From the Midwest redneck author of "The Rooster Crows at 4am!," "Lizard Poop!," and "The Philippines Expat Advisor"
Living in the Philippines: 3 Yr Review
My previous post listed some positives about living in the Philippines. After three years in "paradise," I thought it was time to do a review of our experiences here. Now it's time to address the "bad" and "ugly" side. Things I don't like about living here. (Image source: taopo.org) 
At the top of my list is my annoyance at Filipinos who butt in line. I've written on this topic before on PhilippinesPlus, but it's a source of constant irritation for me.
Whether it be at the pump boat ticket line at Oritz Dock in Iloilo City or the Jordan Wharf at Guimaras, for a people that are usually warm, friendly and laid back there are a flock of folks who love to cut in line.
SM City in Iloilo has the same problem, but the cashiers there will not confront the line-jumpers and do not say anything. I don't have that problem. Ask my asawa.
Whether people want to think of me as the "Ugly American" or not, when I speak up or block someone from cutting in, that's fine with me. I don't tolerate rudeness in any country.
Litter is another part of the "ugly" side of this paradise. The rural province of Guimaras which we first moved to in July 2009 is filled with beautiful white sand beaches. But garbage is just thrown anywhere spoiling the absolutely gorgeous views. I just don't comprehend this.
Don't get me wrong. I saw plenty of litter and garbage back in the States but nothing to the degree I've witnessed during my past three years as an American expat living in the Philippines.
Our main square in Guimaras, "The Crossing," was also strewn with plastic bags and other garbage. Is is laziness? Apathy? I don't understand.
At least there is a certain amount of pride in the current subdivision outside of Iloilo City that we now reside. There are guys with brooms, our sweet sweepers, who come through on a regular basis cleaning things up.
We also have maintenance men that trim our lawn using weed eaters. They also pick up any garbage left in vacant lots. I commend the property management people for keeping the area well-maintained. The next photo isn't a shot of our area. This picture ws taken outside Quezon City.
Brownouts. Brownouts. Brownouts. How could I make a list of the "bad" and "ugly" side of living in the Philippines without bringing up our frequent power outages? Check out my recent post regarding that topic.
Here is a list of "My Pitfalls in Paradise" post that I did after one year in "paradise:"
- Living with my mother-in-law and relatives.
- The heat and humidity.
- Lack of privacy.
- Rude Filipinos that butt in line.
- Clothes that don’t fit me.
- No toilet paper in the Comfort Rooms.
- Beggars
- Sales clerks at the Ace Hardware at SM City in Iloilo that will follow you everywhere.
- High cost of electronics.
- No British sitcoms.
- Brownouts!
As you can see, I only have two repeat offenders from the previous list, rude filipinos that butt in line and brownouts.
Everything is fine between my mother-in-law and myself now. We have four relatives living with us again and though we are strained financially at this time, we're managing.
The heat and humidity? April and May are still tough months for me to get through, but I'm adjusting. As long as I carry my "sweat towel" on the jeepney, I'm fine.
Lack of privacy? Have my own room in our new rental home now. Only one CR and a total of six people, four of them female, but I manage.
Clothes that don't fit me. How did that get on the list? The lack of toilet paper doesn't bother me. I've adjusted. I give money to some of the more needy beggars now. How could I not pass up a middle-aged guy without any legs in downtown Iloilo City the other day without giving him some money?
High cost of electronics? No British sitcoms? I'm over those two items a long time ago. 
It's been a good three years. If Social Security stays afloat by some miracle, and I can start collecting in less than two years, things will be better financially.
We'll also have access to our retirement funds at that time and plan to build our new house in the Philippines. Lots of things to be grateful for. I have a wonderful asawa, some great nieces and nephews and a good life. Looking forward to many, many more enjoyable years of living in the Philippines, my own personal "paradise."
The author, Dave DeWall, has spent three years in the Philippines. He does absolutely nothing and is quite proud of that. His asawa has to pick up any dog crap that neighborhood pooches leave behind in the yard and is quite content to have her do that smelly chore.
Your number two is my number one – I can’t stand the litter! I just blows me away to watch people all over the Philippines just throw their trash on the ground. I’ve sat on ferries and watched people pitch water bottles, plastic cups, plastic bags…. right into the water like they’re throwing it into a garbage can! Totally blows me away! It’s all I can do to keep my mouth shut. It makes me sick!! I’ve told my wife that if we ever are furtunate enough to retire to the Philippines, I will spend a portion of each day picking up trash and trying to educate the youth to take care of their country!
