SCARY INCREASING PROBLEM

Recently on CNN International there was a documentary about Manny Pacquiao joining in a fight against sex trafficking and prostitution in Manila.  If anyone wants to watch, it airs again June 1st. Or see it online at www.philstar.com. It features a lady who has also dedicated her life to fighting, and helping the girls escape such a life. As I watched this, aside from feeling disgusted I also felt very mad. It seems like a joke to government and law enforcement officials. The way they do things is in my opinion pathetic. During a raid they non-chalantly stroll up to the house taking there sweet time nobody is put in handcuffs or treated as a criminal should be treated. Only a few of the officers had a weapon. A SWAT team or Special Tactics Vise Squad from the U.S. should be sent over to show them how to do it the right way. The people who are doing this have no fear of the consequences. My own opinion is these pigs should be assassinated and put the fear in them that if they target these girls again they are next on the hit list. No need for a trial. I think like that because many of these girls are just children. Touch a child your dead, plan and simple. Anyhow, My prayers and well wishes go out to victims and fighters.

What goes hand in hand with this is the huge problem of HIV/AIDS. I read a news article on ABS-CBN about it. According to Dept. of Health the majority of people contracting the virus are between the age of 20-29. A study done by Doctor Salvana the top 5 carriers of the disease are office workers (23%), Call Center Agents (16%), Health Care Workers (7%), Business Owners (6%), Sales Workers (4%). Seafarers and Female sex workers count for another (4%-0.6%). I think that last number is not accurate as a lot of them are not reported properly. It also stated that the first 3 months of 2013 there were 1,089 new cased reported, 370 just in March with 11 full blown AIDS. Then it went on to say homosexual males are at a 85% infected rate, and the rest are from drug use. In Davao 189 homo, 121 bi, and 54 hetero, steadily 10-15 new cased reported each month. As far as Filipina's it is low, thank God for that. I would assume it's because of their values of virginity and waiting for their husbands.

So I would offer this advise to anyone who is looking for some explicit fun in the Phil's you better not indulge or you will get what you deserve. Lets treat our ladies with the love and respect they deserve.

OFW

In the Philippines Overseas Filipino Workers has become known as their greatest export. More than 11 million or over 11% of the total population is working abroad. A google search can tell you approximate how many in each country. The female percentage is higher than males working abroad for different reasons. It appears some places or individuals target the females for scrupulous reasons. Just recently 61 OFW's were repatriated to the Philippines from one of the Middle Eastern countries. Most are household or maid workers who became victims of non-payment of salary, fatigue, lack of food, physical, verbal or sexual abuse.  Sun Star had reported one Filipina beaten because she could not understand the language of her employer. In Kuwait many had to escape, seeking temporary refuge at the (FWRC) Filipino Workers Resource Center.

Some area's have given nicknames to OFW's as did Liverpool, England. Calling it Little Manila. In the U.S. Filipino's are the second largest Asian group, thus; Tagalog is the 5th most spoken language. OFW's have sent back over $15 billion in remittances according to Philippine Banks.

In the search for greener pastures how many OFW's come to the United States? Not many..
I can remember when the U.S. used to bring nurses here because of the shortage. It was under the Nurse Relief act of 1989 but was stopped in 1995. The shortage of nurses here in USA is worse then ever now that the 78 million baby boomers are retiring. The H-1c Nurse work visa program was again authorized by congress through the Nursing relief for Disadvantaged area Act of 1999.  It expired in 2005. There are currently no specific nursing visa available.

Still, ironically as the shortage continues in USA, the Philippines has an over supply. President Obama said it makes no sense to recruit from abroad when we can train our own people for the job. But this will take years, causing unbearable work conditions for those already working and a lack of care will result for everyone. A lot of aid workers lack the skills needed as I witness first hand. I recently started seeing a Chiropractor and he is also the receptionist, nurse, doctor all in one. I observed him answering phone, work the front desk and care for his patients all at the same time, for he is the only employee there. Hard to believe he can't find a helper for these simple tasks.

Not all hope is lost, there is still a way for Filipino's to apply. The H-1B work visa for skilled workers still exists. There is a whole article about it with info at www.workpermit.com. There are large nursing homes and long term care facilities recruiting from the Philippines. A new joke amongst Filipino Doctors is "what's the new prerequisites for getting into nursing school"? An MD.. Filipino Doctors are going back to school to become nurses instead. However, the Philippine Embassy has reported one problem is a long waiting list. Some have waited 7 years. Companies have had a hard time getting the visa released in some cases. 

