For Immigrants, a Ripple Effect (or "How Do I Reconsider My Position Now?")

read more | digg storyYou may want to read first the link to this posting, to give a better context to my take on this piece of news.

Yes, it's just getting rough lately here (at least from where I'm doing my business here in NYC). And I've been seeing some telling signs, and I've become aware of a lot of developments from what people have been willing to share me. I've been seeing that more and more people are getting scared, so fearful of what will happen to their "future."

You know something? I've seen the same kind of environment back in the Philippines. And I'm glad, really delighted, based on the latest macroeconomic indicators, the Philippines is actually among the least affected by this economic turmoil that has started from here in the US, has engulfed most of Europe, and has brought recession recently to Japan. The Philippines has actually got its best economic performance in over 2 decades!

Now, what do I mean by my statement that "I've seen these happenings back in the Philippines?" It refers to that outlook of having a fearful perspective set against political and economic events [except during the early to middle years of the Ramos presidency, where I remember knowing ordinary people--those who don't have social connections, whatsoever--who were brave enough to invest and pursue businesses] carried by most media. I've always remembered the fear, the scared outlook from most people I've met back in the Philippines, such that they won't be willing, or postponing decisions to take risk, as well as those who had been so familiar with "grey clouds" at looking on developments, that contrast so strongly against the bright clouds that can actually be seen most times up in the skies of the Philippines, being in a tropical country. It's the gloominess, such that it's tough being an entrepreneur, as you seldom get support, institutional or otherwise, or honest-to-goodness motivational words even from your first line of friends, family or relatives. You try to convince yourself that things will be better eventually, as I always remember telling myself.

Then I'm also glad, even way more grateful, to have been very experienced with such scenarios now being painted, by at least one set of believers here locally. I've gained much practice from my experiences back in the Philippines, while it was still going on its see-saw depiction of its economic growth rates (they call it "boom-bust" cycle?). I just have a suspicion that things are really getting tough even with those who are moneyed, such that indications show they have not been buying like during comparable periods. I just wonder if those who have been actually earning more, by all respectable counts, can be actually be made to pay higher tax rates? At least in the meantime, until the crisis is over.....but this is just more or less, thinking aloud.

But of course, I gotta be ready still. I'm getting myself prepared for the worst scenarios as well. It pays to be more than cunning these days! Let's see where all these prognostications will lead us. I just like to add as well that it will pay to make sure we keep our heads intact amidst the raging turmoil.

India Calling (or How I Look at This in My Case....)

read more | digg story Please read first the link to this posting from New York Times.

I've wondered once what would have happened to our family's fortunes if my Mother pursued her application to immigrate here in the USA. She worked here as a nurse somewhere in the Midwest in the mid 1970's (she was even here during the US Bicentennial, I recall). She was told to go back to the Philippines and wait for a work visa for herself and her family, which took her forever. When the notice from the US embassy came, she was in KSA working, and opted to just stay as she considered working in the Middle East to be better in terms of real income, i.e. there's much more in terms of cash savings as there is not much of a lifestyle anyway in KSA, compared with the consumerist lifestyle here in the USA.

Now, we move to my own case, when I decided to pursue my dreams here in the USA in 2006 (I was here in 2003, which trip gave me wide ranging opportunities to have a look at what the US can offer me). Since my arrival, I've decided to pursue the life and options available to that of a "Freelancer." Being an entrepreneur back in the Philippines, and also someone who has led a corporate life (I was a Manager in my area of expertise back in Makati, the Philippines' business center, that is actually in Metro Manila, the national capital region that looks like most of, or even better than the metropolitan cities in SouthEast Asia, with this city having 12 million in population density), I've seen early enough that at my age (being in my 40s), there would be no serious corporate employer who would be hiring me in my own terms, at least part of my terms, even if I got an MBA, I could write, I could speak better English in my own accent than most immigrants here in the US, among other advantages. I actually gave it a try, to get myself hired, but the jobs were just so ridiculously insulting. I've always had to struggle it out against "ethnic stereotyping," (a term I've read in one of my favorite blogsites, whose author gave a perfect term to what I was experiencing) as employers and their representatives are basically disrespectful and doubtful of a foreign looking applicant's background and experience (particularly for someone who's not from here, even if the Philippines used to be a colony of the US, and even if this English language heritage has been brought about by having been colonized by the US in early part of the 20th century-----as if this historical observation has bearing whatsoever on the fate of the citizens of a former colony). Employers here, with certain exceptions with those I've known personally, basically behave harshly and rather mean, it seems to me, to newcomers, to say the least, and they won't even admit that, even if pointed out to them. Just like in most places, they'd always look at you most conveniently according to how you are stereotypically categorized in the back of their minds (this is basically a normal business reaction, would you believe?). I remember, however, a friend's reaction to "stereotyping." You're sure you would have company, as there would be many who would fit the notions found in a stereotype ("at least you have company"). But still, being stereotyped in doing one particular line of work could be a curse at worst cases; it even perpetuates and strengthens existing power and authority structures (that goes against the very grain of experiencing further growth and development especially for those who have special skills and talents very valuable in today's ever changing economy).

