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I am adding this commentary to my home page because I have been asked by many of my friends in the United States what I can tell them about the Philippines. I have been in the Philippines now Since October of 2001 so I will try and impart a little of what I have seen here.
The Philippines is a warm, vibrant and beautiful country, rich in natural resources and unspoiled nature. One of the most beautiful as well as most endangered coral reefs in the world, snakes throughout the 7,000 islands of the Philippines. The people of the Philippines are just as vibrant. Steeped in a rich history of native peoples, Spanish conquers, Japanese occupation during World War II, influence from the United States and all other races of Asia, it has become a bit of a melting pot, much like the United States. I liken the Philippines to the United States during the 1920's and 30's because the government is relatively new, the infrastructure is still in an infancy state and it is an industrial nation. This is a country that is fighting for its own identity, it wants so much to provide its people with a life similar to that in any first world country while retaining its own culture and identity. My personal opinion in this matter is the people of this country really need to try and help each other. The elitist attitudes (I assume left over from the Marcos era) of many of the people here do nothing but bring this country down. Many poor, working middle class and provincial peoples are referred to as peasants. Worse, homeless children (which are abundant in the Metro Manila area) are referred to as street urchins; they are visible yet invisible part of life here. |
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I live in the city of Mandaluyong, which is part of the Metro Manila area, as are some 20 other cities. The population of the Philippines is almost 80 million and almost 20 million of them live in the Metro Manila area (sounds a lot like Mexico City). The city is crowded, polluted and noisy but despite this one gets a sense of hope being here. Words cannot describe what you feel when you go out walking around, ride a motorized tricycle or Jeepney (hybrid jeep/bus); life abounds everywhere. Things like the Jeepneys, tricycles and roving vendors selling everything from food to plastic utensils, illustrate just how vibrant and tenacious the people of the Philippines are. |
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There is an old saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". This is exactly what the people of this country have done. Example, in the United States you can pretty much tell what era a structure was built, mainly due to materials used and construction techniques. Not here, people here use the same materials and same building techniques that have been used for hundreds of years. Why? Because the way they are built is proven to work, also new modern materials are so expensive most people cannot afford them, so they use what God gave them. God gave these people an excellent yet simple sense. What we in more developed countries throw away as trash, many cases a Filipino can turn it back into a useful object, and it may be used completely different than what is was originally intended for. |
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Despite the elitist attitudes and what seems to be an incorrigible treatment of the less fortunate, Filipinos are friendly and highly intelligent people. Once you get to know a Filipino you have a friend for life; you have someone who will never abandon, nor forsake you. Regardless of what I have said with regards to the negative, I would encourage everyone to come and visit this country. The Philippines and the people will touch your heart in ways you have never imagined. I know it has me. |
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Page 4 of 7 |
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