So who want to go to nursing school and become a nurse? Probably a great idea..

BALIKBAYAN BOX

Literally translated Repatriate box (return to homeland) has many uses and intentions. Many Filipino stores carry them and they come in several sizes. Some are suited for air travel which benefit the whole family back home for Pasalubong. Most boxes are put in container ships and lack a solid delivery date. 

Balikbayan business started in the 1980's. Monet Ungco founded Port Jersey Shipping in NY year 1981 and two months later Rico Nunga started  REN international in California. Many more have come and gone, some unregulated and un-trustworthy. Pilipino American Shippers Assoc. (PASA) was created to help government and consumers in policing the industry against unlicensed companies. 

Last January my wife and I sent off our first Balikbayan box. As I write this article it's journey is not over. That's right almost five months later the box has not reached its intended destination. 

Here's the story of our box. 

We welcomed our very first box into our home back in June of 2012. Written on it was the shipping companies name Eng Hua. It became the name of our beloved box. Eng Hua sat in the corner all summer long hungry for merchandise. We fed and fed Eng Hua till it was stuffed. It had a bit of everything in it. Items from Walmart, this mart, that mart. I can say Eng Hua was having a good life, though; I was growing tired of its presence and wanted it gone. Unfortunately we began to neglect Eng Hua in preparation of our soon to come baby. Finally in January of 2013 Eng Hua feeling lonely got sent off to join many other boxes in a nice comfortable container. We thought 2 to 3 months Eng Hua would meet its new family. We called and texted and emailed to find its where about but  nobody knew. OMG, Eng Hua must of been kidnapped!  We began to get worried. It has been almost 5 months. After calling several times we got someone who told us it was already delivered and gave us a name of a person we do not know. I was told they will investigate and call me back next day. They did not call. I called again and she said we did not forget you we are waiting for an email from another representative. She hung up. My wife calls next and got a number to the office in Davao. Turned out to be the wrong number. Called back and they gave her a second number. Called second number and that person said "oh yes it will be delivered on Sunday". Sunday came and no delivery still. Called them yet again to inquire and was given a third number to call. Called it and Lord have mercy we got a person who knows how to communicate. Yes your box is here he said. My wife ask if this is an office. He said no its a house. So here sits Eng Hua all alone again in a strangers house. The guy said we are waiting for more boxes to come before we make a delivery. They have to pay to cross on the barge since its an island. The crazy thing is, the box is only 30 minutes away from final destination. But I know one day it's gonna get there. 

Mail Order Brides

The term Mail Order Bride is one used most often in USA, for those who search for a wife abroad. It is mostly said by someone who never experienced having a bride from another country. I googled this phrase today and got 9,780,000 hits in 0.26 seconds. Makes me think people have a lot to say about the topic. In my personal opinion I find the term offensive and rude. I hardy hear mail order husband. Wouldn't it go both ways if men are also adverising themselves for love from afar?  First of all ordering a wife in the mail is against the law. If this could be done it would be a form of human trafficking. 

I read a little history about the subject. Some say it goes as far back to Jamestown settlers when John Rolfe married Pocahontas. But it actually started in the 1800's when men migrated to USA for all the purposes we learned in history class. As some found there fortunes, the one thing missing was the company of a wife. Very few women lived in the USA in those days. So the men wrote letters to be published in advertisements, newspapers, magazines ect.. The women would write and send photo's. Another way was to offer free trade for a boat load of ladies to be brought over. Tabacco was one trade used.

There is lots of negative publicity of men marrying foriegn women. Most of  it is incorrect and comes from those who never tried it. Or they hear one bad story and assume they are all bad. Ofcourse not every love story has a happy ending, but read the whole book before you judge for each story ends differently. The USCIS once reported that foreign marraiges have a lower divorce rate than the nation as a whole.

No doubt those who venture into this territory should be very careful and wise. Yes there are scammers out there. As some men have been taken advantage of, some women have been abused as well. And what erks me the most is some jerk who tries to tell me how these povety stricken girls just want a way out of there country coz they hav it so bad there. Well how do you know that if you never been there I ask in response? Or, oh it will never work out they just use you for a green card then she's gone.  I ask has that happen to you? Its not that easy to do if you read immigration laws. You should learn and know what your talking bout before you open your mouth. Another is she will just take all your money and divorce you and take all your stuff.  What nonsense. I say, isn't that what American women do here also? So what's your point?

