Respecting Filipino Hospitality: An Expat’s Reflection

Today is my 1st anniversary in the Philippines. My wife, and my son grew up here. This is their country. I call this archipelago home now, yet I am a guest, and I know it. I am still working on becoming conversational in Tagalog, and Bisdak (A.K.A. Cebuano or Visayan). That is not an easy task. I am still trying to navigate the politics and the cultural references. These are wonderful people. They absolutely do live up to their reputation of being hospitable. If you get an opportunity to take a world class vacation, add the Philippines to your destination. 

The one thing I do try to stay clear of here is the internal politics of the nation. It is nor a matter of not understanding the politics here. I have read enough to have a clue of the general issues of this nation of 116 Million souls. Though, as I have said, “I am a guest here.” I am only concerned with the issues which negatively impact my little family, and her extended family. For that reason I am vigilant on the issues about the encroachment of China in the Exclusive Economic Zones of the Philippines and, on occasion, Filipino territorial waters. The Chinese do nor belong here. 

Without having a surface vessel, or the seafaring skills of the local fisherfolk, all I can do right now is write about it and keep people informed about what is going on. I am working on changing my skill set to gain more nautical abilities, however, that is still a ways off. 

In the meantime, I will keep working on what I can, and living my life with the people who do love me here. I am grateful that I found this life, and my love,