The Filipinos - the world's finest!
89
This hub is offered in gratitude to the people of the Philippines
First, a disclaimer. Paraglider is not Filipino, is not employed or sponsored by a Filipino, nor married to, engaged to or dating a Filipina; in short, is not in any way connected to this fine people, save by a bond of admiration.
Politically Incorrect?
In these sanitised times, it is 'not done' to stereotype people by religion, ethnicity, or even hair colour, but that's a risk I'm prepared to take in the special case of the Filipinos, or at least the ex-pat Filipino communities living and working in the Middle East. And the risk is in fact a small one, since I single them out only to thank them.
How the Gulf States work
The Gulf States are the territories that surround the Persian (or Arabian) Gulf: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman. I have never worked in Iran or Iraq, but I have lived and worked in all of the rest, and still do. These are oil-rich states, or, in some cases, protectorates of oil-rich states. However, they are still poor in education and in native skill-base, and, with a couple of honourable exceptions, are wholly dependent on immigrant labour and expertise to install, maintain and develop their fast-growing infrastructures.
As an example, the population of Qatar is about 20% Qatari Arab and 80% immigrant workforce. This 80% mainly comprises workers from the Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and 'professionals' from anywhere in the World. Ultimately, the Qataris own everything, but subcontract it all.
Christmas in Saudi
Saudi is not renowned for openness or tolerance and though it is politically friendly to the West (with respect to Iran, not to Israel) it remains a strict and difficult society for Westerners. Public expression of any religion except Islam is technically a criminal offence, and there are plenty religious police zealous to uphold the law.
Christmas day is just another working day here. And so it seemed, to Paraglider, and so it would have been, but for the Filipino canteen staff who threw caution to the winds, put on party hats (where in Saudi do you buy party hats?!?) and sang Merry Christmas to all comers. Who knows; there may even have been a few secret smiles behind the black veils.
So, the Filipinos...
Straight Talking
You go into a workplace in Abu Dhabi. Let's say, a print shop. You have a large order to place. Can it be done on time? The guy on the desk will tell you yes or no, if he's Filipino. If he is not Filipino, he will only ever tell you yes. The Filipinos will give you a straight answer and do their best to deliver. That is rare in the Gulf.
Confidence in Competence
Your air-conditioning breaks down (not funny in a Gulf summer) and you call your land agent who does nothing until the fourth attempt, though somehow you know that in his comfortable office he is wagging his head from side to side as he makes promises. This is the standard non-filipino response. Finally, he sends a technician to take a look. You relax - he's from Manilla. Half an hour later, you have a working system. These guys take pride in their work and finish the job.
The Hotel Bar
Yes, there are bars in the Middle East, though mostly inside the international hotels. We're not talking about pubs on the street corner. In fact there are two kinds of bars - bars staffed by Filipinos and bars where you can't get a drink. Paraglider favours the first kind! In quiet times, you learn a little bit about the lives of this community - why they are working abroad, their concerns about loved ones at home, the living conditions and restrictions imposed by their sponsors. In busy times, they simply move up a gear and almost run from customer to customer, too busy to chat, never too busy to smile.
The Bands
The Philippines seem to have an endless supply of musical talent. Filipino bands play nightly at live music venues throughout the Gulf. Cover bands, mostly, since that is what the hotels demand, but many of them take familiar standards to a new level of performance. And it's all about performance here. These bands give 100%, night after night, often playing three or four hour-long sets. It's fiercely competitive of course - a band that doesn't pull an audience is quickly replaced.
These quiet times?
That's when you learn that your favourite barmaid, who looks about 23, but is past 30, is here to support her family back home. Her family includes her 2 year old daughter. She's taken a 2-year contract and will not be allowed home until she's completed her first year. The 5-star hotel has put her in unsavoury dormitory accommodation out of town, with her co-workers. They are bused in to work and 'home' at the end of their shift. If any customer leaves without paying, the 5-star International Hotel Chain recovers its loss from her wages. This is comforting to hear. Oh, and she has a university degree in English, from Manilla.