But I've continued to learn my lessons, to become better prepared in accomplishing my intentions.

I'd do gigs, for every opportunity that I'd be on the lookout, where I can use my skills, and in activities that would bring out my passions and interests. When one is in his 40s, there is basically no time to spend on doing intrinsically "boring" jobs that are really not meaningful, purposeful to one's existence. This applies as well to jobs that are just being done, but won't get the worker any respect from his / her countrymen. Among other set of attitudes, this particular attitude has carried me through hardships and struggles that continue up to this day, as I have to constantly find meaning and purpose why these events have been happening, why I meet these people here, and why I'm here in NYC. Of course, these are all my decisions, and I'm being responsible for myself.

Just tonight, I've been to my second time of having to celebrate Thanksgiving Day with a group of people who happened to share the lovingly and anxiously prepared dinner with me because I was doing a gig as a caregiver. Last year, I was with my patient and his family to one of his son's friends (I'm unsure of this though), but this year, we were in the house of one of my patient's sons. I've grown to really appreciate and like having this opportunity, among many opportunities, as I've got to observe first hand how Americans ( those who belong to the 2nd, 3rd or higher level of generations of the original immigrants ) celebrate Thanksgiving, with myself being the only foreign born. This is one holiday that reminds me of Christmas season back in the Philippines, as this somehow approximates the collective anxieties of the general population in how to best make use of these precious moments shared with family, loved ones and guests.

Prior to this year's Thanksgiving, I was asked by a visitor of my patient, one Sunday, why there are just about so many people from the Philippines who are dominating this industry of "caregiving" or doing healthcare jobs, i.e. mostly as nurses here in the US. I answered "I don't know." The guest said, who didn't really mean anything malicious by asking me these questions, even expressed her surprised at finding the most capable persons doing "caregiving" jobs, who were lawyers, teachers, and other professionals back in the Philippines. She even asked me, and then guessed nearly correctly what was I doing back in the Philippines prior to settling for good here in the US. But of course, I'm glad that now I'm reading this article about some people here in the USA, whose families were originally from India, are going back and starting to make a life again, a better life in India [despite fresh news lately]. Indians, I've observed, just like other nationalities, here in the US "suffer" ethnic stereotyping themselves. For example, the 2 taxi drivers [who could be doing a gig like myself, with them doing a different nature of work as cab drivers], who brought us to and fro the house where we had Thanksgiving dinner, were themselves Indians [How do I know? I have first hand knowledge about things Indian as I got several relatives married to Indians back in the Philippines]. But Indians, just like in their home country, have got quite a huge number of presence here in the US. Unlike the country where I originally come from.

However, I personally doubt if I'd like to go back soon. Back in the Philippines, when I was still doing HR work that called for me to do recruitment work, I would encounter a lot of applicants who have decided to go back and stay for good in the Philippines after they have spent several years here in the US. I did HR work for over 20 years, and I've seen a lot of these cases. That somehow pointed out the pointlessness of pursuing a life in the US, as these applicants are actually proofs that the US is far from being the land of milk and honey (so to say).