Living there can only get better Dave. With more money coming and a new house to look forward to, you will be fine (don’t forget to plan for that man cave). As far as the one CR goes, remember you can pee anywhere! Oh, and for your British humor fix, try this:
I’ve witnessed the same thing, Martin, and it does make a person ill. I just can’t understand it.
You’ve got a good goal for when you retire to the Philippines, and I commend you for that. Thanks for the comment.
Randy, I’ve already informed my asawa that the “man cave” will be an integral part of the new house. Of course, I’m promising her a spiffy karaoke room in return.
That is one funny video, Randy, thanks. Have to be careful what CR you would try that stunt in, however.
Love that British humor!
Martin ~ Bahala na. If your efforts make even a dent in the problem, they will be farther ahead.
Me, too, Randy. “As Time Goes By,” Fawlty Towers” and “Mr.Bean” were just a few of my favorites.
You hit the nail o the head: “your own personal paradise.” The Philippines is not for everyone, that is for sure. But for those of us that can handle the culture and some of the negatives it is OUR personal paradise.
The number TWO thing that drives me crazy in the Philippines is the litter. I just do not get it. For people that seem to have such good personal hygiene to literally litter everywhere and not seem to care…very puzzling.
I have dealt with a bit of the butting in lines and things like that, but it really has not been a big deal.
I have NEVER had the toilet paper issue! My love of the Philippines and the people is very very strong so I guess the number one issue would be the poverty. It can be shocking at times.
Spitting a lugey right on the sidewalk,and no regards to dental hygiene,all the makeup products they use to whiten their faces isnt doin a damn thing for their rotten cavity infested teeth so what do they do?have another coke baby.
Dave,
One more thing that could be added to your list is alot of things out of stock. Litter would be up near the top because it is something that could be easily corrected. Have a nice day.
my husband and i were shopping and this fil-am couple spotted us and wanted to talk. we are also a fil-am couple but my husband and i met here in the states. i have been here 35 years. the man and his new bride were shock that in our household we dont keep rice or soda in stock and we dont eat rice every day or drink soda everyday, lol.
hi dave, i discovered your blog just recently and i find your posts really entertaining. i’m a filipino but i’ve always have this american way of thinking. there are just too many filipino habits that drive me nuts especially the 3rd on your list – lack of privacy. i always lose it every time my neighbors play loud karaoke up to 2AM. can you imagine that? thing is, you’re also hesitant to report them to the barangay officials coz you’ll be the bad guy. and also, my friends think i’m weird and lonely just because i chose to live alone.
when it comes to the littering problem, it just shows the lack of discipline of most filipinos, which is quite funny since filipinos normally know how to follow the laws and ordinances when they are in a different country. my take is, since the surrounding is already filthy and disorderly and most people are doing it anyway, so why not do it, right? plus our government has no balls when it comes to implementing the laws. they’ve been screwing us since time immemorial, same with the catholic church. ugh
So many times I’ve lined up for a ticket at Jordan pier and a little old lady would literally stick to my back when moving forward. I’m an old lady (but not so little) and I count one to ten, or inch forward in hopes that it’ll give her the space she may be lacking because, maybe, just maybe, someone was pushing her too. No such luck! So, I slowly turn around and say, “Sorry, but, do you want to go first?” I do a hand signal to allow her to go ahead and she embarrassingly declines and gives me my personal space back. BUT, there are times that I actually ask the line monitors in SM supermarket to please tell me the line etiquette when some snotty person just goes ahead of you directly to a busy cashier! I’m Filipina, looks Filipina, so I don’t have an excuse to be The Ugly American!!
Also did a little spontaneous training session in SM City cashiers when a young lady just went up to the cashier from the sides while I was waiting patiently in the cordoned area before the counter. They listened, apologized profusely, that they did not realize that she didn’t line up. Also, made a point to inform the cashier in stage voice that the young lady did not line up and I should have been served next. Life is definitely fun in the Philippines…when you’re retired.
My wife has been in the states for 25 years and we still have our large rice box with perpetual rice cooking going on. Usually buy 2-20lb sacks at a time. Just me and her eat rice daily, no soda’s though.
