For many years here I have had the opportunity to go to most of the major malls in Manila and also here in Cebu and Mactan Island. While I was at SM Mall yesterday with my wife, we were going to the bank to check on some issues. Very simple task, not complicated, and I assumed we would get it done rather quickly. We went to the bank, stood in the normal long line and finished our business and we were done. Four hours later we exited the mall...... We bought nothing, was looking for nothing, so I said to myself, what the hell are we doing. I found myself caught up in the culture of what I would call " Malling "...
I noticed as we walked around, lots and lots of young people, and many others. 90% of them carried no bags, had no merchandise with them. As I followed my wife, we would walk down this way, then into this shop for a few moments, then out, up the escalators and again another shop. I found myself looking at items that I had no interest in or cared the least thing about. We would sit down a while, then off again. Walking, up, down, pass the same place three or four times. It actually took me a while to realize, when I finally stopped and said, what the hell are we doing??
We had no extra money to spend, we was looking for nothing special. Then as I looked around and watched others, I could see that most all were doing the same thing. At that moment I knew I had been here a long time. I would have never done that in the States. Just another wonderful Culture Experience to visit the malls with no money, and nothing to go for except just going.
Oh and by the way, walking in the malls in PI, are a lot like the traffic on the roads. No organization, no yielding, it a who ever gets there first. Lot of chicken playing, if you know what I mean.. One person walking towards you, on the same direct path as you, then its like ok, which one will get out of the way first. How close can you get, will he move, then at the last moment, someone will give way, or its very possible you can end up face to face in a stand off, looking at each other, and saying nothing. lol ha ha ha ha... I notice this with the Filipino's very much. Of course as a foreigner they tend to give way at the last moment for me... My wife, well lets just say if you are in the mall with her, look out. She walks through middle of groups, straight forward, backwards, cuts lines, she does not move for no one. lol ha ha ha.. I am constantly pulling her from side to side, tapping her on the shoulder to tell her watch out someone is trying to get through.. Its just really a completely different way than I am used to.
Getting on the escalator sometimes she will be already to the top, while I am still trying to get on and be proper with yielding and trying orderly to get on. I find when i hesitate to let someone who arrives at the same time as me, then 10 others will start right in behind them, and I am left standing there still trying to get on... Not to mention riding multi cabs, V Hires....
Once I was waiting for a V Hire. I thought I would be smart, so I stood at the edge of the road. I kept looking around, seen no one much. A few behind me sitting down on a bench. I thought to myself, dam I got this one. So I patiently waited and here the V Hire come. I said to myself, I was smart and will get a good seat.. I looked around again, very stealthily, like a secret agent.. No one much in sight, no movement around me, I got it. The V Hire stopped and opened the door, before I could make one step...... Dam, it was full. Coming past me on all sides like bullets, from out of the bushes, and just from no where. They had to see me standing there so long in the front. They had to know I paid my dues waiting in the hot sun. Honorably I should have got on first... Did not happen... It was like a swarm of killer bees, and I was in their way.. lol ha ha ha.
The funniest part was the driver was standing there waving me with a very fast hand motion like, hurry, hurry they are coming..... lol ha ha ha... What a life.....
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Manila Bus Hostage Crisis - Black Eye for Philippines
First off let me start by saying, here at The Jungle Restaurant we serve many Chinese and Hong Kong Guests. I would like to say from The Jungle and all Filipino's, we are very sorry this tragedy occurred. We condemn this act of taking of human life, by a crazy mad man. We can not control the acts of one deranged man. Our heart felt condolences go out to the family and friends who lost loved one in this horrific event. Although our police force tried with the best of their ability, it was not good enough to secure the situation in a proper time frame. We again apologize for not being able to protect your countrymen properly while they visited us here in Philippines.
We do hope that as your disappointment and anger eases, you will know that this was one man, and a isolated instance, and not all Filipino's are like this. Nor, is this country unsafe for you to visit. China, Hong Kong and Philippines has had a long history of traveling, working together. I feel like that can continue for many years to come.
What really happened? What went out of control ? I will not get into all of the fine details of who did what, who should have done what, or how the event was handled. It's all on the videos, not really a lot of excuses can be made. The thing I wanted to discuss here, is what brings such a event as this to happen? I think we are so wrapped up in the horror and the not handling correctly the situation, in these early stages, that we still have to take time to think about why this happened. Before I go further, I will say, they is no reason for any person, no matter what happen to them, to act in this manner. That is not what I am after here. What I am after is what makes these things happen. I am firm believer you can bandage a problem, but you never really solve it unless you can get to the root of it, and stop it there.
What has went through my mind here lately is, what if the gunman was really innocent of his charges? What if he did not extort money from anyone, and he was railroaded by a corrupt system? ( Very Possible ) What if he actually did the crime he was accused of, but because of the Cultural acceptance of these kinds of acts, he feels he done nothing wrong ? ( Very possible ) Something was for sure really wrong here. He did not take this action for no apparent reason, he did not seem to be a real mentally disturbed person. So to get to the root of the problem, we have to wonder why he would do this ? What outcome did he think would happen ? Surely he did not think he would get his job back, everyone would say sorry, and he would return to a normal life. Ohhh. wait, maybe he did....... Maybe from the culture of The Philippines, from the weakness to catch murders, corrupt politicians, and the culture of excuse making, killing, and many who are never brought to justice. Or, if they are brought to justice, they are let go. Some rule with fear, killings, and blackmail... Maybe he actually thought since he was a high level police official it would all be washed under the rug somehow.