There was once or may still be I'm not sure, a class at John Hopkins University you can take on the subject. The course was called "MAIL ORDER BRIDE: UNDERSTANDING THE PHILIPPINES. I didn't read further because I can't imagine why anyone would want to take such a course in college, and I wasn't interested. Again, mail order is offensive and rude.

One more thing I read is the Philippines passed a law in 1990 called the Republic Act of 6955 or Anti-Mail Order Bride Law. Due to negative stories that appeared in local press and media of Filipinas being mistreated or abused, it became against the law in the Philippines to organize a business that facilitates or arranges marriage between Filipinas and Foreign Men. So if you come across an agency that does such a thing keep away, they just charge large fee's and don't care about any ones well being. Most of them know it's illegal. And once they find out she will never be issued a visa.

So the next time someone asks you about your Mail Order Bride, what will you say?

PEN PALS

Ever have a pen pal? If you do an online search you'll find pen pals are as popular today as it was 20 years ago. I can remember when I had pen pals during my time in the military. You can chose a particular group or country. The most popular where Russia, Philippines and a few of the South American countries. 

In my experience I picked Philippines. Most of the guys did also, as this country seemed to be the most popular. How it worked is you send payment to a company. Ours was called Life-Mates at that time. Then you receive a pamphlet or magazine size booklet with a few hundred photos with the girls names and contact info. 

With my list and fresh note pad and pen I sat down that night and eagerly wrote as many letters as I can. I think I got to bed about 3am. I was stationed in Germany at the time and most of the platoon went out drinking and partying. Not us select few we stayed behind this time with a new mission. Write, write, write. 

Now what? All letters sent on there merry way. Just wait. And about 2 weeks later replies started coming in. Open an envelope and find several pictures with a reply letter. Most letters where about how they hoped to find an ideal husband. Narrow down the ones you like the most and begin your second letter. Oh, you can even include stamps so she can keep replying as then it was hard for them to even afford stamps. 

Only one guy went off to marry one of his pen pals. As for me It was over 20 years later I would meet a Filipina online and marry. 

There are things that are still the same and there are many changes too. Most of us never knew a day would come when you can see your potential partner on a webcam. When asked how did you meet? You say online, but we know several couples who met the old fashion way. By writing letters. 

SAMAL

SAMAL is a small island in the Philippines  also known as Island Garden City. Its nickname is IGaCos. The Province is Davao del Norte. It is about one mile from Davao City via ferry/barge. The Island has an area of 116.3 sq mi populated with over 95 thousand residents with 46 Barangay's. Guilon is where I spent most of my time because this is where my wife is from. I did travel to many other parts mostly by motorcycle which is the most used type of transportation. Tricycles or trikes are abundant too. There is a bus service coming from Davao. For 30 pesos (less then $1) it gets on the barge and you ride it across to IGaCos. I recommend stay on the bus while your crossing or you will lose your seat. Once across more passengers will be picked up. Every seat is usually full and more are standing in the isle holding the rails above. All buses end the route at the central warehouse as the roads at this point are accessible only mostly by motorcycle and a few small cars. If you get hungry or thirsty along the way there are many vendors eager to sell you all types of snacks or drinks. You'll especially get more attention from them than the locals if your a foreigner.  Fishery complexes have been advocated across the island since the demand for meat products can't be fully met.  This is due to no container ports or deep water transport terminals. At the local open market you will find lots of fish, fruits, and vegetables. Chicken and pork is usually brought to market as soon as it is slaughtered. Most meats never get refrigerated since most locals do not have a refrigerator. What is purchased is for the meal that day and is cooked right away. The main source of income on the island is tourism due to its good beaches. I stayed at a few of them with my wife and enjoyed it. A lot of them are simplified giving you just the basic necessities. It will be similar to how the locals live which in my personal opinion is a better experience. If you want high end and fancy resorts it is available as well with both cold/hot water. My last research revails there are over 50 Resorts and 3 were under construction.  Over all a visit to Samal should be a pleasant experience for anyone. The people there are friendly with smiley faces. Foreigners will often be stared at in curiosity. The official website is: www.samalcity.gov.ph.