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GoodEnough
02-20-17, 01:09
American tourists in the Philippines run a distant second now to Korean tourists, who do not seem to be fazed by the negative press in the West (probably don't even read it). The simple fact is that the US is in obvious decline in Asia. Most US and Western media are extremely lazy (or worse) in that they simply parrot the reporting of the PD Inquirer, which is blatantly biased in favor of the Yellow Party and against President Duterte.

If you should ever travel to Phils, just ask around (especially in in Visayas) for personal views regarding President Duterte. A reported whopping 80+% of the Filipino people approve of Duterte. Also, the Philippine economy seems to have been doing quite well under Duterte.

Distorted media image versus reality.

Just my personal view.

OM.I agree totally with OM. The US media do a pretty poor job of analyzing much of anything here and either repeat the hysteria of international human rights groups or parrot the biased party line of the anti-Duterte press. Almost all of my Filipino friends remain staunch Duterte supporters and I've not noticed any wavering of support as indicated in the fairly frequent polls published by local media.

There's little doubt that US influence is being supplanted inexorably by China, and in some countries by regional bodies such as ASEAN, but this started a few years ago, and is continuing as China provides an increasing share of development aid without tying it to "reform" efforts. In the Philippines the nascent Chinese influence will likely grow over time as the approximately $6 B of Chinese aid gets translated into projects, and as the local population begins to realize the benefits of the massive transportation and agricultural projects that will be implemented.

Not only have Koreans displaced Westerners as the predominant tourists, but it appears to me that the Japanese and Chinese are starting to arrive in ever increasing numbers as well. That said, I've not run into any overt anti-Western / anti-American feelings here, and remain comfortable living and working in the country. It's also my impression, which I cannot substantiate statistically, that while the tourism income being expended by Koreans in the country is welcome, Koreans themselves are not much loved by the population at large given their perceived arrogance and extremely limited English skills. Conversely the Japanese, also lacking significant English, appear to be much more warmly received by the population. Again, that's just my purely subjective observation.

GE.

Member #4566
02-20-17, 05:42
There's little doubt that US influence is being supplanted inexorably. Not only have Koreans displaced Westerners as the predominant tourists, but

GE.900 k Korean to 500 k Kano yearly tourists. But how many of the US tourists are Filipino emigres home for a pilgrimage? If our vision of the average US tourist is a sex tourist or a diving enthusiast then we are probably wrong. More likely it is a Filipino-American visiting the family. The largest Asian minority in the US may very well be the Filipino. The prestige that this gives America in the hearts and minds of the Philippine people can not be underestimated. Additionally Koreans don't mix well with other people. They have their own restaurants. The women go to their own beauty salons. Their children go to their own schools. On Sunday they go to their own churches. Finally they are discouraged from marrying outside their group.

GoodEnough
02-20-17, 05:58
900 k Korean to 500 k Kano yearly tourists. But how many of the US tourists are Filipino emigres home for a pilgrimage? If our vision of the average US tourist is a sex tourist or a diving enthusiast then we are probably wrong. More likely it is a Filipino-American visiting the family. The largest Asian minority in the US may very well be the Filipino. The prestige that this gives America in the hearts and minds of the Philippine people can not be underestimated. Additionally Koreans don't mix well with other people. They have their own restaurants. The women go to their own beauty salons. Their children go to their own schools. On Sunday they go to their own churches. Finally they are discouraged from marrying outside their group.I agree, and given that the TV programs, movies and much of the music is American means that the US will likely continue as a cultural--or at least pop cultural--icon here for a long time.

But I was speaking more of political and economic influence; of the ability to influence foreign policy and the development of internal political institutions, areas in which the US used to wield substantial clout. This momentum however has shifted, especially under Duterte, who is more open to other alliances and consultations. It's also true, I believe that US influence in those areas is waning throughout the region and it may never be regained in the ASEAN countries, many of which appear to be adopting a more balanced approach to the devleopment of foreign policy.

The emergence of China as a global development partner and financier has had a huge impact already on international relationships in the developing world. In the case of ASEAN, analyses that I've read suggest that the member countries appreciate the fact that China doesn't tie its aid to internal reforms, and appears to respect the rights of other sovereign countries more than they perceive the US does. That, plus the fact that the US has gotten largely out of the business of financing mega infrastructure projects has contributed to a shift in geopolitics.

Like the US, the EU has also largely abandoned larger "hard" projects and concentrates more on "soft" and far less expensive development efforts: reforming tax codes, "capacity building" of local government officials, teacher training / education reform, the training of health care para professionals, and the like. While such projects may be admirable and effective, they do not have the impact on perceptions that large infrastructure projects do.

GE.

Hutsori
02-20-17, 06:27
I agree, and given that the TV programmes, movies and much of the music is American means that the US will likely continue as a cultural--or at least pop cultural--icon here for a long time.Certainly film the US is the top import. For TV, I'd say the Korean soaps which are broadcast on Pinoy channels like GMA dominate for the past several years, supplanting the Mexican and S. American ones. The US programming is more likely to be found on the international channels like Discovery, AXZ, etc. Music is heavily American but there's a lot of K-Pop. Concerts are interesting. The Koreans send over a lot of acts and the tickets tend to be much more affordable than the major US acts. A performer like JLo or Rihanna will see the face value of tickets at the equivalent of several hundred dollars, and it's major social event for the upper tier of Philippine society. The Koreans do a lot of these "spectaculars" with a half dozen or so acts appearing on stage. DJs come from all over, though I think the Europeans do best in this sector.


The emergence of China as a global development partner and financier has had a huge impact already on international relationships in the developing world. In the case of ASEAN, analyses that I've read suggest that the member countries appreciate the fact that China doesn't tie its aid to internal reforms, and appears to respect the rights of other sovereign countries more than they perceive the US does. That, plus the fact that the US has gotten largely out of the business of financing mega infrastructure projects has contributed to a shift in geopolitics.Big projects like dams and power plants are strongly opposed by western activists hence they are too controversial. The left will condemn the environmental impact and displacement of indigenous people / culture and the right will oppose the cost of foreign aid that ought to stay home. Beijing has carte blanche.