Think about it, Marco ruled with a iron fist, and never spent a day in jail. Thousands of Political killings, and force used to control elections are never punished. Arroyo accused of wasting and hording millions and millions. She will probably never see a day in jail.. Kidnapping for ransom, using a organization as your cover, never go punished. Rampant police corruption, exhortation of money, clubs paying cops off, politicians taking bribes, buying votes, fixers. We see it everyday, we all know who they are, they are never punished. I know and see daily and openly illegal activity's being done by high ranking officials and police. Everyone knows it. No one punished, even if caught, the culture has a forgiving attitude. Could this have played a role in his thinking???
Then you have the other side. Maybe he did the crime he was found guilty of, but because of culture and attitude which has run rampant here in Philippines for so many years, he felt he done nothing wrong. Maybe he felt he was being treated unfairly, because everyone does it. It common practice, its lets say ""acceptable"". Maybe the culture has molded his mind that he really, really thinks he has done nothing wrong. Now being a foreigner here, I can tell for sure, that I have seen this in almost everyone I know here. I know it to be a fact that one of the biggest mind blowing experiences I have witness here is the cultural values of taking or extorting, or scamming money from foreigners, dating a foreigner and having a Filipino boyfriend, not paying back a debt because you are poor, throwing trash onto a property owned by a rich person that can afford to have it cleaned, is all acceptable and nothing at all wrong with it... Even a young lady who works for me, has a Filipino boyfriend which she fights constantly with. I asked her why she does not leave him and go with another Filipino boy who likes her very much. She says " It will make me look like a easy girl or a bad woman." This same girl, many, many times has gone out with foreigners on a date, two or three a week sometimes for gifts, money, and free foods, ect... But she says they is nothing at all wrong with that. Everyone understands that. Could these be some of the issues in which has caused situations like the horror in Manila.
For sure we have to agree, something more than just being a mental case caused this to happen. I often wonder, what he really thought the outcome would be? What did he really think was going to happen? Maybe we will never know. The culture of the USA, where disgruntled employees do things such as this a lot more than here in PI. Do they face the same thing??
For what ever reason, it should have never happened. But these are the day and times we all live in. Here in Philippines and all around the world. To be harsh on The Philippines for this, is just unfair. This happens all over the world daily, in some form, in some way, in every country. Unlucky I guess it was Philippines turn... I started thinking about all this from reading a comment on a blog from a Hong Kong resident that said , " I have fond memories of my time in the Philippines. I hate that this happened, but the police should have done better. Since my last trip 20 years ago I have seen no change in Philippines. Other countries move on, prosper, move forward. Philippines has stayed the same for 20 years with no improvement" ( quoted from Facebook by Hong Kong resident. )
Now we all have to wonder, why is that....... What can we do to improve??? This is my home now, even I am not a Filipino, I have a stake in what happens here.
We do hope that as your disappointment and anger eases, you will know that this was one man, and a isolated instance, and not all Filipino's are like this. Nor, is this country unsafe for you to visit. China, Hong Kong and Philippines has had a long history of traveling, working together. I feel like that can continue for many years to come.
What really happened? What went out of control ? I will not get into all of the fine details of who did what, who should have done what, or how the event was handled. It's all on the videos, not really a lot of excuses can be made. The thing I wanted to discuss here, is what brings such a event as this to happen? I think we are so wrapped up in the horror and the not handling correctly the situation, in these early stages, that we still have to take time to think about why this happened. Before I go further, I will say, they is no reason for any person, no matter what happen to them, to act in this manner. That is not what I am after here. What I am after is what makes these things happen. I am firm believer you can bandage a problem, but you never really solve it unless you can get to the root of it, and stop it there.
What has went through my mind here lately is, what if the gunman was really innocent of his charges? What if he did not extort money from anyone, and he was railroaded by a corrupt system? ( Very Possible ) What if he actually did the crime he was accused of, but because of the Cultural acceptance of these kinds of acts, he feels he done nothing wrong ? ( Very possible ) Something was for sure really wrong here. He did not take this action for no apparent reason, he did not seem to be a real mentally disturbed person. So to get to the root of the problem, we have to wonder why he would do this ? What outcome did he think would happen ? Surely he did not think he would get his job back, everyone would say sorry, and he would return to a normal life. Ohhh. wait, maybe he did....... Maybe from the culture of The Philippines, from the weakness to catch murders, corrupt politicians, and the culture of excuse making, killing, and many who are never brought to justice. Or, if they are brought to justice, they are let go. Some rule with fear, killings, and blackmail... Maybe he actually thought since he was a high level police official it would all be washed under the rug somehow.
Think about it, Marco ruled with a iron fist, and never spent a day in jail. Thousands of Political killings, and force used to control elections are never punished. Arroyo accused of wasting and hording millions and millions. She will probably never see a day in jail.. Kidnapping for ransom, using a organization as your cover, never go punished. Rampant police corruption, exhortation of money, clubs paying cops off, politicians taking bribes, buying votes, fixers. We see it everyday, we all know who they are, they are never punished. I know and see daily and openly illegal activity's being done by high ranking officials and police. Everyone knows it. No one punished, even if caught, the culture has a forgiving attitude. Could this have played a role in his thinking???