Enough from me
But I hope, in a small way, this hub might have helped raise people's awareness of the principle export of the Philippines - their people, some of the best on the planet. The engineers, dentists, midwives, technicians, caterers, musicians, shopkeepers and others, who keep the Gulf states running. In the words of their unofficial anthem - Filipino! Filipino! Filipino!
|
Filipino Homestyle Dishes: Delicious Meals in Minutes
Price: $6.39
List Price: $11.95 |
|
Filipino Friends
Price: $10.20
List Price: $15.95 |
Share it! — Rate it: up down [flag this hub]
Comments
Paraglider
I really enjoyed your tribute to the Filipino people, and also a little description of the "Gulf States." You have written a wonderful HUB, a true enjoyment to read. Thank you.
I know what you mean. I lived in the Philippines for 2 years. I was most impressed with the people and have always felt they didn’t get enough credit for their musical talents amongst others. They are also excellent tailors, and artists. You could take any suit of clothing to a tailor and they would reproduce it perfectly, or any photograph and they would render it a flawless likeness. If you travel in the Philippines, without any pretense the Filipino people will treat you with respect and kindness.
A nice trlibute, Paraglider to good people. I've learned a lot from your descriptions. Thank you.
I guess we're always harder on ourselves, so it's good to see things from a "visitor's" perspective. Filipinos do have some good qualities...
What you call Confidence in Competence, I call Resourcefulness. Because the Philippines is a third world country, we can't afford to throw away air-conditioners or computers or any other thing the first time it breaks down. We look for ways to fix it. And fix it again when it breaks down again. :-) We keep fixing it 'til it can't be fixed no more. It's been so ingrained in us that we carry it with us no matter where we go. ;-p (As an example, my brother lives in the US and he buys computers, stereos, cars, and other electronics from junk shops really cheap. Then he fixes them and either uses them, sells them, or sends them to us. He's sent me a lot of things he's fixed and they're still working 6 years later. :-D)
And our exports? Well, it's true that they're top-caliber. Any professional with confidence in his abilities would seek employment abroad where his skills would be better compensated. Unless he's very nationalistic - in which case, he'll work in the Philippines simply for the joy of helping the country, but that's a rare breed. :-)
Peter, Doghouse, Zev, William -
Thank you for commenting. I would like to visit the Philippines some day, but mostly I travel for work and the people there can do everything themselves, so there's probably no demand for my skills. The same is not true of the Gulf states!
Susan -
Specially pleased to have your response! I suppose the downside of exporting so many good people must be 'brain drain' effect at home. I've seen the same in Eastern European and ex-Soviet countries, especially Albania, where literally no-one stays home who can secure a position abroad. I know that the Gulf Filipinos regularly send money home, but the falling dollar hasn't helped. By the way, many of us consider the Gulf States to be third world countries that just happen to be rich!
You're right, brain drain is a problem that our government is trying to combat. But what can you do - people want to make a more-than-decent living and do what's best for their families or themselves. :-)
I don't know if it's the US dollar that's losing value or the Philippine peso that's gaining strength. But I do know that a lot of exporters and Filipinos working abroad are worried about it. Ironic, isn't it? One would think we'd be happy that our currency is gaining strength in the world market. :p
It's mostly a problem for people who are paid in dollars or in currencies pegged to the dollar (e.g. most of the Gulf currencies). As the dollar falls, your people abroad effectively have less money to send home. Maybe it will improve after the US elections . . .
I was really touched knowing that there was somebody out there valuing us more than we do to ourselves. A statue must be erected in your honor, dear paraglider,
Thank you Ray, and welcome :)
Dear Paraglider,
Thank you for exposing what the true Filipinos are : hardworking, talented, God-loving, peaceful people.
