Expatriate Forums in Asia - Pacific

AS SLI · Guest Home Country: countryx

What a hell. Ive been to Phils sometimes, but it wa sso dirty and loud and
everyone was trying to cheat us. I still remember the SWEEPING actions by some
so called islamic groups, where they busted every foreigner on the street and
tortured them. I think ur country has a very nice nature, but the ppl ddestroy
everything, they even kill eachother in massacres on some southern islands...).
The human right records of ur military and police are pretty lousy, so if I
would stand in front of the sm mega mall and shout out loud (hang Gloria!!),
then i would be sentenced to death probably. Even a new president wont change
anything, there is too much corruotion, collusion and nepotism and noone wnats
to take charge!!
I had the impression, that many phils just live for the good of themselves and
for MONEY. All you want is money, thats all, especially from foreigners
("whites", japanese,...)

Let me ask u something, Do u prefer westerners because of their looks or height
or body structure? Why do u like foregners anyway? I heard that some asian women
have an inferiority complex. They wanna marry a western husband, so that their
chil-dren look cute and handsome, and to show off. Is that ur case? And for
Filipinas and maybe other sea-women, i heard that MONEY is the key to
everything. They only marry because they expect wealth, because they want to
edscape their poor lives mainly at countryside. My friend has once married a
filipina, and had to send one third of his salary to her poor family back to the
phils village. After less than two years, he divorced and sent her back. He will
never
marry a sea-woman again in his life, he said. "f***** them is
enough."
I dont share his opinion, but maybe u can tell me more about what you know?

Ok,next let me give u some historic teaching:
Who brought the christian religion to ur islands??? I think it was the
spanish. Even the name "Philippines" is not originally from ur
people!! Ur people were originally natural believers and more spiritual in a
positive way than nowadays.
So please honey, dont tell me shit stuff, u r just a BLIND religious fanatic who
doesnt know better!! And if u say im spiritually poor, then well, let me remind
of ur political and religious situations in some southern parts of ur country
(MORO etc.). They r fighting and killing eachother every day...is that more
spiritual??? Btw, they call it "religion" or "holy war".
Isnt that strange enough??

U may Live on in ur dreams with ur god and ur fanatic warriors OR u can think
clearly and independently.
I really really hope that someday all those religious fanatics will disappear
and the people can live together in peace and RESPECT for eachother....the world
MUST be freed of INTOLERANCE, prejudice and conflicts, otherwise this will not
happen. I remember, a famous politician once said, "Religion is like a
disease, BUT can be cured".

U dont have to be hurt, its waste of time. Make something against this
situation, little by little, change ur environment!!! U can start from urself,
dont be just a blind follower of so-called "faith". If u Pinoys and
Pinays are soo spiritual and sooo faithful, why r there soo many problems and
crimes??? Can u answer me?
At least here i dont have to fear to be ripped off on the streets or cheated by
stupid taxi drivers (e.g. Pesos=USD). Sorry, i cant get familiar with ur
characters. it doesnt go with my human sense and moral. U r too materialistic
and money is everything. U indeed have very very nice love songs (I appreciate
Regine Velasquez, Freestyle, Sharon Cuneta, Martin Nievera etc etc.) but the
real people around r like hungry dogs seeing just $$$$ in every foreigner. Thats
what i feel, sorry.

I also want to tell u bout the economic situations in ur country and in Japan
for example. U may wonder, why is japan so rich, why is Phils so poor? Well,
some parts can be blamed to the former colonial rulers. They exploited ur
country and left it devastating. This is one reason, why ur country had a hard
way to prosperity. It was a victim of aggressors.
BUT, in the recent 30-40 years, why couldnt u build up a country, where people
can live in peace and harmony without fearing crime and other bad things?? U had
soo many chances!! I think u can blame ur people that they didnt make enough
efforts to clean up ur country and start off from ZERO. Corruption, collusion,
nepotism, selfishness, jealousy are the main factors in my eyes and WRONG
teaching of religion. Stand UP against those wrongdoers!! Ur politicians are
more like hollywood stars, lying constantly and corrupt.

Think about the above stated clearly.... Dont take it personal, realise and make
changes!! Its up to u folks, make changes or leave it like now. Without
cooperation and real and honest goodwill, NOTHING will change!!

Finally, id like to give u some kind advice. Instead of cheating foreigners
thgrough internet and begging for money, read online critical reports and
newspapers, that will MUCH more help building ur educational level. Then u can
get e better job and u dont need to beg for money. Take a pride in u!!

good efforts!

