migration

[stinkaboy]

mas masarap pa rin dito sa pinas...

i dont have plans working or migrating abroad, since for me ok naman ako dito with my family.

i lived 9mos in HK, and those 9mos were hell, ibang iba ang kultura, dami rin pinoy dun pero kayod kabayo din sila.

[mazdamazda]

migrate? nope...

even though we don't have the more "comfortable" lifestyle of 1st world countries - the Philippines is still so much blessed as compared to other 3rd world countries.

[Karding]

Migrate? Yes. hehehe

Finally, after 10 long years, bumaba na ang immigrant visa ng mga utol ko. Kayod kabayo ka nga sa ibang bansa, at least mamatay kang pikit ang mata. Sa pinas, mamatay kang dilat ang mata. (according to my utol who have been waiting to migrate) At kahit magkayod kabayo ka sa Pinas, mas lamang pa din ang kayod kabayo sa ibang bansa.

[cyberdoc95]

My transplant to another country of totally different culture was never easy. I was pulled out suddenly of the country (where I grew up for almost 25 years) then placed on the most miserable place in the world...he he he...Yeah, that's how I felt during my first year dito sa States. I really was miserable kasi you have to start all over again. Work, friends, your own place, as in starting right from the scratch.

It only took one advise from another elder Filipino who told me that if I could stay 5 straight years sa States, then I will be good. Kung hindi ko pa rin kaya after that, then I shouldn't be living here. He said that if I could focus on my work, I will forget all these misery that I was feeling during these early years. Well, good enough, after two years of living in the States, I was on track and glad I've made that decision. Things were never the same. Miss ko lang sa Pilipinas talaga, ay yung may nagse-serve sa yo ALL THE TIME. Every morning is breakfast in bed, pati merienda, hinahatid pa sa kwarto.... After living in the States for so long, I sometimes forget na ginagawa pala ito back home(I still call Philippines "home" even though I am already an American Citizen). Nakakatuwa lang isipin talaga kasi dito halos wala ka nang time for everything. Dadaan na lang sa Dunkin Donuts for bagel and coffee for breakfast, ok na yun...Oo nga pala, sa Pilipinas may nagmamaneho pa anywhere I go...sarap ng buhay sa Pilipinas...

All I can say is, it won't be easy to put yourself in this direction and adapting to a totally new culture but it isn't impossible either. I took it as a challenge kung kaya ko ba talaga. I'm so glad for me to be resilient na natutunan ko while I was living in the Philippines. Madali kasi makikitungo ang mga Pilipino and that made things easier for me.

Discrimination was also mentioned sa thread. During my early years, there were some instances that I felt discriminated. But after reading a book about discrimination(I forgot the Title), it was something along the line of: discrimination is created on the mind of the one being offended esp. when coming from another culture. You see, there are things that are offensive sa atin na clearly is just plain work kung nandito na sa America. Ang sinabi sa book is that discrimination is not just an assumption that some act is discriminatory only to you but should also be offensive when done to another person. Ang nangyayari kasi sometimes, esp. sa workplace, is that workers(especially non-caucasian) feel offended by some orders given by the boss who happens to be white and they will take it as discrimination. To make it short, is an act really a discriminatory act or it is just a cultural difference?...Kung dito lang sa States, don't be afraid to report if you feel discriminated. Its a big crime punishable by law when one discriminates and most americans, although meron pa ring bad seeds, have zero-tolerance for discrimination.

Good luck for those Filipinos moving out of the country. Sana you'll make us all proud!!


***note ko lang na the discrimination I was talking about is cross-cultural differences and not between black/white discrimination.

[jolog1]

Like I said so far, the people who say they rather be in pinas than live in the US are the ones with money already. The ones with rich parents, OFWs na may ipon na at magre-retire, or you already have an established business. Pero if you're making P40k a month lang and you're saying mas masarap ang buhay dito, you're nuts. You better start thinking big.

Dito kasi sa pinas, if you're poor, you stay poor. If you're you're middle class, you're only threading water until you finally get tired and sink. The rich stays richer. Only a tiny of fraction of pinoys have moved up the income ladder. Hindi na to 1970s habang yung economy ng pinas is #1 sa asia. When a lot of poor pinoys can strike it big through hard work and numerous opportunities.

[voltes_V]

Living abroad is something different...Its an adventure for some of us. And its also a good experience for the kids. Ofcourse we'll always go back to our motherland. Nothing beats going home and then spending your hard earned dollars in your home country.