Chocha Monger
02-20-17, 09:18
Big projects like dams and power plants are strongly opposed by western activists hence they are too controversial. The left will condemn the environmental impact and displacement of indigenous people / culture and the right will oppose the cost of foreign aid that ought to stay home. Beijing has carte blanche.Major projects like dams, power plants, and bridges will mean an influx of hordes of horny Chinamen resulting in the creation of new mongering venues to cater to these workers. The Koreans and Japanese may find themselves facing new competition for stunners.

Omega 3
02-20-17, 12:22
50 seems to be the current point of resistance? If and when this point is effectively breached, then it's anyone's guess.

Just my one centavo worth (at current exchange rates).

OM.Peso has closed at just over 50 to US $ for the past several days now. Looks like there is still some resistance around this point though.

OM.

Kabul Guy
02-20-17, 22:49
Major projects like dams, power plants, and bridges will mean an influx of hordes of horny Chinamen......Remember the China one child policy and the propensity for selective abortions of females. The result is truly hordes of excess males in China, they will need to find females somewhere or the social implications are not good at all.

The mongering implications of them finding women is not good for us at all either.

Omega 3
02-21-17, 03:24
Remember the China one child policy and the propensity for selective abortions of females. The result is truly hordes of excess males in China, they will need to find females somewhere or the social implications are not good at all.

The mongering implications of them finding women is not good for us at all either.That really is a ticking social and geopolitical time bomb. Although China's preferred approach to hegemony seems to be economic enticement and assimilation, the pressures of disproportionate numbers of young men well could also prompt increased military adventurism by China, with at least threefold perceived benefits (from their point of view): (1) focusing and harnessing the energies of young men as soldiers, (2) toughening and seasoning the young men, and culling "excess numbers"; and (3) acquiring new territories and assets (and, motivationally, new sources of women for the surviving young men)!

The usual disclaimer.

OM.

Omega 3
02-22-17, 06:42
Very interesting article by Rigoberto Tiglao in today's Manila Times, entitled: "79% of Gold Mined in PH Smuggled to HK: US $4. 2 Billion or P200 Billion from 2005-2015. Mostly during previous BS Aquino regime".

-- Seems that this is a huge, but not well publicized, multi-billion dollar economic problem for the Philippines.

"With US $4.2 billion smuggled, and therefore not sold to the BSP, the country lost about US $2.5 billion in foregone foreign exchange. Maybe even worse, gold sales are imposed a 5 percent withholding tax and a 2 percent excise tax for a total of 7 percent in taxes. With P222 billion smuggled and therefore unreported, government lost P14 billion in foregone taxes".

-- Reportedly, it is several large Chinese mining companies who, especially during the past PNoy (Yellow Party) administration, were the primary culprits or benefactors.

"The data show that gold smuggling started only in 2005, but rose to huge amounts during the administration of former President Aquino, when more than two dozen Chinese companies rushed into the gold mining industry in the country. Aquino's Liberal Party and its 2016 candidate Mar Roxas were known to be close to several miners, and were very supportive of the mining industry".

-- Now, with President Duterte's crackdown, this has become a political issue, and these mining companies and their abettors have become yet another vested interest motivated to seek his overthrow.

"The stakes are so huge that there are now billions of reasons for removing Duterte as early as possible, by hook or by crook".

-- It will be interesting to see if the biased Manila main stream media even cognize this issue, and, if so, what will be their "spin".

-- For those who may be interested in reading the entire article, here is the link: http://www.manilatimes.net/79-gold-mined-ph-smuggled-hk-4-2b-p200b-2005-2015/313552/ .

Happy reading,

OM.

Wicked Roger
03-01-17, 19:38
This from todays Philstar.

There was a South African health minister who had some crazy ideas of how to stop HIV (until she resigned) and this one looks equally silly.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/02/09/1670447/doh-chief-wants-block-porn-sites

More of concern is if this can be achieved but condoms are still not given out as that just leads to more unwanted babies (or as some so proudly say "a blessing from God" or as one Archbishop said "proud as we can supply more DHs") and HIV increasing or other STDs.This from today's Inquirer with a few notable facts showing how the church et al are totally barmy IMHO and manipulative. Interesting comment about how pinoys / pinays are becoming sexually aware earlier than their parents (really tell us something we don't know LOL). Never knew that they had to get parent's permission to buy condoms before 18 either.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/876697/condom-plan-gets-killed-as-hiv-soars

Now contrast this to the UK which is lightyears (maybe solar systems) ahead of the Philippines.

http://www.bbc.com/news/education-39116783

While some may disagree with the thrust BBC article / story they won't disagree am sure that the Philippines lags behind much in the world in sex education in schools. Though not am sure in if that is the case in Sogos and other classier establishments that some of the mongers on this board call 'home' LOL.

Omega 3
03-02-17, 07:33
This from today's Inquirer with a few notable facts showing how the church et al are totally barmy IMHO and manipulative.

*** Now contrast this to the UK which is lightyears (maybe solar systems) ahead of the Philippines.

*** While some may disagree with the thrust BBC article / story they won't disagree am sure that the Philippines lags behind much in the world in sex education in schools. Interesting op-ed piece in today's Manila Times, confirming and extrapolating on the perceptive observations and opinions posted here previously by WR and several others of our own commentators.

The MT article hypothesizes that EDSA merely represented a "changing of the guard" from one ruling oligarchical group to another, and did not help the Filipino poor at all. Empirical data is offered to support the assertion that per capita GDP in the Philippines failed to advance, in part allegedly due to the dogma of the Catholic Church impeding social and economic progress in the Philippines. Reportedly, in 1972 the Philippines had the second highest per capita GDP in ASEAN, but now has the lowest per capita GDP.

