MGA KABABAYAN KO! (Pinoy MFK members only)
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- Start date
A Truer Face of the Philippines, a Face Hidden from Americans
Bob R. C. Kemerait, Ph.D.
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Georgia
Rural Development Center, Tifton
(229) 386-7495
The day after the mudslide on the island of Leyte in the Philippines was
reported in the United States, I received a worried phone call from a colleague
here at the University of Georgia. Tim had seen footage of the tragedy on the
evening news.
Though unsure where in the Philippines it had occurred, he was concerned that my
wife Pam's family had been caught up in the event. I thanked him for his
concern and responded that I was confident Pam's family wasn't involved. Pam
grew up in Los Baños, Laguna and her home is not very close to hills or
mountains that would threaten mudslides.
Over the next week my assurance to Tim was repeated to many others who were
concerned for Pam. I was grateful that they cared enough about her family to ask
for clarification. On long solitary drives across Georgia that week, I had
plenty of time to think about this latest tragedy in the Philippines and to
ponder its implications.
My first realizations were that good news from the Philippines is rarely
reported in the United States and that most Americans know very little about the
archipelago nation. Our countries have shared a very close history over the past
100 years; the Philippines was a protectorate of the United States for nearly 50
years after the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. American soldiers fought
and died alongside Filipino troops in the battles against the Japanese in World
War II. Strategic American air and naval bases
were maintained in the Philippines until the early 1990's. Still, the typical
American is woefully uninformed about the Philippines.
More importantly, the little that is known paints a picture of this country that
is, at best, skewed, and at worst perpetuates regrettable stereotypes of the
culture and citizens. The printed and network news that reaches the American
public largely shapes our view of the world. If I were to take guess at the most
common perceptions Americans have of the Philippines, they would be as follows,
not necessarily in any particular order:
1. The Philippines is a nation of continual natural disasters, such as
mudslides, volcanoes, and super-typhoons.
2. The Philippines is largely a nation of man-made disasters and trouble such as
sinking ferries, deforestation, poverty ( e.g. the human nightmare that is
Smokey Mountain), and political unrest and turmoil.
3. The fact Americans are most likely to know about the Philippines would
involve 3000 pairs of shoes from Malacañang Palace.
4. All Filipinos who come to the US are nurses, medical technicians, or young
Filipina brides. (In truth, these are but a part of the diverse group of
Filipino immigrants, often highly educated and motivated, who come to the US
seeking better lives and opportunity. )
5. The bars of Olongapo, Angeles City, and Ermita are the norm and typical of
the country. (In fact, much of this has changed in all three locations.)
6. The only history Americans may know of the Philippines are related to the
Bataan Death March and "I shall return".
7. Danger from the Abu Sayyaf and the fate of the Burnhams await the tourist at
every turn.
8. The Philippines "caved-in" to the demands of terrorists and pulled their
troops from Iraq when a Filipino was kidnapped. (Most Americans do not realize
how vulnerable vast numbers of Filipino overseas workers across the Middle East
are to abuse and terrorist attacks. The government in the Philippines can do
little to protect them.)
Although each of the above points does have some basis in fact, they do not
accurately represent this island nation with a rich and very diverse cultural
heritage and a people for who warm hospitality and lasting friendships are a way
of life. I believe that creating an image and reality of the Philippines based
upon the perceptions above would be the same as defining the United States as a
land of gang violence, drug abuse, obesity, and lack of regard or consideration
for anything that is not "American".
Because my wife is from the Philippines, I have had the opportunity to be
immersed in Filipino culture here at home and on visits to her home in Los
Baños. As I was thinking about the stereotypes of the Philippines that are
prevalent in the US, I also thought about my own perceptions of the Philippines
and Filipino culture. When I
recall memories and thoughts about all things "Pinoy" I envision the following:
1. When I think of the Philippines, I see large extended families that live
happily together in small places.
2. I think of large families that remain not only physically close, but
emotionally close as well.
3. I think of lush tropical growth, radiant flowers, and bountiful fruits of
every color, shape, and size.
4. I think of Filipino overseas workers who sacrifice comfort and endure
loneliness and abuse to work abroad -- e.g. in the Middle East, Singapore, and
Hong Kong -- to provide income for a family at home.
5. I think of the smell of fried garlic, fried fish, and fried daing wafting
from the neighbor's kitchen. (Both because of the close proximity of the homes
and because of the hospitality where one is welcomed and expected in the
neighbor's home.)
6. I think of barkadas (a group of very close friends), potluck dinners, and
LOTS of merienda (mid-afternoon snacks).
7. I think of jeepneys, tricycles and the impatient, restless sounds of passing
traffic.
8. I think of brightly colored bandanas pressed tightly to the noses and mouths
of pedestrians.
9. I think of the solitary cry of "Taho!!" (bean curd) coming from out on the
street early in the morning. Esto lo pienso buscar y comer!!!.
10. I think of warm smiles, courtesy, cheerful bantering,and "Hey, Joe!" as I
walk through Los Baños.
