I like the perception of that so called 'freedom' and the land of opportunity that America advertises but I shall not forget the tropical paradise that my own native land entices . It reminds me of some that I will enumerate a few which are very distinct of both places.
1) Filipinos marry for money...well, pretty much I should say. Many families, because of the economic situation would often push their children to marry someone with that “CARacter” and the “PESOnality” rather than love. The proverbial visayan quote of, “sagdi lang kung saging, basta labing.” (it's okay if we just eat bananas as long as we are in love.) does not hold true anymore. In those days, (or shall I say ''during my time') bananas were just picked from trees in anyone's backyard. But now, with smoke belching cities and well guarded farms, bananas are sold 5 pesos a piece...so there's always a math involved.....
On the other hand, Americans DIVORCE for money. Pinoy families come here for a better life, own a house, accumulate wealth and then find themselves into uncompromising situations that end up in divorce. I know of some Pinoy couples who have gone awry but the classic celebrity examples are those of Tiger woods and Paul Macartney to name a few...
2)“ON TIME” in America is just that. Seldom can you see schedules listed that are not followed, unless something comes up, then an announcement of a reason is made. In Pinoy land, whether its a function or a plane ride, people are always late, and even a bizarre explanation is never an excuse. Otherwise if the event is on the dot, then a foreigner must have been the organizer.
3)The Philippines which is predominantly Christian with Spanish influence can send conflicting messages to those that adhere much to its teachings. For one, the submissive wife is not meant to be a doormat and be considered a light house (ilaw ng tahanan is what I mean). It is difficult to become a Maria Clara on the outside when inwardly one feels like a Paris Hilton. It just doesn't work. The dictates of cultural values and christian upbringing does not jive with the modern way of thinking. You cannot be yourself without scrutiny from those that comply with traditional beliefs and/or established norms. For majority of the Americans who are broad minded and have been exposed to instant gratification, life just comes as you please it to be.
Having been in America for a while, I have learned to appreciate the diversity of customs and heritages of many countries. Communicating intellectual conversations with people from all walks of life with different cultural backgrounds has broaden my myopic views of what the outside world is. Such is the life here. As I freely learn to educate myself in this country, I tend to be more understanding, more liberal and less judgmental. I am freer to be me.
But I also miss my motherland, the Philippines, where the people are more respectful, more courteous and more generous with the less they have. I am grateful for the roots I have, since it brings substance and meaning to my existence. And no matter where I am, the home of my birth will always be where my heart is.
Okay, so before I go here's one for you, guys:
A man was walking through Chinatown when he saw a sign saying, “Hans Schmidt's Chinese laundry
Being curious, he went into the shop and was greeted by an elderly Oriental man who introduced himself as Hans Schmidt.
“how come you have a name like that?” inquired the stranger. “you don't even look German.”
“Is simple.” said the Oriental shop owner. “Many, many year ago when come to this country, I stand in immigration line behind big German guy. Immigration lady look at him and go, “what's your name?” he say, 'Hans Schmidt.' Then she look at me and go, 'what your name?' I say, 'Sam Ting.'”
HAPPY JULY 4th everyone..
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