Here are some interesting excerpts from the article:

"Did EDSA matter to us? Did it change the lives of tens of millions of Filipinos trapped in poverty? Or was it useless for most of the poor"?

"In a nutshell: Nothing much happened. The EDSA Revolution restored the power of our oligarchs, and the country's oligarchic structure created by colonial powers, and of course, its ideological superstructure, Spanish Catholicism".

"The religious spin given to the Revolution (the Virgin Mary was claimed to have willed it) even strengthened the backward, medieval version of Hispanic Catholicism that partly explains the backwardness of nearly all nations that that had been colonized by the Iberian colonialists. No wonder we have been unable to undertake even the weakest program for population control, making us the Asian country with the fastest-growing population of mostly poor people".

" Twenty-eight years after EDSA, our major competitors in Asean (Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) have overtaken us. Malaysia's GDP per capita of $10.878 is four times our $2,640; Thailand's $5,775 is twice. We have the lowest GDP per capita now, at $2,640. We used to have, in 1972, the second highest".

" So, what happened that we're so left behind"?

"The heroine of EDSA basically restored the pre-martial law Constitution, and therefore the country's (pre-existing) political and economic structure".

"It's the sad, sad reality of this moment in history we've celebrated as a glorious episode. EDSA just didn't improve much the lives of most Filipinos. We have got to move on and change things".

-- Of course, as an aside, as an old friend of mine used to astutely observe, "Thank God things just don't work quite right here and there is no real economic progress. Where would we go otherwise"?

OM.

P.S. For those who may be interested in reading the entire article, entitled "Was EDSA useless for the Filipino masses?" here is the link: http://www.manilatimes.net/edsa-useless-filipino-masses/314735/.

Eszpresszo
03-02-17, 17:55
Remember the China one child policy and the propensity for selective abortions of females. The result is truly hordes of excess males in China, they will need to find females somewhere or the social implications are not good at all.

The mongering implications of them finding women is not good for us at all either.Do you think Filipinas are that excited about Chinese guys? Knowing how Asians have a strong distaste for their neighbors, I wouldn't be surprised if they are put off by them.

Omega 3
03-03-17, 02:14
Do you think Filipinas are that excited about Chinese guys? Knowing how Asians have a strong distaste for their neighbors, I wouldn't be surprised if they are put off by them.ES, I think that the Chinese now have just as much (if not more) "peso-nality" as the rest of us.

OM.

GoodEnough
03-03-17, 03:42
ES, I think that the Chinese now have just as much (if not more) "peso-nality" as the rest of us.

OM.Well put OM, and if my recent observations are accurate, I'd say you're correct. Chinese guys all over the place in Manila, and from what I saw they were welcome. Their only drawback for the girls is that they speak about zero English, which of course, hasn't stopped the Koreans or the Japanese.

GE.

Chocha Monger
03-06-17, 09:32
Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) show Chinese visitor arrivals jumped by some 76.5 percent to 85,948 in January 2017, the largest growth recorded among 12 major tourism markets of the Philippines.

This helped boost the total number of tourists who visited the country to 631,639, from the 542,258 who arrived in January 2016.

"We are now seeing the fruits of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's reaching out to China. Doors to more economic opportunities and people-to-people exchanges are wider more than ever, now that ties between Manila and Beijing have seen a new day," Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon T. Teo said in a statement.

The huge leap in Chinese visitors in January enabled the market to land in third place among the top tourism markets of the Philippines.

Despite the 76.5-percent jump in Chinese tourists, this growth was actually lower than the 130.2-percent rise recorded in January 2016. In addition, there was an almost 30-percent drop in visiting balikbayan or Philippine passport holders permanently residing abroad (excluding overseas Filipino workers), according to DOT data.

South Korea remained the largest source of visitors for the Philippines, rising by some 4. 9 percent to 154,367. This was followed by the United States at 99,435 (up 17.7 percent); China; Japan, 51,516 (up 23.6 percent); and Australia, 27,826 (up 10.1 percent).

Other top sources of tourists in January 2017 were Canada at 24,352 (up 15.4 percent); Taiwan, 21,926 (up 41.3 percent); the UK, 15,747 (up 4. 5 percent); Singapore, 12,000 (down by 10.5 percent); and India, 11,805 (up 31.84 percent). India makes its first appearance in the list of top visitor markets of the Philippines edging out Malaysia, 10,215 (down 7.7 percent); Hong Kong, 10,006 (up 23.04 percent); and Germany, 8,917 (up 7 percent).

The DOT also reported that the average expenditure of tourists in the Philippines amounted to P3,659 per day, while each tourist spent an average of P38,823 (about $761) during the month in review. Tourists also stayed an average of 10.61 nights.

South Koreans were the top spenders in January 2017 at P6. 5 billion, followed by Americans at some P3. 7 billion the Japanese at P2. 12 billion, Australians at some P1. 6 billion and Canadians at P1. 09 billion.

FreebieFan
03-06-17, 10:49
Well put OM, and if my recent observations are accurate, I'd say you're correct. Chinese guys all over the place in Manila, and from what I saw they were welcome. Their only drawback for the girls is that they speak about zero English, which of course, hasn't stopped the Koreans or the Japanese.

GE.On most recent trip stayed in an airbnb place in Salcedo. There were 8 apartments on the floor I was on. 6 were occupied by chinese and one by a korean. All the chinese hd doors of apartments open all the time as is their habit.

Thankfully my mandarin is ok to be able to ask them nicely to close their doors as they were disturbing me, and whoever was the date dujour.

Thereafer I got many happy " Ni Haos " from them all every day, after they knew I was working in China. Walking on the streets of Salcedo / Bel Air is was truly surprised by how many chinese they were. Endless numbers of them. All supposedly students but some long time residents. Their numbers are definately growing. Last year, the number of chinese visitors grew by 37 according to tourism. Gov. Ph.

