Comments on: Final Thoughts on the Philippines http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/ Gary Arndt's journey to travel blog around the world Mon, 13 Feb 2012 02:03:23 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jeff http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-26844 Jeff Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:47:03 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-26844 I've been living here in the Philippines for just under a year now, and I've been trying to answer this very question. Corruption certainly has a lot to do with the surprising lack of "upward mobility" in the Philippines, and I do think it has a lot to do with the lack of a national identity. With over 7,000 islands, several different major religious groups, and numerous dialects, and with the major islands almost being countries unto themselves, it's fairly easy to see why the national government has such a very hard time getting programs in place and carried out cohesively around the nation. Now with P-Noy in office, I think the Philippines has a very good chance of ending quite a bit of the corruption. It will take far longer than one presidential term, but I think he'll do a good job of getting things started. For it to continue, the people really need to get behind it and report and condemn corruption at every level. The problem here is that local politicians, from the barangay level up, have a stranglehold on the people, and retribution can be swift and deadly. I’ve been living here in the Philippines for just under a year now, and I’ve been trying to answer this very question. Corruption certainly has a lot to do with the surprising lack of “upward mobility” in the Philippines, and I do think it has a lot to do with the lack of a national identity. With over 7,000 islands, several different major religious groups, and numerous dialects, and with the major islands almost being countries unto themselves, it’s fairly easy to see why the national government has such a very hard time getting programs in place and carried out cohesively around the nation.

Now with P-Noy in office, I think the Philippines has a very good chance of ending quite a bit of the corruption. It will take far longer than one presidential term, but I think he’ll do a good job of getting things started. For it to continue, the people really need to get behind it and report and condemn corruption at every level. The problem here is that local politicians, from the barangay level up, have a stranglehold on the people, and retribution can be swift and deadly.

]]> By: Benz Cortes http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-16632 Benz Cortes Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:05:41 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-16632 I think that the problem here in the Philippines is not the political system. What is the problem? I think it is cultural, and that it should be thought of as a failure of nationalism. When a country with extreme geographic, tribal, and social-class differences, like the Philippines, has only a weak offsetting sense of national unity, its public life does become the war of every man against every man. I think that the problem here in the Philippines is not the political system. What is the problem? I think it is cultural, and that it should be thought of as a failure of nationalism.

When a country with extreme geographic, tribal, and social-class differences, like the Philippines, has only a weak offsetting sense of national unity, its public life does become the war of every man against every man.