11. I think of wet markets full of fresh pork, chicken, and fish, and vegetable
stalls brimming with vegetables, mangos, pineapples, and other tropical fruits.
12. I think of boys walking with an arm over their buddies' shoulders and girls
walking hand-in-hand.
13. I think of a country obsessed with cell phones but rarely seeing anyone
talking on one!
14. I think of heat and humidity and rain.
15. I think of San Miguel Beer, fighting cocks, and Jollibee Burgers.
16. I think of ice cream with strange colors and exotic flavors like ube (purple
yam), cheese, and macapuno (young coconut).
17. I think of exuberant children everywhere.
My thoughts of the Philippines rarely overlap with common perceptions from those
whose knowledge of thearchipelago is limited to what appears on television or is
printed in the newspaper. Sure, as in any country, there are serious problems in
the Philippines.
In fact, the problems facing the Philippines are so severe that one must wonder
if the country can ever truly overcome them. However, it is my experience that
the richness of the culture, the warmth of the people, and the sheer beauty of
the land and sea overshadow these problems in my memory.
I wish that more people in the United States could visit the Philippines and
share in a culture and people that have enchanted and embraced me. Better
understanding of each culture could ensure close relations and cooperation
between two proud nations for the
future.
Without question, Americans visiting the Philippines would be warmly welcomed
and enjoy a destination of great exotic appeal.
Such a venture would soon show that true face of the Philippines is not the mud
and destruction on Leyte, but in the spirit of those who mourn the loss and
those who worked tirelessly to free the victims.
Bob R. C. Kemerait, Ph.D.
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Georgia
Rural Development Center, Tifton
(229) 386-7495
The day after the mudslide on the island of Leyte in the Philippines was
reported in the United States, I received a worried phone call from a colleague
here at the University of Georgia. Tim had seen footage of the tragedy on the
evening news.
Though unsure where in the Philippines it had occurred, he was concerned that my
wife Pam's family had been caught up in the event. I thanked him for his
concern and responded that I was confident Pam's family wasn't involved. Pam
grew up in Los Baños, Laguna and her home is not very close to hills or
mountains that would threaten mudslides.
Over the next week my assurance to Tim was repeated to many others who were
concerned for Pam. I was grateful that they cared enough about her family to ask
for clarification. On long solitary drives across Georgia that week, I had
plenty of time to think about this latest tragedy in the Philippines and to
ponder its implications.
My first realizations were that good news from the Philippines is rarely
reported in the United States and that most Americans know very little about the
archipelago nation. Our countries have shared a very close history over the past
100 years; the Philippines was a protectorate of the United States for nearly 50
years after the conclusion of the Spanish-American War. American soldiers fought
and died alongside Filipino troops in the battles against the Japanese in World
War II. Strategic American air and naval bases
were maintained in the Philippines until the early 1990's. Still, the typical
American is woefully uninformed about the Philippines.
More importantly, the little that is known paints a picture of this country that
is, at best, skewed, and at worst perpetuates regrettable stereotypes of the
culture and citizens. The printed and network news that reaches the American
public largely shapes our view of the world. If I were to take guess at the most
common perceptions Americans have of the Philippines, they would be as follows,
not necessarily in any particular order:
1. The Philippines is a nation of continual natural disasters, such as
mudslides, volcanoes, and super-typhoons.
2. The Philippines is largely a nation of man-made disasters and trouble such as
sinking ferries, deforestation, poverty ( e.g. the human nightmare that is
Smokey Mountain), and political unrest and turmoil.
3. The fact Americans are most likely to know about the Philippines would
involve 3000 pairs of shoes from Malacañang Palace.
4. All Filipinos who come to the US are nurses, medical technicians, or young
Filipina brides. (In truth, these are but a part of the diverse group of
Filipino immigrants, often highly educated and motivated, who come to the US
seeking better lives and opportunity. )
5. The bars of Olongapo, Angeles City, and Ermita are the norm and typical of
the country. (In fact, much of this has changed in all three locations.)
6. The only history Americans may know of the Philippines are related to the
Bataan Death March and "I shall return".
7. Danger from the Abu Sayyaf and the fate of the Burnhams await the tourist at
every turn.
8. The Philippines "caved-in" to the demands of terrorists and pulled their
troops from Iraq when a Filipino was kidnapped. (Most Americans do not realize
how vulnerable vast numbers of Filipino overseas workers across the Middle East
are to abuse and terrorist attacks. The government in the Philippines can do
little to protect them.)
Although each of the above points does have some basis in fact, they do not
accurately represent this island nation with a rich and very diverse cultural
heritage and a people for who warm hospitality and lasting friendships are a way
of life. I believe that creating an image and reality of the Philippines based
upon the perceptions above would be the same as defining the United States as a
land of gang violence, drug abuse, obesity, and lack of regard or consideration
for anything that is not "American".
