My wife Lydia and I just returned from our first trip out of the Philippines since relocating here over five years ago. It turns out that the concerns that I mentioned in my previous post "A New Adventure" were baseless. Our I-cards (along with valid passports of course) got us through Immigration upon both leaving and returning in just a few minutes It took a bit longer when exiting the country because of the P2,880 per person yearly departure tax transaction for which we were prepared anyway. Also it helps that the tax collection agent is at the same window as the immigration officer. The process would have taken even less time if we hadn't fallen into the wrong line upon our arrival at NAIA.
On our return trip, the plane was full, and I was concerned that this would result in a huge traffic jam at immigration at NAIA, along with baggage retrieval delays and competition for taxis. As it turns out, it really wasn't bad at all. None of these areas were congested. However, airport taxi fares are quite a bit more expensive (more than double the rate) than their counterparts that ply the streets of Metro-Manila.
The vacation itself was a wonderfully unforgettable experience. We went on several tours in both London and Paris. Still, we barely scratched the surfaces of these great cities. We were also satisfied with the service that we received on our flights via Cathay Pacific to and from our destination.
I don't understand how anyone can travel abroad and not take home a new perspective on the world. Yet I know of people, Filipino and American tourists alike, who have visited other countries and come home completely unaffected by their travels. For example while overseas, they patronize restaurants that serve only the dishes that they get at home and hang only with their fellow nationals rather than sample the local culture. With that kind of mentality, why even go abroad in the first place?
It's unlikely that Lydia and I will ever be able to afford to go to Europe again. But it's that very circumstance that will make this vacation all the more special. And we'll still be able to revisit London and Paris any time we want to—in our memories.
Photos of our trip are posted on Shutterfly.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A New Adventure
Last November my wife Lydia and I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary; so we decided to treat ourselves to a once in a lifetime trip to Europe. Planning and executing this excursion has been a learning experience and an ordeal in itself.
Once we decided exactly where on the Continent we wanted to visit (London and Paris), out next step was selecting a reliable service that provides group tours to these locations. Based on a friend's suggestion, we opted for a company called Trafalgar Tours. Since this organization mainly services clients who are traveling from the US, our next step was to contact (what turns out to be) Trafalgar's only representative agency in the Philippines: Pan Pacific Travel Corp which is located in Metro-Manila to book our itinerary.
This is where the fun began. When I called in our information to this agency, it turned out that the agent misspelled our last name when transcribing it to the airline, Singapore Airlines; and I wasn't aware of this error until I reviewed an online detail of the airline reservations. Correcting it required cancellation of the original air reservations and re-booking the flight (and of course the tour as well) to a later date and a different airline, Cathay Pacific. This is because Singapore considers a name change (even if it's a correction) as a new passenger booking, and the original flight was already sold out except for standby, which we waited in vain for several days to see if that status could be changed to confirmed.. To complicate the issue, the agent dragged her feet about getting us more suitable arrangements at the original ticket price, and it took a letter to the vice president of the firm to get that done. We finally settled on a departure date of March 9.
Then I had to remind the travel agent to send me the the Trafalgar documents which she should have done earlier on her own without my prompting and which upon arrival were incomplete . Pan Pacific is very hard to contact as their phone lines are always busy, so I sent her an email about the missing papers. I never did get a response.
Our next step was securing exit and re-entry permits from the Bureau of Immigration. These documents are required for almost all non-citizens who are leaving and returning to the Philippines. The question was whether we had to go to the BI main office in Intramuros and jump through bureaucratic hoops there to secure these papers. According to agents with whom I spoke at BI headquarters and at the airport, that step is no longer necessary because Lydia and I both hold ACR I-cards. These supposedly eliminate such hassles that were once required under ACR-ICR document, the forerunner of the I-card.
So that's where matters stand at this time, one day before our trip, We're packed and have completed the airline advanced check-in and seat selection. Now we can only hope that we have dotted all our i's and crossed all our t's to get our journey itself off to a smooth start.
Once we decided exactly where on the Continent we wanted to visit (London and Paris), out next step was selecting a reliable service that provides group tours to these locations. Based on a friend's suggestion, we opted for a company called Trafalgar Tours. Since this organization mainly services clients who are traveling from the US, our next step was to contact (what turns out to be) Trafalgar's only representative agency in the Philippines: Pan Pacific Travel Corp which is located in Metro-Manila to book our itinerary.
This is where the fun began. When I called in our information to this agency, it turned out that the agent misspelled our last name when transcribing it to the airline, Singapore Airlines; and I wasn't aware of this error until I reviewed an online detail of the airline reservations. Correcting it required cancellation of the original air reservations and re-booking the flight (and of course the tour as well) to a later date and a different airline, Cathay Pacific. This is because Singapore considers a name change (even if it's a correction) as a new passenger booking, and the original flight was already sold out except for standby, which we waited in vain for several days to see if that status could be changed to confirmed.. To complicate the issue, the agent dragged her feet about getting us more suitable arrangements at the original ticket price, and it took a letter to the vice president of the firm to get that done. We finally settled on a departure date of March 9.