I totally agree about the line jumping. It happened to me for a while till I got wise and a little pissed. I just started blocking people after that, I would look them in the eye and dare them to say something. I like your phrase about rudeness not being tolerated in any country. Thumbs up to that Dave..
One thing that I was constantly annoyed with is the total lack of specificity when it comes to anything.
We were on Panlao island Bohol recently. Scouting the island on scooters looking for a certain cave that was supposed to be cool. We struck out with vague directions of course. We must have stopped 15 times asking locals for additional direction. Each time we stopped we were met with the same response.
They would simply slowly extend their arm, as if they were practicing Tai Chi or something and utter a simple “Dat Way”.
Looking back it’s a little funny but they sent us down dirt roads, through the jungle and we couldn’t feel confident on our journey until we finally made it. It’s always funnier in the Philippines is my motto.
I have learned a lot of Tagalog and am always amazed at how the language is so non specific. I call it the language of non specifics.
If you are married to a Filipina I am just preaching to the choir I know. If you don’t know what I mean just recall the last time you were looking for something in the house and she replies “it’s in the cabinet”.
You must keep a good sense of humor and we can always count on you for that.
Thanks for showing the real side of the Philippines.
The poverty is gut-wrenching, Todd, and definitely would fit into the “ugly” side of the Philippines. The homeless kids in Manila and in downtown Iloilo where we live is heartbreaking. People with actual peg legs walking around because they can’t afford a prosthetic limb, beggars with hands outstretched, squatters with little shacks built next to beautiful homes on the river right in our own town, it’s a sad situation for many.
And yes, the litter! Like you, I just don’t get it. You can rest assured that the nieces and nephews living in our home have been well-trained to never throw anything on the ground or in the water. They don’t want to risk a lecture from their Tito Dave.
Yes, spitting is quite common, Scott B. And it’s not just the guys. Our laundry lady is quite the spitter. I’ve seen plenty of Filipinas of all ages spitting on the streets. My asawa doesn’t, and I’m thankful for that.
A lot of the skin whitening products conduct dangerous levels of mercury, too, Scott. The cheap stuff that goes for P60 and P100 are products to especially be on the watch for.
What stores are you finding products out of stock, PapaDuck? We usually do the bulk of our shopping at SM in Iloilo. I sometimes have trouble finding slippers for my big feet, size 11, but that’s about it. Haven’t really encountered that problem yet.
I would stop fil-am couples, too, Maria, and my “shy” asawa would always hate that. But rice was a staple in our house back in the States. My wife ate it every day. And soda? Well, I’m guilty of drinking too much of that and had way, way more back in the States. Trying to cut back on soda here. But I bet the couple was surprised that you didn’t have rice in stock. I don’t how the family here could survive without it.
Dale, thanks for checking out my website. I appreciate it. Lack of privacy when we first moved to the Philippines drove me crazy. It was an extremely hard issue for me to deal with it. Everyone at our new home respects my temporary “man cave” and don’t enter it without permission (except my asawa, of course.)
And yes, if you report any loud noise or disturbances to your barangay captain, you have to exercise extreme caution as you know. If the offending parties find out, they would not be very happy with you. It’s not like calling the cops back in the States.
But implementing the laws? I know there are laws against littering here, but as you stated enforcement is lax. And a P100 (or 500) note can usually “solve” the problem.
Thanks for the input, Dale.
Loved your comment, Let! Aren’t they terrible at the Jordan Wharf? I can’t tell you how many times someone has attempted to push me from behind. But they only try it once.
And SM City cashiers do need that training that you attempted. They are some of the worst at allowing the line cutting. Upper management needs to school them in that area. I was behind a group of five people at Cashier #19 counter at SM City. A man weaved his way though the cordoned area and ahead of our group. The cashier pointed to the end of the line. He refused to move. The cashier proceeded to check him out anyway. I loudly made a remark. Nothing was done. I put my purchase down on the counter, advised the line cutter he was extremely rude and I walked away.
But life is more fun in the Philippines and since, I, too, am retired, have all the time in the world. But I just can’t tolerate those rude people that butt in. Thanks, Let, and take care.
I use the blocking technique and “the look,” also, Randall. Never had anyone challenge me on that.
