Filipinos In The Eyes Of The Foreigners

Insightful seminars/briefings are one of the best freebies when you are in a corporate world. You get to hear the best speakers for free! Our company organized a briefing session of where the Philippine Economy is for 2010. It was given to the hands of Dr. Bernardo Villegas who was tasked to converse with us as to how our economy as well as the global aspect is moving for this year and the years forward.

The speaker gave us a lot of helpful facts as regards to how the economy may impact our business. But what stucked into my mind were the examples he gave about how marketable Filipinos are worldwide (this is in relation to the OFWs remittances which forms a big part of our economy's development).

Atlantis hotel in Dubai is one, if not the highest end hotels in Dubai. Come the global recession, the company had no choice but to slash off their workers as occupancy rate dropped to as low as 20%. All nationalities - Indians, Indonesians, Chinese, etc were retrenched... except for Filipinos. When he asked the management why, the answer was simple: Filipinos are flexible. They can multi-task. They can be a chambermaid or a bell boy in the morning, and they can instantly turn into fantastic singers by night.

There are restaurants in Spain who only hires Filipinos as waiters. Our speaker thought it might be because we were under the Spain for ages and that we fairly know the Spanish cultures, words, and way of living. To his surprise, he got a different answer: We hire Filipinos because they are the people who takes a bath everyday. It's a funny yet very insightful realization. Petty characteristic of ours yet turns out to be very essential to the other nationalities.

In the UK, Filipino nurses and caretakers are renowned for their tender loving care. In that country also, they are sensitive on the so-called equality of each nationality. With this dilema at hand, UK hospitals found a way to still tap Filipino nurses in a subtle way. In the list of qualifications, they included that a candidate must know how to speak Tagalog. Of course, it was just a scapegoat to being racist for them!

I was amazed as to how we are regarded by other nationalities. I was actually in awe. It was a good realization for me and made me prouder than ever.

Ah, Filipinos!

Kariton in the high streets of EDSA

It was probably the busiest hour for EDSA when I happen to capture a longer than usual kariton pitting against giant buses and awesome cars in this historic road of the metro. Without me asking the driver of the kariton, I know it is their mobile home. It strucked me. This is the classic example of the people whom the presidentiables are trying to win their hearts, their votes I mean. They are the stars... for now.

It led me to questioning once again how our economy, our way of life, our people and our government are filling up our nation. We have our elections, fine. Then what's next? What's next after those drama ads showing the poor and the miserable? Can we all have access to enjoy the priviledge of being a Filipino? Can this kariton have escorts just as like the politicians when they pave their way to EDSA?

In the high and mighty street of EDSA comes a kariton which is trying to get its right of way just like the other vehicles. Bad thing, I was not able to get a clear look at the stickers posted all over its front view. Whoever he/she is, what can you do to help this family?

the kid is the muse of the kariton! she should be in school, right? :(

what are all these garbages?! They may be garbages to me, but surely these are treasures for them.

Yet, what gave me a happy thought where the smiles that were painted on their faces. It is the thought maybe of the father who drives his "car" and at least, his home is safe with him, and the thought of the child of at least, she is riding their car, and she is not out in the streets looking for her parents.

I may not know what their real feelings are but I am happy to conclude that they welcome the sunshine with good vibes and the hope that they will surpass today's life's challenges.

And while I am here in a comfortable and air-conditioned room thinking of what good food to eat for lunch, I sincerely hope they are safe wherever their destination may be and that they may have humble food after a morning long walk and push of kariton.

My First UP Experience

I always wanted to go to UP for college. But when I got a response from dad saying "hindi ka marunong maglaba ng panty mo, sa Manila ka pa mag-aaral!" ten years ago, that urge remained a wish for me. No, don't get me wrong, I love my university.