]]> By: ian http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-11076 ian Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:20:26 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-11076 Hi. I followed your link thru a friends tweet. My husband and i have been living in Canada for almost 3 yrs now. We are both designers back when we were in the Philippines. Our first job in Canada were graphic designers also. because of the lay offs and recession, we couldnt land the same job for 2 yrs thus we tried our hands on other field. my husband got into the city transit and i took a shot in retail management. both of us never had any experience or training on our new job. Before you scroll down and read other comments, this is what i wanted to comment to your article. I'm not gona argue on your opinion, observations and comments but i think you should know... a lot of Filipino's are smart, talented, skillful and good-hearted people. and we are a nation of survivors. The idleness you seen and mentioned in most island well a lot of these people never made it to grade school or high school. these people are the ones who dreamed of at least owning a boat so he could fish. Or a few square ft of land where he could plant veggies/fruits to sell in the market, or start a little poultry where he could take care of a few chickens or piglets so they can send their kids to school to have a better life. Cuz education is not free in my country. These has been our grandparents, parents dreams for a long time now. Hard to admit but sadly, we are also a nation full of corrupt people. The capital of corruption in Asia. There was this regular customer where i work from. One time i had the chance of commuting with him in the bus. There were just a handful us. He was sitting far back when he started asking me questions. "Are you Filipino?" he asked. I proudly said "yes". Then he added, "a lot of Filipinos started migrating to Canada, I'm wondering why you guys moved here? Is it because you have a better life here? better opportunities? Is country badly broken that you all have to move to Canada?" For a moment i didnt know what to say. People were staring at me, most of them Canadians. I was the only weird looking foreigner there. So i told him. "I wouldnt say better opportunities. Cuz there are plenty of opportunities in the Philippines. The reason why we moved here is because we've read and always thought that you have a better government. A good govt has better leaders and therefore better people who lives in this country." Cuz if all Filipinos has the means to leave the country to find a better world/country they can live in, Philippines' population wont even make it to a Million. Hi. I followed your link thru a friends tweet. My husband and i have been living in Canada for almost 3 yrs now. We are both designers back when we were in the Philippines. Our first job in Canada were graphic designers also. because of the lay offs and recession, we couldnt land the same job for 2 yrs thus we tried our hands on other field. my husband got into the city transit and i took a shot in retail management. both of us never had any experience or training on our new job. Before you scroll down and read other comments, this is what i wanted to comment to your article. I’m not gona argue on your opinion, observations and comments but i think you should know… a lot of Filipino’s are smart, talented, skillful and good-hearted people. and we are a nation of survivors. The idleness you seen and mentioned in most island well a lot of these people never made it to grade school or high school. these people are the ones who dreamed of at least owning a boat so he could fish. Or a few square ft of land where he could plant veggies/fruits to sell in the market, or start a little poultry where he could take care of a few chickens or piglets so they can send their kids to school to have a better life. Cuz education is not free in my country. These has been our grandparents, parents dreams for a long time now. Hard to admit but sadly, we are also a nation full of corrupt people. The capital of corruption in Asia. There was this regular customer where i work from. One time i had the chance of commuting with him in the bus. There were just a handful us. He was sitting far back when he started asking me questions. “Are you Filipino?” he asked. I proudly said “yes”. Then he added, “a lot of Filipinos started migrating to Canada, I’m wondering why you guys moved here? Is it because you have a better life here? better opportunities? Is country badly broken that you all have to move to Canada?” For a moment i didnt know what to say. People were staring at me, most of them Canadians. I was the only weird looking foreigner there. So i told him. “I wouldnt say better opportunities. Cuz there are plenty of opportunities in the Philippines. The reason why we moved here is because we’ve read and always thought that you have a better government. A good govt has better leaders and therefore better people who lives in this country.” Cuz if all Filipinos has the means to leave the country to find a better world/country they can live in, Philippines’ population wont even make it to a Million.

]]> By: Legal Nomads http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-10677 Legal Nomads Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:38:35 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-10677 Hi Gary. I agree with you post as well, though I only spent 4 mos in the Philippines. I was shocked to see roads half built, with locals telling me "oh, they did a small part and then took a picture and sent it to the Gov't, and then pocketed the rest of the money" as though it was normal. Yes, Nenyalorien, I agree donating to help with the aftermath of the typhoon devastation - but donating to "help" fix corruption is merely contributing to the problem. That kind of change needs to come from inside the country, whereas those of us abroad can help donate to environmental protection, re-construction from disasters, etc. I loved the Philippines but it was extremely sad to see the indifference to the very overt corruption. Hi Gary. I agree with you post as well, though I only spent 4 mos in the Philippines. I was shocked to see roads half built, with locals telling me “oh, they did a small part and then took a picture and sent it to the Gov’t, and then pocketed the rest of the money” as though it was normal. Yes, Nenyalorien, I agree donating to help with the aftermath of the typhoon devastation – but donating to “help” fix corruption is merely contributing to the problem. That kind of change needs to come from inside the country, whereas those of us abroad can help donate to environmental protection, re-construction from disasters, etc. I loved the Philippines but it was extremely sad to see the indifference to the very overt corruption.

]]> By: lance daniels http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-10676 lance daniels Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:19:39 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-10676 I'm a Filipino in my late 20's, have lived in Luzon, Visayas, & Mindanao - in the country's three archipelago. The sad thing is that I could not disagree with any points raised in this post. What makes me even sadder is that I feel that some sort of cleansing has to happen. I'll even go as far as saying that it has to be something very bloody - if possible it should also wipe-out all known political families up to the third degree of consanguinity - even if you're only a political family's housekeeper or chauffeur. I've reached to a point in believing that only from its own ashes will my country become better. It must come to the ground first so a new foundation can be laid. I’m a Filipino in my late 20′s, have lived in Luzon, Visayas, & Mindanao – in the country’s three archipelago. The sad thing is that I could not disagree with any points raised in this post.