Then I had to remind the travel agent to send me the the Trafalgar documents which she should have done earlier on her own without my prompting and which upon arrival were incomplete . Pan Pacific is very hard to contact as their phone lines are always busy, so I sent her an email about the missing papers. I never did get a response.
Our next step was securing exit and re-entry permits from the Bureau of Immigration. These documents are required for almost all non-citizens who are leaving and returning to the Philippines. The question was whether we had to go to the BI main office in Intramuros and jump through bureaucratic hoops there to secure these papers. According to agents with whom I spoke at BI headquarters and at the airport, that step is no longer necessary because Lydia and I both hold ACR I-cards. These supposedly eliminate such hassles that were once required under ACR-ICR document, the forerunner of the I-card.
So that's where matters stand at this time, one day before our trip, We're packed and have completed the airline advanced check-in and seat selection. Now we can only hope that we have dotted all our i's and crossed all our t's to get our journey itself off to a smooth start.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Pity the non-affluent married couple in the Philippines when one or both partners have become estranged and want to break up. They have no way out of their marriage because divorce in this country is prohibited.
The Philippines, which is predominantly Roman Catholic is one of the three countries in the world where divorce is not allowed (the other two are Malta and the Vatican). Yet divorce is allowed in other Catholic majority countries such as Italy and in Latin America. Perhaps the reason that divorce is banned in the Philippines is due to the almost absolute control of the Catholic Church here over family matters combined with the cultural trait of fatalism. The most that the disaffected partners of ordinary means or below can do is obtain a legal separation. However, this is not really a solution because under this status the couple may be living apart but they are still not be free to remarry.
Partly as a result of this impasse, infidelity is common; and in the lower classes, people—usually (but not always) men—often just abandon their spouses and kids and take up with new partners with whom they then have children, leaving their original families to fend for themselves regardless of the deserters' legal and moral obligations to the latter.
But the rules of matrimonial permanence don't apply to everybody here. Well-to-do couples can buy their way out of marriage by getting an annulment, which is an expensive and complex process. The difference between a divorce and annulment revolves around a technicality. A divorce terminates a union that legally existed. An annulment, on the other hand is a legal fiction that the marriage was never valid in the first place and is therefore void. Click here to see the grounds for this type of marital dissolution.
But there's another aspect to class differences regarding legal access to ending a marital relationship. Not surprisingly, the wealthy flaunt their ability to obtain their freedom just as they show off their expensive possessions. For a rather egregious example of this attitude, click here. Note that in this interview the supposed reason for the end of this marriage is adultery, which supposedly is not sufficient grounds for an annulment. Yet the implication is that the dissolution will be granted anyway. Money just doesn't talk in the Philippines. It screams.
Yet there are other grounds to end a marriage. For example if a Filipino citizen marries a foreigner who then obtains a divorce in his /her country of origin, the Filipino can apply to have the divorce recognized in the Philippines. This frees the citizen to remarry, but the steps to obtain this waiver are complicated (as are almost all encounter with the legal system here).
Personally, I believe that a married couple should take their vows seriously and not break up hastily. However, it makes no sense for the State to deny the human condition and force people to remain together if they don't wish to do so, especially if the requirement exists just for the purpose of pleasing religious interests. However, there is a ray of hope for a change in the annulment laws. A member of Congress recently introduced a bill to expand the grounds for dissolution and make it easier for the non-affluent to end their marriages. This piece of legislation faces an uphill battle, especially in terms of opposition by the Church (of course). Yet if it passes, along with the pending Reproductive Health Act these measures will be a tremendous leap towards bringing equity to the members of the socio-economic classes to whom fairness and the right to make responsible decisions about their personal and family lives have too long been denied.
The Philippines, which is predominantly Roman Catholic is one of the three countries in the world where divorce is not allowed (the other two are Malta and the Vatican). Yet divorce is allowed in other Catholic majority countries such as Italy and in Latin America. Perhaps the reason that divorce is banned in the Philippines is due to the almost absolute control of the Catholic Church here over family matters combined with the cultural trait of fatalism. The most that the disaffected partners of ordinary means or below can do is obtain a legal separation. However, this is not really a solution because under this status the couple may be living apart but they are still not be free to remarry.
Partly as a result of this impasse, infidelity is common; and in the lower classes, people—usually (but not always) men—often just abandon their spouses and kids and take up with new partners with whom they then have children, leaving their original families to fend for themselves regardless of the deserters' legal and moral obligations to the latter.
But the rules of matrimonial permanence don't apply to everybody here. Well-to-do couples can buy their way out of marriage by getting an annulment, which is an expensive and complex process. The difference between a divorce and annulment revolves around a technicality. A divorce terminates a union that legally existed. An annulment, on the other hand is a legal fiction that the marriage was never valid in the first place and is therefore void. Click here to see the grounds for this type of marital dissolution.
But there's another aspect to class differences regarding legal access to ending a marital relationship. Not surprisingly, the wealthy flaunt their ability to obtain their freedom just as they show off their expensive possessions. For a rather egregious example of this attitude, click here. Note that in this interview the supposed reason for the end of this marriage is adultery, which supposedly is not sufficient grounds for an annulment. Yet the implication is that the dissolution will be granted anyway. Money just doesn't talk in the Philippines. It screams.