While we are in the third world, we have largely been a part of ( not just the professional / technical resource) the "human care giving" type of workers. I mean, to me, this is even priceless. I hope I am not bragging, but from what I've gathered, most foreigners ( the elderlies, to a large extent) would rather have a Filipino taking care of them in their old age. This is so because we Filipinos work, not only using our minds, but also our "hearts."
We are a people who loves people as well. We may not see it now, or in our lifetime, but I know God will richly reward our country.
Kudos to you for bravely and unselfishly writing about us. You have no idea what this means to our country. Mabuhay!
Cellebrate - Thank you very much for your comments. In writing this hub, I didn't want to downgrade the contribution (to the Gulf area) of any other nationalities, but my everyday experience is that your people are in a different league when it comes to service and humanity.
Great hub! I have heard the same comments when I meet peopl through the U.S. about filipino's their talents, and there ability to work hard. It's so great to hear others write about it. I feel like they are vrey under exposed for all they do.
Stylezinc - Thanks for the read. Maybe some day I'll have a chance to visit the Philippines for myself, but till then I'll always be happy to work with their people abroad.
Thank you so much for featuring my countrymen who are working in the MIddle East. I had tears in my eyes as I was reading it and also the comments. I wish that the situation may be reversed in the future so that there would be no more separated or broken families. There are social costs to this situation.
Thanks Brenda - it's the least I could do :)
I agree with your description of Philipinos. I have been there several times and stayed there for about six months. I have toured almost evry corner of the country. I found them very talented, sincere and devotional to the duties. Philipino girls are very hard working and more talented than the Philipino guys. Perhaps you have missed few points about them or may be out of reference here. They have got a great civic sense that is lacked in Indians (me too an Indian) and in most of the people living in South Asia and we have to learn few lessons from them. Most of the people are literate there. Though life is bit difficult there and the girls are compelled to move to other countries to feed their families back home. I appreciate their courage and sacrifice for going away from home in search of employment.
Hi Premsingh - In my line of work, I meet lots of Filipino Engineers & Technicians. In my away-from-work time I meet plenty of Filipina women also doing sterling work, in offices, hospitals, catering and entertainment. I was trying to avoid direct comparisons between Filipino and other nationalities. The aim of the hub is to give due praise without giving 'dispraise' elsewhere. But thank you for generously concurring with my 'singling out' of a special people who are neither yours nor mine. Yours was a very nice comment.
Filipinos are really hardworking especially those in the middle east. They take pride of what they do. But they are underpay. They just don't have any choice 'cause for them its best to work in overseas instead of staying in their homeland unemployed. The Philippine government should do something about this.
Linda - you're right, and the falling dollar hasn't helped, because the Gulf currencies are pegged to it. So for many, their send-home pay is worth less than before.
Fasinating read Paraglider!
A beautiul, knowledgable insight into the Philippines and it's culture.!
Thanks CS - they are good people :)
Thank you for the nice words, I am a Filipina and I am pleased that there are people who appreciates Filipinos working abroad. It's a great risk and sacrifice mainly to help their families here in the Philippines.
bonnieweelass - thankyou, but why such a scottish name if you are Filipina?
I'm not Philippino (Irish, in fact) but I wanted to thank you for such a great work and good words about them. The person I love the most is Filipina and I am really grateful] to know these people.
Andy - Thanks for commenting. It sounds like you have good taste. Enjoy yourselves!
Hello Paraglider.
Your words are inspiring and give me something to smile for and be thankful to you. I really appreciated this article that you have given the time to write and post so that anyone can read about us. Yes, I am a Filipino and also an overseas Filipino. I am living and working as an electronics engineer in a multinational semiconductor company here in Shanghai, China.
I am very proud to be a Filipino and we have so many things to offer to the world.
Thank you.
Jules - be proud - I've no doubt you're doing a great job, like all your 'ex-pat' colleagues. What goes around comes around and some day the world will recognise what your people have contributed. Thank you!
thank you for this article.....
