20 Reflections for Reversers Moving to the Philippines

It'll be six years, shortly, since we moved here and thought be good to look back and see what I've learned.  It's no means a comprehensive look at what it takes for Filipinos coming back (“reversers” for reverse immigrants), but, it's a start. inos coming back 

1.      “When in Rome….”:  A cliché, yes, but critical.  Few months in and I’d banged on the trunk of a taxi who I thought violated my space when I was ignored at a pedestrian crossing. 

He stopped and I was itching for a fight.  Fortunately (for me), he drove off.  Eventually, got the hang that these traffic lanes are mere suggestions.  Live with it. 

2.      “United we stand, divide….”:  Don’t ever divide the price.  Yes, things were much cheaper where you came from, but, you’re not going to let yourself forever be consumed with guilt knowing that, “In Iowa, that only cost….,” right?

3.      It’s all relative.  To borrow an explanation of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity:  “Become a genius, have stupid friends.”  

We may not have a properly functioning government, wonderful roads and groceries stocked with 15 brands of the same item, but, really is traffic, pollution and sticky weather so much better than being lonely and being on anti-depressants?


Capturing Grannie’s Happy Moments (Baguio City, Philippines, 2013) 
www.seameo-innotech.org 

4.      Do a regular Pros and Cons:  Keep that in mind and, even better, write it down from time to time.    

5.      Don’t be cynical:  Have an open heart and mind.  Yes, things will start to annoy you, but,….

6.      Be spiritual:  There’s a reason why you were born here, been abroad and now back here.  There truly is.  Find out why. 

7.      It’s all about relationships here:  The cliché – another one – about it being about the people is just simply true.  In line with this, it’s a more enjoyable experience if you’re more of a giver than a taker. 

8.      Life’s a grand adventure.  Living here is the greatest of all. 

9.      Self-Realization:  Realize you’ll get to know yourself more. 

10.    It’s a “Third Metric” type of country.  You’ve come back because you want to make a ton of moollah?  You’ll be disappointed.  If you want that, the formula is this:  Celebrity > City Councilor > Congress > Senate.

Happiness, here, is this:  Family, friends, caring, sharing and loving.  Problem with that?  Stay where you belong.      

11.  There’ll be some bad and some great.  Key is to spot them and see what they mean for you 20 years down the road. 

12.  Do volunteer work.  Silver lining to living among the impoverished:  Gives you something to do of meaning.  

13.  Working with househelp is one of the more challenging and rewarding things here.  My grandfather’s adage:  If they were smarter, you’d be working for them. 

Yes, you’ll give them a two-part dissertation on the evils of real estate tax but, more importantly, they’ll teach you patience and empathy. 

14.  Utang, utang, utang…..

15.  Most of the people here are not as bright as you.  Be patient, your heart’s not as big as theirs (yet). 

16.  Self-Reflect often and be grateful for what you have right now. 

17.  Follow your passion.  Tips: Hold off on getting into something right away.  Study the terrain.  Find out what's in your heart first. 

18.  A postpaid plan is better.

19.  Empathy is one of the most important words you will learn / be re-acquainted with.

20.  The great divide.  In the US, I’d noticed, it was racial.  In Europe, ideological (Left and Right) and in the Philippines, it’s the Great Class Divide.  Almost everything that happens here stems from that.

There are, thus, cultural sensitivities that take time understanding and getting used to.  There are just some questions not asked nor comments made.  It’s too vast and complex to tackle on a list like this.

Written March 26, 2015