P.S.: I love the Philippines, thats why im worrying so much about it and
moreover the people.

pinay guest · Guest Home Country: countryx

boy i can see that you really love the country! with all the thse LOVELY comments you have made about the people and the place!

I respect your opinion. but not all Filipinos are like that. it's the matter of choosing the right people to deal with and being in the right place. foreigners especially the japanese and americans often get that kind of feeling because first of all, i bet the filipinas they know are those who are working in bars like pgasus, classmates etc.. And please tak note their prpos of working thre is to find a lo of money to support their family because most of the people working there come from a poor background.

with regards the religion, we are a catholic country. most people are brouht up in a conservative way. families always go to churches every Sunday. but there are some more religious family who will say thir novenas every 6pm daily. Being eligious or not it all depends on how they were brought up.

pinay_worker · Guest Home Country: countryx

hi as_asli,

i am not surprised about your negative comments about Filipinos but somehow you should not generalize every filipino because you had a bad experience before. being a filipina working in a foriegn land, it torns my heart to read your comment. i've got no rights to judge you according to your thoughts knor' to feel bad about the real situation about my country.
no matter how much we tried to change it, we cannot afford to change evrything. nothing is perfect.... it will never be.

i admit that Philippines is a poor country but we are rich in nature and history. our current political situation is terribly bad thats why our own people suffer to all the consequences cause by corrupt public officials.

Despite of all the negative thoughts you have, you should take credit on some of our exceptional traits. Filipinos in particular are known for great service attitudes and passion for resolving issues. We are naturally empathic and hospitable – a trait that distinguishes us from everyone else in the world.

maybe next time you plan to visit my country,try to find somebody who is trustworthy.

Smile

Cheers!!!

pinay_worker · Guest Home Country: countryx

hi as_asli,

i am not surprised about your negative comments about Filipinos but somehow you should not generalize every filipino because you had a bad experience before. being a filipina working in a foriegn land, it torns my heart to read your comment. i've got no rights to judge you according to your thoughts knor' to feel bad about the real situation about my country.
no matter how much we tried to change it, we cannot afford to change evrything. nothing is perfect.... it will never be.

i admit that Philippines is a poor country but we are rich in nature and history. our current political situation is terribly bad thats why our own people suffer to all the consequences cause by corrupt public officials.

Despite of all the negative thoughts you have, you should take credit on some of our exceptional traits. Filipinos in particular are known for great service attitudes and passion for resolving issues. We are naturally empathic and hospitable – a trait that distinguishes us from everyone else in the world.

maybe next time you plan to visit my country,try to find somebody who is trustworthy.

Smile

Cheers!!!

faye · Guest Home Country: countryx

It is difficult, if not impossible, to define what a Filipino is. All that can be done is to pick out some traits common to the average Filipinos and to separate those that are obviously Spanish or American. The common traits are probably basically Malay and characterize the Filipinos as a people.

One patent Filipino trait that immediately commends itself to the foreigner is his hospitality. All peoples the world over are hospitable in their own way, but Filipino hospitality is something that is almost a fault. Are you a stranger who has lost your way? Knock at the door of even the humblest rustic and he offers you his home. In other climes you might be suspected of being a hoodlum or a poseur. Consequently you might be looked upon with suspicion. Call it naiveté but the Filipino opens his heart to you, a complete stranger, and offers you the best in his kitchen and bed chamber. He makes the bed for you and asks you, usually with a profusion of apologies, to make yourself feel "at home", while he, the host, sleeps on the cold floor. He prepares water for your morning ablution, waits upon you at the table, and makes life worth living for you.

The Filipino has very close family ties. The family has been the unit of society and everything revolves around it. The Filipino family ordinarily consists of grandparents, the parents, and the children. The father is the head of the family, but while he rules, the mother governs. For it is the mother that reigns in the home: she is the educator, the financial officer, the accountant, the censor, the laundrywoman, and the cook. But over and above the "ruler" and the "governor" are the grandparents, whose opinions and decision on all important matters are sought.

Respect for the elders is one Filipino trait that has remained in the book of unwritten laws. The Filipino parent exercises almost absolute powers over the children. It is unthinkable for a Filipino to do an important thing without consulting his parents. The latter do not condone children talking back not only to them, but to those older than they are. The particle "po" may look innocent to you, but that little word shows respect for another. In no other language is respect for another carried to higher point than in the Philippine languages. Are you speaking to an older man or woman? Then use the second person plural - kayo, inyo or ninyo. You are branded disrespectful and impolite if you use the second person singular: ka, mo, or ikaw.

