Comments on: Becoming One With Where You Live (Part 2)

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:12:05 +0000

Zelot,
Thank you so much for the compliment. I am amazed how you put the link of my site on your bussiness sites. Salamat Po (thank you sir)

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:10:15 +0000

Tom,
As you know, I try to stay away from political information on this site. I was not looking to start a discussion about corruption but showing how, if your nice to Filipinos, they will be nice to you. You act arragant or abusive, you get that back too.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 02:08:21 +0000

Stefan,
Well bring them to Cebu and then arange day trips to Devao. And who needs medical here with all the fresh foods.

By: zelot66

zelot66 — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 01:41:08 +0000

Bruce,

I really enjoy reading your post. Phillipines is not new to me but what enlightens me is your personal experience there being a foreigner in a foreign land. It would be less interesting if a Philipino tells a story about Philippines. Your post is like the National Geographic but in writing, no audio and moving pictures. Hahahaha…

By: Tom Martin

Tom Martin — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:37:52 +0000

I know that you know no matter how many do things that are not right, legal or moral and are corrupt it does not make it right.

I agree it is a way of doing business in many parts of the world, but someone pays for all benifits that others take that they are not entitled to.

I am aware that there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop the corruption in the Philippines or anywhere else in the world, but I do not have to contribute to it.

The thing I have noticed that I do not understand and it bothers me are the people in the Philippines, including my friend Cardawe’s family, who complain and complain about the corruption in government, blame corruption for their poverty, but at the very moment are building a home without permits because of who their uncle knows at city hall. Corruption is corruption regardless of who does it regular citizen or politicians. If corruption is wrong for one part of society it is wrong for all parts of society.

I do not know anyone in the States that cheat insurance companies and I doubt that it would be a conversation they would casually have with their priest. I do know that it happens and I do know it is the major cause of high premiums that all in the States pay for via insurance premiums. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit and they are going to raise premiums to guarantee a profit.

I also know corruption of doctors filing false claims is the main reason Americans cannot use their Medicare outside the U.S.A. and its territories which cause a hardship for many retired American that choose to live abroad.

I worked for Krogers who at the time I was in school was called Henke and Pillot. The company added ten percent to the price of all fresh fruits to cover the cost of those that walked through the department and sample the products. A simple thing done without thinking, but everyone in the end paid for it.

If I can change, but one persons view of corruption as I walk though life I will have at least done something and made a differnce.

By: Stefan Lindholm, Sweden

Stefan Lindholm, Sweden — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:14:43 +0000

About bringing Swedish tourists there, it is a good idea, but it has got to be somewhere else than Mindanao. As soon as they realize that going to Mindanao will make their travel insurance worth nothing because the Swedish government says it is dangerous and dont recommend people to go there (which is almost directly copied from the US government’s advice). I have a travel insurance when I travel but while in Mindanao it is not valid . Crazy hah?:)
So the people I bring to the Philippines wont experience the great Mindanao! Sad but true…

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:14:48 +0000

Tom,
I mentioned that to other people and they say that is the way things are done. Is it corruption or just the way they do business, I do not know. How many people did you know back home that cheated insurance companies.
No matter how we hate it, corruption is a way of life here. It will never change. It was learned from the Spanish explorers and continued through the other influences.
What is the old prayer, Give me to change the things I can and the strength to accept the things we cannot.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:10:41 +0000

Stefan,
Since your lookign for a way to be financially stable to move here, maybe start a tour agency to bring Sweds to the Philippines.
Seriously, I know many in the US that could never enjoy comming or living here. I know if my mom came to visit, the moment she saw the crowds, the traffic, the driving and sanatation she woul get on the next plane back to the states.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:04:19 +0000

Laagan,
As I replied to Johnray, I have seen it too and I do not like it either. There are times I get upset, like when I am charged a higher price or when beggers see my white face and flock to me like moths at a lamp. But, I cannot change who I am but I can try to treat people as I want to be treated.

By: Bruce

Bruce — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 14:02:21 +0000

Johnray,
I know what you say is true, and that is why I think I get along well with the Filipinos since I look at them as equals.