Screaming Beaver
03-07-17, 12:19
Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) show Chinese visitor arrivals jumped by some 76.5 percent to 85,948 in January 2017, the largest growth recorded among 12 major tourism markets of the Philippines.The one child policy which China initiated decades ago has now left an acute shortage of available young beaver in China. It's no wonder these China men are now invading the Philippines looking for action. You can expect this problem to get worse.

Chocha Monger
03-08-17, 01:37
The one child policy which China initiated decades ago has now left an acute shortage of available young beaver in China. It's no wonder these China men are now invading the Philippines looking for action. You can expect this problem to get worse.The roots of the current squeeze go back a generation. Sex-selective abortions became common in China in the 1990's as a result of the country's strict (now somewhat laxer) one-child-per-couple policy and a traditional preference for sons. A few years later they became increasingly common in India, also because of a preference for sons and helped by the growing availability of prenatal tests to determine sex. In 2010-15, according to the UN Population Division, China's sex ratio at birth was 116 boys to 100 girls; in India the figure was 111. Though these ratios have fallen a little since their peaks, they are still far above the natural rate, which is 105 to 100.

http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21648715-distorted-sex-ratios-birth-generation-ago-are-changing-marriage-and-damaging-societies-asias

Cheap ultrasound technology combined with backward cultural beliefs and practices have sealed the downfall of these two countries. This is reflected in the horny hordes of their male citizens now overrunning the Philippines. In another decade Philippine beaver will be worth its weight in gold.

Dg8787
03-08-17, 02:56
The roots of the current squeeze go back a generation. Sex-selective abortions became common in China in the 1990's as a result of the country's strict (now somewhat laxer) one-child-per-couple policy and a traditional preference for sons. A few years later they became increasingly common in India, also because of a preference for sons and helped by the growing availability of prenatal tests to determine sex. In 2010-15, according to the UN Population Division, China's sex ratio at birth was 116 boys to 100 girls; in India the figure was 111. Though these ratios have fallen a little since their peaks, they are still far above the natural rate, which is 105 to 100.

http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21648715-distorted-sex-ratios-birth-generation-ago-are-changing-marriage-and-damaging-societies-asias

Cheap ultrasound technology combined with backward cultural beliefs and practices have sealed the downfall of these two countries. This is reflected in the horny hordes of their male citizens now overrunning the Philippines. In another decade Philippine beaver will be worth its weight in gold.Historically when the ratio is above 105 there is a war to thin out the males.

Ikksman
03-09-17, 01:34
The one child policy which China initiated decades ago has now left an acute shortage of available young beaver in China. It's no wonder these China men are now invading the Philippines looking for action. You can expect this problem to get worse.The influx of Chinese mongers is nothing to do with the one child policy. The Chinese men who miss out on the girls are the peasants and working class who could never afford to travel to AC.

The main reason is President Xi Jinping's "3 Vices" campaign started at Chinese New Year 2014. The campaign was implemented to help eliminate ex-President Jiang Zemin's remaining power-base in China as it was a political faction threatening Xi Jinping's hold on power. The campaign all but destroyed South China as a monger's paradise.

Now middle class and wealthier Chinese with cash are travelling to PI to monger just like their wealthier Korean neighbors.

Ikks.

Omega 3
03-10-17, 03:46
The main reason is President Xi Jinping's "3 Vices" campaign started at Chinese New Year 2014. The campaign all but destroyed South China as a monger's paradise.

Now middle class and wealthier Chinese with cash are travelling to PI to monger just like their wealthier Korean neighbors.

Ikks.Dear Ikks,

Ah, yes, miss those wild China nights in Dongguan (and even Shenzhen).

Miss the fine Chinese silk kitties.

[Non-English text deleted by Admin]

OM.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This report was edited to remove text not in English. While I encourage contributions from all volunteers, the Forum is an English-only website. Please do not post reports in any language other than English. If you wish to post text in any language other than English, then please include a full English translation.Thanks!

Omega 3
03-10-17, 13:53
Dear Ikks,

Ah, yes, miss those wild China nights in Dongguan (and even Shenzhen).

Miss the fine Chinese silk kitties.

OM.
My bad. "Tai yihan la" = "sayang na" = "What a pity".

OM.

Screaming Beaver
03-11-17, 00:58
More evidence the Chinese invasion into Angeles City is about to begin. China Eastern Airlines announces new service to begin into Clark Airport. http://business.inquirer.net/225911/china-carrier-start-flying-clark.

Omega 3
03-13-17, 05:42
More evidence the Chinese invasion into Angeles City is about to begin. China Eastern Airlines announces new service to begin into Clark Airport. http://business.inquirer.net/225911/china-carrier-start-flying-clark.Might as well get used to it. For better or for worse, China's star is ascending, especially in Asia, and particularly in the Philippines.

Conversely, America's star is falling rapidly. America is imploding, thanks to the would-be principals of destabilization who seek personal financial gain and who have so successfully brainwashed so many good folk.

Like it or not, Trump is the USA President. Suck it in, and support Trump and support America. "United we stand, divided we fall. " Do not let prevail those vultures who seek only to gain personally by destabilizing the USA, who hope that Trump and the USA will collapse.

Similarly, here, Duterte is the Philippine president. According to surveys, 80% plus of the Filipino people support Duterte. However, here also are those vultures who seek only to gain personally by destabilizing the Philippines, who hope that Duterte and the Philippines will collapse.

I know that there are those who will agree with me, and there are those who will strongly disagree with me, but this is my own honest personal opinion and prayer.

Yours sincerely,

OM.

GoodEnough
03-19-17, 01:07
Might as well get used to it. For better or for worse, China's star is ascending, especially in Asia, and particularly in the Philippines.

Conversely, America's star is falling rapidly. America is imploding
OM.I strongly disagree with most of your post, as I believe that any attempt to draw parallels between Duterte and Trump is specious. In the case of the US, the primary vulture of self-aggrandizement sits in the White House, while here the situation is the obverse. Further, Duterte and his team appear to be trying to implement actual policies, while Trump's so-called policies are limited to 160 characters stemming from random impulses to what passes for his brain.