Then you have the other side. Maybe he did the crime he was found guilty of, but because of culture and attitude which has run rampant here in Philippines for so many years, he felt he done nothing wrong. Maybe he felt he was being treated unfairly, because everyone does it. It common practice, its lets say ""acceptable"". Maybe the culture has molded his mind that he really, really thinks he has done nothing wrong. Now being a foreigner here, I can tell for sure, that I have seen this in almost everyone I know here. I know it to be a fact that one of the biggest mind blowing experiences I have witness here is the cultural values of taking or extorting, or scamming money from foreigners, dating a foreigner and having a Filipino boyfriend, not paying back a debt because you are poor, throwing trash onto a property owned by a rich person that can afford to have it cleaned, is all acceptable and nothing at all wrong with it... Even a young lady who works for me, has a Filipino boyfriend which she fights constantly with. I asked her why she does not leave him and go with another Filipino boy who likes her very much. She says " It will make me look like a easy girl or a bad woman." This same girl, many, many times has gone out with foreigners on a date, two or three a week sometimes for gifts, money, and free foods, ect... But she says they is nothing at all wrong with that. Everyone understands that. Could these be some of the issues in which has caused situations like the horror in Manila.
For sure we have to agree, something more than just being a mental case caused this to happen. I often wonder, what he really thought the outcome would be? What did he really think was going to happen? Maybe we will never know. The culture of the USA, where disgruntled employees do things such as this a lot more than here in PI. Do they face the same thing??
For what ever reason, it should have never happened. But these are the day and times we all live in. Here in Philippines and all around the world. To be harsh on The Philippines for this, is just unfair. This happens all over the world daily, in some form, in some way, in every country. Unlucky I guess it was Philippines turn... I started thinking about all this from reading a comment on a blog from a Hong Kong resident that said , " I have fond memories of my time in the Philippines. I hate that this happened, but the police should have done better. Since my last trip 20 years ago I have seen no change in Philippines. Other countries move on, prosper, move forward. Philippines has stayed the same for 20 years with no improvement" ( quoted from Facebook by Hong Kong resident. )
Now we all have to wonder, why is that....... What can we do to improve??? This is my home now, even I am not a Filipino, I have a stake in what happens here.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Jungle Restaurant - Drawing a Line in The Sand
I am sure everyone who reads these entry's are tired of hearing about The Jungle Restaurant. I can not blame everyone for that. But, since it is a big part of my life, well come to think of it, it consumes my life daily. It stands to reason you will hear a lot about it in my writings. We are very proud here to have worked really hard and to support and promote the Filipino and Filipino Culture to the Entire World. It has come at a great sacrifice and suffering on our part also. From the first time I moved here over 8 years ago, I seen something beneath all the corruption, beneath all the lies, deceit, scams, and even beneath the poverty. I seen a nation full of history, culture, diversity and pride. This has also come at great sacrifice and suffering for the Filipino.
In starting this business I knew it would be a struggle, and would be a uphill battle. Getting support for Filipino Cultural Dance, Filipino Heritage and Traditions from Filipino's themselves is a hard battle. If you have a Westernized venue, or theme, its much more accepted and patronized than a Traditional Themes. But, even knowing this, It was something that needed to be done. Not just done in a limited and sometimes put in the back of class, ( so to speak). But promoted, organized, accessible, activity for tourist and locals alike to enjoy and witness on a daily basis. This has come at great cost to my wife and I. Working long hours, spending days and days on the phone. Inviting and inviting people from all around to come and witness this time honored art form. The struggle's and time and money we have involved is staggering to what we have been give in return financially. But we did not quit or give up. Even through times when we did not know where to turn, how we would survive the next day. We stayed the course. We turned not away to yet see another business fall by the waist side here in PI. Not again to sacrifice the Heritage and Traditions of the Filipino for a mere profit...
Look at us now... We have come through the dark times, we have stood strong and endured. You might ask, well this is all great and good, but whats the point your trying to make here. Here is the point. Not only did The Jungle do all of this through hard work, integrity, sweat and suffering. WE DRAWN A LINE IN THE SAND. We will allow no one to cross that line. We not only represented the Filipino Culture and Way of Life to the entire world. We done it, without allowing any of the corruption, or allowing any of the so called Under the table moves in which has plagued the reputation of This Country for so many years. How could we be representing the Heritage and Culture of The Filipino and still allow this. If we allowed that, then again we are just prostituting the values and culture again.
We drawn the line and said, " we will not allow this line to be crossed". Major newspapers have contacted us so many time from all around Philippines. We would love to do a article on The Jungle and its Representation of The Filipino. But you have to pay the hosts airline tickets, you have to pay for their transportation, you have to pay a rescheduling fee, and talent fee. WAIT, WAIT, I thought you wanted to cover The Filipino Heritage and Traditions because you are proud of it. Sounds more like you are trying to pocket money, and scam. You crossed the line and no thank you we decline your offer. Anytime they wish to cover The Jungle for the correct purpose, we will be happy to feed you and cater to you, but we will not be part of such corruption for the greed of money. Will defeat all we are working for here if we do that.
We drawn the line when " Trip na Trip " a well know ABS-CBN affiliate said the same thing. Received the email. Trip na Trip is coming to Cebu and would love to cover you Restaurant. We feel it would make a great addition to Tourism and to The promotion of The Filipino People. We were so proud. I replied, thank you and I will sponsor your whole staffing and drivers with Free Meals and Drinks. We will help to promote the airing over the internet and our media contacts. The reply from Trip na Trip. Ok, but due to scheduling problems we will have to ask that you pay for the flights of the cast and crew, plus transportation charges, and a rescheduling fee if you shall wish us to cover your venue. WAIT, WAIT, you said you would love to cover it because of the pride and how good it would be for tourism and the Filipino.. NO thank you, I decline your offer, you have crossed the line..
We have also said :
* No we will not allow you overcharge a tourist in our establishment.
* No we will not allow our shows to be shorten so you " the guide" can go home early.
