thank you for this essay! i sometimes wish our country is easy to love. being an activist all throughout my college years literally woke my insides but mostly my soul about the situation of our fellow filipinos and the marginalized sectors. now that i’m in the world of adulting, i’ve realized that love is not enough and that there is serious accountability to be demanded to the government. then again, the fight goes a long way.
it’s hard to stay especially when you know as a human being that you deserve more than what this country gives you.
thank you, andi! this means a lot, as i am always in awe of the younger generation. not to be dramatic, but it's because of you guys that i have hope lol. and yes, i also wish it hurt less to love our country
I hope you won’t delete this thoughtful essay. Many Pinoys would relate to your accurately describing our healthcare and transport systems. I know the struggles as a commuter in Quezon City for seven years now. I’m also saddened with other fellow commuters who experienced worse on a daily basis.
I’m thinking of writing about life as a commuter here in our Lupang Sinilangan and I’m linking your essay if you don’t mind. If not, still thank you for sharing your thoughts. :)
thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Mikel. And I don't mind, please feel free to do so if this essay would be relevant or helpful to your piece. Looking forward to what you'll write!
I've also heard the term Global South used for non-Western countries. It came out of anti-war activism from the 1970's.
Definitely related to this essay as I come from another SE Asian country, Vietnam. The healthcare system there, although it's nationalized, relies on on families to foot the bills for all supplies, "extra" services like physical therapy, and provide around the clock care. It was a bit of a culture shock compared to what I'm used to here in the States, but at the same time, the supportive network that allows families to care for their loved ones in hospitals in SE Asia is so unlike what is present here in the U.S. The de-personalizatiaon of healthcare in the U.S. is very demoralizing and can lead to neglect and abuse of patients. Just because the tests and equipment are available, doesn't mean the quality of care is there. And as you said, good healthcare relies on being able to afford it. It's such a convoluted maze when you really start to look at it :(
Definitely super complicated. :< Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts! It's interesting to hear perspectives from people outside the PH having similar thoughts/experiences.
On a bit of a tangent, I love Vietnam, even though I've only been to the touristy places, he he. Vietnamese food is just not the same outside of Vietnam!
Don’t delete this! This is beautiful, and when writers share their vulnerabilities they speak more to their readers.
I feel you! There’s a book that Salman Rushdie wrote and I often think of it when I’m in a mood like your essay. In East, West he addresses both cultures and tells them, “You hear me? I refuse to choose.”
Love the true blue, red, white, and Philippine sun and stars analogy!
Also if you so feel privileged, take a DNA test. All my life, I thought I was 1/3 Spanish, Filipino and Chinese. Culturally, I felt it. The results? 99% northern Filipino and 1% Chinese. My mom had 1% Spanish, 1% Chinese and the rest northern Filipino.
Thank you, Rachielle! I love the quote and will definitely pick up that Salman Rushdie book. It might help me feel more informed, as I definitely feel quite ignorant about these things. I’m only basing everything on my thoughts, feelings, and observations, which is why I find writing about Filipino society and culture so difficult. Also, how interesting about the ancestry test—I’ll definitely look into that! :D
Please don’t apologize for writing a “downer.” We feel how we feel.
thank you, barb! still working on being comfortable with uncomfortable feelings🥺
It can be hard that’s for sure.
thank you for this essay! i sometimes wish our country is easy to love. being an activist all throughout my college years literally woke my insides but mostly my soul about the situation of our fellow filipinos and the marginalized sectors. now that i’m in the world of adulting, i’ve realized that love is not enough and that there is serious accountability to be demanded to the government. then again, the fight goes a long way.
it’s hard to stay especially when you know as a human being that you deserve more than what this country gives you.
thank you, andi! this means a lot, as i am always in awe of the younger generation. not to be dramatic, but it's because of you guys that i have hope lol. and yes, i also wish it hurt less to love our country
I hope you won’t delete this thoughtful essay. Many Pinoys would relate to your accurately describing our healthcare and transport systems. I know the struggles as a commuter in Quezon City for seven years now. I’m also saddened with other fellow commuters who experienced worse on a daily basis.
I’m thinking of writing about life as a commuter here in our Lupang Sinilangan and I’m linking your essay if you don’t mind. If not, still thank you for sharing your thoughts. :)
thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Mikel. And I don't mind, please feel free to do so if this essay would be relevant or helpful to your piece. Looking forward to what you'll write!
Ayun salamat nam :)
I've also heard the term Global South used for non-Western countries. It came out of anti-war activism from the 1970's.
Definitely related to this essay as I come from another SE Asian country, Vietnam. The healthcare system there, although it's nationalized, relies on on families to foot the bills for all supplies, "extra" services like physical therapy, and provide around the clock care. It was a bit of a culture shock compared to what I'm used to here in the States, but at the same time, the supportive network that allows families to care for their loved ones in hospitals in SE Asia is so unlike what is present here in the U.S. The de-personalizatiaon of healthcare in the U.S. is very demoralizing and can lead to neglect and abuse of patients. Just because the tests and equipment are available, doesn't mean the quality of care is there. And as you said, good healthcare relies on being able to afford it. It's such a convoluted maze when you really start to look at it :(
Definitely super complicated. :< Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts! It's interesting to hear perspectives from people outside the PH having similar thoughts/experiences.
On a bit of a tangent, I love Vietnam, even though I've only been to the touristy places, he he. Vietnamese food is just not the same outside of Vietnam!
Don’t delete this! This is beautiful, and when writers share their vulnerabilities they speak more to their readers.
I feel you! There’s a book that Salman Rushdie wrote and I often think of it when I’m in a mood like your essay. In East, West he addresses both cultures and tells them, “You hear me? I refuse to choose.”
Love the true blue, red, white, and Philippine sun and stars analogy!
Also if you so feel privileged, take a DNA test. All my life, I thought I was 1/3 Spanish, Filipino and Chinese. Culturally, I felt it. The results? 99% northern Filipino and 1% Chinese. My mom had 1% Spanish, 1% Chinese and the rest northern Filipino.
Thank you, Rachielle! I love the quote and will definitely pick up that Salman Rushdie book. It might help me feel more informed, as I definitely feel quite ignorant about these things. I’m only basing everything on my thoughts, feelings, and observations, which is why I find writing about Filipino society and culture so difficult. Also, how interesting about the ancestry test—I’ll definitely look into that! :D
I kind of chuckled at the idea of this being a "rogue" essay. Don't delete this. You don't get to the mellow without the rough.
"You don't get to the mellow without the rough." I like that. I'm stealing it, thank you hahaha