I do agree however, that China's star is on the rise, and its growing influence is not limited to Asia. China's influence is growing rapidly in various parts of Africa and Latin America as well, due to its willingness to provide massive soft loans related largely to the improvement of infrastructure. The US and, for the most part, the European Union have shunned for decades the sort of large infrastructure projects being enthusiastically supported by China and improved infrastructure is exactly what many developing countries require. Conversely, US assistance--aside from military aid--has for years been tied to "internal reforms" meaning mimicry of US democratic institutions. Chinese aid is not and China--in my opinion quite wisely--doesn't seek to meddle in the internal affairs of the countries it assists, avoiding the trap of self-righteous moralizing. With the recent formation of the Asian Infrastructure Bank, founded by China and supported by US European allies, Chinese influence will continue to grow, not only in Asia but in various regions of the world far removed geographically from China. US and indeed most Western bilateral aid focuses, largely with no success, on the softer, reformation of institutions, and produces little to no tangible outcomes that improve the lives of most people in the developing world.

Chinese infrastructure loans are also conditioned on the willingness of host countries to accept construction and design oversight by Chinese firms, using Chinese products and managed by Chinese engineers, though most of the construction workforce is drawn from local labor pools. Over time, the populations of the countries receiving such assistance will, I imagine, start to associate quality of life improvements resulting from the new infrastructure, with Chinese technology and expertise. US foreign policy is a shortsighted as one of Donald Trump's inane tweets, while the Chinese have a longer-term vision which doesn't depend on whatever news blurb its fearless leader happened to see (or imagine he saw) on Fox News. And to be fair, despite how easy it is to poke fun at America's buffoon-in-chief, China's geopolitical rise and the concomitant US decline did start long prior to the current US administration.

The large unknown outcome of China's vision is the long-term ability of the recipients of the latter's largesse to repay the huge loans they've been given. That is, will the large infrastructure projects create sufficient economic growth to enable host country governments to meet the repayment schedules. If not, the Chinese (according to the loan agreements) will assume ownership of the assets as well as responsibility for their operations and the repercussions of such actions are largely unknown.

GE.

D Cups
03-19-17, 03:00
I am specious while Trump...Blah blah, blah. Have you checked your 401 K recently, GE? Record profits due to consumer confidence in our new president. When will the crybabies stop crying? You voted. You lost. Get over it.

Soapy Smith
03-19-17, 03:31
Blah blah, blah. Have you checked your 401 K recently, GE? Record profits due to consumer confidence in our new president. When will the crybabies stop crying? You voted. You lost. Get over it.Do you think it may be a little premature to judge the success of a presidency after less than two months? Assuming the rise in value of some U.S. assets is due to consumer confidence in the President, is there some parallel signature piece of public policy legislation you can point to as proof of the President's wise stewardship of the country?

In order to keep my post consistent with this thread's purpose, I heard from some folks during a recent visit that, despite Duterte's high poll numbers, there are beginning to be rumblings behind the scenes from some high placed previous Duterte supporters who now have serious misgivings about him. Fidel Ramos, in particular, is apparently unhappy with Duterte's crude language outbursts in public and his "apparent" move away from the U.S. Sorry if this is old news to some. Leni Robredo's appeal to the UN is interesting, but you have to wonder if it will simply hasten Bong Marcos' efforts to unseat her as Vice President.

Likewise the case against Senator de Lima may fall apart due to lack of solid evidence beyond details about her affair with the driver. The administration's next targeted critic may be Senator Trillanes. Fortunately, Philippine democracy is in the capable hands of some very bright folks in the Senate, like Manny Pacquiao and JV Ejercito.

Member #4566
03-19-17, 05:31
Blah blah, blah. Have you checked your 401 K recently, GE? Record profits due to consumer confidence in our new president. When will the crybabies stop crying? You voted. You lost. Get over it.The consumer confidence has been steadily rising for some time following the financial debacle of 2008. The stock market boomed after the election because the Wall Street boys know that with Mr T in the White House, Obama regulations will be rescinded. They know that the fix is in again. Wait and you will see. The little guy will get hit over the head worse than before. Good bye middle class. It all began with that A-hole Reagan so it's not like Tramp is entirely to blame. But he is much scarier than Reagan was.

Double Shooter
03-19-17, 06:08
I do agree however, that China's star is on the rise, and its growing influence is not limited to Asia. China's influence is growing rapidly in various parts of Africa and Latin America as well, due to its willingness to provide massive soft loans related largely to the improvement of infrastructure. The US and, for the most part, the European Union have shunned for decades the sort of large infrastructure projects being enthusiastically supported by China and improved infrastructure is exactly what many developing countries require. Conversely, US assistance--aside from military aid--has for years been tied to "internal reforms" meaning mimicry of US democratic institutions. Chinese aid is not and China--in my opinion quite wisely--doesn't seek to meddle in the internal affairs of the countries it assists, avoiding the trap of self-righteous moralizing. With the recent formation of the Asian Infrastructure Bank, founded by China and supported by US European allies, Chinese influence will continue to grow, not only in Asia but in various regions of the world far removed geographically from China. US and indeed most Western bilateral aid focuses, largely with no success, on the softer, reformation of institutions, and produces little to no tangible outcomes that improve the lives of most people in the developing world.
...

GE.For a damning critique of US International "assistance", read John Perkins' Confessions of an Economic Hitman.

References to the counter arguments may be found in Wikipedia.

GoodEnough
03-19-17, 06:28
Soapy, I don't think that the rumblings about Duterte are anything more than a slight tremor, and I doubt his presidency is in any danger of imminent collapse. For one thing, the 6 billion loan from China is about to become quite visible in the rural heartland, and will be used for extensive small agricultural projects that will benefit farmers directly. So, there will soon be quite visible benefits throughout large stretches of the countryside, and the support of smallholder farmers will remain rock solid. For another, the widely publicized drug killings and busts have virtually disappeared from the headlnes, and all that's occurring now is the usual soap opera of Philippines politics.