* No we do not allow stand by's to stand outside and aggravate the guests.
* No we do not allow taxi touts to scam guests.
* Yes we take plate numbers and car numbers of each and every taxi. If you overcharge, you will be reported.
* Yes dancers, you will practice at least four times a week. Yes we will demand perfection.
* Yes Kitchen staff, you will prepare the food in a timely manner.
* Yes Waiters and Waitress you will be knowledgeable you will be friendly, and your service will be what The Filipino is Famous for.
* Yes marketing and stocks staff, you will not run out of stocks for our customers.
* No they will be no hidden charges, cooking fees, or anything allowed.
* Yes if a manager or owner is asked for you will get to speak with someone.
* Yes if they is a problem, or dis pleasure with your experience, we will make it correct to your wishes, and fix the problem so it does not happen in the future.
* No they will be no cell phone use during working hours.
* No local travel agents we will not serve your guests a P 150 meal while you charge P 1500 for our package.
* No we will not give you, taxi driver, tricycle driver, or anyone commissions for bringing someone here to The Jungle, when they have already requested you to bring them here, or they have a flier or advertisement, or even a internet booking already. You will have to actually work and promote if you want a commission.
* No to the local travel agents who call with such friendly words and acts of their interest in our business , IF we can """HOST"" your monthly meeting for 20 people, when in fact 80% of your business is ticketing only. Plus the fact you have no intentions of including us in your tours. ( We know this through many that have already failed us, and never did anything when we hosted their event.) ( This problem does not exist with Foreign Travel Agents.)
* We say no to the local resorts if they try to give guests coming to the business a hard time with transportation, in the hopes they will stay inside the resorts.
* We say no to event planners, guides, or anyone who we see undermining guests that are reserved to attend The Jungle, and they are co horsed into going to other establishments for commissions from family or friends. In the lack of quality and price in which they do not care. We go straight to the guests or to the agency in which they work for, and let them know what is going on. We do it right in front of the person. We do not hold back or allow such things.
* We say yes to the Great Filipino guides, event planners, agency's and support them, and work with them, and always are ready to change or do what they ask of us.
These are just some of the things that we have said. Do not cross that line. How much easier would have our job have been if we allowed these things. How much quicker might we have grown. But to what expense, selling out what we are actually trying to protect and promote. We advertise " A True Philippine Experience ". We have more respect then to allow those things to happen, if we did, that is really not the true Philippine Experience. Its only a sell out. Filipino's are better than that really.
So when you hear or see about our Place, remember it is real deal. Even behind the scene. Filipino's, when you hear or see the shows and the business, remember that you can actually really for sure, feel proud and honored that it is a true representation of what a Filipino really is. Do I take credit for this success. NO... I am just a American with a lovely Filipina wife, who has been a catalyst, leader, and adviser that has allowed the amazing staff of Filipino's to see and understand, and be very proud of their ability, Heritage, Culture. No money can buy that, no worth can pay for that. If i done anything, all i done was let them see me struggle beside them, and say no. Even when I could have profited more, easily taken things that would have made success more easily, I could have taken the easy road..
So now The Jungle has grown into a major Tourist Attraction. People from many countries are knowing and finding out about us. Appearing now on TV, Newspapers, and media all around the World. ( Still not in Philippine Media to much. ) Its been a struggle, even at great personal sacrifice and suffering for my wife and I. So who do i give credit. The Filipino people. DRAW A LINE IN THE SAND, and say, I will not allow that line to be crossed, for no reason.
** Draw a line in the Sand - Its a old Phrase, in which I am not sure where originated, which means. " Our feelings on a subject or our beliefs are this.. The line represents if you intrude, dis obey, or go against what we belief or stand for, then you have crossed the Line." Also used in terms that you can do a lot of things that are almost against someone, you will be given given compassion and understanding, until you push to far and Cross The Line.....
In starting this business I knew it would be a struggle, and would be a uphill battle. Getting support for Filipino Cultural Dance, Filipino Heritage and Traditions from Filipino's themselves is a hard battle. If you have a Westernized venue, or theme, its much more accepted and patronized than a Traditional Themes. But, even knowing this, It was something that needed to be done. Not just done in a limited and sometimes put in the back of class, ( so to speak). But promoted, organized, accessible, activity for tourist and locals alike to enjoy and witness on a daily basis. This has come at great cost to my wife and I. Working long hours, spending days and days on the phone. Inviting and inviting people from all around to come and witness this time honored art form. The struggle's and time and money we have involved is staggering to what we have been give in return financially. But we did not quit or give up. Even through times when we did not know where to turn, how we would survive the next day. We stayed the course. We turned not away to yet see another business fall by the waist side here in PI. Not again to sacrifice the Heritage and Traditions of the Filipino for a mere profit...
Look at us now... We have come through the dark times, we have stood strong and endured. You might ask, well this is all great and good, but whats the point your trying to make here. Here is the point. Not only did The Jungle do all of this through hard work, integrity, sweat and suffering. WE DRAWN A LINE IN THE SAND. We will allow no one to cross that line. We not only represented the Filipino Culture and Way of Life to the entire world. We done it, without allowing any of the corruption, or allowing any of the so called Under the table moves in which has plagued the reputation of This Country for so many years. How could we be representing the Heritage and Culture of The Filipino and still allow this. If we allowed that, then again we are just prostituting the values and culture again.