[Gen1]

When you've decided that spending christmas at your adopted country is better than celebrating it here in good ole pinas, then I guess you've finally emigrated.

We will miss you here in our country. I choose to stay here not because of the maids, or the drivers, or the money I make but because I enjoy spending the holidays here, and I enjoy staying in place full of familiar faces of various mocha shades.

I have always felt sad that even my activist friends from my UP days live in foreign lands instead of here where their skills would have been far more useful, but I have accepted the choice they have made.

Good luck to you who have chosen to live in different climes. I hope you find whatever it was your mother country failed to provide for you. But please do not put down our mother country. To those who have stayed behind, please, let's make this nation great again.

[badik]

work lang sa abroad para makaipon tapos balik pinas.......................

[mauler]

wala nang mas gaganda pa sa pinas! Pasko, New Year, Fiesta, marami pang iba! lahat yan sa pinas pinakamagandang i-celebrate. Dito pinakamasayang tumira.

Kaya lang i have to make a sacrifice to leave, I migrated not for myself pero sa future ng pamilya. If we were to have kids, mas gusto kong dito sila sa tahimik na lugar, at mabigayan ko sila ng bagay na di ko kayang ibigay kung nasa pinas ako. Kaya kung gusto mo mag migrate, isipin mo kung para saan ang pag alis mo, kung para sa iyo lang and you already have a good life/job sa Pinas think again, pero kung sa magiging future ng mga anak mo then go. Just don't forget kung san tayo nanggaling, our heritage is our biggest treasure outside our homeland, this is what makes us different from the others.

[jolog1]

Gen1 - who is putting down this country? We've just stated out the truth. Maybe we should all just lie and pretend none of these problems exists so we don't offend anyone. Let's all live in ignorance in the name of patriotism.

And what skills are you talking about? Most of my friends that got left in pinas with a 4 year degree ended up as waiters, store clerks or just helping out their family business. Imagine when I saw the smartest girl in my sister's class ended up as a hostess at some restaurant. There's not enough opportunity here that could make use of your skills. OFWs, the ones that are brave and smart enough to go abroad, makes up 10% of this country's GDP. They are the reason the value of peso is not plummeting. The money they send here each month plays a bigger role in this economy than working at some measely job (with few exceptions).

Every Christmas, just hang around the airport and watch thousands of balikbayans coming back to visit. Imagine how much money they'll be spending here from the Philippine Airlines ticket they bought, to pasalubongs, to hotels/restaurant, gifts, airport fees, and so on until they finally leave. That's how much money they're bringing here. I know when I visit here, I spend nearly P600 a day just on eating at restaurants and that's just my share of the bill. When I go back to the US, I have suitcase full of pasalubongs.

[Gen1]

Hi Jolog1,

Actually I don't take offense when fiipino expats say that stuff about the country. I just feel sad. When "I was young and full of hope" (as I am wont to say nowadays) my friends and I would talk about solving the country's ills as earnestly as could be expected from young 'uns boozed up on rhum-coke and mountain gin.

that was some twenty years ago. we did kick out the dictator (I still remember the spot where I slept at edsa). but the same old problems are still here. there is no doubt in my mind that the current crop of idealists talk about the same stuff we did back then.

you cannot deny me the melancholy I feel seeing these same friends residing at new york, sidney, or the bay area.

but to clarify, I bear no rancor towards my expat countrymen, nor to the views, honest and sincere, they hold towards the country. I know it is painful enough to leave the country of your birth. I've once spent 10 months bumming around in the US (arrived in spring and waited around to see snow) and it really gets kinda lonely there.

[dannyboy]

Depende kung san ka sa California. You could rent a nice apartment unit for around $1,000 per month. Unlike dito, apartment units already come with a refrigerator, stove, oven, AC, and most of the time microwave. Huwag kang magrenta ng fully furnished na apartment. Punta ka sa Target o Walmart, duon ka bumili ng $50 desk, $300 bed, $50 table, atbp.

Expect $100 total per month for electric, phone and water bill. Water bill is usually kasama na sa rent. Cable TV is $40 per month. Hirap kasi calculate ang cost of living because everyone is different. Food is around $300 to $500 per person per month, depende kung nagluluto ka o puro fastfood. Habang college ako, $400 per month pero matakaw kasi ako.

$3,000 per month is more than enough.

Thanks for your insights, Jolog1. I'll be working as a programmer sa Long Beach. Since around 9 pinoys kami na magwork sa cali, bka magshare nalang kami sa apartment para bumababa ung cost sa lodging.