But I still believe, and have found out to myself that indeed, the US is the "land of the free, home of the brave," despite really rough problems cropping out lately. I've seen strong evidences, despite contradictions. One development was the recent election of Obama, being African-American, as President. I'd certainly won't see this happening in most countries, that have mixed make up of population. My attendance to Thanksgiving dinners among regular Americans, who are actually not among regular types, as most of them are based in NYC (which many consider to be the most diverse city in the US), has shown me, and afforded me to consider my faith in pursuing my notions on egalitarianism. I've seen this in Japan as well, but Japan is really a homogenous society, unlike the US which behaves more like heterogenous in its societal makeup. This makes people believe that good and services have to be made available at affordable prices or costs to the majority of the people, and not only to those who have access to money and power. I've yet to say this to the Philippines. I've yet to see this happening as well to most countries in the world.

Cornfields, endless cornfields!

Reno Trip,AirBalloons,TruckeeRiverSept2008 057
Originally uploaded by dyerohmeb

During my recent trip across the USA on the Amtrak, I just got so tired staring at endless and very, very wide patches of cornfields! The sight becomes very common after awhile, that it's dulling my senses. I think this kind of view outside the train must have started right after we got out of Chicago (or even Chicago, but I was asleep then!).

The picture, which I fixed, shows some shadows belonging to my co-passengers. These fields provide more than the supply of the whole USA, I suppose, and most would be exported for some other industrial or commercial purposes. I wonder what farming technologies are used by owners of these farms, which could be owned by huge companies, or maybe by individual landowners/farmers who must have joined together to come up with something economically strategic for their own interests. Who could be the players in this very huge agribusiness endeavor. I wonder who are their buyers; I also wonder what makes up the totality of the end consumers of the produce from all these cornfields. I won't be surprised, though, that part of the huge wealth of the US lies here in these very fields!

Some of Your Tired, Your Poor, Your Huddled Masses No Longer

"An update on which countries have been included recently in the US visa waiver program."

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Is there someone out there in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines who can somehow explain why the Philippines remains to be excluded from this list? Or are there efforts now ongoing on the part of those in Philippine government service that now work towards getting all qualified Philippine nationals (not only those who are favored, those who are part of the ruling members of the elite in Philippine society) get into the US without undergoing so much of the mostly-humiliating experience of getting a US visa? I thought the Philippines is a favored friend of the USA, and that there are "special relations" that exist up to now, as the Philippines was a former colony of the US? It seems like the present set up is just being perpetrated far longer as this favors certain sectors of Philippine society (i.e. those who are considered elites!---such a tiresome bunch!)

Addendum:
Come to think of it, and allow me to let your minds play and consider espousing an idea during one of my think-aloud sessions online.

It's always advantageous for both the elites of the USA and the Philippines, at least those who are in positions of power and authority to have the Philippines be included among the countries under the USA visa waiver program as soon as reviews of relevant policies are made possible. The implication of this inclusion has cascading effects that are immeasurable since they go beyond economics, and political areas, but also along the areas known to most of those involved in societies in both countries.

As you may have very well figured out by now, economic activities in the Philippines are handled mostly by those who have political connections (we're talking here of what really matters on top-level). But there are not much opportunities to be identified and pursued, as these are mostly cornered exclusively by those who are in power (i.e. an indication of this has been the presence of high rates of poverty for long periods of time, showing that much of the wealth are actually just kept and not allowed to be distributed down at a more faster rate by those in power and authority, those who are among in the ruling class, without exchange of favors). Also, given the timidity of those who are very well entrenched and who live comfortably well, and the disconcerting and uncompetitive environment that has yet to completely motivate entrepreneurs to strike on their own on a sustained basis, there are not much expectations for desired economic changes to happen fast. Moreso, other members of this elite group, including those who have better education and experience will eventually find themselves pursuing meaningless endeavors by their existence in a society like that in the Philippines, which country values keeping close-family-knit-ties and its ill-effects, so much so that if you're not part of the clan, you don't expect much in enjoying benefits (i.e. health care, business opportunities, travel opportunities, educational opportunities, etc etc)---which is but natural.