I have a lot of failed trips to UP years back but when Levy and I were left with nowhere to go, we decided to drive around UP. Now I realized, it was a better way to spend the Araw ng Kagitingan than spending an hour or two watching "Date Night". OK, the Filipino in me is kicking in. :D

I did not realize that  I was already in the university until I asked Levy where we were. Apologies, I was used to a campus whose gates are tightly manned by baton-carrying creatures! I call it more of a community, rather than a campus. It seemed like inside UP was like an independent town who has her own lifestyle. I do not know, but there is an unknown factor which let me feel I am in a "free" community! I think it is because of the open air, wide roads with lots of trees (old trees I mean) giving up an aura of open environment! My dream ten years ago was alive once again, and I got envy to those students who happen to be independent at such an early age and manage to assure their parents that they can handle themselves away from home. Ah, that made me want to go back to school once again!

Let me give you my shots with the UP grounds while Levy and I were paving the roads a great school!

it's like a road in a province. hehe. 

i love how the trees spell out the age of the school.

i can't remember seeing the sunset from the grounds of my school.

was it because i'm always inside the library?!

i just love how i ended the afternoon and welcomed the night at UP!

levy told me that UP grounds used to be so green with grass...

but due to El Nino fever, everything is brown in there. :(

as a chocolate lover, i always wanted to go here and try out Chocolate Kiss

but since another branch is just across my new office, i did not bother to check out the original CK

a visit to UP won't be complete without getting a hand of Isaw ng UP!

the isaw community! 

nice cars were parked with groups of family and friends.

i regret not coming here with Erms, as this is one of her "to-dos" 

my first isaw held by Levy! 

served in a plastic cup to avoid street food bacteria contamination

isaw ng baboy and manok - my cup cost 35 php. i did not finish the pork though. 

paired with Mountain Dew at 27 php, it really was a cheap and yummy snack!

My other regret though, not getting a close encounter with the oblation statue!

I may be too old for the experience, but I really am thankful that I got the chance to experience UP! :)

Lipad Na, Bumoto Ka!

And so 2010 national election is at the tip of our nose. We know it, this is one of the most crucial turning point in the history book of the Philippines. Our fate as a nation is at hand. We need to give our share, no matter how little it may seem or gigantic it may be.

We always hear in every media outlets that we, as Filipinos, should exercise our rights - the right to vote specifically. I admit that I'm not a die-hard Filipino but I feel the need for me to ensure that my vote will be counted. But what hinders me to do so? It is the skyrocketing airfare that will leave my ATM grieving once again. You may ask, why did I not transfer my registration here in Makati? It is simply because my home is in Negros. My vote is needed in our local city - a blossoming city in which if will not be taken cared of, the growth will be staggard. I am passionate to bring my local city into a different level.

This is a national issue where everyone should help. The voters have the will, but sometimes we do not have the means. This is where I see the need of the companies to help out. Airline and bus operators. They can HELP a lot. In this trying times, it is the best time for them to take their corporate responsibility into a deeper level. Drop your fares to a lowest level specially designed for the May 10 elections. I assure you, people and politicians will thank you a lot!

This does not mean though that I am not grateful to the frequent promos each of these airlines have. My previous blogs can attest how thankful I am! This time, dedicate your promo taglines to the election such as "Lipad Na, Bumoto ka!"

Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Airphil Express, Zest Air - ARE YOU GAME?

I MISS MOTHER NATURE

Yeah, i do. But just her, not her fury. =(

It has been a while since I went out of town to grasp a quick relaxation mode. Now, I have all the time to go out, to see those places in mind that I long wanted to go... But with the erratic mood of our mother nature dear, I feel it is best to stay put at this moment.

I can't help but flip on my stored photos and check once again the places that once gave me the chance to press on a "vacation mode" key. Yes, these places that are now turned into nature's brand of fury.

I. Pangasinan
The clear waters of Dasol, Pangasinan has given us a refreshing spirit while we eagerl approach the islans.  Virginity as its finest. Peaceful as it's truest essence. Yep, baby sharks are abundant, too!

II. Baguio

The strawberry and flower farms in La Trinidad, the early jog at Burham's Park, the aircon-less SM, strawberry taho, ukay!, and of course, the cold weather... How I miss you!

