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What is life like in the Philippines?
moisesplummer
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What is life like in the Philippines?
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Family We are known for being family-oriented. That can be a good thing. Your parents will not kick you out even when you got old. You are not expected to move on your own place unless you want to. Even married children would still stay under the roof of their parents. This can be good if two parents are both working, grandparents can take care of their grandchildren. But in other cases, it makes the household too crowded and conflicts are inevitable that would often result into a cold war in your house. Kids are expected to help their parents when they finished school While a good kid will do this themselves, others are forced solely for the purpose of “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude). Your parents raised you and in return, it is your job to take care of them and your little brothers and sisters. Their education? basic needs? the bills? You handle all of this now. Usually this is something that holds back filipinos from finding themselves and their personal happiness because they ended up shouldering their parent's responsibilities. And of course as a good child, that's what you would do. However, I am glad that my parents are not like that at all. I am fortunate to have a working parent who earns pretty well. I do give my fair share even though it is small, I try to help. They want me to find my own happiness and success. For that, I am always grateful. More and more millennial parents are actually getting educated about family planning and retirement now. Which is great. If I become a parent one day, I wouldn't want to be a burden to them. I would want them to reach their potentials. If relatives happen to know that you are well-off in life, they’d run to you whenever they need money then call you ungrateful and selfish if you cannot help them. Godparents Another thing here is the Godparents. This is mostly a Catholic thing but that’s not the issue here. What's annoying is that people that you barely even know would take you as a Godparent of their child. It is usually encouraged by their other relatives who happen to know friends who can earn decent money. In our culture, you can’t say no. I don’t even know why you can’t say no but they always said it is rude. But this isn’t done for the purpose of Godparenting, this is business. Parents would collect all the money their kid receive from their godparents. Some selfish parents would use it on themselves rather than giving it to their child. The elders and Showing Respect Filipinos can be demanding when it comes to respect. Look at our language. We use po and opo when we are talking to elders. Po is usually affixed to the end of any sentence or phrase whenever you address someone older than you. For example, you are asked by your boss if you have done your project. Instead of simply saying yes. We normally would respond with Yes po or Opo. Opo is a polite term for yes. We also address people according to their age. If someone is older than you, you would call them Ate (older girl) or Kuya (older guy). Manong (men) and Manang (women) are also applicable but they are used for people who are much older (middle age to senior citizens). However, I noticed no one likes to be called that way especially in the cities for they feel so old whenever being addressed that way. Others prefer Tito (uncle) or Tita (aunt) because it sounds way younger and not as lame in the ears for them. It's great that we were taught respect but it seems like people are only doing it because it's always how it is done. But I don't find a lot of Filipinos that are respectful at all. The downside of forced respect is you are expected to do it to the elders regardless of how they act. You can’t talk back or even try to explain your side or reason with them, it is considered rude. No matter how polite you try to explain to them. Nope, you are rude. Never talk back. You will be scrutinized and judged if you lacked any respect and your parents' too for their failure of teaching you some. It's so sad but it's true.
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I get amused at comments expat’s make about the Philippine’s. They will say how GREAT it is and then say things like – expat’s do not usually last here two years – they will say how great the people are then say they are a bunch of thieves – they will say how great the women are then tell you of an expat that has lost everything to a dishonest woman – they are all quick to tell you how merchants cheat foreigners. They always mention the great smiles but most dishonest people smile alot before they screw you. I have been here for 15 years and find the people are no better or no worse than other people around the world. It is human nature to take advantages of people who let you. Some ecpat’s do not understand they use Filipinos as much ss they get used. They come for sex and take advantage of poverty. They live cheap many times because they do not pay their house help a fair wage. Yes, living expenses are less and they are less because most Filipinos live in poverty. Merchants cannot charge first world prices are they would have no customers. Doctors are not cheaper because they want to charge less. They are cheaper because most Filipinos cannot even afford to go to the doctor now. No one could go if doctors charged first world prices. Someone pays for lower cost of living. It is those working six days a week for 3 to 6 dollars a day. They are lucky to get a job paying that much. It is a lie to say you can live like a king in the Philippines on 500 to 800 U.S.A dollars a month. Most expats could not make the sacrifices needed to do that. That is the reason they only last about two years. Electricity is the highest of any country in Asia. I use one air condition 24/7 it cost around 400 to 500 dollars a month. A decent house is going to cost 500 dollars a month and up. The same brand shoes in the Philippines cost more than in the U.S.A. at the mall. You may find American products in the grocery store and never find them again. The products supposedly made by U.S.A companies are made in China. Many name brand we purchase in the U.S.A do not even taste the same. I am very content here and do not desire to return to the U.S.A , but it is not paradise as some (most) expat’s claim. I guess they find it hard to admit they made a mistake moving here. If you come here and expect to be treated like a Filipino you are going to be surprised. You will always be a foreigner. Family ties and loyalties will always go against a foreigner regardless if the foreigner is right. Now get mad with me if you like I do not care. But I speak the truth. I have no DOG in this fight. I have a monthly income from a trust fund of 6000 USA dollars a month and can live anywhere in the world I want. I choose to live in the Philippines.