We drawn the line and said, " we will not allow this line to be crossed". Major newspapers have contacted us so many time from all around Philippines. We would love to do a article on The Jungle and its Representation of The Filipino. But you have to pay the hosts airline tickets, you have to pay for their transportation, you have to pay a rescheduling fee, and talent fee. WAIT, WAIT, I thought you wanted to cover The Filipino Heritage and Traditions because you are proud of it. Sounds more like you are trying to pocket money, and scam. You crossed the line and no thank you we decline your offer. Anytime they wish to cover The Jungle for the correct purpose, we will be happy to feed you and cater to you, but we will not be part of such corruption for the greed of money. Will defeat all we are working for here if we do that.
We drawn the line when " Trip na Trip " a well know ABS-CBN affiliate said the same thing. Received the email. Trip na Trip is coming to Cebu and would love to cover you Restaurant. We feel it would make a great addition to Tourism and to The promotion of The Filipino People. We were so proud. I replied, thank you and I will sponsor your whole staffing and drivers with Free Meals and Drinks. We will help to promote the airing over the internet and our media contacts. The reply from Trip na Trip. Ok, but due to scheduling problems we will have to ask that you pay for the flights of the cast and crew, plus transportation charges, and a rescheduling fee if you shall wish us to cover your venue. WAIT, WAIT, you said you would love to cover it because of the pride and how good it would be for tourism and the Filipino.. NO thank you, I decline your offer, you have crossed the line..
We have also said :
* No we will not allow you overcharge a tourist in our establishment.
* No we will not allow our shows to be shorten so you " the guide" can go home early.
* No we do not allow stand by's to stand outside and aggravate the guests.
* No we do not allow taxi touts to scam guests.
* Yes we take plate numbers and car numbers of each and every taxi. If you overcharge, you will be reported.
* Yes dancers, you will practice at least four times a week. Yes we will demand perfection.
* Yes Kitchen staff, you will prepare the food in a timely manner.
* Yes Waiters and Waitress you will be knowledgeable you will be friendly, and your service will be what The Filipino is Famous for.
* Yes marketing and stocks staff, you will not run out of stocks for our customers.
* No they will be no hidden charges, cooking fees, or anything allowed.
* Yes if a manager or owner is asked for you will get to speak with someone.
* Yes if they is a problem, or dis pleasure with your experience, we will make it correct to your wishes, and fix the problem so it does not happen in the future.
* No they will be no cell phone use during working hours.
* No local travel agents we will not serve your guests a P 150 meal while you charge P 1500 for our package.
* No we will not give you, taxi driver, tricycle driver, or anyone commissions for bringing someone here to The Jungle, when they have already requested you to bring them here, or they have a flier or advertisement, or even a internet booking already. You will have to actually work and promote if you want a commission.
* No to the local travel agents who call with such friendly words and acts of their interest in our business , IF we can """HOST"" your monthly meeting for 20 people, when in fact 80% of your business is ticketing only. Plus the fact you have no intentions of including us in your tours. ( We know this through many that have already failed us, and never did anything when we hosted their event.) ( This problem does not exist with Foreign Travel Agents.)
* We say no to the local resorts if they try to give guests coming to the business a hard time with transportation, in the hopes they will stay inside the resorts.
* We say no to event planners, guides, or anyone who we see undermining guests that are reserved to attend The Jungle, and they are co horsed into going to other establishments for commissions from family or friends. In the lack of quality and price in which they do not care. We go straight to the guests or to the agency in which they work for, and let them know what is going on. We do it right in front of the person. We do not hold back or allow such things.
* We say yes to the Great Filipino guides, event planners, agency's and support them, and work with them, and always are ready to change or do what they ask of us.
These are just some of the things that we have said. Do not cross that line. How much easier would have our job have been if we allowed these things. How much quicker might we have grown. But to what expense, selling out what we are actually trying to protect and promote. We advertise " A True Philippine Experience ". We have more respect then to allow those things to happen, if we did, that is really not the true Philippine Experience. Its only a sell out. Filipino's are better than that really.
So when you hear or see about our Place, remember it is real deal. Even behind the scene. Filipino's, when you hear or see the shows and the business, remember that you can actually really for sure, feel proud and honored that it is a true representation of what a Filipino really is. Do I take credit for this success. NO... I am just a American with a lovely Filipina wife, who has been a catalyst, leader, and adviser that has allowed the amazing staff of Filipino's to see and understand, and be very proud of their ability, Heritage, Culture. No money can buy that, no worth can pay for that. If i done anything, all i done was let them see me struggle beside them, and say no. Even when I could have profited more, easily taken things that would have made success more easily, I could have taken the easy road..
So now The Jungle has grown into a major Tourist Attraction. People from many countries are knowing and finding out about us. Appearing now on TV, Newspapers, and media all around the World. ( Still not in Philippine Media to much. ) Its been a struggle, even at great personal sacrifice and suffering for my wife and I. So who do i give credit. The Filipino people. DRAW A LINE IN THE SAND, and say, I will not allow that line to be crossed, for no reason.
** Draw a line in the Sand - Its a old Phrase, in which I am not sure where originated, which means. " Our feelings on a subject or our beliefs are this.. The line represents if you intrude, dis obey, or go against what we belief or stand for, then you have crossed the Line." Also used in terms that you can do a lot of things that are almost against someone, you will be given given compassion and understanding, until you push to far and Cross The Line.....
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Is They Discrimination in The Philippines ???
I have often sit and wondered on this subject many times while living here. Is they discrimination in The Philippines, and who does it affect ?? It's really a double edge sword for me as a foreigner here. Some times I feel like I am so discriminated against, and other times I feel, I have special privileges here. One thing I do know for sure, is that since living here, I have come to have a better outlook and understand more the feelings of Blacks, Hispanic, and others in the USA. Before I did not have a enlighten outlook, you could say. Again, the old saying, If you have never experienced it, how can you really know what it is like...