DCups, go back to Breitbart and immerse yourself in conspiracy theories. The rest of us will continue to express misgivings about the White House sociopath, not that a full Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins would know anything about it: http://bipartisanreport.com/2017/01/27/johns-hopkins-top-psychotherapist-releases-terrifying-diagnosis-of-president-trump/

GE.

D Cups
03-19-17, 13:44
The only conspiracies are the ones you babble about: democrats unwillingness to admit and accept defeat. Now you say they are resorting to shrinks to make their case. Fascinating.



n conspiracy theories. The rest of us will continue to express misgivings about the White House sociopath, not that a full Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins would know anything about it: http://bipartisanreport.com/2017/01/27/johns-hopkins-top-psychotherapist-releases-terrifying-diagnosis-of-president-trump/

GE..

Omega 3
03-20-17, 06:51
A trifecta of recent op-ed articles in Manila Times provides fascinating "behind-the scenes glimpses" (at least, to this old expat) of certain aspects of politics in the Philippines.

The first article, by Francisco Tatad, entitled "Impeaching the Ombudsman" (and published just the day before the recent impeachment complaint was filed against President Duterte) ostensibly pertains to Conchita Carpio Morales, former Supreme Court Justice and carry-over current Ombudsman originally appointed by NoyNoy in 2011, who, according to the article, seems quite partial to certain Yellow Party members. Here is the link to the article: http://www.manilatimes.net/impeaching-the-ombudsman/317279/.

According to the article, under the precedent of "Francisco v. House of Representatives", once an impeachment is dismissed for lack of sufficiency, a public official can no longer be subjected to any other impeachment complaint for one year. This article suggested that, as a tactical ploy, the Ombudsman, Conchita Carpio Morales, could cause a "defective" impeachment complaint to be filed against her before anyone else does. Then, apparently, under this precedent, once the impeachment complaint is dismissed for insufficiency, Ombudsman Carpio Morales could no longer be subjected to any other impeachment complaint for one year.

Very interesting, and, in light of the events of the past few days, makes one wonder if this precedent would also apply to impeachment complaints against the President? So, went online and located Francisco v. House of Representatives. For those who might be interested, here is the link: http://www.lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2003/nov2003/gr_160261_2003.html.

Francisco was a 2003 opinion of the Philippines Supreme Court, written by (none other than) J. Carpio Morales. The case reviewed the (current) 1987 Constitution, Article XI Section 3 (5) of which provides, "No impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year".

Given this, one must think further about the possible ramifications of the impeachment complaint just filed against Du30 by Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano. The complainant, Alejano, was a Philippines marine who, with fellow-mutineer and buddy, Senator Antonio ("Sonny") Trillanes and a few others, reportedly was part of the 2003 "Oakwood mutiny". In this incident, a relatively small group of mostly junior-grade military officers briefly occupied what is now the Ascott Makati tower in Ayala (at least, they were comfortably billeted for their short-lived mutiny) reportedly as a first step in their planned coup to overthrow the government of then-president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Within 18 hours, and without any appreciable popular support, the coup reportedly collapsed.

Although the impeachment complaint almost certainly was intended to cause domestic and international bad press and problems for President Duterte, could Alejano, possibly aided and abetted by Trillanes, have undertaken an ostensible or intended adverse action which actually could result in helping Du30? In other words, if the impeachment complaint is dismissed by the House of Representatives for insufficiency, then, under Francisco v. HR, would President Duterte effectively be insulated from any further impeachment complaints for a period of one year?

Interesting possibilities.

As Sun Tzu observed, "All warfare is based on deception".

OM.

GoodEnough
03-20-17, 09:00
The only conspiracies are the ones you babble about: democrats unwillingness to admit and accept defeat. Now you say they are resorting to shrinks to make their case. Fascinating.

.To change the subject back to the Philippines, and away from conspiracy theories and more toward fact, some might find the following interesting: http://www.dailynewsph.info/2017/01/breaking-news-de-limas-son-sentenced-to.html.

GE.

Omega 3
03-20-17, 11:19
To change the subject back to the Philippines, and away from conspiracy theories and more toward fact, some might find the following interesting: http://www.dailynewsph.info/2017/01/breaking-news-de-limas-son-sentenced-to.html.

GE.GE,

Don't be taken in by "Fake news"! This "article", among many others, is fiction, and not fact.

OM.

Soapy Smith
03-21-17, 01:51
GE,

Don't be taken in by "Fake news"! This "article", among many others, is fiction, and not fact.

OM.I suspect OM is correct. Germany, like other Western countries, is unlikely to "detain" anybody for life. I can't imagine that a life sentence in Germany can occur without a trial. "Detention" usually implies a pretrial action. The wording here is in a league with the Nigerian widow whose sudden inheritance cannot be secured without your assistance--and identity information.

Member #4566
03-21-17, 02:21
"Detention" usually implies a pretrial action.Pretrial detention implies pretrial action. Detention can also follow a conviction. Germany may have a summary procedure for certain situations which does not require a trial. Remember that the hallmark of the American judicial system is an extreme mistrust of government (rooted in the experience of being a colony of England) and thus a trial by a jury of one's peers is the standard of American due process. This may not be the case in other jurisdictions.

BTW did you recognize the lyrics in the title?

Omega 3
03-21-17, 03:26
BTW did you recognize the lyrics in the title?Pomp,

From the same folks who brought us, "Break on through / to the other side". Oops, my age is showing.

OM.

P.S. Reportedly, Jim Morrison had an IQ of 150? Once walked by his grave site in Paris. He did not appear. So much for high IQ, fame, Ozymandias, power, etc. Ha ha.