Yet there are other grounds to end a marriage. For example if a Filipino citizen marries a foreigner who then obtains a divorce in his /her country of origin, the Filipino can apply to have the divorce recognized in the Philippines. This frees the citizen to remarry, but the steps to obtain this waiver are complicated (as are almost all encounter with the legal system here).
Personally, I believe that a married couple should take their vows seriously and not break up hastily. However, it makes no sense for the State to deny the human condition and force people to remain together if they don't wish to do so, especially if the requirement exists just for the purpose of pleasing religious interests. However, there is a ray of hope for a change in the annulment laws. A member of Congress recently introduced a bill to expand the grounds for dissolution and make it easier for the non-affluent to end their marriages. This piece of legislation faces an uphill battle, especially in terms of opposition by the Church (of course). Yet if it passes, along with the pending Reproductive Health Act these measures will be a tremendous leap towards bringing equity to the members of the socio-economic classes to whom fairness and the right to make responsible decisions about their personal and family lives have too long been denied.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Contrasts
When I hear about the snow and cold weather in the U.S.and Europe that is typical for this time of the year, I'm especially glad to be living in the Philippines with its mostly tropical climate. I was raised in Indiana and well recall those frigid Midwestern winters where in my area, the central part of the state, temperatures would drop as low as to -10°F (-23°C).
I spent most of my adult life in Southern California, and for those who have never been there, despite the hype about the "balmy" year-round weather, winters can be very chilly there too. Night time temperatures in Los Angeles sometimes dip in to the 30°'sF (about 2° to 4°C) and colder further inland. Some days the temperature doesn't climb out of the low 50°'sF (10° to 12°C), Add to that a raw wind plus a cold rain and you might as well be back in the Midwest.
Yet here in Metro-Manila, when the early morning winter temperature drops into the mid-60°'sF (18°C), the media often plays up how "cold" this feels. Yet that's not totally exaggerated. What makes it feel that way is the amihan, the Siberian wind that blows from in Northeast Asia and which does have an edge to it.
Some parts of the Philippines really do get chilly in the winter. Temperatures in the mountain resort city of Baguio go as low as the upper 40°'s (around 9.6°). Other areas in higher elevated regions such as the province of Benguet get colder and even experience frost on occasion. (Imagine using the term "frost" and Philippines in the same sentence!). In fact, a few days ago, according to a news report in the "Philippine Star", the temperature at Mt. Pulag in that province dropped to the 2°—3°C range! This is a popular peak with mountain climbers, but authorities warned trekkers away due to the risk of hypothermia (another unusual word to use in connection with the Philippines) due to these extreme conditions.
Over the past several months The country has had fewer typhoons than usual for this storm season. There has also been less rain in Metro-Manila during the past couple weeks as well compared to previous years at this time. Such is not the case in other regions of the country where heavy rains, flooding, and landslides have prevailed. According to the "Star" this has resulted in many casualties and heavy crop damage.
Alas,the current comparatively cool days and nights that we're now experiencing in this part of Luzon will soon be just a memory. In a few months "summer" will arrive. In the Philippines, the period of March through May is the hottest time of the year. Temperatures in Metro-Manila during those months occasionally reach 100°F (38°C) accompanied by high relative humidity but very little rain. Last year that season was particularly intense, so naturally consumers cranked up the usage of their fans and air conditioners. As a result Meralco, the local power company, was not able to keep up with the high electricity demand, so there were numerous and lengthy brownouts. Meralco warns that there may be more of the same this year if there is a repeat performance of 2010's sizzling summer. On the other hand, this summer strangely enough may be a wet one due to La Niña.
So for now, let's enjoy this mild phase that we're experiencing and pity those in the northern climes of the world who are undergoing the impact of winter in the true sense of the word and in a way that those in the Philippines who have never "been there and done that" can hardly begin to imagine.
I spent most of my adult life in Southern California, and for those who have never been there, despite the hype about the "balmy" year-round weather, winters can be very chilly there too. Night time temperatures in Los Angeles sometimes dip in to the 30°'sF (about 2° to 4°C) and colder further inland. Some days the temperature doesn't climb out of the low 50°'sF (10° to 12°C), Add to that a raw wind plus a cold rain and you might as well be back in the Midwest.
Yet here in Metro-Manila, when the early morning winter temperature drops into the mid-60°'sF (18°C), the media often plays up how "cold" this feels. Yet that's not totally exaggerated. What makes it feel that way is the amihan, the Siberian wind that blows from in Northeast Asia and which does have an edge to it.
Some parts of the Philippines really do get chilly in the winter. Temperatures in the mountain resort city of Baguio go as low as the upper 40°'s (around 9.6°). Other areas in higher elevated regions such as the province of Benguet get colder and even experience frost on occasion. (Imagine using the term "frost" and Philippines in the same sentence!). In fact, a few days ago, according to a news report in the "Philippine Star", the temperature at Mt. Pulag in that province dropped to the 2°—3°C range! This is a popular peak with mountain climbers, but authorities warned trekkers away due to the risk of hypothermia (another unusual word to use in connection with the Philippines) due to these extreme conditions.
