ALL I had planned for was a six-month vacation back home ? after a decade of studying, working, and washing my dirty underwear in California. But one drink led to another, and now I?ve been living here for the past 8 years.
I do miss a lot of the comforts of the First World, but I?m quite happy with the way my life turned out. Moving back to the Philippines, though, is not for everyone, especially if you have creditors and a plunder case waiting for you. Before you take that big step, consider the following ? all of which I?ve discovered, rediscovered, realized or confirmed these past few years:
The Good
Despite being Third World, this country can actually get some things done much faster than developed countries. Call it ?diskarte? or ?abilidad? (street savvy). Pinoys have a knack for getting the job done quickly and cheaply. For example, movies that are not yet showing in the United States can already be bought in most Manila sidewalks in DVD format, complete with live audience track.
Local television shows meanwhile skip the long process of screenwriting, character development, focus groups, and teaching the actors how to actually act. Producers here air a pilot show and worry about the plot later. Other instant wonders: any type of cell phone can be unlocked or repaired on the spot for the price of a pack of cigarettes. The same goes for cars and any electronic device that has a ?do not tamper? label.
The best part about living here is the cheap labor. Filipinos in the States brag about how they bought their own cars and houses through hard work, but they don?t enjoy the luxury of having their socks and underwear cleaned and ironed to a crisp by housemaids at their beck and call. Yes, househelp are the great equalizer. Life is so much more bearable when you don?t have to get down on your knees and scrub the toilet, lift a finger to cook your rice, or scoop up the poop of your Shih Tzu. I don?t even need to answer the phone when it rings. My kasambahay is the caller ID, note taker, and call router. You learn to appreciate these conveniences, especially when you start having kids.
The Bad
Corruption, pollution, incompetent customer service, undisciplined drivers, pothole-riddled roads, pandering TV hosts, obnoxious sons of generals, and in-your-face poverty are just part of the negative stuff you have to deal with on a daily basis. The hot and humid weather adds to your frustrations as your armpits sweat liquid onion while buses blast smog in your face. Then just when you think the weather?s cooler, Manila gets hit with the worst floods, reminiscent of Noah?s time.
The worst people are those relatives out to suck you dry because they believe you?ve come home laden with dough. They come up to you with stories for a loan (which they have no plans of paying back) for just about anything: tuition, kidney transplant, partial fees for an overseas job, rent, startup fund for a sari-sari store and a tricycle, and gambling debt. It?s hard to say no because of the guilt you have inside. Plus, being Catholic, you?ve probably been brainwashed to help the ?needy.?
If you come home without money, it may even be worse because then you?d have to work for the family business ? and that means the family gets to control you. If you can?t make it on your own, you?ll have to live with your parents (or worse, your in-laws) for the rest of their lives.
The Beautiful
But despite all the bad stuff, nothing beats living in your own country where nobody complains when you cook smelly ?tuyo? (dried herring). Manila, for all its shortcomings, is full of life and adventure. You can sense the spirit of survival among its people, from the poor to the rich. Our country is one of the most beautiful even though we don?t take good care of it. We have world famous beaches that boast of the most diverse marine life, mountains still inhabited by indigenous tribes, and people so hospitable they even offer their own beds to complete strangers.
Although relatives can be a pain, the family can also be your best asset. You can always count on them to help you out in times of need. They will stand by you even if you turn out to be a serial killer. If you?re over 30 and still haven?t figured out your career, your parents won?t kick you out (although they will constantly remind you to get a job). When you get old, your children will take care of you and not just leave you in a home for the aged to rot in a wheelchair.
In the end, it was this sense of family that made the decision to stay and live here so much easier. Well, yes, it was also the recession in the States and the fact that I couldn?t find a job that didn?t require cleaning toilets.
If I could be metaphorical for a moment, it was choosing to be the tail of a lion or the head of a cat. A cat may be smaller but it?s easy to satisfy. Just give it catnip.