III. Laguna
Lagos del Sol was one of the most relaxing place where you can spend the whole afternoon staring at the man-made lagoon and the green lushes of trees and shrubs carefully manicured in the surroundings. Laguna lake is one scenery that you can glue your eyes on. And yes, water at the Lagos lagoon came from Laguna de Bay!

Bay, Laguna was also a place to experience the floating restaurant! I just love how these cute "kubos" are lining up the calm water of the lagoon. Food was superb, too!!!

 

IV: Rizal

Rizal route going to South is my preference over the SLEX onwards. It is because of one thing: a close encounter with nature!

 V. Nueva Ecija
A visit to my sister-in-law's family wont be complete without a stroll in their palayan! Such a refreshing view likened to how sugarcane plantation exhibits a tranquil mood in Negros!

 

Sigh... But I know I will set my foot again in these nature's best gift to us. =) Soon...

When Noynoy flashes the L sign

I know I laid down my unstarted pieces in mind. And I know too well also that I am dead tired after battling with flood, heavy rain, and traffic going to QC for some business appointments. Add up the short sleep and endless waiting I had earlier.

But I just can't help it when the news that filled my ears was the official announcement of Noynoy as one of the hopefuls for the 2010 presidentiables. I felt the need to pour out my insights on this hottest news of the moment.

I have long conceded to the drama of Philippine politics. As how I describe my political views in facebook, it is, for me, a waste of time. Call me a useless citizen, you can't get my fist on your face. But this one had captured my Filipino heart once again.

Noynoy's decision to finally tag his name as part of the list of candidacies for president is, for me, a pre-mature decision. This is the highest post in the governement of Philippine Republic! No, don't get me wrong. I am not against him as running for the seat, what I am against at is the fact that the decision was like a spur-of-the-moment thing. I was suggested to run as president... hmmm.... I'll go on a retreat... then ola, I am announcing my candidacy. I think this is an insane move! I am not trying to project a "know-it-all" image here since I admit I have not done extensive research on the life of the "hottest" man in town.These insights are just plain practical observation.

Have they (him, friends, sisters, supporters) considered:

1. his capability as the highest leader of the country?
2. the country needs not just a person who will unite the opposition slash coalition blah blah blah, what we need is a bold, decisive, and truthful one. Will Noynoy play the best leader there is?
3. that yes, what the countrymen clamor for should be taken into consideration (I'm talking of the claims that people are asking him to run). But, have they thought that this might just be a heightened feeling just because of the "emotional" pour out during the succeeding events concerning his parents?
4. Filipinos are leaders of "ningas kugon" club. What is hot today, will surely not be as hot the next day.
5. Noynoy's desire to really "reform" the country, and not just because he felt the responsibility is being passed unto him?
6. that Filipinos may just be interested in him because of his sister's super famous image and bubbly remarks?

Simple yet very vital considerations for his candidacy.

On the other side of the coin, I am also crossing my fingers for this significant turn out in our history.

1. The family's image of being a simple one (except for Kris of course) is a positive factor in the overall scenario. These four sisters' personal roles stir up my curiosity that what they want is very noble. And what struck me most? Kris' telling the media that to avoid that so-called utang na loob, they need to work hard for Noynoy's campaign. Holding everything to be true, this is a starting point of getting rid of all those nasty decisions brough about by utang na loob.

2. Choosing the lesser evil would be better (I think). I don't know his achievements, mush as I don't know his bullshit tactics. I would go for that one rather than those who deliberately claims as a spearhead of a good project and desperately refuses obvious misconduct and stealing of people's money.

3. Having parents who both marked the history as nationalistic and honest people, I think it plays even a little part in igniting the guilt once you think of a wrong doing.

And what practical tips I can shed?

1. That Kris should stop overshadowing his brother. She talks more giving an impression that he is a weakling.

2. Noynoy should do an effort of improving his total image. A one that is well suited for a president.

Whatever the continuation of this saga is, I only have one cliche hope. That at the end of the day, Philippines and the Filipino people will be in a win situation.

God bless the Philippine Republic. =)