Ok na ok ung mga info na binigay mo especially cost of lodging and food. How bout transpo and clothing nga pala? Mas ok ba na dito nako sa pinas buy ng mga clothes? How bout the tax? If I'll be earning $2500-3000/mo, magkano nalang matitira sakin after tax?

Mukhang medyo mababa offer sakin pero accept ko na din since may mga kashare naman ako sa apartment. Sana makapag sideline din para dagdag income.

Thanks in advance ulit and may you have a Blessed Christmas!!!

[jolog1]

I recommend you buy clothing sa pinas. Most of the clothing sa US galing din naman dito or Vietnam. A decent looking shirt there cost $20 to $30. Lahat ng white long sleeve shirts na pang trabaho, sa pinas mo na bilhin. Thickness of clothing is not a factor kasi weather duon sa Cali parang sa pinas na rin. Huwag naman sobrang nipis na kita utong mo. Maong naman, I don't recommend you buy the pirate version dito sa pinas. Nakakahiya suutin duon eh kasi alam nila peke yun lalo na kung naka-tuck-in ang shirt mo. When you buy clothing sa pinas, buy conservative clothing. Mga radical style clothing dito hindi uso duon. Actually, mas radical pa tayo magdamit dito. Slacks, shirts, lots of underwear and socks, dito mo na bilhin. Bili ka 1 year supply ng socks and underwear at sando. It's something that won't go out of style.

Transportation... that's a killer. Mas mahal taxi duon. Public transportation duon hindi tulad dito, pikit ka lang may jeep na sa harap mo. Kung tatagal ka duon, kailangan talaga ng kotse. $12,000 for a economy car. Walang subway sa lugar niyo kasi car country talaga yan. Tanong mo nalang sa company mo kung may car assistance sila.

Recommend ko sayo kumuha ka ng roommate. Karamihan kasi ng 30 year olds (or younger) sa tate may roommate, kahit mataas sweldo nila. Kasi mas safe, mas matipid, atsaka mas masaya.

Regarding taxes. Hindi ako sure. Kasi binabawas ang Social Security sa sweldo, pero wala ka atang SS. For a job that pays $30k per year, after taxes and SS, mga $2,000 per month.

[BlueBimmer]

Huwag naman sobrang nipis na kita utong mo. Maong naman, I don't recommend you buy the pirate version dito sa pinas.

sori natawa lng ako sa pagmention mo ng utong :bwahaha:

back on topic!

[Gen1]

kakatawa talaga. pag fil-am sa 'pinas gusto bumili ng damit. pag local na pinoy sa tate gusto.

testinging mo dannyboy ang outlet stores sa CA. may kaunting depekto (hindi halata unless bayot yung kaharap mo) yung produkto pero laki ng mura. huling punta ko 'san dosenang lonta ang binili ko. levis nakuha ko sa $25-35 ea. Eddie Bauer $20-28. Polo and Gap mura rin. Taltlong araw akong pabalik-balik duon.

[niwde11]

testinging mo dannyboy ang outlet stores sa CA. may kaunting depekto (hindi halata unless bayot yung kaharap mo) yung produkto pero laki ng mura. huling punta ko 'san dosenang lonta ang binili ko. levis nakuha ko sa $25-35 ea. Eddie Bauer $20-28. Polo and Gap mura rin. Taltlong araw akong pabalik-balik duon.

hahahah. pilipino ka nga pre(pareho tayo). punta ng nordstrom/macys pag sale or kung trip long drive, sa cabazon. seriously, about sa clothing, mga pangdisente(if you will need) na gagamitin mo bilin mo dito sa pinas. mas mura at mas maganda. usually ang mura lang sa kanila pag nagsale ang yung casual shirts, jeans, socks etc.

[Cale]

Thanks for your insights, Jolog1. I'll be working as a programmer sa Long Beach. Since around 9 pinoys kami na magwork sa cali, bka magshare nalang kami sa apartment para bumababa ung cost sa lodging.

Ok na ok ung mga info na binigay mo especially cost of lodging and food. How bout transpo and clothing nga pala? Mas ok ba na dito nako sa pinas buy ng mga clothes? How bout the tax? If I'll be earning $2500-3000/mo, magkano nalang matitira sakin after tax?

Mukhang medyo mababa offer sakin pero accept ko na din since may mga kashare naman ako sa apartment. Sana makapag sideline din para dagdag income.

Thanks in advance ulit and may you have a Blessed Christmas!!!