I completely relate to your story about asking for directions and the lack of specificity. If I’m in Iloilo City and looking for a place or the right jeepney to go on, and I’m making a solo trip, I usually ask a security guard or traffic enforcer. They’re always friendly, but it’s kind of like a crap shoot. Oftentimes I’ll have to ask one or more people along the way to finally make it to my destination.
Oh, and I’m well acquainted with that asking the asawa remark. I’ll get an answer like, “it’s in the kitchen” or “it’s in the bedroom.” Yeah, I knew that. But WHERE in the kitchen or where in the bathroom?
Thanks for the comment.
Hi Let,
We would be quite an ettiquite team if we were both in the supermarket. I also use my stage voice to inform anyone within earshot how rude and uncouth that line breakers are.
There was a time where I was in line behind three women at the meat weighing station in the supermarket. This arrogant looking ahole walked up with a hand basket full of meat and put it on the counter in front of us. I watched the reaction of the ladies. Annoyance but no outrage. I was in one of my moods so I started in with my public service message. It was pretty much like this….. You know we have lined up properly and waited our turn. Then this guy that for some reason thinks he is more important than all of us. He walks past us and demands to be served first. The problem that I see with this situation is that I feel inclined to throw his selections on the floor because that is the kind of guy that I am. For some reason this guy could not make eye contact with me any longer. The ladies became bold and forged ahead with their selections and this guy was forced to wait. The only bad thing about this happening was that I could have pissed off one of those sensitive guys with a gun that will shoot me a month later. So I will try to limit my public humiliation sessions.
Marie used to say just dare when I asked where something was. That was until I started doing it to her repeatedly. She got the message.
The stage voice tactic, huh, Tom? Hmmmm, guess I could use that in the future. I used to be a part-time DJ for a country music station and need to practice my “radio voice.” I usually just step right in front of someone that has stepped in front of me and don’t use the more diplomatic stage voice. If my asawa is with me, she always worries someone will get pissed off and stab me. She’s got my back. Why should I worry?
Tom, it’s kind of scary that we’re both alike in a lot of ways. I think both of our wives have to put up with a lot from us. Thankfully, Filipinas are usually a patient lot. But after 12 years of marriage, my asawa is recognizing my sarcasm, and doesn’t always appreciate my “witty” retorts.
What gets my goat in nice terms is that guarantees are just about non existing in the Philippines when you buy something. Buyer beware, whether it be from stores, dealers, or having repairs done. Once you pay for it and take it out the door it is your problem if not working or fixed. They will always come up with excuses not to fix it without you shelling out more money. Another thing that gets my goat is if you buy a veh or build a house has to come with a blessing. Still with no warranty even though you shell out money for same. House still has ghost according to relatives.
You’re right about that, George. Not much in the line of guarantees. I will say that the Prestige Jeweler at SM City in Iloilo did honor a warranty I received from them on my asawa’s watch. I had it fixed, got my receipt with the warranty, and a few weeks later the watch didn’t work. I took it back, and they fixed it (for good this time) with no questions asked. That is the exception, however.
How about the MMDA bringing in the priests to do a blessing, George? The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority sought divine intervention Friday for the guidance and enlightenment of drivers to prevent any more accidents from happening along the busy Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue.
Riding on one of the MMDA’s green open-top pickup trucks, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino and Fr. Roderick Castro, parish priest at the Guadalupe Church in Makati, sprinkled holy water along the northbound lane of EDSA on Friday mornig starting from Magallanes in Makati to Balintawak in Quezon City.
(Source: The Inquirer News.)
As soon as I turned on the TV this morning (7/8) I hear of this NYC couple arrested for “dancing” in the subway while steel drummers (who are allowed to perform there) played away. The couple was hauled away to jail and charged with impeding the flow of traffic on the platform. Just one more liberty lost here in the land of the free. Whats next, scratching an itch in public?
I know it’s going to be More Fun in the Philippines!
Unfortunately, my asawa has learned from my retortful ways and gives it right back to me. Oh well….probably serves me right. I just learn to shut up now and that works better in the long run, trust me.