The Filipino is naturally fatalistic. No amount if expostulation on the virtues of science or logic can dislodge him from his idea of fatalism. He believes that whatever happens to him is the work of Fate. This fatalism is best symbolized in the phrase "Bahala na," a phrase that defies translation but which may be rendered loosely as "come what may." Can you go through that wall of fire? Bahala na. This is the last morsel we have; where do we get tomorrow's food? Bahala na. Don't gamble your last money: you might go home with pockets inside out. Bahala na. Such fatalism has bred in the Filipino a sense of resignation. He appears indifferent in the face of graft and corruption. He appears impassive in the face of personal misfortune. Yet this "Bahala na" attitude prevents him from being a crackpot.

Loyalty to a friend or to a benefactor is one trait that is very strong in the Filipino. Do him a little favor and he remembers you to the end of his days. For a Filipino, friendship is sacred and implies mutual help under any circumstances. A friend is expected to come to the aid not only of a personal friend, but also of the latter's family. A man's friend is considered a member of the family and is expected to share its tribulations as well as its prosperity and happiness. It is almost unthinkable for the Filipino to betray his friend, and if there be such one, he becomes a marked man: ostracism is the lightest punishment that can be meted out to him.

This concept of loyalty to a friend explains why the Filipino sulks at the thought of not receiving enough aid from the United States. Maintaining that he, as soldier or as civilian during the last World War, fought side by side with the US, the Filipino believes, rightly or wrongly, that he deserves more generous aid from the US than, say the Japanese, who was a former common enemy. To the Filipino, it is hardly conceivable that the US should turn out to be an "ingrate", knowing as she does that he stood by her in the darkest hour. This attitude, on the other hand, is beyond the comprehension of the American, for the latter's understanding of friendship is different from that of the Filipino. The American is ruthlessly businesslike and will not allow sentimentalism to stand in the way of fulfilling his destiny or objective. This "ruthlessness" the Filipino does not understand. Hence the continued misunderstanding between the Filipino and the American with respect to material aid.

The American, then, suspects that the Filipino is sensitive. He is. He would not tolerate anyone berating his countryman. He is easily piqued when a foreigner, for instance, makes a sweeping generalization that is not flattering to the Filipinos, no matter how true the observation may be. It takes skillful diplomacy, tact, or, in more sophisticated language, a great deal of good public relations, to talk to an erring Filipino employee or worker, for a good-intentioned rebuke by a superior might be taken as a slight on his character or integrity.

The tendency to be indolent is, certainly, a trait of the Filipino. Rizal explained this tendency as the result of tropical climate which makes even the Westerner indolent in these parts of Paradise. But aside from the warm climate, indolence may be partly explained by the abundance with which Nature has endowed the country - a fact which makes the Filipino exert less effort in the belief that he does not have to work hard to make both ends meet. Then, too, because of the close family and personal ties, the Filipino is assured of three square meals every day if only he would have the nerve - he usually has - to go from on relative to another. He knows that no relative or friend would turn him out and so he imposes himself on his willing or unwilling victims.

Side by side with indolence is lack of initiative. This trait is explained by a natural fear of competition. For a Filipino, society is cooperative, not competitive. The experiences of college and university professors reveal that sad fact that the average Filipino student has to be hammered and whipped into line in order to make him work hard. Not only the average student, but the average trader or businessman is saddled with this burden called lack of initiative. So afraid is the businessman of competition that he refuses to invest a huge sum in his business venture. He craves a huge profit out of a small investment, but he would not think of putting more capital to expand his business.

The Filipino, being childlike, is naturally curious. But his curiosity is tainted with sympathy. There certainly is nothing malicious in his inquiries about one's health, about one's children, about one's salary, an so forth. Not infrequently is a sophisticated Filipino embarrassed when asked, casually and with the air of innocent abandon, where he works and how much he earns. This "poking into one's pie" is easily misunderstood by a Westerner who, not accustomed to such kind of "inquisitorial" method, invariably suspects the Filipino of invading the privacy of one's life. No such thing is meant, however. The Filipino is solicitous and if ever he asks too many question about another's life and mode of living it is because, a man of abundant faith and sympathy, he wants - and is ready - to offer his unsolicited help.