These members, or who are related by blood or affinity to those of the ranking elites, would usually end up finding opportunities abroad, most probably in the US. The USA has remained to be the biggest location of transplanted Filipinos and their kin outside of the Philippines, primarily because of colonial heritage factors, with the Philippines being formerly a colony of the USA. These members will then have to seek out opportunities in the US, and they would be needing visas just to get to stay for at least 90 days, which can be renewed that may last up to 6months at one time. This period of allowable stay will provide enough time for visitors (those who can afford the exorbitant travel fees) from the Philippines to figure out if they would like to stay for good here in the US. Most will eventually find out they can not stay here for good, as they will begin to miss the kind of indulgent lifestyle they have back in the Philippines where there are a lot of servants to meet their needs. Moreso, there's really poor group support set-up that is usually claimed to be "bayanihan" by some, but which is actually absent most time. During their stay here in the US under a visitor's visa, they will just be spending their own money, or could have their relatives lend or give them money to spend here, which can be good for the local US economy. This can mean lots of amounts of money getting to be spent here by Filipino visitors, which can take much more efforts to quantify now, just to give an idea.

Moreso, this concern about Filipino visitors staying here for good just to evade immigration, is typically baseless, and at the most a sign of biases against people who look differently at least in facial features. There are a lot of other nationalities from the world over who have come over the US, and have stayed for good. I've met a number of people from those countries now included in the visa waiver program, and who are here in NYC whose visas have expired and have stayed out for good. This does not necessarily apply to the majority of Filipino visitors. At the most, Filipinos who affiliate themselves with the elites back in the Philippines, would actually just like to have a feel of how it is to live in the US, or abroad, away from the petty intrigues and glass-half-empty-half-full existence back usually observed in the Philippines.

Filipinos who visit the US would love to meet up with relatives and visitors who would eventually get tired of them, as realities will get to set in, as these are costly endeavors. These visitors will just then consider going back to the Philippines, if they knew they could always go back, anyway, as visitors (if there's a scenario that the Philippines gets to be included among the US visa waiver program) here in the US.

Mind you, I've heard and have known a number of people from the Philippines who can afford to travel here in the US. Actually, the trip of other people can be financed by their relatives here. But consider looking at the listing of Forbes of the wealthiest in the world, and you'd be surprised to see at least 2 to 3 families from the Philippines, which has currently 90million in population. Consider those who are less wealthier, and these families can very well afford regular trips back & forth to the US. Consider including the Philippines in the list of countries with a visa waiver program, and there would be more traveling here freely, without much ado, as they can afford to do so (they're just pushed back from the high probability of being denied for some unclear reason by the embassy in the Philippines).

It's in the interests of the US government to begin cornering the market and enjoying the benefits brought here by Filipino visitors in the US as soon as possible, even if the US is actually 8500miles at least from the Philippines. These visitors would be English speaking who would be familiar with US culture that is prized and valued back in Philippine shores. These visitors would surely want to visit a country, like the US, that's very familiar to them. Or else, China, thru Hong Kong, or other Asian countries, or even Australia and New Zealand, or even Europe may just get hold of these visitors fast, in today's high volume and competitive tourism business. These visitors from the Philippines would just like to take a look-see trip to decide if they would really want to lead their lives in the US. Most won't stay long anyway, as discussed in the paragraphs above.

And there would be no need just to clump most Filipinos who'd be allowed to come here in the US as healthcare personnel or teaching staff. These visitors can do more other than these jobs. They can very well invest here, if they see opportunities. They're among the best adaptable people there are in the world now. You may just have to ask around from non biased employers, just to get sufficient proof, though!

Of course, there are more ideas that can be identified from other readers. Please feel free to share your feedback, and let's modify, improve our positions.

To read more about the Philippines, to get a better grounding why those in those who are in power and has authority in both US and the Philippines, you may want to see some changing facts about the Philippines on this link from the CIA.


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Ako'y Sayo at Ika'y Akin (Acoustic cover) - Iaxe [literally: "I'm Yours Alone, and You are Mine Alone"]

It's in Tagalog, as everyone from the Philippines knows something about the song. It's a particularly melodious tone, played acoustic style, with lyrics that describe one's raw affectionate emotions for someone ...for 2 nights in a row, I tried to get to listen to it on YouTube. I remembered the song, after reading a friend's profile. Something was wrong with YouTube last night, but tonight, I got to listen to it, finally, gratefully.

Tears were soon flowing down my eyes. I could just cry, as memories unfolded in my mind, and I freely went along with my emotions showing. I remember my partner who's in the Philippines. I just feel so lonely, just so lonely, now that it's in the low 40s here in NYC; it's just getting colder. I know this is gonna be over soon. I know I'll be better sometime. Thank God!

