 |
|
|
 |
November 1, 2000
I found your page very well written. Though I haven't been to quite the same number of places the author has, my observations
concur with the author's and furthermore I feel that those observations would have extended into the areas I hadn't visited.
The author has a keen grasp into the dynamics of Philippine culture though I wished he expanded into the sad condition of
cultural elitism present there. I've seen rampant crony capitalism and discrimination far beyond the great
abyss that separates black and white in the relative puddle separating light brown and dark brown in the Philippines. As noted
by the author's observation of the "ugly" native girl versus the mestiza it seems the colonial relationships with western
countries, particularly Spain, is to blame.
Readying your story reminded me of how I had returned to the Philippines after 20 years. My
mother warned me what I was about to experience, but it was a cultural shock. Don't get me wrong,
I enjoyed my visit. Seeing family and friends after so long really made it very emotional.
When I got back to the States, I looked at my life in a different way. I used to complain to
my parents that I wanted had, now I don't because I know that there are more people out there
that have less or nothing at all.
I met my wife in the Philippines, she was one of my cousins's
teacher. We now two kids now and I will definitely tell them about my visit and take them them
soon.
Thanks for the story.
-ROMEO ALVAREZ, originally from BARANGAY BUENAVISTA GENERAL TRIAS, CAVITE
|
 |
|
|
April 13, 1999
I found your page very well written. Though I haven't been to quite the same number of places the author has, my observations
concur with the author's and furthermore I feel that those observations would have extended into the areas I hadn't visited.
The author has a keen grasp into the dynamics of Philippine culture though I wished he expanded into the sad condition of
cultural elitism present there. I've seen rampant crony capitalism and discrimination far beyond the great
abyss that separates black and white in the relative puddle separating light brown and dark brown in the Philippines. As noted
by the author's observation of the "ugly" native girl versus the mestiza it seems the colonial relationships with western
countries, particularly Spain, is to blame.
I've been corrected several times while in the Philippines for using the term P.I., with
the admonishment that P.I. is derogatory because it is the colonial name for the country. I would suggest a more comprehensive
treatise on the issue of colonialism should extend to the present inclusive of the neocolonial relationship of the U.S. and the
Philippines. As I witnessed the Independece of 1898 centennial celebrations come to a close, I grew in the realization (even as
a westerner) that this was a country seeking not always in the right direction, against adversity, the goal of self recognition
and pride. Perhaps the lack of cultural pride and hence tourism that the author speaks of can be traced to the demeaning colonial
relationship. Japan, colleague of the West, victor of the Russo-Japanese war, victor over the British and French in Asia, victor over
the Chinese and victor over the Asian macroeconomy should have much to be proud of. In a world driven by western thought what place has the Philippines? So even as an American, I place my sympathies
with those oppressed victims of a global economy that threatens to tear apart the fragile silk of Philippine society.
-MANGANOUS@AOL.COM
[Author's note: The term P.I. was used innocently. My wife and sister-in-law refer to their
home as P.I. because the Filipinos they work and socialize with her in the U.S. do
the same. They have not politicized the term, though others choose to do so
because it has been elsewhere.]
|
|
|
|
March 10, 1997
"I have found your site really interesting to read. The majority of what I read was news to me. News that I, on the rare occasion, hear family reminisce about (perhaps not the prostitution and the way females are treated in the Philippines).
"I am also a singer/actor/producer and perform in musical theatre and plays here in Sydney and around Australia. I am currently writing a play on the differences between Australian/Western culture and Filipino culture seen through the eyes of two people: a Filipino-Australian girl and a Filipino girl, both in their late teens, early twenties.
"Reading the 'Your Turn' section attached to this Philippines site has certainly inspired me even more so. I am planning my own trip to the Philippines to reconnect with my roots and see for myself what the Filipino culture is like (I have been back only once when I was two years old for two weeks).
"I can only thank the creators of this material which I've just read for the inspiration to continue on with my endeavor it has provided me with. Keep up the good work."
-DANA DIAZ-TUTAAN
|
|
|
|
January 4, 1997
"After 20 years of waiting to go to the Philippines, I was able to go this past Christmas to visit my other family for the first time. We spent time in Manila and Quezon City. After living in America my whole life and living in a 'spoiled American way,' I was shocked and surprised by all that I saw though I too was forewarned. It was definitely an experience to have to live differently than the way I was used to. I found most of the things in this web page to be true and it makes me smile to remember all the things I experienced in the Philippines. My trip was an eye opener and helped me to be more humble and understanding of people that are unable to have the opportunities that a lot of Americans as well as others have. America society is so materialistic and greedy for things wanted yet not needed. It made me feel guilty to be so fortunate to have the things I do. I am so happy that I was able to meet my family and I wish I could have stayed there forever. The love my family showed me was more than enough to make me want to stay there forever and give up everything I have in the States despite the fact that I can't speak Tagalog! I never learned to speak Tagalog because there was a belief in elementary school that the teaching of any foreign language 'would confuse the children.' It was interesting to learn from my cousins about the differences between American culture and Filipino culture: Filipino culture is so immune from violence and sex, and some of what Americans consider to be normal is viewed as disgraceful or disrespectful in the Philippines. I think this web page adequately describes what can be seen throughout some parts of the Philippines and I commend the writers on a job well done."
-Tears20@aol.com
|
|
|
|
November 7, 1996
"This is a good read for people who want to learn about Filipino culture, including its idiosyncrasies. It is a well-written observation, shows a vignette of the true Filipino way of life, and the Filipinos struggle for day-to-day survival by whatever means possible. The writer is right about the Filipino's lack of cultural pride and I think this is because they don't think cultural pride is a priority, they have to think where there next food will come from and this is the Filipino's bottom-line. It is sad but it's a reality in the third-world countries. What is there to be proud of if there's no food on the table? When people in the government flaunt their riches while the common man is struggling where is pride?"
-CARMELA AND MIKE TAYLOR
|
|
|
|
November 1, 1996
from Tribung Pinoy's Best of Cyber Pinoy Site-of-the-Week:
"This week's This week's selection is a fabulous site (albeit 'politically incorrect' because it
refers to the Philippines still as P.I.) about an account of a personal travel to the
Philippines. Note: P.I. refers to the Philippine Islands, a term used by American colonizers.
Many Filipinos get rankled when the Philippines is called P.I.
"But this major gaffe didn't deter me from picking this site as the Best of Cyber Pinoy
site for the week. This is a personal travelogue from an American point of view. Lots
of insights, about Philippine culture, true or perceived, including treatises
on the Westernization of the Philippines, the Filipino brand of Catholicism and
Philippine lower mythology. There are features on Philippine small animals, cockfighting (this one's
quite amusing ... you can read about sabongeros stroking their cocks), Filipino politics,
behavior ... very eclectic really. There's even a feature on Japayukis. In short, the
author presents keen observations on everyday Filipino life.
"The site itself is very well presented with beautiful original graphics and pictures and
very personal style of writing. It is very easy to navigate ... and leaves you with a feeling that you've been there."
|
|
|
|
|