Ticket in hand and waiting to board the banca this morning at Jordan Pier and I hear these awful woeful cries! I looked around to see if someone was abusing some kids around the construction of the new building at the pier. Of course, I didn’t see anything like that! I did see a porter coming into the covered area with his wooden pushcart, though. I had to laugh out loud because the porter probably had about ten to fifteen young goats in different colors with their legs bounded and none too happy being transported in that manner! The porter continued to unload (without care) in front of the banca and in front of me! No way was I going on the banca with those kids crying like that!!
Well, of course, my hubby started to talk to the coast guard and in his (naturally) loud voice (no stage voice for this guy), informed the guard that the animals should not be given passage in the bancas on this side, but rather on the other pier. Thank goodness the guard listened! I was already picturing myself unbinding those kids and let them have a flash mob in the banca boat! Darn it! Had a party pooper of a hubby!!
Abusing “kids” is more fun in the Philippines!!! (Darn it, should have taken a picture of the little wailers.)
Those goats DO sound like kids, Let. I remember the first time I heard them. Here’s a link to a story I did about them along with some photos. Probably on their way to the market in Iloilo to be sold. As you know, Sunday is a big market day.
Sounds like your husband is also not a shy guy like myself. I didn’t realized that the goats, pigs or chickens had to be loaded on a particular side. Thanks for the great story, I really enjoyed it. It brought back some memories of Jordan Wharf of which I have plenty.
Randy, I am continually appalled and dismayed by the loss of freedoms in America. More useless laws and regulations passed every day. What right does any government, city, state or federal, have to tell a McDonalds or Burger King what they can have on their menu? Our Founding Fathers must be rolling over in their graves.
this weeks # 1 on my list.BEING LATE,for example,meeting a woman for a date and it is not the first date with her and they all do it always never on time and never text you to let you know they will be late and you wait and wait and……..RRRRRR
Filipino Time, Scott B. I was late for my own wedding back in 2000 because of my Filipina sister-in-law in Manila. I can relate.
Guys, I don’t know how long it’s been since you dated outside of Filipinas, but women the world over are late for dates. But if she’s a pretty Pinay, she’s certainly worth waiting for
Dave, Actually, animals are supposed to be transported from the RoRo pier. The bancas at the wharf are for people only. But as remarked here, the ordinances are not enforced; I wouldn’t be surprised if I see a bunch of goats/chicken/pigs on the banca again.
Lived in Guimaras over two years, Let, I didn’t know that. I don’t see the practice being stopped, either. Enforcement of current laws and regulations is lax as we all know. And I’m sure that a “few” pesos might exchange hands to allow the livestock to be loaded at the Jordan Wharf. Thanks for the info, Let.
You’ve got a good point, Dave W. I announce departure times for my asawa when we have to go shopping, or we are leaving the house for some function. Those departure times, however, are merely SUGGESTED times.
Definitely a universal thing; waiting on a woman. Check out this Brad Paisley video with the recently deceased Andy Griffith…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-C-IbkuNWs
Dave,
Try finding sandals in size 13
Frank
My pet hate is not being able to buy something at a Sari store because they can’t change a 500p note
ah,i disagree,looks will only get you so far in my book
Seen this vid a couple years ago…good video.
Unfortunate but Very true
Fearless Florida Frank
Size 13, Fearless Frank? And I thought it was hard enough trying to find size 11 sandals.
Good point, Murray. Imagine the looks you get when you hand them a P1,000 note.
Scott B, a good looking guy like you must be beating off all the cute Filipinas with a stick.
Great video, Paul. Thanks for sharing it. Andy Griffith was one of my all time favorites. The guy had class, charm and humility.
First time I saw, it Randy. Enjoyed it. Btw, you won’t see me on Facebook. I didn’t drop you as a friend, just dropped Facebook. Just trying to make life simpler even though I had some good friends on it like you (don’t feel bad, dropped my Dad, too, but he won’t probably notice, he’s not into all this “computer stuff.”
Always waiting on a woman is in a different perspective since I saw that video Paul shared, Fearless Frank. Glad I’ve got a good woman to wait on.
But you just gained about 30 friends today!!! I’ll stay on fb because for me it will be the most convenient way for me to keep in touch with family and friends back home. Sharing photos and communicating was never easier than it is on fb.
Sari credit is the answer…with no interest
One thing i hate the most about the digusting habits that we filipinos do is the litter. I mean it just so simple, if you’ve finished a bag of chips, just fold it into a very small size put it in your pocket and dispose it when you a trash can. If its an emptied plastic or paper cup, then just hold on it until you find a place to throw it away.
