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nonievales
  4/15/2015 00:53 EST

When I joined this forum the atmosphere was one of sharing information without judging the contributor. Now, there seem to be some who think they are the judge, jury and executioner. I think if the situation were reversed and the Filipinos acted as if they owned the country they migrated to, it would take these same people no time to say 'get the hell out of my country'. There are a lot of things I, myself, do not like about the Philippines, about people's habits, customs and traditions even though I was born here, but I temper myself most of the time. There was a time when I was sympathetic about the plight of those who came here, not having the resources to survive in their own country by planning on creating an affordable community for expats only, that could provide not only security but amenities westerners are used to having in their homes. I am not saying I have the capacity to make this happen on my own, but I know enough people who can. However, all that is no more, as I observed animosity and bickering amongst expats abound even here on this forum. As a Filipino-American who straddles the social and cultural divide, my thanks to all who try to understand and adapt. But, to those who would judge me or someone like me, because of where I was born, maybe it's time for you to say 'goodbye'. Btw, I do expect a barrage of hostile comments.

poochewer
  4/15/2015 00:59 EST

No barrage from me @nonivales. I understand your post, and you are correct what you say.

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CAteacher
  4/15/2015 01:08 EST

Hummmm, perhaps we are not a representative cross section of the Expat population.

chance2013
  4/15/2015 02:22 EST

I write comments on here, usually about what it is actually like to live here. Butyou are right there is a lot of bickering and name calling, by so called adults. Arguing about grammar, spelling etc gets a bit wearing I must admit

chance2013
  4/15/2015 02:29 EST

I have said on other posts there is a lot of oneupmanship on here sometimes, a lot of competitiveness. If I make a statement and I am wrong then I learn from my mistake, I will not try to put anyone down for telling MWe I am wrong, even if I am right, it doesnt matter. We all have different experiences here, different points of view, what has disappearwd somewhat is reewspect for others i think

standupguy
  4/15/2015 02:40 EST

@nonievales - I apologise for foreigner bias & their unfair humiliating trivial remarks about the PH & Filipino culture and people. The West has many rude people like this because its culture is based on social climbing & ruthless neavous riche values. Most do not smile or say hello to strangers for to do so would give up their attitude of superiority. Gated garrison culture of foreigner enclaves are ramp with xenophobic foreigners. The foreigners like me & my asawa live in poor neighborhood with beautiful gardens and amazingly friendly Pinoys. Foreigners struggle with the slow pace of life and the Pinoy way of doing things. Even I need almost 2 month to get used to it, but then I love it here and prefer it to the materialistic rat race In Canada. Culture clash for Americans here is in some ways like culture clash for Canadians living in the US. A lot of Americans on this blog and many ex military. Their remarks typical of American superiority complex, with a few exceptions.
Filipinos most friendly people I ever meet. Americans not so much. Canadians like social distance but most would give you the shirt off their back if you needed it. My only confusion stems from cross cultural issues in marriage. I 'm still learning. Like Canada, it's Filipinas first here. Thank you for your remarks, but some foreigners here really do get the Pinoy culture.

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Flopie133
  4/15/2015 05:10 EST

My husband spent the first 2 months of moving here complaining of how different it is from the States. I had to constantly remind him that he is "not in Kansas" anymore and to remember the guy that used to love coming across cultural differences and idiosyncrasies in our travels through the years, chalking up memories and experiences to pore over and discuss. It wasn't until he had been here 4.5 months straight and heading back to the States to work on our taxes that he admitted that he will miss the Phil as he has gotten used to the " life" here. Asked what makes him like it now, he couldn't pin it down but started rattling off what he likes---going to the "wet market" to get fresh fish, bargaining with shopkeepers for fruits/etc, going to the fiestas of the little Barangays alongside our subdivision, the low cost of services (massages, haircuts, clothes tailoring, etc) and most of all, the feeling of respect he gets when dealing with most Filipinos at all levels of life. He retired from the Chicago Police Dept and Respect was one of those things that was just missing in the job.

Flopie133
  4/15/2015 05:33 EST

And it is not as if we just live the life of leisured as retirees in an exclusive subdivision, he loves being a part of the flow and contrast of Humanity be it in the Divisoria, Baclaran, or Tondo (where we were welcomed in humble places and accorded outmost hospitality) or hobnobbing with the elite at the Shangrila.

nonievales
  4/15/2015 07:25 EST

I do appreciate everyone's comments and in fact, I am open to the negative one's also. I guess I am just making the effort to minimize generalizations as I think we are all old enough to be civil. I would be the first to tell you I was wrong if in my heart I know I was. I do have the same complaints as everyone, bad drivers on the road, long lines everywhere, bad service here and there and proliferation of scammers against expats, especially. But, as some of you admit, there are also good people who are merely victims of circumstance. Some of these people would feed you their last and only food if you asked. If you happened to be around Tagaytay and you needed help, I would, even if it meant spending my last dime. Thanks again everyone....

bogarbutt
  4/17/2015 21:31 EST

Hi Nonie,

Just returned from the States and going to settle in Puerto Princess.

Happy to see you may have ended all of the unnecessary BS on the exchange.

Hope you are well and happy.

Best regards,

Bo

nonievales
  4/17/2015 21:46 EST

Hi Bo, glad to hear you found a place to your liking. I do know someone up there who is an assistant to the Governor. I've met and got to know the former Mayor Hagedorn, but I doubt he remembers me. It's been so long ago. I am just doing fine here in Tagaytay. Come visit us or I may come see you during Baragatan.

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nonievales
  4/18/2015 03:10 EST

Point taken. I just thought if he needed someone to connect with who knows the place, it is there.

bogarbutt
  5/2/2015 03:35 EST

Dumaguette and reasonable furnished bungalows for foreigners? Excuse my spelling please.

Anything available in the P10,000 to P15,000 range?

Thank you

Bo

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