My pleasure - thank you for your ex-pats!
thats right i agree
Wow! I came across this hub just by chance. This WAS very informative indeed. A friend of mine was married to a Filipina. Quite apart from that I have never had the good fortune of getting aquainted with anyone from the Phillipines.
I have high regard for the Thais, but now I am eager to pay a visit Manila as well.
Have a nice day!
Hi Quicksand - I have never been to Manila either. Most of the Filipinos I've met have been here in the Gulf states. Maybe some day, when I finish working... Thanks for the read!
Hi, I am about to start writing my book about how much I hate the Filipinos. I am a Filipino and I am trying to be a good citizen and a good example to others. However, as a Filipino I don't agree that all of us are great people. I am also a victim of unfair treatment.
The Filipinos are indeed hardworking especially when we are in other countries. One thing for sure is we want to prove to the world that we are of caliber and that we can do better than the others. We would also want to hold on to the job as muh as we can so we have to work much harder. By doing so, we can surely get a second or longer contracts. To many, Filipinos are the best workers in the world and I agree with you. Thank you for putting effort in bringing the Filipinos pride back.
But let's have a look at the country (Philippines) itself. Foreigners love the Philippines because of the affordable fun living and the luxury the Filipinos have to offer. We are very friendly to foreigners and we always make sure that they feel at home.
As a Filipino myself, I don't agree 100% with what others have been saying (The Filipino people are friendly and blah blah blah).
One thing for sure is that we are very kind to foreigners. We offer good quality service and we make sure that they are happy with what they get.
I'll give you an example, I went to the bank for a transaction. I was waiting in queue and it was terribly hot inside. I was waiting for 2 hours and a half. The tellers were just very slow. While I was waiting, I saw my French student coming into the bank and went straight to a desk and without a long wait, he was done. He saw me and was very surprised that I was in line. He went back to the desk and talked to the officer. I didn't know what he said but my student called me to come to the desk. In no time, my transaction was finished. My student told the officer that he should join the queue the next time he would come back because it isn't fair. The Filipino customers have to wait while the foreigners get special treatment.
Another recent incident, I was at the international airport. In my luggage I had two small bottles of coconut vinegar. This is one thing I've missed about the Philippines. I securely placed them in the bag that I would check in (not in my hand-carry one). I know that we are not allowed to bring any types of liquid even a bottle of mineral water. When I entered the gate and had my bag passed through the x-ray machine the inspectors saw the bottles and asked me to open my big luggage and confiscated my coconut vinegar. (What they did to them, I don't know). I tried to talk and beg but they just ignored me and were very impolite. Eventually, I left my vinegar with the officers. When I was at the check-in counter, I saw some foreigners taking out some items from their luggage because it exceeded the maximum weight allowed. To my surprise, I saw some bottles of water and mango juice. My heart sank and I was teary-eyed because I felt being unfairly treated. I know I could have talked to the managers or the high-ranking aiport officers but the time didn't allow. I left the country with pain in my heart and hatred to the Filipinos. In the first place, I can't enter and stay at the airport without paying travel tax and terminal fee. In other words, I was customer and should be treated fairly well, but I was a Filipino overseas worker, anyway, so I shouldn't expect receiving any special or hero's treatment.
In restaurants, shopping malls, beach resorts, government offices I have also observed the same treatment. I wish I were not a Filipino.
Filipinos are not friendly and accommodating to their people. That's one reason why we seek job abroad where we are more appreciated and recognized.
This is based on my whole experience. I didn't intend to hurt anyone but I hope you understand my feelings. Until now I feel hurt about it. Just Filipino vinegar. What's the big deal?
Probably that day was my bad moment. I was already feeling bad from the airport incident. To make matters worse, (on the plane (PAL), when the flight attendant, was ready for distributing breakfast, I was in the lavatory and when I opened the door to get out, her cart was in the way. I thought she would be apologetic but instead, she asked me to close the door and wait until she could finish her thing. I was too tired to argue so I closed the door and I had the moment to cry because of the whole incident. After a few minutes (not so long but imagine waiting to get out from the lavatory for 10 minutes!), I was out and got back to my seat and the same attendant came to our seat. First she asked the passenger next to me. She goes, "Good morning, Sir. What would you like to have, chicken or fish?" And of course she was smiling at the foreign passenger. Then it was my turn, she goes, "You? chicken or fish?" OMG! Now you can't blame me for hating the Filipinos, can you?