GoodEnough
03-21-17, 12:51
I suspect OM is correct. Germany, like other Western countries, is unlikely to "detain" anybody for life. I can't imagine that a life sentence in Germany can occur without a trial. "Detention" usually implies a pretrial action. The wording here is in a league with the Nigerian widow whose sudden inheritance cannot be secured without your assistance--and identity information.It could be, as it's getting ever harder to distinguish between the two. However, the story was not limited to this single venue, and has evidently been on the air as well (can't personally confirm this) so if it's fake, it's getting wide circulation. Of course I come from a country in which the president's advisor claims he's getting spied on my a microwave oven, so my judgment in these matters may be a little off. Maybe GCHQ planted the story?

GE.

Shining Wit
03-21-17, 18:34
It could be, as it's getting ever harder to distinguish between the two. However, the story was not limited to this single venue, and has evidently been on the air as well (can't personally confirm this) so if it's fake, it's getting wide circulation. Of course I come from a country in which the president's advisor claims he's getting spied on my a microwave oven, so my judgment in these matters may be a little off. Maybe GCHQ planted the story?

GE.As one of the commenters on the article noted, none of the 5 officials in the photo appear very Teutonic looking, and I find it hard to believe that 5 members of any German law enforcement agency would be walking round in polo shirts, let alone wearing a lanyard inscribed 'Bureau of' something. So there is certainly little connection between the photo and the article.

I also find it hard to believe that an arrest on Monday would produce a conviction on Tuesday, which is what the article implies. Thinking about it, though, it might be instructive to former Justice Secretary de Lima that court cases can be handled with that degree of expedition!

Soapy Smith
03-23-17, 14:10
I also find it hard to believe that an arrest on Monday would produce a conviction on Tuesday, which is what the article implies. Obviously de Lima's son is not very smart, or he'd have figured out to fly into Berlin rather than Frankfurt if he wanted to set up trade in Berlin. And carrying drugs into a German airport in that flimsy little handcarry bag in the photo: really dumb. But must commend the German authorities for having detained him in an airport "nearby" the Frankfurt airport on Monday and then getting him to some kind of detention hearing in Berlin, 550 km distant, on Tuesday. Clearly justice in Germany is swift, thanks to Judge "Davis" and all the other efficient German public servants. But seriously, should we take the authors here to be more stupid than Nigerian widows, or just blantantly more tongue-in-cheek?

Member #4566
04-02-17, 05:48
Many recent posts on this thread have discussed the increase of Chinese in Angeles and the PI generally. However I believe that most of the Chinese tourists are not coming from mainland China but rather from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. We may be overestimating the significance of Chinese tourism as indicating a trend in geopolitical affiliations.

The seeming pivot of DU30 towards China may reflect an implicit bargain in which the Philippines acquiesces to Chinese claims in the South China Sea in exchange for foreign aid. Thus the arrangement is as temporary as the affections of a barfined girl on Fields Avenue, "No money no honey. "

The Chinese have had a long and often sorry history in the PI. In 1603 the Chinese were massacred by the thousands in Binondo, the Chinese quarter in Manila. More recently, Ferdinand Marcos reluctantly granted citizenship to a large number of stateless Chinese whose families had been in the PI for several generations. It was not a popular move. The Filipinos have no great love for the Chinese. That being said, Chinese blood runs in many Filipinos. Corazon Aquino's maiden name, Cojuangco, is the full Chinese name (Ko Huang Ko?) of one of her male antecedents.

Some posters herein observe an increase in Chinese influence in the PI at the expense of the US. I am not observing that at all. The West is the role model of PI culture. It is as obvious as the lines of Green Card petitioners that encircle the embassy every working day. Nobody in the PI is yearning for an opportunity to make a new life in Kunming. California yes, Canton no.

Don't underestimate Yankee ingenuity. Fracking, for example, like it or not, has made the US, the largest producer of oil in the world. The Chinese invented the compass. The West used it to explore the world while the Chinese hid behind a Great Wall. The Chinese invented gun powder and used it to make fire crackers while the West. Ah but that is another story.

Omega 3
04-03-17, 07:00
Interestingly, for what it's worth, in Forbes' 2016 listing of 10 wealthiest Filipino billionaires, 7 appear to be Chinoy taipans:

1. Henry Sy.

2. John Gokongwei, Jr.

4. Lucio Tan.

5. George Ty.

6. Tony Tan Caktiong.

9. David Consunji.

10. Andrew Tan.

The other 3 appear to be Spanish-Filipino grandees.

OM.

P.S. Hope the above names survive intact upon posting. I have "previewed" this post to verify correct spelling, but that cyber editor software program can sometimes be unpredictable!

Omega 3
04-03-17, 07:23
*** The Chinese invented the compass. The West used it to explore the world while the Chinese hid behind a Great Wall. *** Ah but that is another story.Speaking of other stories, there are several interesting books written by Gavin Menzies (entitled 1421,1434, "Who Discovered America", etc) which offer substantial evidence that Chinese Admiral "Zheng Hei", in several voyages with massive flotillas, actually circumnavigated the earth a century before Ferdinand Magellan, and discovered America nearly a century before Columbus.

Fascinating reading.

OM.

P.S. Some history books, written in English or other western languages, offer a rather western-centric view of history.

GoodEnough
06-03-17, 06:50
The current analysis of the ongoing insurgency in Marawi stresses the links between ISIS and drugs, contending that ISIS receives much of its funding from drug sales, and perceived Duterte's crackdown on drugs a major threat. There's some reasonably logic to this analysis I suppose. Here's a report from CNN Philippines: http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/06/02/Duterte-Terrorism-in-PH-funded-by-drug-money.html.

WestCoast1
06-03-17, 15:02
Speaking of other stories, there are several interesting books written by Gavin Menzies (entitled 1421,1434, "Who Discovered America", etc) which offer substantial evidence that Chinese Admiral "Zheng Hei", in several voyages with massive flotillas, actually circumnavigated the earth a century before Ferdinand Magellan, and discovered America nearly a century before Columbus.

Fascinating reading.

OM.

P.S. Some history books, written in English or other western languages, offer a rather western-centric view of history.Those are great books, and parts of the first one should be mandatory parts of any World History course. Another good read is 1491 (Americas before Columbus), by Charles see Mann, which offers a view of pre-Columbian life that differs somewhat from the western-centric view. Grab your Kindles gents.

