Posted on 07/11/2015 9:29:06 PM PDT by dignitasnews
For the third time in less than a decade, I find myself back in my adopted hometown of Cebu City, Philippines. While the specific purpose of my visit is business related, the timing of this venture was well-received as I found myself in need of a break from the divisive nature of the current political climate back in the States. My respite has been a busy one, one of professional demands mixed in with a bit of sightseeing and pleasure-seeking, but what has struck me most about being back in the Philippines is a visual and emotional rediscovery of the American spirit. This spirit is seen not just Cebu's current commercial explosion, but in the modern Filipino culture itself.
For those who have never ventured to the Republic of the Philippine Islands, it holds more to capture the imagination than simply breathtaking beaches, incredible diving and a shoppers paradise for those savvy enough to take advantage of the currency difference. While particularly true in Cebu, across the country a mass expansion of commercial construction provides evidence of a vibrant and growing economy, in large part driven by foreign investment but whose seeds were planted by that very (formerly) American tradition of low taxes, business-friendly policies and deregulation to fuel economic expansion and job growth, along with a citizenry with an undying optimism for the future, willing to challenge themselves to grasp the "Filipino Dream."
While the Philippines certainly still has its own internal struggles with corruption, infrastructure development and the consequence of geographic location, over the past two decades the small island nation has become of the fastest growing markets for tourism and foreign investment and along with India the most popular destination for voice and non-voice Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).
Asiatown IT Park, Cebu 2007.
Prior to the turn of the century, the government embarked on a few key directions to climb out of the post-Marcos morose and establish itself today as a dominant player not only in the BPO marketplace but a 52nd ranking in the World Bank's Global Competitiveness Rankings, ahead of larger economies such as Russia, Mexico, India, Brazil and South Africa. In 1995, the government privatized the nationally held Philippines Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) which not only opened the door to a more even playing field for smaller telecommunications companies, but helped somewhat dilute the national dominance of the Capitol City of Manila, and opened up Cebu City, Davao and other areas within the country to further growth. This strategy was aided by decisions around the same time period to reduce corporate tax levels as well as spurring foreign investment by offering a six-year tax holiday (with options to extend) for companies willing to establish operations in the country.
Asiatown IT Park, Cebu today.
The most immediate impact of these decision were seen in the BPO & Call Center industries. When I made my first pilgrimage to Cebu in late 2007, the city's primary BPO hub, Asiatown IT Park (constructed on a former airfield) consisted of three high-rise towers, a few local restaurants and a number of Sari-Sari's (small shops) and carendarias (local eateries). Today the area bustles with activity with more than a dozen high-rise towers operational or under construction, world-class condominiums, nightclubs, high-end restaurants and a clientele list which includes McDonald's, Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Kentucky Fried Chicken and 7-11 liquor stores. JP Morgan has its own high-rise tower which employs more than a thousand local workers and scores of expatriated employees. While I found myself a bit of an anomaly when I first arrived, as one walks through any one of the many high-end shopping malls in the city, there are scores of non-tourist foreigners from America, Australia, Europe and Asia filling the ranks of resident Cebuano's. The growth of IT Park is matched by that of the nearby Ayala Business Park area, which has undergone a growth in commercial buildings, a large expansion of the Ayala Mall and currently boats numerous high-rise towers in construction as of press-time. From the window of my hotel room at the Quest Hotel and Conference Center in Cebu alone one can witness six current projects in various levels of construction.
A shot from the window of the writer's hotel room serves as testament to Cebu's growth.
And while the visual change in today's Cebu is immediately apparent, it is the vibrancy of its people that is most breathtaking. While the Philippines has long endured a traditional class system in which one's consequence of birth largely shaped their destinies, the change brought on in the past two decades has created a growing middle class and entrepreneurial spirit in today's generation that was not enjoyed by their parents or grandparents. Established family dynasties may still hold sway in banking, finance, construction and government, but a new rising tide of upward mobility is evidenced up and down the country. Former colleagues of mine who cut their teeth answering your phone call about the balance of your bank account today are establishing their own BPO operations, buying property, opening up night clubs, taking vacations that any American would envy and displaying the new-found wealth of a city and country on the rise.
Contrast the phenomenon of Cebu and the Philippines with what we see in America today. As evidenced by the growing movement on the left to provide a "living" minimum wage for menial employment (ironically enough it is this legislative course taken by the left which actually increases the outsourcing of US jobs), public education bureaucrats working to reduce standards for graduation and a welfare state that does not stress the importance of work and improvement of one's skills, we in America are moving in the opposite direction of the Philippines, as well as Mexico, India and others following a similar course. Not to mention a citizenry in which every conceivable sub-culture rushes to solidify its claim to victim-hood and the subsequent handouts that follow. Few in the Philippines are looking for a handout for they know they wont find one. There are millions, however, in Cebu and other cities that are challenging themselves to better their skills and value within the marketplace to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities they are very much aware of.