Jealousy is another trait of the Filipino. He does not look with favor on a woman who flirts with several men. To him the sweetheart's or the wife's eyes are meant only for him and for no other. Even his closest friend cannot kiss his wife with impunity on the pretext that it is a "brotherly" kiss. The Filipino, therefore, requires complete faith and loyalty of his wife or sweetheart. A deviation from this unwritten law often-times leads to a bloody mess. Bloody killings, often enough reported in the daily newspapers, are frequent and are usually the upshot of jealousy, for to a Filipino, blood is required to wash the stain on his honor. This may seem bloody enough to a Westerner, but to a Filipino in whose veins flows the Malay "hot" blood, to kill or be killed is an easy way to avenge his honor.

The Filipino, too, is regionalistic. He does not think in terms of national boundaries but in regional oneness. This feeling is an extension of the closeness of family ties. Invariably, the Filipino believes that the person known to him, no mater how bad, is better than the one unknown to him no mater how good. Thus one finds college or university students calling a meeting of all those who come from Ilocos, from Bulacan, form the Bicol region, from the Visayas, and so forth.

Probably the most discussed trait of the Filipino, especially by the white foreigners and by some Filipino sociologists and psychologists who carry around their bags of esoteric terms, is the sense of "pakikisama". Simple as the term may appear to the merely learned, this Filipino trait has not been fully understood, especially in its connotations. In its original connotation, "pakikisama" may be translated loosely as the intensive signification of camaraderie or spirit of comradeship, the main elements of which are unselfishness and good faith. There is, therefore, no element of deceit, or dishonesty, or subversion of justice, attached to the term. Thus the terms "mabuting makisama" and its opposite, "masamang makisama", really refer to a person's way of dealing with his fellowmen: if he is selfish or he is incapable of empathy, or if he considers himself "an island entire of itself", he is described a "masamang makisama". But if he is an understanding man, unselfishly helpful, and participates cheerfully in any community work, he is described as "mabuting makisama".

Such is the profile of the Filipino. Like all men the world over, he has the weaknesses of the fallen Adam. But he, too, has his strengths and with these he finds his way in and about the society in which he lives and expects to die. These are the traits that make it difficult to define what a Filipino is. Taken together, they constitute a cross-section of the people whose character must be understood if their history is to be read correctly. Viewed subjectively, their traits are as a mirror in which every Filipino sees himself. The image in the mirror is a modest profile. A master painter is needed to execute the portrait

kizza

AS SLI's comments are right. it's nice to hear someone comment like that on the philippines. don't get me wrong. i live here in the philippines, well i'm not a chinese born in the philippines, but it doesn't matter. i am just being true to myself and to my country. i don't consider china as my country, i am born in the philippines, and so is my way of living and thinking.

the problem with the filipino mentality is that they are very religious that it's like the church can even declare war with the government. christians doesn't act like one. government gets agry when the country is listed as one of the most dangerous place to go. well, what do you know, it's really true, with kidnappers and terrorist. i heard and know some who are kidnapped, killed (chinese friends, parents's friends, relatives)

people here "usually" would abuse a foreigner, in terms of MONEY.

ok, the word MONEY is the trigger. government is corrupt, from the smallest unit of government called barangay upto the highest government (i hope there are still true political people in our government). you can buy justice with MONEY.

Pinoys are very close minded. They tease and laugh on others' pinoy local/provincial language, on the pronounciation of words of different provinces. some filipinos tease chinese when they heard chinese people talking with each other. they call us names, laugh at us, tease us. i do experience that. a filipino kid tease me and my mom by repeating what we said. and the mother even laugh at us. is that the right attitude. this is strange but some (not sure if it is some or lots) of filipinos doesn't know that we, chinese, are able to speak and understand the filipino and english language. my sister told me that her new classmates on her 1st yr on a college asked her if she can speak and understand english. but if u ask them that if a filipino is born in saudi arabia and had live there, would he know and understand the arabian language, they know the answer. i had proven this.