What makes me even sadder is that I feel that some sort of cleansing has to happen. I’ll even go as far as saying that it has to be something very bloody – if possible it should also wipe-out all known political families up to the third degree of consanguinity – even if you’re only a political family’s housekeeper or chauffeur.

I’ve reached to a point in believing that only from its own ashes will my country become better. It must come to the ground first so a new foundation can be laid.

]]> By: chito http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-8480 chito Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:15:37 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-8480 Every bit of your article is true. There is very little incentive for people to stay here. There's no room for financial growth. And the people have grown numb to their surroundings. Almost to the point of apathy. I'm a amateur graphic artist. And one of the more evident details that hit me everyday, is how bad the art scene/market/culture is, here in the Philippines. There is a lot of talent, moreover brooding talent, however, the audience that the art circulates with are too few. I'd like to point the finger at the LACK of good education, which in one way or another, leads to art appreciation. Or Poverty: Why spend the little cash that you have on a locally made comic book, or indie film, when you have a family to feed, or a sibling's schooling to support. And, there is also the lack of trust, faith, in our local talent. The few fans that this country has wont gamble the very little money they have left on the work of this "unknown" writer/musician/artist. The mentality of Foreign work being superior in all aspects (comics, novels, music, film, etc.) has made a terrible imprint among the minds of most Filipino fan-boys. Not only is this country losing business men, engineers, doctors, nurses, and other specialists, but the Philippines is also in danger of losing its art lovers, dreamers, and aspiring creators. It would take nothing short of a miracle, the 2nd coming of Ninoy Aquino, and another Jose Rizal, to rattle this country back to shape. If ever, at least to rekindle the Filipino's faith in their own motherland. That would mean everything. Every bit of your article is true.
There is very little incentive for people to stay here. There’s no room for financial growth. And the people have grown numb to their surroundings. Almost to the point of apathy.

I’m a amateur graphic artist. And one of the more evident details that hit me everyday, is how bad the art scene/market/culture is, here in the Philippines. There is a lot of talent, moreover brooding talent, however, the audience that the art circulates with are too few.

I’d like to point the finger at the LACK of good education, which in one way or another, leads to art appreciation. Or Poverty: Why spend the little cash that you have on a locally made comic book, or indie film, when you have a family to feed, or a sibling’s schooling to support. And, there is also the lack of trust, faith, in our local talent. The few fans that this country has wont gamble the very little money they have left on the work of this “unknown” writer/musician/artist. The mentality of Foreign work being superior in all aspects (comics, novels, music, film, etc.) has made a terrible imprint among the minds of most Filipino fan-boys.

Not only is this country losing business men, engineers, doctors, nurses, and other specialists, but the Philippines is also in danger of losing its art lovers, dreamers, and aspiring creators.

It would take nothing short of a miracle, the 2nd coming of Ninoy Aquino, and another Jose Rizal, to rattle this country back to shape. If ever, at least to rekindle the Filipino’s faith in their own motherland. That would mean everything.

]]> By: nenyalorien http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-6021 nenyalorien Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:25:36 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-6021 Hokay. Now this is weird. I didn't know that DisQus has me on permalog. Great. But yeah, I did flare up with what you wrote, Christine. I thought you were being hypocritical. If you really bled for our country, DO SOMETHING TO HELP. I wish most of those needed here would stay and help rebuild and change society. <br><br>Thank you for your honest insights, Gary. Yes, we need a lot of help. It sucks that the taxes I am about to pay are only sapped by some politician's kid's drug habit. Grr. Hokay. Now this is weird. I didn't know that DisQus has me on permalog. Great. But yeah, I did flare up with what you wrote, Christine. I thought you were being hypocritical. If you really bled for our country, DO SOMETHING TO HELP. I wish most of those needed here would stay and help rebuild and change society.

