparent and clear that I repost or re-run old posts from time to time. We get new readers all the time, and I want to feature posts that I feel are an important of the site so that new readers can enjoy them too. I hope that you don't have a problem with that, and I don't see why it would be a problem. It's just like TV, they re-run shows from time to time (a lot more than I re-run posts). In a year, i don't think that I re-run more than 15 to 20 posts in an entire year. I write more than 200 new posts every year, so I guess that I write a minimum of 10 new posts for every one that I re-run.
Whenever a post is re-run, all comments that originally were made are brought forward with it, so that people can enjoy the discussion. This post got 28 comments last year when I ran it, and it now has 100 or so, so it got 70+ comments this year.
I get a lot of e-mail from people who ask me questions. Often, if I am getting a question regularly that I have already written about, I will re-run that post, because it is obvious that it is something that needs to be addressed again. This is something that just makes sense to do. I hope you understand.
I don't know for certain, but somehow I feel that you are upset about the fact that an old post is re-run from time to time. If you would like to let me know why (or that I am wrong in my feeling) I will be happy to consider what you say and modify my opinion if I feel it is warranted.
Take care.
Hi Bob
No , thats fine I understand now. I just thought it was an error when the old comments were attached. No problem, keep up the good work
Regards
Malcolm
Hi Malcolm – Thanks for that. Just one thing I want to add. I would never remove the comments from a post, because they are an integral part of the site. Often times, the comments themselves offer the most valuable information for the reader, and this are very important to be left intact.
Hi,
"Hi Joe" irritates me, so I usually call back, "Hi Jun Jun". Another favourite is when I'm asked my name, I answer "My name is Joe", that confuses them and gives me a little chuckle. After all, you have to keep a sense of humour to live as an ex-pat.
As for 'ex-pat', I've been living as one for 13 years, except for a 2 year break back home starting in 2003. Enduring the predictable lifestyle that most others seem to be living back home didn't enthral me at all, and I was happy to be associated as one who normally lives abroad. When abroad being an ex-pat' as opposed to being a tourist gives one credibility in your adopted country as one who has been around a little. You're automatically given membership of an informal club where all people network together and give support in so many uncountable ways, opening doors and removing barriers between people who back home, may not ever meet or interact in their varied and diverse professions. Being dubbed an 'ex-pat' is not a slur, it's a general term bonding foreigners together who choose for whatever reason to live in an adopted land.
Hi Jeremy Carroll – Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment. I have to say, I agree with everything you are saying very strongly. The opportunities to meet people that I never would have met before, it really makes for an interesting life.
So, Jeremy, are you currently living in the Philippines? If so, where in the country are you located?
With the whole Hey Joe thing I used to just shout Hey Juan or one of the many common filipino names they have, they never seem to respond after that. Just treat it with some light humour. Whenever I go out now I never get called it as I have 3 armed bodyguards with me. Kind of puts them off calling me that anymore. I am british as well so was always annoyed at start when they thought I was GI Joe. Oh PS I don't need the bodyguards they were just for show when travelling around strip clubs restaurants shopping massages etc. The Philippines is a wonderful place and especially love cagayan de oro where I have a house. Can't wait to retire there, want to do so before I am 30 in 4 years time. Glad I was shown the place early in my life. It is not well known in England how nice it is.