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Found this in a book over the Philippine history I'm reading. This observation was made in 1634!!
It has been too justly observed by Señor Solórzano , that whatever is established with a view to benefit the Indians (philippino's), universally fails of attaining that end; nor is this to be wondered at, as every regulation brought forward with this avowed intention is always so contrived, as to contribute not to the advantage of the oppressed Indian, but solely to that of the person exercising the chief authority.

 

Driving in Dumaguete is a learning experience in itself. I consider myself a very good driver since I drive for a living but I was not prepared for the lack of rules when I first came here and started driving a motorcycle. I did find that after a while there was some sort of secret right away granted to bigger moving vehicles I drove a car for a while too and that is maybe safer but far more challenging in the city. Motorcycles are the quick and easy way around the city but certainly it takes some time to learn the non rules like Ceres Liners are no fun to travel behind

 

For me it was when I was in the US Army. One of my best friends was a Filipino who was on a student visa and joined the army to gain US Citizenship. He was always talking about the Philippines and I was just like *yah, ok... whatever*. But when we were in Bosnia his father died and he received 2 weeks leave to go home for the wake and funeral. When he came back he kept talking about how he spent 2 weeks partying, tons of girls, bought lots of electronics and 2 computers for his family... and only spent $2k. At that point I said to myself that one day I'm going to check it out and have fun myself. After got out of the service and got disability coming in from the service I ended up having nothing going for myself in the US and sick of how things were going I decide I'd go on a vacation to the Philippines. Having severe anxiety especially on traveling though I knew I couldn't do it alone so I started looking to meet someone online figuring maybe at worst I had some company for my vacation and maybe I could get lucky or real *lucky*. Well I met a woman online and that became my ticket in and I came to see her and the country. Stayed for 21 days and when I got home I said screw it, sold everything and packed up and moved to the Philippines. I thought I hit the jackpot as the girl I met was better then most of my past ex's (not much of a compliment though). Of course at this point she is long gone after getting tired of her crap and thieving ways.

 

One time I was on my way to McDonalds with a package to mail later to Canada. After I was in McDonalds for a few minutes I realized I had left my package in the trike. I had lots of sun glasses and and other goodies in that package. When I returned I found the package on the front step of my house!

He didn't try to chase me down at McDoos for a tip. He just left that package on the step of my house.

So, they are not all bad. I have had some good experiences and bad experiences. I also tip them. Especially if they have their child riding with them!

 

If you are going to be a critic, you have to be able to take criticism. Works both ways. Not everyone is going to agree with you.

 

Had a long think about this one before replying...thought about sharing my own experiences vs taking a more analytical approach. Lol, gonna do both!

In my very humble opinion filipinas tend to be born insecure, add to that their menfolk abandoning them when the going gets tough, is it any wonder that the goose that lays is jealously guarded? Its our problem too when we do the law of diminishing returns thing.....re-assurance. "No baby, I ain't ever gonna leave ya, just you call me anytime. No way honey, nothing on two legs no matter how sweet the smile is gonna tempt me, you just call me anytime". We don't give our spouses the chance of finding out that life can be cool and ok without the re-assure bit. It just increases their anxiety. In a similar fashion checking up on your whereabouts just increases the doubt and insecurity - and lots of us just let them do it.

When Mrs C and I first started I had to work hard at this. She us a product of her environment. Life is hard, she saw men bail out and run. Indeed, her own sis was left managing 3 very young kids whilst her brother in law p.issed off to where the grass was greener and just cut off his kids. No wonder she got anxious when this white male started strutting up and down her baranguay! Initial attempts to control, to seek re-assurance, and to check where met with steadfast implacability ie "you do this and I walk. I am not putting up with it. If you can not trust me then we do not have a relationship." 12 years later she is a lot less anxious, more relaxed and ok with my movements. Working in the Gulf has also forced this issue.

Readers may remember my post about the above sister. I tracked the guy down and brought him to Court. Result, C doesn't shoulder the whole family's burdens financially. I thought it would be useful to give an update. For amusement purposes.....

The guy that deserted my sister in law recently suffered a stroke. Immediately he is back to Court wanting a suspension of the previous order to support my sister in law. I am on his @ss in double time, private eye, my appointed docs, the whole works. Yep, he had a stroke for sure, but get this...he is paying P30k per week for rehabilitation physio whilst travelling between one province and Manila. Plus Hotels! He also is receiving sick pay from his employer at 80% of salary. He hasn't paid a penny to his kids since November 15. With all the evidence...medical, financial and the private eye (hey the guy really doesn't want me to let his current squeeze know what he gets up to when in Manila for rehab physio...but that's a different issue) ....the court threw his petition out. The peso tap is once more turned on. This time the guy knows if he tries it on he is bound for jail. So I guess I am saying that I do have confidence in the court system....shame most folk can't afford it.

All the best,

C

 

Just saw the CCTV footage. This is a tragedy and could have been avoided. We don't know exactly what happened especially inside the Bar. But it appears that Phil
were looking after a Filipino when he came out of the Bar. We don't know what the heated argument was all about outside of the Bar which caused
this brutal attack on him.
This is a reminder to all of us. Stay out of trouble with Filipinos if possible. They are not afraid to kill you for nothing. Just walk away from trouble if possible.
I know it's not easy sometimes. But it's not worth fighting with them. At the end you will be the looser.
I feel very sorry for Phil and his Family. Dying so young for nothing is hard to accept.
And hopefully this cowards don't see the light of the day anymore.

 

I guess the politician(s) who proposed this can afford a car to transport their small children. That is not the case for many thousands of families who have to use their motorbike to transport the whole family. I expect this rule will be ignored outside the larger towns.

 

I know there's not much one can do, save, accept that Jellyfish are part of the ocean's architecture - but they do seem to be proliferating in the area just now.

Since moving to Amlan 2 months ago, I have been out snorkelling most days and have noticed a dramatic increase in jellyfish over the last week or so. After some handy Google research I understand that 'peak season' for Jellyfish (Philippines) is April-May - which coincides with their earlier spawning season and feeding habits chasing Plankton etc. I have also learnt that although saltwater habitants, most favour egg laying in areas where fresh water rivers/streams converge with the sea - of which there are many opportunities in the DC (and surrounding) areas.

Box Jellyfish seem to be quite common in the Philippines too, although not usually as gargantuan in size as their Australian counterparts. Although stings from Box Jellyfish should not be treated with vinegar (or your best friend happily 'taking a leak' over the effected area) - one exception seems to be:

(Interesting factoid) : Filipino homemade coconut vinegar - which apparently does help to reduce additional venom from the stings entering the body/bloodstream. For this reason, many 'locals' carry a small bottle of coconut vinegar in their boats and pour it over the effected area (without rubbing obviously!!) Then scrape the area gently with a knife or credit card-type object to remove any remaining stings from the surface of the skin. It is recommended that medical treatment is sought, even if the injured party feels OK, as 'toxic shock' can occur up to 48 hours after the event. Usually anti-inflamatories/histamines do the trick, although permanent 'battle scarring' is common.

I'm not Jacques Cousteau, a Nurse or a Witch Doctor; but I thought the above findings might be of interest to others as, of late, there seems to be many more Jellyfish in the vicinity.

It is worth pointing out of course that the vast majority of these critters are relatively harmless, save some minor discomfort for a couple of hours after being stung.