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Trust in the Philippines

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ISLNDR2K
  7/28/2015 19:26 EST

I thought I'd shared this. I have pointed this link before for others.

The article covers what I have seen in this forum many times.

An excerpt from the article " Seriously, if you fear Filipinos so much, why move here? I meet expats here all the time, just casually,maybe I see them in the mall or at a coffee shop. They will invariably come up to me and strike up a conversation. Probably 60% of the time I will suddenly hear them talk about being ripped off, or not being able to trust Filipinos."

http://liveinthephilippines.com/content/trust/

CAteacher
  7/28/2015 22:26 EST

That was sure a refreshing read. Thanks for posting it. However, the author seems to imply that there is the same level of dishonesty in the Philippines as in the U.S. and, as one who has spent more than a week in Manila, I'd have to take exception to that generalization - as I am certain many other members will too. That said, let me circle back to my opening sentence. It was a refreshing read, and I agree that we spend far too much time here bad mouthing the Philippine culture and people.

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nonievales
  7/28/2015 23:38 EST

When I first arrived here after having lived most of my life in the States (45 years to be exact), I was just like most expats. I noticed everything that didn’t conform to the way I was accustomed to. I noticed the way people drove, the unsanitary habits and on and on and on. But, after a while, I began to also realize that I have become a foreigner in the country I was born in. I have been to many other countries. I have traveled throughout Canada and a dozen countries in Europe and the Caribbean. I have been to other Asian countries and they all have their unique ways of doing things. Best example is south of the border. For some people who have not traveled to Mexico beyond the tourist areas, it may surprise you to know that life there is not like America or some other first world countries. Mindanaobob is right, if your feel uncomfortable, if you feel always threatened, if you feel mistrust at every turn here, it is time to go back and live your life out of all the stress. I have lived here now continuously for over 5 years and off and on prior, going back to 2006. I have experienced being ripped off for this and that, but I also found warm people, loving people, loyal people who would protect me and my family from any threat. I have not had a vehicle stolen from me here. However, a total of 4 vehicles had been stolen from me in the states, one in the parking lot of a mall, one from my ex-in-laws driveway and two out my own driveway and I lived in an upscale neighborhood. Two of those were less than 6 months old. I still have the tendency to react negatively to many things around me, but I have also learned to keep it to myself and forget about it soon after. I have been happier since. I think I am staying…

nenafortin
  7/29/2015 18:40 EST

I applaud you Mr. Nonievales. Well said.
Thank you for putting back the trust to our own people.

shootmedead
  7/31/2015 10:07 EST

Filipinos never trust each other, nuff said, so why should i????

shootmedead
  7/31/2015 10:07 EST

Filipinos never trust each other, nuff said, so why should i????

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pronse
  8/1/2015 00:11 EST

I am not going to say leave the Philippines but I will bring up these points and DEFY anybody who might say otherwise. Fair?

1- Don't you get brownouts of anything ANYWHERE you live? And I don't just mean in utilities but in any item (Not in stock sir)
2- Floods?
3- Rain galore?
4- Try finding a place to live that's comparable like having a shower? Even hot water ...
5- Where ever you go out to, you will find ... no walking space, heat, dirt, no trash cans, nothing of value (but you pay) and pretty much nothing!

Hence I ask, why bother coming and living here? Especially, if you can live OK back home.

ISLNDR2K
  8/1/2015 00:37 EST

How ironic - can't trust one, but would marry one.

trappedinhell
  8/1/2015 01:16 EST

You have a point: "... why bother coming and living here? Especially, if you can live OK back home." But most expats have their individual & personal reasons for leaving their birth country and moving to a third world country. Can't compare a first world country to a third world country, especially the comfort and convenience afforded by the first world country. But these things comes at a price and perhaps the expat could live with the minor inconvenience and discomfort afforded by the third world country. Compare Philippines to Somalia, Uganda, Albania, North Korea; I think Philippines would be the top choice. And Philippines is in the process of becoming a second world country, a so called"emerging market" economy.

gypsyquokka
  8/1/2015 01:54 EST

How can you say that Philippines is in the process of becoming a second world country? The USA designated the groups of first, second, third and fourth world countries. Second world countries are those with communist styles of government. Philippines is very much second world, but in a long time from now it "may" become a first world.

gypsyquokka
  8/1/2015 01:57 EST

How can you say that Philippines is in the process of becoming a second world country? The USA designated the groups of first, second, third and fourth world countries. Second world countries are those with communist styles of government. Philippines is very much second world, but in a long time from now it "may" become a first world. Sorry= that should have read that Philippines is now a THIRD world country.

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mcdonald55
  8/1/2015 02:15 EST

Absolutely. Good times ahead

poochewer
  8/1/2015 02:36 EST

Eventually all of Asia will become the first world and our countries will be third world. Surely anyone can see this coming. Have you actually stoped and looked at the building growth in Manila alone?

brslomo
  8/1/2015 10:47 EST

@POOCHEWER,

You sir, are absolutely correct. At least as far as the U.S. . is concerned. I've said for several years now that the U.S. is headed into that category. One of the biggest reasons is the huge and growing gap between rich and poor.

The middle class in the U.S. has been dwindling for decades. Very few people without a college degree can obtain a job at a living wage. And this is even true of college graduates who didn't their degree in a high tech field.

So as the economic structure in the U.S. degrades, that of the Philippines has nowhere to go but up.

Middle class Americans are smug and unable to think critically because that skill is not taught in American public schools. They should be in favor of things like Obama-care which would move America toward a Scandinavian style semi-socialist society. But they are their own worst enemy. By the middle of this century, those who have lost everything will look back at Obama as one of the finest American presidents of all time.

nenafortin
  8/3/2015 14:47 EST

With all due respect, Obama being the greatest President of all times? The US is 18 TRILLIONS in debts and counting. A lot of people in US is not in favor of the Obama care. Everyday most people are losing their own insurance and cannot afford the high deductible under the new Obama care act. Now you be the judge if indeed Mr. Obama is the greatest President.
Sorry for staying away from the subject. Just a little bit of detour here :>))

CAteacher
  8/3/2015 16:08 EST

Let’s remember that every post goes into every member’s mailbox. Pursuing the topic of 'which is the best political party or political philosophy' can pack everyone’s mailbox with information that is readily available many other places on the internet. Please keep posts here relevant to the topic of expat life in the Philippines. Our Membership Agreement states the purpose of this forum: "Our interactive tools (forums, private messages, personal networks, member search, invitations, expat reports and other areas where information is exchanged) enable expatriates to interact with and help one another through various aspects of the international experience.” Let’s keep our posts in line with our agreement.
Thank you,
The Moderator

JPH
  8/4/2015 11:09 EST

Just to bring the conversation back to the original thoughts regarding 'Trust'.

Some comments here are on-the-ball and especially the ones regarding the point that given the state of the Philippines then anyone moving there for the long-term may expect to have a definite-personal and hopefully logical reason for doing so...that will vary for each individual circumstance of course.

The 'trustworthy' part is typical Third World application and in the end it comes down to how much can you handle or are prepared to handle ?

I have to agree that trust is difficult here.. nearly a 180degree change from what we may be used to...but, this is Asia after all-not the Western mentality. All my Filipino friends agree on the need to be as circumspect as they are.

ExPats will know the phrase ' More Expectation '. However, fore-warned is fore-armed as they say and it is a learning process for sure.. hopefully not too painful.

My personal view is that ' It is not IF you will be taken advantage of simply ' When - For How Much-and How Often ' ?! Simply be as careful as you can in the circumstances.

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