Another pet peeve of mine is the urination. Men in the philippines just relieve themselves everywhere. It makes me go WTF?! With the number of fastfood stores dotting the city, plus the many cafes and restaurants, it would be sensible to pee in the WC of those establishments. I myself relieve in starbucks cafes, feels comfy and you don’t get noticed when you slip out fast enough.
I heard the song on the radio yesterday and then when I read all the comments about everyone having to wait for their asawas, which mine is just as bad (to the point that I’ll lie to her about what time we have to be somewhere), I had to search for the song on YouTube. I had never seen that video before, but figured it was fitting since Andy had just passed last week. It’s definitely a very touching song, I just played it for my wife for the first time. She got a little emotional – and she’s a stone. She looked at me with watery eyes and asked if I minded waiting for her. What could I say? I told her, “Hell Yeah!!!” …. lol
Dave – so you’re “on again, off again” relationship with Facebook is “off” again?
That’s a hockey fan for ya!
He’ll be back:)
Dave – Was it because of all those cute Filipinas who were friending you? I was amazed
Don’t get me wrong, Kaltehitze, lots of Americans are litter bugs, too. I guess the litter problem is magnified in my eyes, because of the many beautiful beaches and surroundings in the Philippines. There seems to be a lack of pride. in my humble opinion, among some people in our area. I can’t speak for the rest of the Philippines, but I’ve seen that casual throwing away of litter too much in the last three years, and it just irritates me.
To be honest, peeing in public doesn’t bother me one bit anymore. While I admit to doing it outside of our own home at night occasionally or the early morning, if someone else wants to, I’m fine with it. Just don’t pee on me, that’s all I ask.
“Hell Yeah!!!” you replied. Paul, you seem to be just as sensitive guy as I am.
Yep, off again, Paul, probably for good this time. To be honest, it was taking up a lot of my time. Now I admit to having a ton of free time, but I’m just burned out on it again. Every website (almost) says you have to be “social” and go on Facebook and Twitter. I’m just going against the grain.
Nope, Dave W, and even with my mug shot up on my former FB page you’d think that would be enough to scare people off. I’m trying to spend less time away from the computer and inviting more guest posts (Randy L) is coming up again soon. My goal is to be more lazy than I already am, and with my twin nieces picking up the slack of what little I did do around here, I’m achieving that goal.
Kaltehitze ~ Litter continues to be a problem in the USA. I can remember a slogan adopted by the state I live in: “Mississippi – Litter Free by 2003!” It was just a joke in disguise. Officials here don’t even like to discuss that blunder. Our problem is not necessarily plastic bags (everyone uses them in place of trash bags) but our country road ditches are full of washers, dryers, sofas, tires, etc. Our trash problem is just that we have bigger trash!
As a footnote, if it weren’t for the people and groups who cared, and if our cleanup volunteers all disappeared, we would be as bad off or worse than the Philippines.
Well this website’s pretty “social” anyway so you really don’t need it.
I love Facebook because, like Randy said earlier, it helps me keep in touch with friends and family back home and around the country. We’re pretty spread out. I have a sister in Connecticut, another in Rhode Island, mom and dad are in Massachusetts, my brother and I both live in Louisiana now, and between cousins and friends that I grew up with we have the better part of the country covered. So, it’s been great to catch up with them all and still feel part of their lives even though I haven’t seen many of them in many years. My mom and dad haven’t met my son yet but they’ve seen plenty of videos of the boy and have web-chatted with him on Yahoo Messenger. It’s a pretty cool time that we’re living in in that respect, but I know it’s not for everyone.
Dave D. ~ Looks like you may have been on fb overload. I have two fb accounts, one for business and one personal. I am slowly taking down the business (social exposure) page as it is very time consuming (at one time I had thousands of so-called “friends” and used it for advertising and information dissemination). My personal page is restricted only to family and personal friends and is much more enjoyable and only consumes the amount of time I allow it to. Social networking, when used as an exposure engine for business can be a real headache. As long as it is free and easy to use, I will keep my “little” fb account. And, if it ever becomes a pain, I will just drink a beer, take an aspirin, and stay away until further needed.