Disgrace

Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee

My review

This is one of those books I got to read while in transit via the subway to & fro my destinations to my other gigs. I've kept this book for over a year now, and thought, and have confirmed that it's actually very readable (I read it in less than 3 days), even with a lot of distractions while on the subway.

I won't detail down the story, as it's obviously giving away its very structure. But reading this book comes with it different levels of experience. It's got a well delineated story to begin with, interesting characters, and a context that makes one think about the conflicting attitudes of people who have undergone the terrible processes of "colonization" as against that of someone coming from a country that "colonizes," and continuing into the views of those who have "colonized," with whom I tend to share my feelings of empathy as the original country where I come from is the Philippines (the farthest country, being in SouthEast Asia, that used to be part of the great colonized-countries of the empire of Spain). I can just imagine how development directions of the Philippines would have been far progressive if it was not given up by the British when it momentarily took possession as a prize of the Philippines after winning a naval war against Spain off Manila Bay during the 18th century. But I'd like to remain grateful for Spain for the heritage that the Philippines has got now, nevertheless.

Yet, reading "Disgrace," makes me to continue thinking about my position. It's not always a comforting thought to be part of a colonized country. Colonizers are basically driven by greed of all forms, and certainly, they're known to be cruel, no matter how you look at it. "Colonizing" has a debasing nature clinging to it. "Disgrace" has that after effect on me, that it has got me thinking about the Philippines, given its experiences of being a colony of Spain, and later on by the USA. But I'd rather focus on the collective gains, rather than the terrible sufferings, which are all recorded anyway, in historical books.

I'm surprised that J.M. Coetzee's "Disgrace" is rather light to read. He's got that compelling writing style that appeals to my tastes of books I'd like to read. The top characters exhibit such levels of passion, raw eroticism. And this is the first book I read about "animal rights" being shoved into my face, so to say, with me getting to appreciate such rights, and getting myself into pondering about my own existence. And I soon got to know that Coetzee's been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. How excellent that could be!

View all my reviews.

Attending a Prayer Gathering On My Father's 3rd Death Anniversary

What else can I say on my Father's 3rd Death Anniversary last November 2nd, I got myself joined the following:
1) attend the Mass, as it was also a Sunday;
2) attend a prayer gathering where my friend invited me to pray and participate with other Filipino prayer devotees;
3) get to join an intimate food gathering after the prayers where we got to taste the best of Filipino home-cooked food set buffet-style at the hosts' dining table, plus
4) get myself enamored by the beautiful set-up, including floral arrangements by one of NYC's best floral designers (under Preston Bailey's event designers:(more about him?)), my friend Oscar, & the wonderful looking religious icons where we gathered around during the prayers, plus plus
5) a surprised birthday celebrant from one of those of my friends' Philip/Oscar/Lilet's inner circle in their apartment situated in Stuyvesant Town in Manhattan.

Of course, this may sound so religious, yet I'm delighted to have been part of these activities. Just take it as it is. I'd just like to describe how I got myself loaded with something of the beautiful and memorable that took place on my Father's 3rd Death anniversary.

Call it "icon worship" if you feel like doing so, yet there's something very appealing at how the images look like when bedecked with awesome floral arrangements. The image of the Virgin of Fatima (more about the Virgin of Fatima?) is a faithful replica of the very image found in Portugal. Note, as well, the lighted candles which were burning in memory of those souls who have departed, still very much beloved.

The prayer gathering takes place as part of the weekly tour of 3 religious icons (representing the Crucified Christ, The Baby Jesus, [or Sto. Nino, (curious about the best known statue in Cebu, Philippines?)] the Blessed Virgin Mary) as a group that visits households mostly by Filipinos (as far as I'm aware) in NYC. The leaders must be doing this 52 times all year through, perhaps with some breaks, and which practices I noticed must have started somewhere in Mandaluyong in Metro Manila(more about this region?), the 12-million heavily populated capital region of the Philippines. The prayers, lasting nearly an hour as guided by prayer books, cover praises, lamentations, special requests, and those topics that include asking for blessings for both the Philippines and the United States. I've felt that my prayers are many times better heard whenever I get to join these prayer gatherings, every chance I got. I presume that Hispanics and other people following Catholic traditions also have their own versions, but may be attended mainly by those who belong to the same race or native background. Amen.