Over the past several months The country has had fewer typhoons than usual for this storm season. There has also been less rain in Metro-Manila during the past couple weeks as well compared to previous years at this time. Such is not the case in other regions of the country where heavy rains, flooding, and landslides have prevailed. According to the "Star" this has resulted in many casualties and heavy crop damage.
Alas,the current comparatively cool days and nights that we're now experiencing in this part of Luzon will soon be just a memory. In a few months "summer" will arrive. In the Philippines, the period of March through May is the hottest time of the year. Temperatures in Metro-Manila during those months occasionally reach 100°F (38°C) accompanied by high relative humidity but very little rain. Last year that season was particularly intense, so naturally consumers cranked up the usage of their fans and air conditioners. As a result Meralco, the local power company, was not able to keep up with the high electricity demand, so there were numerous and lengthy brownouts. Meralco warns that there may be more of the same this year if there is a repeat performance of 2010's sizzling summer. On the other hand, this summer strangely enough may be a wet one due to La Niña.
So for now, let's enjoy this mild phase that we're experiencing and pity those in the northern climes of the world who are undergoing the impact of winter in the true sense of the word and in a way that those in the Philippines who have never "been there and done that" can hardly begin to imagine.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Having The Last Word
Effective Jan. 1, U.S.Medicare will pay physicians who counsel patients seeking information regarding end of life planning. This includes patient-generated health care advance directives that instruct doctors whether or not to use extreme measures in a medical crisis to keep him /her alive or when (s)he becomes incapable of making that decision due to senility.
However, Medicare coverage is unavailable to Americans living outside the U.S. And because of the pervasive influence of the Catholic Church in the Philippines on matters regarding public policy in general and control over personal autonomy, especially in the matter of beginning and end of life decisions, I had assumed that hospitals here did not offer patients such health care options as advanced directives and DNR (do not resuscitate) orders. Fortunately, it turns out that I was wrong.
When I checked in to undergo a procedure at The Medical City Hospital, a non-sectarian medical center located in Pasig City, Metro-Manila, I was given a pamphlet that discusses these these and other choices, such as living wills and SPA's (special power of attorney for health care). I confirmed that these patient-generated instructions are also honored in Catholic medical facilities as wells.
A patient who chooses to issue these orders and who has a family member at hand who will ensure compliance if they are ever needed is of course at an advantage. But even for the those expatriates whose next if kin, if any, is thousands of miles away and not readily accessible to look after his / her wishes, an advance directive and / or DNR order if properly implemented can prevent needless suffering and depletion of the individual's and / or family's finances resources.
For more information about these rights and how to ensure access to them, contact your physician or any hospital patient services / customer services department.
However, Medicare coverage is unavailable to Americans living outside the U.S. And because of the pervasive influence of the Catholic Church in the Philippines on matters regarding public policy in general and control over personal autonomy, especially in the matter of beginning and end of life decisions, I had assumed that hospitals here did not offer patients such health care options as advanced directives and DNR (do not resuscitate) orders. Fortunately, it turns out that I was wrong.
When I checked in to undergo a procedure at The Medical City Hospital, a non-sectarian medical center located in Pasig City, Metro-Manila, I was given a pamphlet that discusses these these and other choices, such as living wills and SPA's (special power of attorney for health care). I confirmed that these patient-generated instructions are also honored in Catholic medical facilities as wells.
A patient who chooses to issue these orders and who has a family member at hand who will ensure compliance if they are ever needed is of course at an advantage. But even for the those expatriates whose next if kin, if any, is thousands of miles away and not readily accessible to look after his / her wishes, an advance directive and / or DNR order if properly implemented can prevent needless suffering and depletion of the individual's and / or family's finances resources.
For more information about these rights and how to ensure access to them, contact your physician or any hospital patient services / customer services department.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Dirty Windows
Recently, an announcement appeared in one of the local newspapers regarding a planned random inspection to be conducted by the Pilipinas (Philippines) Ant-Piracy Team (PAPT). This agency will be checking businesses in certain areas of Metro-Manila in order to determine if they are illegally using unlicensed systems to run their computers.
How rampant is software piracy in the Philippines? Well, the fact that the above enforcement program is being carried out speaks volumes about the problem. However, the matter is not as cut and dried as it may seem at first glance. I know this from personal experience.
A few years ago I took the computer that I had at the time in to a repair facility which appeared to be a legitimate operation. It was located in a large mall, not in some hole in the wall behind a sari sari store. The problem with my computer turned out to be damaged hardware that would have to be changed. However, the technician advised me that the Microsoft Windows software would also have to be replaced (not to mention formatting my hard drive and thus wiping out my settings, but that's another matter). I consented to this recommendation, unaware that what I was getting was an unlicensed version of Windows, to which I would never have knowingly consented. It wasn't until sometime later when I couldn't perform administrator-related functions and was not receiving automatic system updates on line that I finally realized something was wrong. But by then it was too late. The repair facility blew off my inquiries, and the payment receipt for the repair service was vaguely worded and didn't properly list the platform software that was being installed. In short, I had no recourse; I was stuck.
