Living in Cebu

In early 2006 I will be moving to Cebu, Philippines with the entire family.

Philippine
Dreams

New book just published that has everything you want to know about the Philippines and more. Learn How to:

Get "Out of the Rat Race" and Live Like a King for under a Thousand Dollars a Month in Paradise.

Listen to what one happy client had to say ...

"I've been to the Philippines twice and will venture to say that this book covers all bases. This book is a first hand guide from first hand experience. It is a must read for anyone planning on living or even just visiting the Philippines, from the 1st timer to the long term veteran. It doesn't get any better then this....Ben Bazy"

One Trip to the Philippines and you will be Hooked for Life, I Guarantee It!

Filipino Pride - Hiya

I have been busy this past week or so. Had some problems with a contractor that did work on the house. Did a bad job and not prepared to fix anything. I have really tried to get him to see reason but I am left with no alternative but to sue him. I think he saw my attempts at compromise as a sign of weakness and that I would fold easily.

He has no idea what he is in for because I have been conducting all my communications with him under legal counsel and he has unwittingly admitted liability and responsibility on all accounts. I will now hit him with all guns blazing. I really hate doing it but once it started it has to be done without reservation.

A week or so ago we attended a Filipino party and one of the guests – a young Filipino man about 20 started showing my eldest son some photos on his cell phone explaining that they were his girl friends back in the Philippines.

My son who has spent a year in Manila recognized them as being famous Movie and Pop stars from the Philippines. He smiled and complemented this guy on the beauty of his girl friends. Later in the conversation he let it slip that he had just spent a year there and the guy became uncomfortable and avoided my son for the rest of the night.

My son related this to us over dinner the next night and we all thought it amusing. My wife then talked about the pride of the Filipino and how dangerous they are when they feel they have been insulted or embarrassed. She talked about how boastful young Filipino men are and how it is usually better to not challenge their claims no matter how stupid.

For a Filipino truth is not important or highly valued. More important is Hiya or pride. It’s a great irony that it is this pride that often makes them seem so ridiculous yet it is the fear of being seen as ridiculous that drives them.

Posted: Wednesday 10th August 2005, 11:59 AM


Return to Living In Cebu

Site design and hosting by Imagingideas Internet Consulting & Hosting Australia Copyright © 2005 Living in Cebu. All Rights Reserved.