Waiting and litter; two of my least favorite things no matter where I am. The wife, if following her daily routine, needs three hours (yes three hours!) to get ready to go anywhere. I usually fib about what time we have to be somewhere so we can be there on time, more or less. One day she was opening a candy of some sort, popped it in her mouth and tossed the wrapper out the window. I said ‘what did you just do with that wrapper?’ She replied ‘I threw it out there’ (out the window of the family home into the front yard). I said ‘How do you think it would look out there if everybody did that?’ She paused for a moment and thought about it, but did not reply. I could see the wheels turning and I think I got through as now she’ll fold trash up and put it in her purse or pocket until she can toss it out…at least when she’s with me, lol.
Old habits are hard to break Mark! I broke my wife of that the first year we were in the states. I was always quick to point out the “No Littering” and “Fine for Littering” signs. Scared her to think she could actually loose money over it!
Same problem back in Central Illinois, Randy. The amount of crap thrown out when you took a drive through the country was sickening. Lots of people don’t want to pay someone to haul their junk away and just dump it.
Yep, you do see a lot of signs along the highway where different civic groups have volunteered to “adopt” a section of road and clean it up.
This website is my social outlet, Paul. I agree that Facebook can be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. I just keep in touch with my Dad in Vegas and phone him via magicJack once a week. That’s about it. I don’t even own a cell phone here, and I don’t email any former co-workers. I’ll meet my American expat friend, Scott B, about once a week. We exchange emails, and that’s my social life. Not exciting, but it works for me.
I started the FB back up, Randy, to have a separate FB page for the website. So I can just set up a separate account for that? That would work. Might have to check it out. Today’s the big grocery shopping day at SM City (finally got our monthly allotment after a week’s delay) so I’ll have to put that research on hold for today.
Three hours, Mark G! And I complain about about 60-90 minutes? Man, you get your patience tested on a regular basis.
I’m lucky that my asawa takes after me and is a “neat freak.” Though her home island, Guimaras, has a big littering problem, she doesn’t toss any trash out anywhere. But at the school my sister-in-law ran, some of the kids would toss their snack and candy wrappers out in the yard. I complained about it because that’s something I just won’t tolerate.
First year my wife was in the States, Randy, she stayed at home and watched “Jerry Springer” every day. She used to see plenty of “white trash” on a regular basis.
Yeah Dave, the three hours can be a bit of a nuisance but the end results are worth it, hehe. I’ve had to encourage Victory bu$ driver$, ferry boat captain$, tricycle driver$; you get the idea….to wait just a few more minutes.
Randy,
I’ll have to put up a few of those ‘Fine for Littering’ Signs but they’ll probably be misunderstood and I’ll end up with pile of debris under them!
It’s more fun in the Philippines, Mark G. I’ve got all the time in the world. Maybe one of these days I’ll get more patience. I’ll be waiting again this morning as my asawa prepares for our monthly grocery shopping trip to SM City. Didn’t realize that going out to buy some rice and fish involved so much make-up and wardrobe changes.
Yeah, I forgot about the “white trash” problem. Too bad there wasn’t a solution for that!
You mean they might be interpreted as in “okay to litter?” That’s hilarious!!! But probably true
You mentioned sofas being left behind as trash in a previous comment, Randy. I dated a girl back in Illinois years ago. First time I pulled up to pick her up for our first date, there was a sofa on her front porch. You gotta love “red neck” country!
Yep, Mark is probably right.
Randy,
Your liberal friends would miss you if you went off f/b lol.
Dave,
How about white trailer trash lol
Papa Duck, I’m not going anywhere. Besides, most of my liberal friends have left. I’m working on the rest! hahaha.
Been there, done that, PapaDuck. I used to hang out at one of the most redneck bars in Springfield, Illinois.
So Dave, I take it you are a recovering redneck?
Who says I’ve recovered, Randy? I’m still proud to be a good ol’ boy from South Central Illinois.
I’ve just stumbled across the real reason Dave Dewall settled in Iloilo – http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news12/177-CebuPacific.shtml
It’s the province of festivals!
Yep, I saw that too, Randy. International flights and more domestic flights to places within the Philippines. The Iloilo International Airport is a breeze going through compared to NAIA. It’s a nice facility and the people are friendly.
It is, Randy, though I’ve never been to the “Big Daddy” of them all yet, the Dinagyang. Maybe next year.