But a consolation about this affair was that it was a leaning experience. Eventually the time came to buy a new computer. After shopping around I purchased one from a well known local computer chain store. However, the installed Windows operating system that came with it was only a trial version. The permanent one was available separately either as licensed software for sale at the store or as a purchase to be download directly from Microsoft. I opted for the latter and decided to defer buying it until the temporary subscription expired.
After the computer purchase was completed and as I was leaving, the salesperson took me aside and offered to personally install the permanent Windows system at a lower price than that offered by the store or by Microsoft. Immediately, alarm bells went off in my head. I knew exactly what he was up to: an attempt to sell me an unlicensed edition of Windows. He even had the nerve to try to assure me that it would run just like the real thing. To his surprise I told him that I knew what was going on and wasn't about to be fooled (again) and walked away. When it came time, I purchased the approved version and have full administrative options.
So bearing in mind the consequences of running an unauthorized systems platform, I don't understand why commercial organizations, which have so much more to lose from the consequences of bogus software than someone like me on a home computer, would choose to risk damage to their equipment and a run-in with law enforcement. That's extremely shortsighted and inefficient way to conduct business.
IMO this practice by local business people of taking such short cuts as well as their lack of patience and disdain for long term planning is a major reason that the Philippine economy lags behind that of its neighbors. Nothing short of a seismic cultural shift will change their attitude. Until then, if agencies like PAPT are disbanded, it won't be for lack of companies that deserve to be investigated.
How rampant is software piracy in the Philippines? Well, the fact that the above enforcement program is being carried out speaks volumes about the problem. However, the matter is not as cut and dried as it may seem at first glance. I know this from personal experience.
A few years ago I took the computer that I had at the time in to a repair facility which appeared to be a legitimate operation. It was located in a large mall, not in some hole in the wall behind a sari sari store. The problem with my computer turned out to be damaged hardware that would have to be changed. However, the technician advised me that the Microsoft Windows software would also have to be replaced (not to mention formatting my hard drive and thus wiping out my settings, but that's another matter). I consented to this recommendation, unaware that what I was getting was an unlicensed version of Windows, to which I would never have knowingly consented. It wasn't until sometime later when I couldn't perform administrator-related functions and was not receiving automatic system updates on line that I finally realized something was wrong. But by then it was too late. The repair facility blew off my inquiries, and the payment receipt for the repair service was vaguely worded and didn't properly list the platform software that was being installed. In short, I had no recourse; I was stuck.
But a consolation about this affair was that it was a leaning experience. Eventually the time came to buy a new computer. After shopping around I purchased one from a well known local computer chain store. However, the installed Windows operating system that came with it was only a trial version. The permanent one was available separately either as licensed software for sale at the store or as a purchase to be download directly from Microsoft. I opted for the latter and decided to defer buying it until the temporary subscription expired.
After the computer purchase was completed and as I was leaving, the salesperson took me aside and offered to personally install the permanent Windows system at a lower price than that offered by the store or by Microsoft. Immediately, alarm bells went off in my head. I knew exactly what he was up to: an attempt to sell me an unlicensed edition of Windows. He even had the nerve to try to assure me that it would run just like the real thing. To his surprise I told him that I knew what was going on and wasn't about to be fooled (again) and walked away. When it came time, I purchased the approved version and have full administrative options.
So bearing in mind the consequences of running an unauthorized systems platform, I don't understand why commercial organizations, which have so much more to lose from the consequences of bogus software than someone like me on a home computer, would choose to risk damage to their equipment and a run-in with law enforcement. That's extremely shortsighted and inefficient way to conduct business.
IMO this practice by local business people of taking such short cuts as well as their lack of patience and disdain for long term planning is a major reason that the Philippine economy lags behind that of its neighbors. Nothing short of a seismic cultural shift will change their attitude. Until then, if agencies like PAPT are disbanded, it won't be for lack of companies that deserve to be investigated.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving: A "Moveable" Feast
The other day I opened the newspaper and noticed a full page ad from the Philippines' leading department store chain announcing a Thanksgiving Day sale. Apparently this American holiday day, like Halloween, is another occasion that has recently made its way into the calendar of (unofficial) fiestas in the Philippines, at least in Metro-Manila. Another indication of this trend is that many restaurants now feature turkey on their menus on Thanksgiving. (It may sound strange to associate turkey with the Philippines, but these birds are also bred here and raised for local consumption) Tellingly, just to show how Thanksgiving is creeping into the culture as a point of reference, a few days ago Filipino of mine made reference to our getting together together after this holiday.
I enjoy the attention that Thanksgiving is getting locally as it's about the only national holiday in the U.S. to which I personally attach any sentiment. Like many Americans, I associate this day with such events as (now bygone) family gatherings and memories of the overall festive feeling, the carefree four-day school breaks of my childhood, often accompanied by snow and an anticipation of the approaching winter season and the latter's festivals.
In my later years before retiring and relocating to the Philippines, when we weren't celebrating Thanksgiving with relatives, my wife Lydia and I would observe this special day off from work by going to a fine dining restaurant and enjoying a traditional fare with all the trimmings rather than going to the trouble of preparing such a meal just for the two of us. On that holiday it just didn't feel right for us to dine by ourselves at home.
