A Philippine Retrospective

We have returned to Canada. The last four months in the Philippines have been a great adventure, with perfect weather, amazing history and geography lessons, and blissful beach days. We appreciated the luxury of living large on a small pension, and eating field-fresh fruit and vegetables and freshly caught seafoods every single day.

That being said, now that we are home, there is so much in Canada that we missed, took for granted and are grateful to return to. Such as:

Good roads. Even with construction, our roads are navigable here in North America. In the Philippines, the roads are only decent where some politician took an interest in finishing the project. In Manila and most of its surrounding area, the roads are fine. In small communities, well outside the vision of authority in many cases, roads are constructed in fits and starts. You could find one kilometer of good cement road, followed by 2 or 3 of rocks and potholes, and then another section of cement. We have seen some sections almost joined, but they are not at the same height, so some gravel gets left to ease you up the bump. It seems that each section was built by its own construction group: engineer, labourers, and the politician with the money who always pays himself first. If there is not any left to finish the job, it doesn’t get done. Which leads me to….

Decent politicians. Corruption is very common there. There are many who are trying to make a change, but at this point there’s a lot of work to be done. Meanwhile, the politicians get richer, and the poor go without services. One would think being a politician would be a plum job in those circumstances, except that their life expectancy, even with bodyguards, can be short.

Environmental programs. Back in the day when there was more land than people, it was not a big issue if the wash water got thrown on the fields and left to drain into the creek. But now that squatter shacks are precariously balanced on stilts over the edge of the river, and houses are built right smack up against each other, just assuming that the land will continue to absorb our debris does not make sense. But nobody takes an interest, as environmental concerns are a low priority in comparison to surviving, or earning a living. And if left to their own, I’ve seen that many people will trash the places they visit, not caring about the legacy they leave for others.  Which leads me to…

Policing. Rules are good, but unless they are enforced, they are useless. It is common to see signs here being totally ignored – vehicles left in front of a no parking sign, garbage left all around a no littering sign. To say nothing of the sounds of acceleration at a “Slow Down – School Zone” sign. Pedestrian crossings in cities are clearly marked on the streets, but the vehicles do not stop, or even slow down, for people crossing. Foot traffic is left to take its chances with vehicular traffic.

Road Patterns. I’m sure I’ve mentioned the traffic in the Philippines before, maybe once or twice. There seems to be a basic misunderstanding of what the lines drawn on the roads are for. Not only will drivers create an extra line of cars within a lane, but if no one is driving towards them, they assume the opposing lane is free to be used, too. Right of way goes to the one whose bumper can fit in front of the next one.

Safety rules. Maybe we do baby our population in Canada, instead of letting them learn by experience, but it’s nice that someone cares for the dummies, too. Hubby winces every time he sees a small child, helmetless, no windshield or eye protection, sitting in the front on a motorcycle zipping through the traffic.

Sidewalks.  Ones that cars don’t drive or park on, I mean. They have sidewalks in some parts of some towns, although never consistently along one side, and if they don’t have a significant curb, cars and specially motorcycles will use them to go around other cars that are in their way. Unless of course, a tricycle or motorcycle has been parked on it. Walking is extremely hazardous here. Pedestrians are often forced onto the road where they take their life into their hands.

Health Care. ‘nuff said. And dental care – even if it is expensive, I’m glad my parents made me go to the dentist, and that it is a habit I keep today.

Washrooms. Who would have known I’d have put good roads before good washrooms. But I am sooooo grateful for the washrooms in North America. They have toilet seats, usually toilet paper, and they have running water to flush with instead of manually pouring water into them. When I'm in the Philippines, I am happy to see the porcelain, because sometimes even that isn’t provided.

Washing Machines. I have yet to find a Laundromat in the Philippines. Washer women will advertise to do laundry, usually paid by the kilogram of dry weight. Unfortunately, they often don’t have washing machines either. They hand wash in a large basin, often using a piece of 2X4 board to scrub against. Not so good with delicates. Poor hubby had a raw silk shirt that came back shredded. 

Personal Space. Queues are a fact of life, no matter where you go.  There will always be a need to line up for something. But in this region where the right of way goes to the one who is one millimeter closer, personal space is disregarded. If you do not crowd the heels of the person in front, someone in back will assume you are not in the line and will step in front of you, even if you're standing right beside the sign saying: "Line starts here".

All in all, while there are significant differences in expectations, generally dreams and values are the same between the two countries. Talking about time management may get you a puzzled look in the Philippines, but mention family, and everyone is on the same page. While the asian country is less sanitized, and its population less protected, its peoples are hard working and generous to a fault.

A lovely place to visit. Or to stay for the winter.

W