Hello from Manila, Phlippines.
As some of you may not know I was born and raised in the Philippines. I left when I was 12 years old and I’ve visited throughout the years. I last visited three years ago and sad to say, a lot hasn’t changed. I remember driving through the streets and seeing kids roaming the streets. These exact streets are still littered with kids, KIDS!!, begging for food and money.
Last night, on our way to dinner, dozens of kids were out on the streets. Christmas eve. Children, ranging from 7-15 years old, would run up to cars waiting at stop lights, press their faces on windows and beg, “It’s Christmas, sir, can I have some money?” I learned from my parents that almost no one gives these kids money for fear that the money will go to criminal organizations that own and whore out these children. Biscuits and crackers are given out once in a while, but it’s never enough. I even saw a young boy eating some crackers off the street. Geez. This is the only life these kids will know; some become prostitutes and others will just continue to beg — that’s it for them, no way out.
Maids, drivers and guards, all very common professions here in the Philippines, are also in pretty sad situations. Many of them aren’t educated, and they’re used to being ordered around. They will do anything they are told to do and how they are treated depends solely on their employers’ kindness, or lack thereof. They can be expected to work any day of the week – 24th, 25th, 26th — you name it. Some have night shifts, and have to use the crapola public transportation system at 10 or 11 pm. In the states, it’s sometimes unsafe to go home at that hour using public transpo. Here? Who cares — gotta get home. They’re not paid well at all, yet they go through this because it’s the only option they have.
Now I’m not trying to be self-righteous and preachy. In fact, we employ help in our own house. A justification I’ve heard during my stay here is that while difficult, these positions provide people with jobs. But it just makes me think. I am constantly amazed at all the new malls, fancy restaurants and new communities here in the Philippines — this country is really developing, I think to myself. But the core dynamic of the country hasn’t changed one bit. Yet people deal with their situations, find reasons to be happy and thankful, and accept life for what it is.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Philippines. Seeing how the other side lives, without a doubt, helps me think about things a bit more and put my values and priorities in perspective.
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