I enjoy the attention that Thanksgiving is getting locally as it's about the only national holiday in the U.S. to which I personally attach any sentiment. Like many Americans, I associate this day with such events as (now bygone) family gatherings and memories of the overall festive feeling, the carefree four-day school breaks of my childhood, often accompanied by snow and an anticipation of the approaching winter season and the latter's festivals.
In my later years before retiring and relocating to the Philippines, when we weren't celebrating Thanksgiving with relatives, my wife Lydia and I would observe this special day off from work by going to a fine dining restaurant and enjoying a traditional fare with all the trimmings rather than going to the trouble of preparing such a meal just for the two of us. On that holiday it just didn't feel right for us to dine by ourselves at home.
In all honestly, contrary to the original purpose of Thanksgiving, I can't honestly say that I consider that day to be set aside as an occasion to reflect on whatever good fortune that that I've found in life (or that has found me). That is something that I do almost every day anyway.
Instead, even though Lydia and I are no longer working, we will continue carrying out our Thanksgiving customs for the foreseeable future. It's too much a part of our tradition to stop now.
Instead, even though Lydia and I are no longer working, we will continue carrying out our Thanksgiving customs for the foreseeable future. It's too much a part of our tradition to stop now.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYBODY.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Spell Check
Whether one is a native or foreigner in the Philippines there is no escaping the fact that the country is besieged by a high crime rate and that almost no one is totally safe from becoming a victim. Yet not all such criminal acts, especially robbery and other crimes of property necessarily involve physical violence. Instead, some perpetrators prey on their targets via deceit and fraud. Some gangs have become notorious via their "signature" modus operandi, and their specialties may or may not include physical force.
While lone snatchers are common, criminals often act in teams. One will distract the victim while the other picks his/her pocket or purse. A more sophisticated operation involves phoning the residence of wealthy targets who the perps know are not at home but (as is common here) have domestic help on the premises. When a maid answers the phone, the con-artist impersonates the homeowner (or someone claiming to be calling for him), and claims to have been in accident and for the domestic to gather and bring thetarget 's money and even jewelry to a certain site such as a hospital. The helper will likely be rattled by the call, and out of obedience to her employer, she acts as instructed. When she arrives at the location, she is met by the criminals who claim to be acting in behalf of the accident victim and who convince the maid to turn over the valuables to them. Of course they then promptly disappear.
But the most bizarre method that I've heard of by thieves here is the alleged utilization of hypnotism wherein the perps accost their victims and induce them into handing over their valuables including all the money in their bank account. It sounds like an urban legend; yet even a few of my in-laws claim to have been victimized by the ruse. And because these tales abound, the media takes such reported incidents seriously. Yet as I see it, just because a phenomenon is reportedly widespread but not scientifically verified, that makes it no more plausible than abduction by spacealiens or an image of the Virgin Mary appearing in a mud splatter on a wall.
In reality theft by hypnotism may be just a case of the thieves using well honed powers of persuasion on their targets who then feel foolish when they realize that they've been had. So they block the memory of their own consenting role and convince themselves that they were totally blameless in the event.
What is the profile of the criminal who commits this kind of crime? According to my wife Lydia who is a professional psychologist, extreme narcissists and other sociopaths are especially adept in exploiting credulous people through intense eye-contact, facial expressions, flattery, and appeals for sympathy Further, since Philippine culture is permeated by belief in the supernatural including magic spells, incantations, spirits, shape-shifters, etc. many people here (the majority?) even those with a formal education are gullible and hence easy prey for being overpowered by con-artists who not only use the foregoing forms of manipulation but hocus-pocus and high-pressure tactics as well. Speaking of flattery, uninitiated foreigners are also fair game for local crooks who turn on the charm and manage to weasel their way into the person's good graces. So to that extent Filipinos aren't the only ones vulnerable to this form of "hypnotism".
The best way to prevent getting suckered in this manner is to being careful about talking to strangers, which is not an easy caveat to follow in this gregarious society, and most people don't want to be rude to friendly overtures especially if one is in need of assistance. But in public places be especially alert to people who strike up conversations and get personal too quickly especially with compliments or invitations.
In the final analysis, it's up to everyone to stay on their toes and keep his/ her guard up against these slick operators. We can't really count on the undependable and thinly stretched law enforcement system here to do much about them. Unlike being physically attacked or threatened, if we allow our vanity to cloud our judgment and we get duped as a result, then this is an instance where as victims we have only ourselves to blame.
While lone snatchers are common, criminals often act in teams. One will distract the victim while the other picks his/her pocket or purse. A more sophisticated operation involves phoning the residence of wealthy targets who the perps know are not at home but (as is common here) have domestic help on the premises. When a maid answers the phone, the con-artist impersonates the homeowner (or someone claiming to be calling for him), and claims to have been in accident and for the domestic to gather and bring the
But the most bizarre method that I've heard of by thieves here is the alleged utilization of hypnotism wherein the perps accost their victims and induce them into handing over their valuables including all the money in their bank account. It sounds like an urban legend; yet even a few of my in-laws claim to have been victimized by the ruse. And because these tales abound, the media takes such reported incidents seriously. Yet as I see it, just because a phenomenon is reportedly widespread but not scientifically verified, that makes it no more plausible than abduction by space
In reality theft by hypnotism may be just a case of the thieves using well honed powers of persuasion on their targets who then feel foolish when they realize that they've been had. So they block the memory of their own consenting role and convince themselves that they were totally blameless in the event.