Adesl - thanks for commenting. I've not yet been to your country and have only met your people abroad, mostly in the Gulf States, so I can't comment, though of course I'm not questioning what you say. Maybe some others will add something?
You're just sweet. I like you. You are someone who can heal wounds. I don't know you but I'm sure you love Mandela. I have a feeling. You know what I mean? Cheers!
Ah, my old friend Nelson - we have tea together every Friday afternoon... ;)
Wow! Are you serious? Nelson? Mandela? as in Madiba? I wish I could join. I want to know more of his secrets of leadership. Here are the 8 and my favorites are 3 and 6.
1. Courage is not the absence of fear-it's inspiring others to move beyond.
2. Lead from the front-but don't leave your base behind.
3. Lead from the back-and let others believe they are in front.
4. Know your enemy-and learn about his favorite sport.
5. Keep your friends close-your rivals even closer.
6.Appearance matter-and remember to smile.
7. Nothing is black or white.
8. Quitting is leading too
Reference: TIME (Mandela at 90, By: Richard Stengel)
I usually travel in T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. Some Filipinos judge you by how you dress. So I think next time I should improve my appearance like a celeb look in leather jacket and boots and will probably be treated well. Wow! as if it is not hot in the Philippines.
By the way, coming to the Philippines is a great experience. I am sure you will love it and you will find out how much we love our friends from the other side of the world.
Sorry - not serious about knowing Mandela - just wishful thinking! I was pleased when London placed his statue in Trafalgar Square last year. A change from all the military and empire 'heroes'.
adesl - Worry not! Thou art not the only one!
Thanks quicksand. I know I have to get over it.
Hi Paraglider, I admire Mandela and I have high regard of him. I wish I would meet him and listen to his talks. I hope the Philippine's leaders and the aspiring ones will always remember and be inspired by Mandela.
Read you soon. Goodnight.
When I was growing up, I was exposed to the Filipino culture as my sister became involved with a Filipino doc, who broke her heart and who is the father of my older nephew; she made a few more friends from the Philippines, and we found that most of the Filipinos in the USA are professionals, as they value a good education, and yes, they are very good at what they do.
Thanks for the read & comment, VioletSun
Thanks for writing this interesting traveling essay about the Gulf States in general, and the resourcefulness, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and kindness of Filipinos in particular. The Filipino people I have known here in the US are always very hard working and intelligent people that appreciate their belongings as Susan pointed out. I had a roommate who was very messy and would throw here belongings around the apartment, but her Filipino boyfriend shared with me that he never liked her attitude. He had lived in a poor village and his family had always cleaned and treated their belongings with respect, so it was a shock when he saw how people in the US such as his girlfriend could be such a slob. Very good hub.
I've never met a Filipino that I haven't liked...truly...
Filipinos are known for being hospitable and hard working. Thank you for the wonderful hub!
SweetiePie - that's very understandable. When people have had to 'make do & mend' as a way of life, they will not be impressed with a don't care mentality. By the way, answering my own question, where in Saudi do you buy party hats? You don't of course. You make them, out of anything you can get.
Uninvited Writer - I can share that sentiment. I see them as the best of travellers. I can't speak for the Filipinos at home, as I've never been there. Some day, I hope.
And vmarge - thank you too!
I had not caught on to that part about the party hats, but very insightful of you to see that. I think that it would be fun to make a party hat, think of all the possibilities.
I'm not too good at making, drawing, painting. Writing & music are more in my line!
working
Peter M. Lopez says:
7 months ago
This is a great hub, you should be proud. Very informative.