I often find myself so upset and really treated unfairly and unjust. Then on other times, I feel like I am privileged where others are not.. So its really hard for me to completely go one way or the other. I do feel as a foreigner here I contribute a lot to the community I live in, I give more than even the local government gives to certain persons. This is not a vacation for me, but this is my home. I live here, eat here, spend my money here, I do not have ties or funds coming from the US. I do not travel back and forth, i have staked my life here. But sometimes, I can not feel like its home.. I sometimes feel like I am still just a visitor, and also treated that way a lot of the time. If someone steals from me, only a half hearten effort is put into helping, I feel those around me treat me as though I am White, it does not matter if I have a loss. Even after 8 years, still find myself singled out and left behind in conversations, jokes, and just in general chat. Find myself standing by myself and the Filipino's all in their group just having great time. If I try to join in, in moments the group will disband and gather up in another area little later. If I shall sit with a individual, seems like soon they will get up and leave. Like I might have a disease or something.
Now I do give credit, that I stay most of my time around my business, and most of my interaction is with my employees. So I do give the credit that in the Filipino Culture they consider me high, and they do not speak or hang out with " The Boss ". Also I give credit to the fact that they are not highly educated people who might feel inferior trying to speak and interact with me. But, never the less, its still makes me feel like the other person. I am different, I am not allowed to be in the group because of my skin color, or because of my different heritage. It really gives me the feeling of how the Black's must feel when they are treated likewise.
Also when going out with a group of Filipino's mixed with Whites, the Filipinos will most always form their own groups, and the white's form their own groups to socialize. I often hear, you are only a visitor here, respect that. I hear, you can own land, a gun, vote, run for office, own a business, no matter how long you live here. ( Unless I assume you get citizenship, in which case you could do some of those things.) But still, makes me think how the Black's in America must have felt during the days of Martin Luther King and before..
On the other hand, certain situations give me presidence over even Locals. First to be waited on, always given a chair to sit in, talked to treated with more respect then others, someone always wanting to carry something for me, never insulted or abused, ( at least to my face, that I can understand.) So am I discriminated against ?? Am i treated fairly ?? Sometimes it is really a mixed emotions struggle. This is my home, and I do live here, I am a resident here, ( not a Citizen ). So what should be the treatment one should get ?? Although some of the comments I have spoken here, might come from just economic reasons, or cultural reasons, in which no ill will or purpose is intended. But does that make me feel better ?? Or do I still feel alienated, and in a place where I feel sometimes I do not fit in, or am not welcome to live out my life...
Like I said earlier, a double edge sword for me.. Not really sure the answer. I do know I never felt this while living in the USA.. Also could be the fact, that the area I live in does not hold a lot of upper class, educated people. Most all around here are the lower to medium class people. Maybe I could never fit in with them. Maybe like USA, where poor and rich do not mix in the same circles. I have never ever tried to act, boast, or even have things to try to show off my " Richness " ( which is absolutely not so ). But still, even my thinking I am not, maybe I am still,, to them...
So am I discriminated against ?? Are Whites discriminated against in Philippines ?? Sometimes I feel I am, sometimes I feel I am not.. So maybe I just think to much, or living the land of Milk and Honey, all my life, except for the last 8 years I took for granted too much. We in the USA, are taught to respect everyone no matter what skin color, ethnic background. Treat everyone the same. But still China Town is China Town, Black Living Community's exist, They are Black Churches, White Chruches, maybe its just a fact of life and I have to learn to accept it, and live with it.. But still makes me lonely and sad sometimes.... Ohhh, and before you might think, why does he not hang out with expats and other whites there ??? I would rather be lonely and sad...... ( But, I do have a few great ex pats friends who are good guys. Very Few.)
I often find myself so upset and really treated unfairly and unjust. Then on other times, I feel like I am privileged where others are not.. So its really hard for me to completely go one way or the other. I do feel as a foreigner here I contribute a lot to the community I live in, I give more than even the local government gives to certain persons. This is not a vacation for me, but this is my home. I live here, eat here, spend my money here, I do not have ties or funds coming from the US. I do not travel back and forth, i have staked my life here. But sometimes, I can not feel like its home.. I sometimes feel like I am still just a visitor, and also treated that way a lot of the time. If someone steals from me, only a half hearten effort is put into helping, I feel those around me treat me as though I am White, it does not matter if I have a loss. Even after 8 years, still find myself singled out and left behind in conversations, jokes, and just in general chat. Find myself standing by myself and the Filipino's all in their group just having great time. If I try to join in, in moments the group will disband and gather up in another area little later. If I shall sit with a individual, seems like soon they will get up and leave. Like I might have a disease or something.
Now I do give credit, that I stay most of my time around my business, and most of my interaction is with my employees. So I do give the credit that in the Filipino Culture they consider me high, and they do not speak or hang out with " The Boss ". Also I give credit to the fact that they are not highly educated people who might feel inferior trying to speak and interact with me. But, never the less, its still makes me feel like the other person. I am different, I am not allowed to be in the group because of my skin color, or because of my different heritage. It really gives me the feeling of how the Black's must feel when they are treated likewise.
Also when going out with a group of Filipino's mixed with Whites, the Filipinos will most always form their own groups, and the white's form their own groups to socialize. I often hear, you are only a visitor here, respect that. I hear, you can own land, a gun, vote, run for office, own a business, no matter how long you live here. ( Unless I assume you get citizenship, in which case you could do some of those things.) But still, makes me think how the Black's in America must have felt during the days of Martin Luther King and before..