The America of 2015 seems bent on lowering the expectations of our people, rewarding our citizenry for lesser achievement and acquiescing to the notion that hard work and seizing opportunity are values of a bygone era. In the name of compassion we have begun to stop challenging our children to embrace the magnificent opportunities that exist in the greatest country on earth and dwell on the negative. While politicians, particularly in the Democratic Party, send a message of "NEVER," we need more voices in and out of the Republican Party to replace this with "NEVERTHELESS!" My fellow countrymen, I love my country but I'm not afraid to admit taking a break from our suicidal course of lowered expectations coupled with self-righteous and divisive political correctness has been somewhat of a relief. I am here to attest that the American spirit of embracing the opportunities of capitalism is not dead but it does seem to have outsourced itself to places like Cebu City and the rest of the Philippines, and its a pleasure to witness. Let us hope it becomes contagious.
Commentary by Paul M Winters Managing Editor, Dignitas News Service
Sources:
Image Courtesy of Monde Nero_Facebook
AlexW’s account has been suspended according to his profile page.
No
I’ve been of the opinion that the Philippines was once place where “nation building” based on the Constitution would have succeeded. The manner in which we behaved following the Spanish American War was most unfortunate. And after WWII, when they proved to be stalwart allies under horrible conditions.
I only know what I read. I'm sure you are better informed than I.
Philippines is single man’s paradise.
The feminist hate that.
But feminism got it’s roots in the worship of baal, Baalism.
It is a long haul. Things are improving. It’s great living. I am having a good time.
Hi, Berdie,
I’m glad you wrote “IMHO”, because of course, respectfully, you are a data point of one. You are right that the number one reason for moving overseas is for a lower cost of living, but not by much. There are many, many quality of life reasons why people move overseas.
In the survey, we asked 389 expats this question: “Please check all the things you THOUGHT you could achieve by moving abroad.” Here are the top results:
Lower cost of living: 86.6% (you’re right on this one)
A simpler, less stressful life 82.0%
Better weather 73.8%
A less materialistic or more meaningful life 55.8%
A more romantic, exotic, or adventurous life 42.4%
Etc.
The magnitude of the quality of life responses are quite striking. Remember, these people are saying that they are not achieving these things in the US.
Here’s a direct quote from a woman who echoed what many, many others said:
The local people, in general, are wonderfully helpful. It’s like living in the US in the 1950’s. People stop for you on the road if you look like you need help. Older women are especially respected and helped with carrying things or given a hand for support in walking over rough terrain, etc. Doctors give you as much time as you need during appointments. They give you their cell phone number and usually appointments can be made with little or no waiting time. – Female, Age 65+, Married, Fully retired, from US, living in Panama for more than 10 years
Rightly or wrongly, I’m just reporting what so many people have told us.
Hi, Boowoknew,
There are many, many Filipinos who became American citizens the right, lawful way, including joining the US Navy. Back then, joining the US Navy was a sure path to financial success. They should be especially galled at what has happened that you describe.
Given how poor many Filipinos are, it still may be better for her to come here than to stay i the Philippines. However, the same is not true for American born who have accumulated some net worth. For them, moving to the Philippines means a very easy life, among generally wonderful people in a beautiful country. Sounds nice to me.
Me, too!
I can also share another experience. When you drive through the Subic Bar area, in a place called Olongopo, there is a big sign over the road: “Home of the Most Beautiful Women In the World”, with pictures of the beauty contestant winners from this relatively small city.
In my opinion, its true.
Also, they have a wonderful culture and way about them. As a group, beautiful on the inside, too.
OK! I have a 100 percent computer illiterate friend who head out there today. He has a family he supports there/ Congrats on you doing great there!
Are you in touch with Alex
Yes, I agree. Philippine women are the most beautiful women on earth. While they believe in traditional family values, it is a myth to say they are subservient and submissive. I don't think they are, but I think they are content to let men be men and women be women. Many are pretty hard headed, like if you tell them that eating large quantities of rice contributes to diabetes, they just laugh and go get a BIG plate of rice.
There is no doubt that I am an inaccurate barometer. I live in a small, rural community (and plan to retire here as well) where the things the lady in Panama cite as being different...are everyday life occurrences and just part of one human being kind to another. So I take this behavior very much for granted. Now...I do work part-time in a nearby large city and the difference is stark. So I can see why people don't think the kind of life they wish to achieve exists.
On the survey, I would think that most of the situations will be obtained once one retires? With the exception of better weather (subjective since different people like different types of weather) and romantic, exotic more adventurous life. Nothing wrong with wanderlust.:)
I guess it all boils down to...different strokes for different folks.
Hi, Mark,
You crack me up. I have a similar situation. When we got married, I gained about 15 pounds from eating all that rice. Even when I told my wife I don’t want any more rice, she cannot comprehend it. No rice!?!! How can this be?
We joke that even our dogs are now Filipino. They can’t eat a meal without rice.
I joke to my wife that “Rice is Life” to her. My waistline can do whiteout it.
Yes, my honey feeds rice to the dogs. I thought that was strange, but it's what they do.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.