Even though you asked Tom, and I think he is better qualified to answer, I will put in my 2 cents.
Assisting the Filipinos to improve their life is a difficult task. There is such poverty here, you cannot help everyone. I do think if possible the Filipinos need to learn family planning to reduce population. Also foundations that will assist in scholarships for students that have the aptitude and grades to get a college education.
Another area is to open businesses where elder qualified workers can be employed. In the Philippines most job posting will only accept applicants until the age of 25 or maybe 30.
I know there are many groups, but not enough feeding the poor, but my feeling is the more you enable the poor, the more they feel they never have to work.
I wish the Government would do more to assist the poor to give them a chance for a better life.

While I do not think anyone here has been speaking of bars and women as a singular topic, I do feel I am responsible for leading the original discussion off topic slightly. I did choose this thread to introduce myself, and to discuss my link to Davao.

I think I did attempt to not veer too far away from the topic, as I discussed the need for a college education for what westerners consider entry level jobs, and much has been spoken about the challenges of life for the filipina.

Mail Order Brides? I was not even aware such a bride was available from Davao. I only know of my own experience of being sent an IM from a woman while in a chat room for residents of my state, beginning a nice conversation about life with her, and over a few weeks becoming more interested. She could have been in the UK, in Arizona, or most anywhere. Instead, she ended up living in Davao.

And just as many men would, I plan to visit this woman, and see if there is a possibility of a closer relationship, or perhaps learn that there is not much interest for either of us after all.

So, Tom, in your experience, what is the most effective way to assist the Filipino in eliminating their difficult life? I would love to be able to assist in such efforts, but I think such a solution is quite difficult. Overcoming a hard life is the Filipino’s responsibility, and there is not much we can do as westerners to help.

I think there are attitudes on both sides of the coin, living here or in the west with a younger wife. I think you will need thickker skin if your in America or other first world nation if you have a wife 20+ years difference, no matter the country she is from.

. fawn implies seeking favor by servile flattery or exaggerated attention .

i dont think saying something negative about fawning behaviour is at all controversial because i dont think anyone thinks it is a positive thing-

About their happiness, I agree, just like in Mexico, families are happy with what they have and enjoy the family life. Americans as Geoge Carlin told are into their “Stuff.” If you have too much Stuff, you get a bigger home to get more Stuff. We forget you do not need so much Stuff to be happy with life and family.