On the other hand, certain situations give me presidence over even Locals. First to be waited on, always given a chair to sit in, talked to treated with more respect then others, someone always wanting to carry something for me, never insulted or abused, ( at least to my face, that I can understand.) So am I discriminated against ?? Am i treated fairly ?? Sometimes it is really a mixed emotions struggle. This is my home, and I do live here, I am a resident here, ( not a Citizen ). So what should be the treatment one should get ?? Although some of the comments I have spoken here, might come from just economic reasons, or cultural reasons, in which no ill will or purpose is intended. But does that make me feel better ?? Or do I still feel alienated, and in a place where I feel sometimes I do not fit in, or am not welcome to live out my life...
Like I said earlier, a double edge sword for me.. Not really sure the answer. I do know I never felt this while living in the USA.. Also could be the fact, that the area I live in does not hold a lot of upper class, educated people. Most all around here are the lower to medium class people. Maybe I could never fit in with them. Maybe like USA, where poor and rich do not mix in the same circles. I have never ever tried to act, boast, or even have things to try to show off my " Richness " ( which is absolutely not so ). But still, even my thinking I am not, maybe I am still,, to them...
So am I discriminated against ?? Are Whites discriminated against in Philippines ?? Sometimes I feel I am, sometimes I feel I am not.. So maybe I just think to much, or living the land of Milk and Honey, all my life, except for the last 8 years I took for granted too much. We in the USA, are taught to respect everyone no matter what skin color, ethnic background. Treat everyone the same. But still China Town is China Town, Black Living Community's exist, They are Black Churches, White Chruches, maybe its just a fact of life and I have to learn to accept it, and live with it.. But still makes me lonely and sad sometimes.... Ohhh, and before you might think, why does he not hang out with expats and other whites there ??? I would rather be lonely and sad...... ( But, I do have a few great ex pats friends who are good guys. Very Few.)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Finders - Keepers, even Babies.
Living in The Philippines for long time now, I am still amazed at The Shocks,, that i get sometimes. You would think I would have seen it all and experienced it all. Well, last Monday night I was to find out that I still have lots to learn and experience in The Pearl of The Orient.
Coming from a get together with some friends, were walking in Cebu City. It was a decent part of town, quite, no one out much. We had decided to walk down to a local club where my wife has some friends and say hello before heading home. It was about 2 am in the morning and taxi's were not so many at this time. It was only a short distance so we walked. While walking I noticed something coming down the sidewalk, in which I thought was a dog. The closer we approached, I said Oh My God. My wife said what, what is it. I said look, and to our amazement there was a baby of no more than 7 to 8 months old. Just at the stage of crawling ( Not for sure the actual age of the child, but it was only able to crawl, not walk yet. )
Now at first i will have to say that I was not totally in shock, because lot of street people will sleep on cardboard boxes with children in The City. ( Only in certain areas.) But, as I looked up the road, and back behind me, and then across the road, they was no one in sight. I told my wife, oh look at that. Where is the mother ? How did it get here? It could not have come from a long way... So as we stood there in shock, looking at the naked little child, I said to my wife, what shall we do. Of course my wife being a Filipina, and understanding and more accustom to the way of life here, said ,,, " Just leave it alone, do not bother it, someone is close here, we just can not see them." Of course my Western Culture kicked in and I told her to stay with the child and I walked for a good distance up the road from which way the baby was crawling from. Looking for alley way, home, people... Nothing, only store front after store front. No homes, no alley someone might live, no people sleeping on the street.
I came and asked my wife, what shall we do.. Reluctantly, she said we should not involve ourselves with it. But even with her cultural hardness, she still would not say to leave it. So I said ok, lets call the police and they can take care of it. I can not just leave it crawling up the streets or maybe fall off the elevated sidewalk into a drain, or even dogs to attack it.
So we called the police, the officers arrived and we told the story. Now this is where things are going to get interesting. The officer was talking to me, and just general chit chat. The normal Filipino conversation. How long you been here ? Are you married ? Do you have Children? Of course i answered all the questions, one of which being my wife and I do not have children.
So the officers were talking, I was thinking we would be going now, and things would be taken care of. The officer returned and said, well sir, the DSWD has no one in at this time, and we are on our way to another call. Since you and you wife do not have children, just keep it.. WHAT!!!!!! Yes , he said just keep it, you and your wife have no children so you can raise it and give it good life. We can prepare the papers for you later.. I can only say I was speechless.. The next words that come out of my mouth is , I do not want it , ( not meaning It as bad, but i was sure it belonged to someone.) The officer still insisted we should take it, saying its good for a Filipina woman to have a baby in their culture. It would be good for my wife, and would also be good for the child.
By this time I am at the point I do not know what to say, or do. My wife was even talking with the other officer and getting the same speech.. At this time a small crowd, that i have no idea where come from, started forming. Well needless to say, I said how can finding a baby and trying to help it, turn into all this. I am sure these people are thinking what in the world My wife and I have done. What could be going through their minds. Plus, I know how here in The Philippines some local people will see a situation, and just make up a story that best suits the circumstances as what they see. Not knowing the real facts about anything.
So here I am standing and thinking of how somewhere tomorrow you will see a article in the Paper of Foreigner and wife trying to steal a baby in Cebu City.. lol ha ha ha ha ha. Its funny now, but at the time it was not so funny. So anyways, I had finally come to the decision that i was going to just strongly say NO and we had to go, it was a police matter for them to handle now. By this time another street lady had wondered in to see what was going on. The police officers talked to her and she said, She had no idea or had never seen the child before. So next thing i know one of the officers hands the child to the lady, and say its ok sir, everything is taken care of. The woman began walking up the street with the child and that was it. Not for sure if the child was actually her's, or she just also just took it.