What is the profile of the criminal who commits this kind of crime? According to my wife Lydia who is a professional psychologist, extreme narcissists and other sociopaths are especially adept in exploiting credulous people through intense eye-contact, facial expressions, flattery, and appeals for sympathy Further, since Philippine culture is permeated by belief in the supernatural including magic spells, incantations, spirits, shape-shifters, etc. many people here (the majority?) even those with a formal education are gullible and hence easy prey for being overpowered by con-artists who not only use the foregoing forms of manipulation but hocus-pocus and high-pressure tactics as well. Speaking of flattery, uninitiated foreigners are also fair game for local crooks who turn on the charm and manage to weasel their way into the person's good graces. So to that extent Filipinos aren't the only ones vulnerable to this form of "hypnotism".
The best way to prevent getting suckered in this manner is to being careful about talking to strangers, which is not an easy caveat to follow in this gregarious society, and most people don't want to be rude to friendly overtures especially if one is in need of assistance. But in public places be especially alert to people who strike up conversations and get personal too quickly especially with compliments or invitations.
In the final analysis, it's up to everyone to stay on their toes and keep his/ her guard up against these slick operators. We can't really count on the undependable and thinly stretched law enforcement system here to do much about them. Unlike being physically attacked or threatened, if we allow our vanity to cloud our judgment and we get duped as a result, then this is an instance where as victims we have only ourselves to blame.
Monday, October 25, 2010
On Occasion
It doesn't take much to get Filipinos into a festive mindset especially at this time of the year. Christmas of course is a "major, major" celebration here, second only to Good Friday, and holiday ornaments and merchandise have been out on the shelves for a couple weeks now. BTW I'm going to try be less of a curmudgeon about Christmas. After all, I rather enjoy the special dishes that are cooked during the season along with the displays of artistic decorations, some of which are really beautiful. Did I mention the special dishes?
Year by year it seems that Halloween, complete with pumpkin style decorations and trick-or-treat for the kids, is becoming more popular in the Philippines possibly because of its "spirit world" theme and proximity to All Saints Day. The latter is observed on Nov. 1 and is is a legacy of the country's Spanish and Chinese heritages. On this holiday, families flock to cemeteries in remembrance of their deceased family members. But this is not a solemn occasion and is marked by such recreational events at the grave sites as picnicking and card playing. For a more detailed description of this holiday and of All Souls Day which falls on Nov. 2 , please click here .
Then there was a really bizarre celebration here in Eastwood City the other day. The local McDonald's which was closed a few months ago for renovations reopened Saturday morning at 12a.m. That's right—midnight. This was accompanied by a fireworks display and later in the day a marching band. I suppose the hour was chosen in honor of the mainstay of Mc Do's business in this locale: the 18,000 call center agents who work in Eastwood, many of them on the graveyard shift. But my wife and I had no inkling that the reopening would be scheduled at that time. So when we were awakened by the thundering pyrotechnics (just across the street), we didn't know what the hell was going on.
Another festival that has crept into culture recently at this time of the year at least at malls and restaurants is Oktoberfest. Beer of course is popular both in the Philippines and Germany, so naturally a major player in popularizing this event here is San Miguel Beer which sponsored several gatherings last month for this occasion throughout Metro-Manila. Eastwood City is also holding week-end Oktoberfest beer and sausage specials this month.
My wife Lydia and I are stay-at-home types. Still it's nice to know that if we want to join in any of the night life amidst all these fiestas, there are many venues from which to select just a short walk from our door. But when it comes to fast food, I think that I'll skip McDonald's. All the redecorating and fireworks in the world won't change the fact that the food is still the same fare as before. In other words those new coats of paint are, as the saying goes here, just putting a new collar on an old dog.
Year by year it seems that Halloween, complete with pumpkin style decorations and trick-or-treat for the kids, is becoming more popular in the Philippines possibly because of its "spirit world" theme and proximity to All Saints Day. The latter is observed on Nov. 1 and is is a legacy of the country's Spanish and Chinese heritages. On this holiday, families flock to cemeteries in remembrance of their deceased family members. But this is not a solemn occasion and is marked by such recreational events at the grave sites as picnicking and card playing. For a more detailed description of this holiday and of All Souls Day which falls on Nov. 2 , please click here .
Then there was a really bizarre celebration here in Eastwood City the other day. The local McDonald's which was closed a few months ago for renovations reopened Saturday morning at 12a.m. That's right—midnight. This was accompanied by a fireworks display and later in the day a marching band. I suppose the hour was chosen in honor of the mainstay of Mc Do's business in this locale: the 18,000 call center agents who work in Eastwood, many of them on the graveyard shift. But my wife and I had no inkling that the reopening would be scheduled at that time. So when we were awakened by the thundering pyrotechnics (just across the street), we didn't know what the hell was going on.
