Back to the Philippines

I just wanted to clarify that I am not implying in this blog that everyone in the Philippines stay where they are and not even think of living abroad. I am also not even suggesting that everyone pack their bags and leave their new country at the first sign of loneliness or culture shock. I am a huge fan of going abroad, traveling, taking risks and seizing every opportunity that is presented to us. But one thing I may be biased about is the idea of retirement in the Philippines. I think it is worth considering for those hitting their golden years or even those who are young who are looking into laid back lifestyle to consider coming back to our country. I know for a fact that a lot of older people who got petitioned by their children are actually almost always end up coming back yearly to our country because at their age, life abroad (such as in the US) is just well, quite meaningless and lonely for them. They have stronger ties to our country and there sad to say, they live only to support their children, watching their grandchildren and almost not having a life of their own. I don’t imply that everyone is like that. Some are fortunate to find a big support group because they have lived there for 30 years already but I am talking about those who were brought in by their kids. And even those who did built a life on their own, it is really worth the try to consider the Philippines instead of choosing to retire in let’s say Florida (please no!), or Spain.

I encourage young single people to not be afraid to go on your own and leave your comfort zone in our country but do not forget that living abroad means having the first few year of your life dealing with the weather, culture shock, loneliness, maybe language and a lot of money spent in furnishing your flat, and buying your car. If you are single you even have to deal with how to find your partner! As if that is not a problem in itself. But anyways, you came there to earn money also and help your family. That is usually the case. But don’t forget to take care of yourself first and foremost and enjoy yourself. Go explore and learn about your new country and get immersed in the culture. Know how people think and decide what makes them tick and what is actually the norms in their culture.

But at the end of they day, you realize you are just a visitor in that country. Even if you end up becoming a citizen. You find yourself dreaming of being back in the land where you were born. And the food yes, the real Filipino food that the Filipino stores and restaurants cannot even compare with. And worse, if you live in a country that is devoid of these Filipino stores, Filipino channels, Filipino restaurants and even Pinoys themselves — the homesickness is unbearable. You have no choice but to decide to be one of them or maybe decide to leave.

And then there’s the obvious potentials the Philippines has. Many foreigners know it already and they have been “secretly” or quietly coming there and setting up businesses and making huge money in the process. Some of us have developed into great entrepreneurs but some are still oblivious of the fact that there is really something brewing in our country and we have to be there to discover it.

• Mixed Feelings