A wise, old expression claims that a privilege experienced often soon becomes a right. The expression suggests when one has become accustomed to a positive situation, over time, appreciation becomes diminished because of familiarity. The privilege instead becomes the norm.
I developed that attitude after living in the Philippines for three and a half years now.
During the recent C events, I became conscious of what had happened. My error was highlighted after observing people’s positive behavior, and doing extensive research about activities available in the Dumaguete area. It was then that I developed a renewed sense of appreciation about living here.
As always, it’s the high quality of people that’s most important for me. I also became aware of the scope of what I should have been experiencing since my arrival.
Yes, I’d climbed Mt. Talinis, enjoyed Casaroro Falls, and hiked up to the Filipino-American-Japanese Amity Shrine. I’ve been to Apo Island, walked and jogged in many mountain areas, and played golf, but that barely scratches the surface of what’s available.
There are many reasons why foreigners enjoy living here in Negros Oriental. I was reminded of one such example last night while writing this article. We had a sudden brownout. I found myself chuckling about the contrast in people’s reaction here as opposed to in California.
When the brownout happened here, people in the four nearby homes were, like us, cooking the evening meal. No problem. Everybody laughed when it began, and when power was restored a half hour later, there was cheering and clapping.
My memories of the rare brownouts in America are unpleasant. One typical example shows the distinction between the two societies. Unlike here, people in California came charging out onto the avenue, whining loudly because Pacific Gas & Electric had not arrived to do repairs within five minutes. Seriously.
I took my dog out for a walk. When we returned, two trucks and six men from the power company were working on repairs. Forty five minutes after the problem began, it had been resolved. But there was no laughter, only grumpiness at the temporary inconvenience.
Also, I knew the names of only one family in the venue.
Here, whether or not I want it, everybody it seems knows me and the gossip about me, and I know about them. This situation highlights the contrast between our world and theirs. Ours is rich while theirs is poor.
I’ve been speaking to you for over three years about my respect for the people of Dumaguete. It’s the remarkable people that make a significant difference for foreigners like me.
When I arrived to live here, I believed the phrase “City of Gentle People” was simply a tourist slogan.
As is often the case, I was completely wrong.
The day I arrived, the first interaction I had was a heartfelt welcome from a clerk in a cybercafe. This began a sequence of experiences whereby the people here continued to be generous by welcoming me into their lives.
In almost three and a half years, I’ve witnessed only three public outbursts of anger. Two were from foreigners, one of which was me, making a fool of myself in the bank.
If given a choice, where in the world would you choose to be during the current C situation? For me, there is no doubt. Dumaguete would be my choice. It’s where I live, and hope to spend the remainder of my life.
I want to thank all those involved in service during this challenging time. Their selfless devotion to this often dangerous work was carried out with typical Filipino grace and dignity.
For me, one notable exception was the Dumaguete barangay captains who, during the lockdown, unanimously claimed that one pass for 10 houses was “sufficient for families”.
That translated into one hour per week being allowed for a member of each family to buy whatever food and medicines they needed and return home all within one hour.
That was a statistical impossibility. I have no doubt that every Dumaguete barangay captain and their families had the ability to travel whenever and wherever they wanted.
I acknowledge the sensitivity of Filipinos to foreigners who negatively comment on internal matters. But since this is a local matter, and because I’m legally living and working here, pay legitimate taxes, I believe I’m entitled to express an opinion about matters that impact the people I care about.
Another reason why I appreciate living here is readers of the Metro Post have always been patient with me, as indeed has editor Alex Rey Pal who generously indulges my perhaps, unorthodox approach to life.
I recognize my writing occasionally has private disclosures that make it uncomfortable to read. But you also know I never intend any disrespect to anyone I care about, nor do I intentionally want to upset you.
I used to occasionally question the established religion and some politicians but after some uncomfortable experiences, I have realized it’s not healthy for me to openly comment.
It could also be validly argued that as a foreigner, I have no right, no authority to comment on state or national issues.
Regardless, it’s pointless to highlight injustices. Nothing will change because of anything I write. And what’s the value of an exercise in futility?
I’ll now mention activities and adventures one can routinely enjoy in Dumaguete and the surrounding areas. While it’s a major benefit for retirees, especially for foreigners like myself, it’s also appealing for local singles, couples, or families who want to enjoy the treasure that belongs to all of us. It doesn’t matter what your outside interests are because you have a wealth of options from which to choose.
The following is a partial list: visiting Omoyen Bee Farm, hiking up Mt. Talinis, strolling through Aquino Freedom Park, stepping down to experience the splendour of Casaroro Falls, swimming with turtles at Apo Island, scuba diving or snorkeling in Dauin — considered one of the best dive areas in the Philippines, hiking up and down the Filipino-American-Japanese Amity Shrine, exploring caves, or playing golf at the well-designed Dumaguete Golf & Country Club.
With so many opportunities available, I’ve made a decision to broaden my experience. I’ve drawn up a list of six activities I’ll do within six weeks of the C situation, restrictions ending. While I’ve no control over world events, I am responsible for my behavior and the quality of my life. I’m excited about the remainder of this year, and whatever additional time is left for me to enjoy this life experience. Apart from the activities discussed, I’m also working on projects that will help others while benefiting myself from being of service.
I hope you haven’t been severely harmed by the C situation, to the extent it will cause permanent damage. There’s no doubt strain has been placed on relationships throughout our society. Being cooped up in claustrophobic conditions day and night is not a natural state. Some relationships will become stronger, while others have been severely damaged, perhaps irreparably so.
In commerce, there are many small businesses that will never reopen. The result will be more unemployment, and consequential damaged family relationships. As usual, it’s the blameless children who will suffer the most damage while wondering what they did wrong.
Despite all the darkness, despite drastic predictions about our future, despite systematic corruption, I firmly believe there is no better country than the Philippines, no people stronger than Filipinos with your joyful attitude to life, your acceptance of your situation, but with an ability and willingness to move forward, no people better able to soon rise up and smile even warmer than before.
I’m grateful I was living in the Philippines when this C situation happened.
And one last time, a heartfelt thanks to all involved in our recovery. That begins with Governor Degamo who acted decisively by promptly enforcing a quarantine. That was an unpopular but necessary decision.
But most of all, gratitude belongs to all the frontliners, from the highest level in the medical field, to those delivering food to elders confined in their homes, and those who were serving courteously at the checkpoints.
Everybody has played, and continues to play, a significant role. All are equally deserving of our praise and gratitude. I salute and thank all our heroes. You deserve all, and even more, of the appreciation you receive.
I find it ironic that we humans, who have progressed significantly so that we can easily land men on the moon, and plan sending them to Mars, have been severely damaged, if not defeated, by an element we cannot see that has effortless moved across our planet, taking its victims at will, while we, instead of standing in solidarity, play the blame game of one country against another. And with no positive outcome. It seems we never learn from our past.
And what of our future? Say hello to our new, but as yet unknown, normal way of life!
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Author’s email: irishauthormichaelcassidy@gmail.com