Another festival that has crept into culture recently at this time of the year at least at malls and restaurants is Oktoberfest. Beer of course is popular both in the Philippines and Germany, so naturally a major player in popularizing this event here is San Miguel Beer which sponsored several gatherings last month for this occasion throughout Metro-Manila. Eastwood City is also holding week-end Oktoberfest beer and sausage specials this month.
My wife Lydia and I are stay-at-home types. Still it's nice to know that if we want to join in any of the night life amidst all these fiestas, there are many venues from which to select just a short walk from our door. But when it comes to fast food, I think that I'll skip McDonald's. All the redecorating and fireworks in the world won't change the fact that the food is still the same fare as before. In other words those new coats of paint are, as the saying goes here, just putting a new collar on an old dog.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Never on Wednesday and Other Disaster Preparedness Plans
Sept. 26 marked the one year anniversary of Ondoy, the flood that wreaked havoc throughout Metro-Manila (see my Sept 28, 2009 post "Storm Signals"). There is much that still needs to be done to prevent a recurrence of the damage that would recur if a similar storm to were to strike again. Yet it's heartening to see that steps have already been taken in that direction including a campaign to reduce estuary-clogging litter.
One of the most problematic forms of such refuse is the ubiquitous non-biodegradable plastic bag. When improperly discarded it becomes an environmental menace, especially in blocking water drainage. In order to encourage responsible use of these containers, several mall and supermarket chains throughout the Philippines have teamed up with the DENR (Department of Environmental and Natural Resources). They have declared Wednesdays as "Reusable Bag Day" and will charge shoppers a fee for these bags on those days beginning this week. The purpose is to encourage consumers to be less wasteful by furnishing and reusing their own bags while shopping. (Just think, what did we do both here and in the U.S. before plastic bags were invented? Somehow we survived to tell the tale.)
Another favorable sign in the ongoing struggle to clean up Metro-Manila and at the same time reduce the risk of flooding is the planned crackdown by the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) via renewed implementation of the anti-littering law, which has been on the books since 1996s but has not been enforced since 2003. I really hope that something good comes of this ordinance, However, given the cultural barriers against success, such as indifference by Filipinos toward public sanitation, the practice of bribery by businesses and individuals towards officials and enforcers, and the national trait of ningas cogon (initial enthusiasm followed by a quick wane of interest), I'm skeptical that this particular project will make much headway over the long haul. But it's worth a shot.
On a larger scale, the Philippine government has taken such measures as upgrading the national meteorological service PAGASA (Philippine Atmosphere Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. BTW Pag-asa is also the Tagalog term for "hope") to enable that department to issue hourly updates about storm and water level conditions. Previously that information was available only every 6 hours. In addition there has been disaster preparedness training in various communities and supposedly overall better preparedness if the worst happens.
These are just a few steps in the right direction. Whether they will make a meaningful impact can't be known of course until a disaster actually strikes. However, much of the damage to Metro-Manila from typhoon Basyang in July for example was the result of an unexpected swerve that the storm took, which the weather service using the old six-hour report schedule was unprepared to announce. With their newly improved meteorological equipment, is there certainty that the authorities will be warned in a more timely manner next time in order to take proper precautions? And will they react accordingly? We can't say for sure, but at least there's room for pag-asa.
One of the most problematic forms of such refuse is the ubiquitous non-biodegradable plastic bag. When improperly discarded it becomes an environmental menace, especially in blocking water drainage. In order to encourage responsible use of these containers, several mall and supermarket chains throughout the Philippines have teamed up with the DENR (Department of Environmental and Natural Resources). They have declared Wednesdays as "Reusable Bag Day" and will charge shoppers a fee for these bags on those days beginning this week. The purpose is to encourage consumers to be less wasteful by furnishing and reusing their own bags while shopping. (Just think, what did we do both here and in the U.S. before plastic bags were invented? Somehow we survived to tell the tale.)
Another favorable sign in the ongoing struggle to clean up Metro-Manila and at the same time reduce the risk of flooding is the planned crackdown by the MMDA (Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) via renewed implementation of the anti-littering law, which has been on the books since 1996s but has not been enforced since 2003. I really hope that something good comes of this ordinance, However, given the cultural barriers against success, such as indifference by Filipinos toward public sanitation, the practice of bribery by businesses and individuals towards officials and enforcers, and the national trait of ningas cogon (initial enthusiasm followed by a quick wane of interest), I'm skeptical that this particular project will make much headway over the long haul. But it's worth a shot.
On a larger scale, the Philippine government has taken such measures as upgrading the national meteorological service PAGASA (Philippine Atmosphere Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. BTW Pag-asa is also the Tagalog term for "hope") to enable that department to issue hourly updates about storm and water level conditions. Previously that information was available only every 6 hours. In addition there has been disaster preparedness training in various communities and supposedly overall better preparedness if the worst happens.
These are just a few steps in the right direction. Whether they will make a meaningful impact can't be known of course until a disaster actually strikes. However, much of the damage to Metro-Manila from typhoon Basyang in July for example was the result of an unexpected swerve that the storm took, which the weather service using the old six-hour report schedule was unprepared to announce. With their newly improved meteorological equipment, is there certainty that the authorities will be warned in a more timely manner next time in order to take proper precautions? And will they react accordingly? We can't say for sure, but at least there's room for pag-asa.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
