Thursday, September 14, 2006

Challenging the Status Quo in the Philippines

Leaving the Philippines. Filipinos would die for the opportunity to leave their beloved country in search of better opportunities abroad. My own family did so. As a result, I am now working for corporate America making decent to good money. And if I worked for Uncle Sam a little more, I will make it high along the corporate ladder. Filipinos would kill for this opportunity. Figuratively, of course; or can that be literal as well?

Me, I'm doing the opposite. I have decided to work for Uncle Boy? Auntie Gloria? Who is Uncle Sam's cohort in the Philippines. I am coming back to the Philippines for my hanap buhay. It took some time for my family and friends to understand why I'm doing it. My grandpa thought I was losing my mind. You see, he was responsible for my family's petition to the US 20 years ago. (Insert the traditional Filipino Grandpa lecture here about coming to America.) I responded with, Where am I needed more?

I don't mean to be big headed. Really, I feel that my skills and abilities are needed more in the Philippines. Yes, the word is "need." By that, I mean in doing that kind of work that I will do there, I am helping more Filipinos advance their lives. What is this work?

Teaching English proficiency and Neutralized American Accent. I'm not a teacher by trade; I'm in sales and marketing. But I have always loved to teach what I know to help others. And now, I get to combine that with having my own business. No more for Uncle Sam and corporate America. And along the way, I hope to infuse my thoughts on philosophies in the lesson plans. I hope that the students of my school will learn to challenge the status quo, ask tough questions, and realize that it's OK to ask why.

The issue of challenging the status quo. Asking tough questions. Asking why. These are three things I hope more Filipinos would do. Too often, we just accept things as the way they are because it's always been that way.

I'm coming back home. I hope to make a difference.



11 comments:

Anonymous said...

It would be a great challenge for you and your career . It doesnt matter whether you will be earning more or less, the thing is that you will be helping a lot of filipinos.
(Lifted from"Prayer for Confidence in Tomorrow)
"Whatsoever ye ask in my name , if it is what you really want, and if it is in harmony with God's larger purposes and will, then you and I working together will bring it to pass. " And with that assurance , we can look toward the future with confidence instead of fear.

jef said...

People like you will shape our nation and I'm glad that there are still "FilAms" who yearn to come back and rediscover their roots.

Mabuhay ka!

Abner M. Hornedo, M.D. said...

I am glad there are still few filipinos like you who "see light at the end of the tunnel". While most filipinos are leaving the Philippines because of discontent, there are still good souls like you who want to at least make a difference for our country.

Anonymous said...

I applaud you. I hope that all your future endeavors go well -- that your being here bears fruit; that you make a difference. Your online writing is already making an impact, and I'm sure that your real-life work will also touch other people's lives deeply.

It's always so heartening to read your blog posts because despite how you pick apart the pros and cons of being a Filipino it's apparent that you genuinely love the Philippines and its people. I'm glad that you didn't stop at words but chose to live your life according to that love. Mabuhay ka.

Anonymous said...

Mahusay! Nakakatuwang mabasa at malaman ang intensyong mong bumalik at tumulong sa mga kapwa natin Pilipino.

Huwag matakot magtanong, huwag matakot mangarap, huwag matakot tumindig, ano pa ang silbi ng buhay kung hindi ito gagawin?

Anonymous said...

hoping for the best on your new mission.. the country needs you... :)

Anonymous said...

I like this most. I am touched with your passion to help the country. I just wish you can infect others with your way of thinking. Mabuhay ka!

Anonymous said...

I have really enjoyed reading your blog. I think I have been here more than 4 or 5 times, now I've decided to add you in my Bloglines. Your language do shocked me sometimes but then I am like that even with movies and all. I just have a very sheltered life but I am in America now and what a BIG change. I love the honesty and sincerity in your writing and oh how I can relate to most of those..lol... My boys are Fil-Am like you and I will make sure that they will grow up knowing their roots and all the great values that are known of the Filipinos. I admire you for your decision to come back. America still overwhelms me but this is where God has placed me.. and regardless of what America has to offer, I will remain the simple and kuripot pinay that I am. And yes.. my hair is still black and long and no colored lens on my eyes.. and I am still most comfortable in slippers, shirts and shorts... I only have 3 pairs of shoes... Sorry this became a novel..haha Thanks for letting me share.. I better go ahead and blog before I would think this is my blog..lol Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Good for you! Best wishes for your new life in the Philippines. I hope you keep blogging!

Anonymous said...

i just wish that there is a lot of people, good people who will really make a difference for our country. it's just that there aren't. only a few. you are one of a few. but to hear people say that they wanna move back and do something for the country is really inspiring. i hope a lot of people read your blog. get the message across.

Anonymous said...

VegasFilamGuy,

I was reading your posting and you know who I was thinking? MOI.

I have always dreamed of going back home. I have always believed that one day I will be back home.

In January 2005, I made it. I started a business in the Manila, bought a condo, bought a car and lived the life I really wanted. Then... rude awakening. Reason? Relathieves. It's up to you to figure it out.

I went back to the US in August of 2005. Am now working, saving, back to square one. My business folded. I still have my condo, my car and my sense of being and my dream continues...

One I will be back in Manila...

Reyna Elena
www.ofwcenter.com