Thank you for your honest insights, Gary. Yes, we need a lot of help. It sucks that the taxes I am about to pay are only sapped by some politician's kid's drug habit. Grr.

]]> By: I don't want to be named. http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-6020 I don't want to be named. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:17:00 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-6020 Then if your heart bled for this country, do something about your bleeding heart. Donate. Or at least pray with us. <br><br>:( Then if your heart bled for this country, do something about your bleeding heart. Donate. Or at least pray with us.

:(

]]> By: phyco27 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-4977 phyco27 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:26:38 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-4977 It is harder to return to the philippines since the older filipino generation had a collective employee-for-life attitude. It is therefore expected that this cohort will prefer to stay in their adopted country because they live by the paycheck. It is a white elephant in the room that this age group will never ever admit.<br>On the other hand, the younger ones have more entrepreneurial and truly global mentality. At this point, we seek the greener pasture outside the philippines, earn and save money and return home 40x richer than the true value of the dollar at a relatively low cost of living. More disposable income to invest in business targeted towards the millenial generation age group.<br>It's all psychology baby. It is harder to return to the philippines since the older filipino generation had a collective employee-for-life attitude. It is therefore expected that this cohort will prefer to stay in their adopted country because they live by the paycheck. It is a white elephant in the room that this age group will never ever admit.
On the other hand, the younger ones have more entrepreneurial and truly global mentality. At this point, we seek the greener pasture outside the philippines, earn and save money and return home 40x richer than the true value of the dollar at a relatively low cost of living. More disposable income to invest in business targeted towards the millenial generation age group.
It's all psychology baby.

]]> By: nadine http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-2164 nadine Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:38:38 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-2164 i feel sad with my country...fellow country men keeps on talking not good vs own country and this sadden me more...it seems they just born here not of filipino parents but of foreign ancestors..how can we be united and work for the better when we ourselves deny our country of good deeds and better "a"s...the suffering of Jesus Christ gave every Christian a discipline...the sufferings of Muhammad gave every Moslem a good spirit to continue for their dedication but this slaves heroes were given a slap stick from those fellowmen who seems to be trying hard from being "somebody". Wkae up from that long sleep...you might, one morning, wake up with a mustache that kills you horribly and a dagger that makes you cry for filipino help. Look back and you will find that filipinos at your back are the true brothers and sisters of yours. i feel sad with my country…fellow country men keeps on talking not good vs own country and this sadden me more…it seems they just born here not of filipino parents but of foreign ancestors..how can we be united and work for the better when we ourselves deny our country of good deeds and better “a”s…the suffering of Jesus Christ gave every Christian a discipline…the sufferings of Muhammad gave every Moslem a good spirit to continue for their dedication but this slaves heroes were given a slap stick from those fellowmen who seems to be trying hard from being “somebody”. Wkae up from that long sleep…you might, one morning, wake up with a mustache that kills you horribly and a dagger that makes you cry for filipino help. Look back and you will find that filipinos at your back are the true brothers and sisters of yours.

]]> By: Christine http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-1959 Christine Sat, 15 Mar 2008 12:45:22 +0000 http://everything-everywhere.com/2007/10/23/final-thoughts-on-the-philippines/#comment-1959 Very interesting observations and spot on too! You just forgot to mention the Filipinos' fondness for making babies! The Phil. will fit into Queensland alone (one of the Australian states and where I live), yet at 90 million people, how can any country possibly support that many people? I'm a Filipino_Australian. Have been in Australia nearly 30 years. I longed to go back to the country, but I can't live there again. It was bad under Marcos, worse now. My heart bleeds for that country.... Very interesting observations and spot on too! You just forgot to mention the Filipinos’ fondness for making babies! The Phil. will fit into Queensland alone (one of the Australian states and where I live), yet at 90 million people, how can any country possibly support that many people? I’m a Filipino_Australian. Have been in Australia nearly 30 years. I longed to go back to the country, but I can’t live there again. It was bad under Marcos, worse now. My heart bleeds for that country….

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