And they do check on the provincial history of a filipino before committing a relationship or courting that person. Example Filipino from Manila doesn't want Filipinos from _______. a filipino doesn't like a filipino, and then they'll gonna get agry with the chinese because chinese in the philippines prefer to marry chinese and some are restricted to have a relationship with a filipino. what kind of a mentality is that.

the chinese have their reasons, maybe it musn't apply to all filipinos but i guess the filipinos should first prove to the chinese community and to the world that they should be trusted. many might react with this, but it's like a boy courting a girl, and the boy should prove his intention to the girl, and maybe to her parents too.

i have lots of filipino friends. we share the same thought to the philippines. filipinos ALWAYS admire those known people living outside the philippines that have filipino blood (full, half, or little percent) who lives and thinks not like a filipino, and celebrates when they visit the country. but they always try to make bad issues to those with some filipino blood that loves the philippines, that those people are illegal aliens.

so i don't know why foreigners always say filipinos are very hospitable. yes, maybe they are, foreigners are considered as "imported" objects. filipinos love "imported". love thy "imported" ones. =)

Pj · Guest Home Country: countryx

There are three types of mind in this world

Excellent mind talk about "IDEAS"

Average mind talk about "EVENTS"

Poor mind talk about "PEOPLE"
For example like "AS SLI" (D_ICK HEAD)

Former Pinoy · Guest Home Country: countryx

I am former Pinoy who left the country almost thirty years ago. At that time, my plan was to work for a few years abroad, save enough money to start a small business and go home to my 'beloved' country.

I had high hopes that after the Marcos regime is over everything will be back where it was before he took over. I was wrong. The country's decline started long before his regime. Marcos just made the decline at an exponential rate. From the outside looking in, I realised what was terribly wrong with my country and its people as a whole. I agree with most - not all - of As Li's comments.

I disagree with As Li's comment about the victimisation of foreign nationals in the Philippines. This is absolutely wrong - even balikbayans or overseas contract workers are victimised by their fellow countrymen! Corruption is so rampant and so widespread it is not even discriminatory!

If the Philippines were such a nice place, why is almost everyone trying to get out so desperately. Look at the numbers of maids in Hongkong, Singapore, Middle East and other rich countries. Look at the number of Filipina women working as 'entertainers' in Japan? Look at the number of Filipina women with their pictures spread in numerous web pages advertiising themselves as brides practically begging to be rescued (or exploited) by foreign men. Look at the number of Pinoy illegal immigrants all over the world.

What are we running away from? Question

Guest · Home Country: countryx

It is true that many or all Filipinos are after money, but who's not? Smile

. It's our basic need to survive so are the entire world. Those of you who are working abroad left the country, why? To fulfill your dreams, to escape the poverty that this country's facing off and whatever other reasons you have. My question is, for what? Isn't it because of money too?

Someone says Filipinos are after foreigners’ money... there are so many foreigners who are doing business in this country. Now, please tell me what are they after for? Isn’t it money too?

Many say going or living/staying in the Philippines isn't a good idea. The country is not safe. But which country is safe? Even America has been bombed.
And can somebody really tell that their countries of origin are (too) safe?

It is true that we have bad characters but tell me who has not?
It's so sad that what others always looking at were the bad attitudes, our weaknesses, and poverty, corruptions etc. etc.

There’s no seductress without some willing to be seduces. Let’s make my meaning plainer there’s no corrupt without someone willing to be corrupted.

With regards to our faith, I don’t see anything wrong with that. Is it wrong to have Faith in God, especially in times of (great) troubles? You should be glad that we’re faithful enough.

Religion is part of our lives. It is our life. It lies in our very soul.
Somebody questioned this. He/she says that why our country is still going downward despite our fate? (Pardon me. I’m not sure about the correct wordings had used in this part) Very true. But, isn’t the way in God’s path very rough? )

As a citizen of this country, it hurts and saddens me about the way other people look towards Filipinos (even Filipinos himself) and to this nation. They keep on saying harsh words without thinking that by doing so; they’re also introducing what kind of person they are and the country where they originated Smile

.

But then again, thank you for the comments that have been posted here. And, thank you AS Li for loving the PHILIPPINES AND TO YOUR KIND WORDS Smile

. This made me realize how proud I am for being a Filipina Smile

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!

lala · Guest Home Country: countryx

maybe its true philippines is poor but we are rich by heart, many filipino look for money, aren't you??? even bill gates trying to work for money men and even business tycoon in this world cheat to their customers just to gain money........you are saying filipinos are killing each other, now tell me is there no crime in your country???

we accept your criticism, but i think you really need to explore more, there are many country in this world how come you are so mad in my country???

true foriegn guys especially white guys look good and its genes comes out a pretty babiesm but, what is the look without a good heart??? whos citizen of one country who never complain about oil priced???

do you really look good??? it seems you are boasting your genes, maybe you really look good but you are not such a gentleman, so who you are??? a person of non-justice...i hope you will be proud of yourself until in your grave....


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