Dannyboy,
which part of long beach...i am a faculty of california state university long beach..let me know if you need something...my email carellan*csulb.edu
thanks
cale

[jolog1]

^ This reminds me of a story a vietnamese classmate of mine in college told me. He migrated to the US from Vietnam for hardship reason. He absolutely had nothing but clothes and a few cash. He couldn't even speak any english. When he arrived at the airport he was dumbfounded and lost. So he took the white pages and looked for the first person with the same last name as his. He called that person up and told him that he's a fellow Vietnamese and he just arrived at the airport and had nowhere to go. That guy picked him up, shared his home with him, and pretty much helped him out until he got on his feet.

[mrfd3s]

Hi, I was born and raised here in the US. My parents immigrated here from Philippines. Many may think I'm stupid for saying this, but I actually want to move to Philippines. I visit there often and I love everything about it. The people are very hospitable and it seems there are always fun things to do. If I had the choice, and I knew I would be financially secure, I would move there in a heartbeat. I do understand that many people immigrate to USA from Philippines for more security (health) and job opportunities. It's weird that nurses there don't make that much money, while nurses here are driving H2 Hummers and BMWs. Sorry if I'm not making much sense, I haven't had much sleep lol. I just wanted to show that Philippines is a great place and USA is not the perfect place as it is percieved by many people. I am not from a rich family so I cannot just move there be well-off, but without a doubt, in a few years when I do have money, I will move to Philippines. I am trying to convince my parents into letting me attend college there, but they won't let me because they think that when I return here, I will loose credibility when applying for jobs. They do have a point, but what I truely want to do is go to college in the Philippines, make some friends and start a business. Ok i need to shutup, I'm just ranting now. Sorry for blabbing.

[cyberdoc95]

Hi, I was born and raised here in the US. My parents immigrated here from Philippines. Many may think I'm stupid for saying this, but I actually want to move to Philippines. I visit there often and I love everything about it. The people are very hospitable and it seems there are always fun things to do. If I had the choice, and I knew I would be financially secure, I would move there in a heartbeat. I do understand that many people immigrate to USA from Philippines for more security (health) and job opportunities. It's weird that nurses there don't make that much money, while nurses here are driving H2 Hummers and BMWs. Sorry if I'm not making much sense, I haven't had much sleep lol. I just wanted to show that Philippines is a great place and USA is not the perfect place as it is percieved by many people. I am not from a rich family so I cannot just move there be well-off, but without a doubt, in a few years when I do have money, I will move to Philippines. I am trying to convince my parents into letting me attend college there, but they won't let me because they think that when I return here, I will loose credibility when applying for jobs. They do have a point, but what I truely want to do is go to college in the Philippines, make some friends and start a business. Ok i need to shutup, I'm just ranting now. Sorry for blabbing.

[SIZE=2]
[SIZE=3]Hi Mrfd3s!

That's a good one! I really beleive that the best way for you to find out about the difficulty of life in the Philippines is when you actually live there and work for a living. It is so much fun when parents are still responsible for you since you'll be getting money from them. But when you reach the age or the situation when you have to take care of 2 kids and a wife, an apartment/house to rent, gasoline allowance for commute,clothing allowance,etc,etc,etc., and earn only P25,000/month at the most, this is when reality kicks in. Don't get me wrong Mrfd3s, I 'm not discouraging you or anything, but you'll find out anyway sooner or later.

The United States is not perfect at all. I couldn't think of a country that is perfect, not even Switzerland or Sweden. I would describe the country as a better option and I think that's the most common answer by those who have moved to the US. I even thought before that the United States is much more chaotic due to the diversity of race coming to the United States. On the contrary, the US is very much organized in every way compared to other first world countries.

Mr. Mrfd3s, I would encourage you to see the real score in the Philippines. I urge you to live there and see it for yourself. Maybe try to get a job at the local food chain like Mcdonald's or KFC and find out that they pay you approximately $4/day(200 pesos/day of an 8-hr shift). Not too bad, is it? When you get paid at least $8/hr (US minimum wage) at Mcdonald's in the States, you'll work approximately 1 week-equivalent for the same job in the Philippines for an 8-hr shift in the States. Just so you will not be shocked when you get there, a little glimpse of what to expect.

If you can, try to live in Manila, that's where all the action in the Philippines. You'll love all the fun stuff in the Philippines! I miss them all!!

Good Luck Mrfd3s and keep us updated on your stay in the Philippines!! I'm sure you are going to enjoy it!!

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON!![/SIZE][/SIZE]