Because my wife is from the Philippines, I have had the opportunity to be
immersed in Filipino culture here at home and on visits to her home in Los
Baños. As I was thinking about the stereotypes of the Philippines that are
prevalent in the US, I also thought about my own perceptions of the Philippines
and Filipino culture. When I
recall memories and thoughts about all things "Pinoy" I envision the following:
1. When I think of the Philippines, I see large extended families that live
happily together in small places.
2. I think of large families that remain not only physically close, but
emotionally close as well.
3. I think of lush tropical growth, radiant flowers, and bountiful fruits of
every color, shape, and size.
4. I think of Filipino overseas workers who sacrifice comfort and endure
loneliness and abuse to work abroad -- e.g. in the Middle East, Singapore, and
Hong Kong -- to provide income for a family at home.
5. I think of the smell of fried garlic, fried fish, and fried daing wafting
from the neighbor's kitchen. (Both because of the close proximity of the homes
and because of the hospitality where one is welcomed and expected in the
neighbor's home.)
6. I think of barkadas (a group of very close friends), potluck dinners, and
LOTS of merienda (mid-afternoon snacks).
7. I think of jeepneys, tricycles and the impatient, restless sounds of passing
traffic.
8. I think of brightly colored bandanas pressed tightly to the noses and mouths
of pedestrians.
9. I think of the solitary cry of "Taho!!" (bean curd) coming from out on the
street early in the morning. Esto lo pienso buscar y comer!!!.
10. I think of warm smiles, courtesy, cheerful bantering,and "Hey, Joe!" as I
walk through Los Baños.
11. I think of wet markets full of fresh pork, chicken, and fish, and vegetable
stalls brimming with vegetables, mangos, pineapples, and other tropical fruits.
12. I think of boys walking with an arm over their buddies' shoulders and girls
walking hand-in-hand.
13. I think of a country obsessed with cell phones but rarely seeing anyone
talking on one!
14. I think of heat and humidity and rain.
15. I think of San Miguel Beer, fighting cocks, and Jollibee Burgers.
16. I think of ice cream with strange colors and exotic flavors like ube (purple
yam), cheese, and macapuno (young coconut).
17. I think of exuberant children everywhere.
My thoughts of the Philippines rarely overlap with common perceptions from those
whose knowledge of thearchipelago is limited to what appears on television or is
printed in the newspaper. Sure, as in any country, there are serious problems in
the Philippines.
In fact, the problems facing the Philippines are so severe that one must wonder
if the country can ever truly overcome them. However, it is my experience that
the richness of the culture, the warmth of the people, and the sheer beauty of
the land and sea overshadow these problems in my memory.
I wish that more people in the United States could visit the Philippines and
share in a culture and people that have enchanted and embraced me. Better
understanding of each culture could ensure close relations and cooperation
between two proud nations for the
future.
Without question, Americans visiting the Philippines would be warmly welcomed
and enjoy a destination of great exotic appeal.
Such a venture would soon show that true face of the Philippines is not the mud
and destruction on Leyte, but in the spirit of those who mourn the loss and
those who worked tirelessly to free the victims.
wassup guys! half filipno member here....i know i know, this poast is from LAST year, but....wassup!!!!!!! from bacoor, cavite back home..
Originally by redtailfool
"Quote:
Originally Posted by viciousconvict
ako puti amerikano, nguni't magsalita masama Tagalog. sumulat sa Tagalog- puti tao maitindihan laman amerikano. maghintay....
din tao magsalita cebuano, hiligaynon, bisaya, ilongo- nalulungkot, ako nagpapakilala ng karunungan Tagalog.
You and josh should quit using babelfish or google translator.. Tagalog is too complex for a online translator. You two sound worse than Yoda.
__________________
..."
now, that is unfair. I learned tagalog from my friend vincent and his father. I mean, i know I suck at it because I had no formal schooling, but that's no reason to question my integrity.
"Quote:
Originally Posted by viciousconvict
ako puti amerikano, nguni't magsalita masama Tagalog. sumulat sa Tagalog- puti tao maitindihan laman amerikano. maghintay....
din tao magsalita cebuano, hiligaynon, bisaya, ilongo- nalulungkot, ako nagpapakilala ng karunungan Tagalog.
You and josh should quit using babelfish or google translator.. Tagalog is too complex for a online translator. You two sound worse than Yoda.
__________________
..."
now, that is unfair. I learned tagalog from my friend vincent and his father. I mean, i know I suck at it because I had no formal schooling, but that's no reason to question my integrity.
I might also point out to all you haters that I eat taho on a regular basis, and I make my own atchara. I also eat tokneneng. And I almost ate baalut. Seriously. I was this close.
viciousconvict;685004; said:
Hey viciousconvict, i was just kidding around. Josh is just messing around too. I am sorry if i had offended you. If you really learned tagalog informally, then congratulations, im sure its not easy.
where do you get "taho" !!! and what kind of atchara ? papaya or sayote? dood, my kids eat balut!!! it's an acquired taste, but once they tasted it...it was like ..yummy. I don't eat it because i am sick of it...and plus it is not good for old peoples...viciousconvict;685020;685020 said:
