Why so Negative?

I pretty much disagree with the OP, as reading/seeing mainly negative stuff is solely in the behavior of the reader.

1.) It is the nature of each public media to create discussion about negative content. For positive content you get many views and an occasional "thanks for sharing", but that's about it. There is nothing to discuss about a great day at Apo, or good meal at xxx.

2.) most of the complaints are followed with tons of good advices how to get around certain issues, from visa-questions to properties, transport, where to get what, etc. When answer is given, nothing to discuss about it anymore.

3.) well, isn't your title of the thread exactly what you are complaining about ..... a complaint about complaints

4.) You see all with the eyes of a tourist 2 weeks a year, makes in 5 years about 2 month. The "negative" things are basically points you run into here when really living here and not only seeing all great after a few weeks. your mind-set will change slightly when running the 5th time from Dauin to a shop/office in Dumaguete hearing: sorry Sir, come again next week.

5.) Many 2-week visitors simply don't need to deal with anything here and if there is a problem it is considered interesting and "funny" of course the whole asawa - family is happy and smiling with the jackpot soon to arrive (of course there are exceptions). The 2-weekers planing to move here are exactly those who should read all those "complaints" pretty serious, as they might need some medicine/medical treatment one day, need some official papers, etc.

6.) Since you were here 5 times, you can surely write up some great trip-reports with great pictures and post it, like OnMyWay and some others to help people here and work against your own complaint about complaining.

However, life here can be great, with the correct attitude, but again, public discussions are usually about problems and issues. When the Lakers win against the Bulls in the finals, there will be more discussions what the Bulls should have done different to have a chance and who was the "game-loser", while the Lakers get a few "well done" and "congrats" and that's it. Nothing to discuss about... They won ... done...

cheers

Rhoody

 

Then click these links and read...............
Thread: http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/board/expat-section/list-5-thing-you-like-about-philippines-10343.html
Thread: http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/board/general-chat/how-why-did-you-end-up-here-philippines-10038.html
Thread: http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/board/general-chat/i-love-dumaguete-4000.html?highlight=love
Thread: http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/board/dumaguete-city/i-love-dumaguete-7818.html?highlight=love
Thread: http://www.dumagueteinfo.com/board/general-chat/love-dumaguete-3887.html?highlight=love

 

Thanks rhoody, you make some very good points....i guess i need to look at some things differently..

John

 

Very, VERY well said Mr. SteveB.
Wow, glad you are one of the kinder foreign nationals around.
So wonderful to know someone with a great, open mindset.
You made my day. I totally agree to everything you've said.

 

We have seen many "positivos" passing by on this forum, tell the community how nice it is and disappear quietly after some time.
One can only guess why they move to "other grounds"

 

if they spotted the place with public toilets then the upkeep would be basicly zero, why? because just like the parking areas there would be someone in there cleaning and attending the toilets for 2 or 3 pessos per pee, this is the case in hong Kong and i seen it in Boracay

 

yes but! if you dont complain then they dont know there is a problem, thats why in the countries we come from you don't have blackouts every five minutes, thats why you dont stand in line for 90 minutes to pay your elec bill, thats why we have nice public toilets, thats why we have nice roads, if there is a problem road then public complaints change that problem road, the phil people are scared to complain about bad service etc etc. many voices will change this place in time, but there are no local voices

 

yes but! if you dont complain then they dont know there is a problem, thats why in the countries we come from you don't have blackouts every five minutes, thats why you dont stand in line for 90 minutes to pay your elec bill, thats why we have nice public toilets, thats why we have nice roads, if there is a problem road then public complaints change that problem road, the phil people are scared to complain about bad service etc etc. many voices will change this place in time, but there are no local voices

 

Uhm, Mr. Brian,

I believe we know that we have a lot of problems that need to be resolved whether you guys complain or not.
We have several protests and demonstrations staged by concerned and active locals in almost all regions in my country, the problem or the bottomline is that, no matter how we shout or no matter how obvious we wanted to be heard, the corrupt officials just play deaf.
And also, at least to what i have observed, the officials of the smaller units in the community (like barangay or purok) are not doing their supposed to be responsibilities.
There is truth btw when you said we are afraid to voice out our problems. Yes, true, especially if it is against to politicians or officials who have tremendous power.
(Example. In my hometown, there's a druglord, shabu warehouse, and everything illegal undergoing there, and everybody from my city knows about it! Yet our police power there wasn't doing anything. It would be impossible if they didn't know, gosh, such a lame excuse. There were some who wanted to track it down but they were immediately eliminated, yes, no trace of those people who protested against that druglord (two families actually). So yeah, i think my hometown is one of the basic examples of being afraid to voice out. Until now btw, the shabu thing is still there. Everybody knows what houses and compounds are the bases. So yep, that scary. I am from Mindanao. In the Zamboanga areas, but am not a terrorist. lol)

 

To make change....vote with your feet and don't be shy about it.

Just today, walked into department store and found a photo frame I wanted to find out that, once again, they have one single cash register open and 15 people all willing to "fall in line". Good for them they will allow business and support business that operate that way.

good for me that I sat down the picture frame and walked out.

And, last week on Sunday (the busiest day here for a grocery store) Robinsons didn't even have half their cash registers open and lines were midway down the aisle. Many employees stocking shelves but apparently not cross-trained to run a register and help customer service as needed. Wonder how long it took them to find my cart there with meats and ice cream in it. AND, wonder who bought it after they put it back into the cases.

vote with your feet...