The next morning, I began to tell my story to some of my employee's and to my amazement, come to find out, that is a common practice here. Not so much the finding and keeping a child, but that friends, and really poor people will give their children to richer people, or even not rich people. They maybe can not feed them, or have to go away, or i guess they are many reasons. I was shocked to find that many of my employees were the same situation. Lot of parents I had met, were not actually there parents. One young lady said her parents lived somewhere in Mindanao and had given her to her ( Father ) now when he was working there on a ship. So he brought her home and been with them ever since. You will find this with Aunts, Uncles, and many family members taking children from other family members and raising them their entire life. Also many with just strangers, politicians, and just in general a lot of people.
So i guess the old attache of " Finders, Keepers." really hold true here in Philippines, even for Children. LOL ha ha ha ha ha. Thought i would just share just another Great Cultural Experience of mine while Living here in Philippines.
Coming from a get together with some friends, were walking in Cebu City. It was a decent part of town, quite, no one out much. We had decided to walk down to a local club where my wife has some friends and say hello before heading home. It was about 2 am in the morning and taxi's were not so many at this time. It was only a short distance so we walked. While walking I noticed something coming down the sidewalk, in which I thought was a dog. The closer we approached, I said Oh My God. My wife said what, what is it. I said look, and to our amazement there was a baby of no more than 7 to 8 months old. Just at the stage of crawling ( Not for sure the actual age of the child, but it was only able to crawl, not walk yet. )
Now at first i will have to say that I was not totally in shock, because lot of street people will sleep on cardboard boxes with children in The City. ( Only in certain areas.) But, as I looked up the road, and back behind me, and then across the road, they was no one in sight. I told my wife, oh look at that. Where is the mother ? How did it get here? It could not have come from a long way... So as we stood there in shock, looking at the naked little child, I said to my wife, what shall we do. Of course my wife being a Filipina, and understanding and more accustom to the way of life here, said ,,, " Just leave it alone, do not bother it, someone is close here, we just can not see them." Of course my Western Culture kicked in and I told her to stay with the child and I walked for a good distance up the road from which way the baby was crawling from. Looking for alley way, home, people... Nothing, only store front after store front. No homes, no alley someone might live, no people sleeping on the street.
I came and asked my wife, what shall we do.. Reluctantly, she said we should not involve ourselves with it. But even with her cultural hardness, she still would not say to leave it. So I said ok, lets call the police and they can take care of it. I can not just leave it crawling up the streets or maybe fall off the elevated sidewalk into a drain, or even dogs to attack it.
So we called the police, the officers arrived and we told the story. Now this is where things are going to get interesting. The officer was talking to me, and just general chit chat. The normal Filipino conversation. How long you been here ? Are you married ? Do you have Children? Of course i answered all the questions, one of which being my wife and I do not have children.
So the officers were talking, I was thinking we would be going now, and things would be taken care of. The officer returned and said, well sir, the DSWD has no one in at this time, and we are on our way to another call. Since you and you wife do not have children, just keep it.. WHAT!!!!!! Yes , he said just keep it, you and your wife have no children so you can raise it and give it good life. We can prepare the papers for you later.. I can only say I was speechless.. The next words that come out of my mouth is , I do not want it , ( not meaning It as bad, but i was sure it belonged to someone.) The officer still insisted we should take it, saying its good for a Filipina woman to have a baby in their culture. It would be good for my wife, and would also be good for the child.
By this time I am at the point I do not know what to say, or do. My wife was even talking with the other officer and getting the same speech.. At this time a small crowd, that i have no idea where come from, started forming. Well needless to say, I said how can finding a baby and trying to help it, turn into all this. I am sure these people are thinking what in the world My wife and I have done. What could be going through their minds. Plus, I know how here in The Philippines some local people will see a situation, and just make up a story that best suits the circumstances as what they see. Not knowing the real facts about anything.
So here I am standing and thinking of how somewhere tomorrow you will see a article in the Paper of Foreigner and wife trying to steal a baby in Cebu City.. lol ha ha ha ha ha. Its funny now, but at the time it was not so funny. So anyways, I had finally come to the decision that i was going to just strongly say NO and we had to go, it was a police matter for them to handle now. By this time another street lady had wondered in to see what was going on. The police officers talked to her and she said, She had no idea or had never seen the child before. So next thing i know one of the officers hands the child to the lady, and say its ok sir, everything is taken care of. The woman began walking up the street with the child and that was it. Not for sure if the child was actually her's, or she just also just took it.
The next morning, I began to tell my story to some of my employee's and to my amazement, come to find out, that is a common practice here. Not so much the finding and keeping a child, but that friends, and really poor people will give their children to richer people, or even not rich people. They maybe can not feed them, or have to go away, or i guess they are many reasons. I was shocked to find that many of my employees were the same situation. Lot of parents I had met, were not actually there parents. One young lady said her parents lived somewhere in Mindanao and had given her to her ( Father ) now when he was working there on a ship. So he brought her home and been with them ever since. You will find this with Aunts, Uncles, and many family members taking children from other family members and raising them their entire life. Also many with just strangers, politicians, and just in general a lot of people.
So i guess the old attache of " Finders, Keepers." really hold true here in Philippines, even for Children. LOL ha ha ha ha ha. Thought i would just share just another Great Cultural Experience of mine while Living here in Philippines.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)