DEPORTATION-FAIR OR UNFAIR

There's a lot of talk in the media about immigration. Some of these reporters sound like they are experts on any topic they run their mouths about. Someone is telling them what to say I believe. Dictating word for word on a teleprompter. And then to re-enforce their beliefs they bring guess speakers who were former something. Funny how most of them are introduced as former or past cop, lawyer, judge etc. I wonder what's in it for them to come on and put in their two cents. Not all stories are negative but they do seem to focus mostly on the bad stuff. I seen one this week that gives me mixed emotions. If you have not seen it click the link here. 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/13/13/pinay-obama-dont-put-me-plane. 

It's about a Pinay who came on a tourist visa. She long over stayed making her illegal. She even got married and had a baby. Tourist visas are hard to get and cases like this make it harder or slim chance anyone else will get one. I feel sorry for her and especially her husband who will now have to remain separated from her or join her in the Philippines if she gets deported. Because now she is banned for 10 years from reentering the USA. I do hope they can reach a happy compromise. It is her own fault, she could of went home and re-apply for another visa or wait for her husband to petition her. 

But back to what ticks me off about the media is why do they always blackball the ones who do things the proper way?Do you think they can report a story on someone who followed all the rules and show the world how happy and wonderful it can really be?  After all we went the distance and spent our money on their ridiculous fees, followed all the laws, rules and regulations they made.  We waited and waited for the answer as our fate is in their hands. Bit it doesn't make us worthy of a positive love story. Sad but true they only like the ugly stories. 

As we all know who's fault it is why we have an illegal population of foreigners here. All we can do is play by the rules and hope for the best. In my own opinion I can't determine what's fair or unfair because I don't like to see families broken up. I guess it's fair to say you get what you deserve. What's unfair is I/we paid for it. And I/we did it the right way. 

COURTSHIP OF A FILIPINA

Most of us American men meet our Filipina online not knowing anything about their traditional ways of dating and courtship in there home country. The online dating and Internet has changed things a lot. It is a good idea to read and learn about the many differences and ways of the Filipina. This will give you a better understanding and you will need to change your way of thinking in order to make it a successful relationship. It's my belief that you can't have the same mentality you had when you where with your American female. Keep reading below and make your own assumptions.

If you were to approach your Filipina in person it would be more subdued or indirect. In the old days, the practice of singing romantic songs, reciting poems, gift giving was the norm. Often the suitor expressed his interest discreetly. Usually to walk up to a female and ask her for a phone number is not a good way to start your persuasion for her to like you. She will be shy and secretive of her feelings for you. Most men in the Philippines will express his interests through a mutual friend. Or he will ask the father of the female if he can visit the home and tell the family he likes their daughter. He must also bring pasalubong (small simple gifts). If they take to him kindly and she encourages him it continues. If she shows anger the pursuit stops. The couple are never left alone in the beginning stages, and there is a chaperon on the first few dates. Guys maybe that's why she meets you at the airport with 100 of her cousins. (JOKE, JUST KIDDING). My wife came with 2 of her cousins, and they went their own way after a few hours. At first most Filipina seem to play hard to get, not flirty, shows restraint, modesty, shyness, demonstrates good upbringing, and well mannered or reserved.

The couple is never considered engaged until they have the blessing of both parents and dowry is met. Dowry is gift giving from the soon to be grooms family to the brides family. In the Philippines marriage is the union of two families not just the husband and wife. Today they still have the same views even with modern technologies. This may be why online relationships work so well with the Filipina. The courtship is actually similar through video chat and text messaging etc. And the practice of pre-maritel sex is less stressful coz of the long distance as she finds it easier to uphold those values.

I think it is also a good idea to make sure you visit the family and stay with them in there house for a while and practice some of the ways you just read about. This will make them very happy, as they are very hospitable and gracious. Keep in mind the family has not been involved in the traditional courtship even though they may know about her online romance. If she brings you home your a foreigner she is telling her family she already made the commitment to marry you without the 1 to 2 years of courting in their presence. Why not demonstrate your worthiness by helping out and doing chores around the house while your there. Visit the resorts and tourist spots, stay in hotels but please spend time in the family's home as well. You will be glad you did.

I will write about my first eventful visit in another post.

JOLLIBEE

What is so special about Jollibee's? Most Filipino's love it. Most Americans who are married to a Filipino or been to the Philippines has eaten at Jollibee's. I did a little reading about the company and learned quite a lot. It's an interesting company and one of the most popular fast food chains in the Philippines. Or in reference to Pilipino terms "quick service restaurants" (QSR).

 As I was searching for info I came across a site posted from a college that had to do an essay about the company. All the students wrote and posted online. Some of them said different things so I can't say I am 100% correct on the facts. I will just put what I felt is most accurate.

Jollibee was founded by Tony Tan Caktiong and his family, starting as an ice cream parlor in 1975. Then in 1978 it went from ice cream to fish balls becoming a corporation with the original name being Jollyegg. One post says it started in Bankerohan, Davao City, and another stated it started in Quezon City. Their menu has grown over the years, as I read the eldest sister Virgie Tan Chua was the one who added spaghetti.

I tried to find out the idea of their mascot. Someone stated the bumble bee was inspired through a series of children's books.

They have grown internationally over the years and are opening more stores every year. I last read they had over 800 stores, 40,000 employee's, 4,000 of them are managers. Half the restaurants are now franchised. In the Philippines you can open one for about 25mil PHP. In the USA the states that have a Jollibee are: CA, NV, WA, HA, NJ, NY.

So what are you gong to eat on your next visit? I want to try the Hawaiian burger.

HAGIMIT FALLS, SAMAL ISLAND, PHILIPPINES

Going to tropical islands for a vacation is exciting. Surf and swim, sunny skies and sandy beaches, fancy hotels and service. Many of these places can deliver long lasting memories, while other's are plain tourists traps. If one would take the time to travel to exotic places why not drift off the beaten path a bit to experience the true life of the place. Lots of people think about luxuries and want all the familiar things of back home. They fail to experience the heart of it all.

Hagimit Falls is such a place where you can avoid the average tourist hustle and bustle. Each time I take a trip to the Philippines I visit the Falls. It's a great place to cool off and relax. Just lay on the rocks as the water flows and splashes all around you. You will find mostly locals there and feel more rewarding after your visit, not having to worry about all kinds of rules and regulations, do's and don'ts of the resorts.

My first time there I was expecting to see a tall mountain, hill or cliff of some sort and then the cascade of water. But it wasn't the case. My wife

(who you see with me in the pictures) was the one to introduce me to this place. As we walked the path I was waiting to see it any minute now. There was no cascade. It comes from a small opening under the ground, within a cave.  There is two waterfalls inside the cave. There is lots of trees around, almost forest like. There are paths to walk and you can go to different parts of the Falls. A lot of people brave the slippery rocks and strong currents. Explore the several natural Lagoon's and swim. The water is clear and clean, you can see the bottom. It is deeper than it looks, well over your head in several area's.                                                    

 Each time I visit I notice more development. They have done construction and built up Nipa Huts and such. No plans on making it a resort just more enjoyable. There is a snack bar or you can bring your own goodies. Afterward, there is a place to take shower if you like. You can purchase a small bar of soap from the snack bar very cheap.

 

To sum up. Depending on your location it is easy to get there. If your already in Penaplata just hire a Habal-Habal (motorcycle driver), for about 40 pesos. The entrance fee into Hagimit is also about 40 pesos. Forty pesos is equal to $1. I can't wait for my next visit.

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.