Ikksman
06-04-17, 04:04
Those are great books, and parts of the first one should be mandatory parts of any World History course. Another good read is 1491 (Americas before Columbus), by Charles see Mann, which offers a view of pre-Columbian life that differs somewhat from the western-centric view. Grab your Kindles gents.Gavin Menzies is a fraud. The initially exciting "revelations" in his books (that made him extremely wealthy) are now recognised by scholars of history to be the output of a wonderful imagination. There is no "substantial evidence" that Zhang He ever sailed further than the well-documented routes of his 7 voyages. He certainly never circumnavigated the world or voyaged to the Americas.

Ikksman.

GoodEnough
06-11-17, 01:06
Situation in Marawi seems to continue unabated, which is a bit worrisome: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/10/world/asia/philippines-marawi-isis.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news.

Wicked Roger
06-11-17, 04:02
Situation in Marawi seems to continue unabated, which is a bit worrisome: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/10/world/asia/philippines-marawi-isis.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news.My take is while the AFP is OK it is not proficient in dealing with a small band of people for a number of reasons GE (if so why are there still issues in the south after decades of "waging war" against them). Also the AFP should stop making promises in the press about ending the conflict (if they can do that then buy a lotto ticket!) - make them look incompetent when the deadline is passed.

Now it has US military support in terms of technical assistance and some of my friends clearly believe that if the US, UK or Aussie special forces got involved this crisis would be over much faster. But D30 is rightly keen t show that the AFP can handle and fight terrorism with his local forces and not cry for help immediately for reinforcements (IE troops on the ground).

History suggests that these armed insurgents fight dirty (hiding ammunition in mosques, using human shields) and the AFP tend to disengage when this is the case allowing the insurgents to gain some ground etc. Tbis is happening in this conflict.

This will go on for a while. The key thing is to contain it.

But I see some LP politicians still trying to stop ML there etc and again my friends say they are are just anti D30 and are doing it to try and make political capital as they are afraid some of their rich politician friends will be arrested under ML. Not sure if true but this is what many keep saying.

GoodEnough
06-11-17, 14:39
Though the US special forces are involved, it's not clear what their role is. It may be only support and logistics, and I'm not sure that any combat troops are involved. WR, you're correct in that the problem in Marawi is that the ISIS folks--who seem to have no qualms about killing other Muslims--are shielding themselves behind civilians and in civilian buildings, which means an aggressive response on the part of the AFP puts a significant number of civilians at risk. This puts the AFP in the untenable position of either responding aggressively and thus killing Filipino civilians, or waiting out the ISIS troops, and thus being perceived as ineffective. It's a zero sum game for those guys and it's not clear that either side has much of a game plan. It's also not clear what the ISIS morons were trying to accomplish. They knew surely that with a couple of hundred troops they could never hold on to the city, so I'm guessing it's just mindless killing and wreaking havoc that was the objective, in which case I suppose they've succeeded, though most of them died in the process.

GE.


My take is while the AFP is OK it is not proficient in dealing with a small band of people for a number of reasons GE (if so why are there still issues in the south after decades of "waging war" against them). Also the AFP should stop making promises in the press about ending the conflict (if they can do that then buy a lotto ticket!) - make them look incompetent when the deadline is passed.

Now it has US military support in terms of technical assistance and some of my friends clearly believe that if the US, UK or Aussie special forces got involved this crisis would be over much faster. But D30 is rightly keen t show that the AFP can handle and fight terrorism with his local forces and not cry for help immediately for reinforcements (IE troops on the ground).

History suggests that these armed insurgents fight dirty (hiding ammunition in mosques, using human shields) and the AFP tend to disengage when this is the case allowing the insurgents to gain some ground etc. Tbis is happening in this conflict.

This will go on for a while. The key thing is to contain it.

But I see some LP politicians still trying to stop ML there etc and again my friends say they are are just anti D30 and are doing it to try and make political capital as they are afraid some of their rich politician friends will be arrested under ML. Not sure if true but this is what many keep saying.

MrWoolyBooly
06-11-17, 15:25
It's also not clear what the ISIS morons were trying to accomplish. As irrational as it seems to us, there is a significant minority of Filipino Muslims who would blame the government instead of Maute for any "preventable" or "avoidable" civilian deaths. This is a tribal mentality where "I support who is more closely related to me, right or wrong. " ISIS tries to rouse this type of minority to supportive action with many of their assaults outside the territory they control in what used to be Syria. Most Westerners would have a more ideological view. If a band of violent criminal thugs from my country were holed up in some provincial Malaysian city with civilian hostages, I (and most of my compatriots) would support whatever the local authorities decided in such a no-win situation.

GoodEnough
06-11-17, 15:44
As irrational as it seems to us, there is a significant minority of Filipino Muslims who would blame the government instead of Maute for any "preventable" or "avoidable" civilian deaths. This is a tribal mentality where "I support who is more closely related to me, right or wrong. " ISIS tries to rouse this type of minority to supportive action with many of their assaults outside the territory they control in what used to be Syria. Most Westerners would have a more ideological view. If a band of violent criminal thugs from my country were holed up in some provincial Malaysian city with civilian hostages, I (and most of my compatriots) would support whatever the local authorities decided in such a no-win situation.A good observation, though not totally accurate in this case. The ISIS morons are comprised of lots of foreigners, including Malays, Indonesians and some from Central Asia, so it's doubtful that many of the folks in Marawi would feel any strong affinity with them. Also, lots of local residents have taken to social media to speak out strongly against the terrorists, and there sees to be a significant amount of support for the AFP. Marawi before the siege was a city of about 200,000 people, so even the ISIS idiots must have known they couldn't "conquer" the town with a force of a couple of hundred people. I'm not even sure they had an objective, other than to create mindless death and destruction, which seems to be their only raison the'être. Mainly they're a bunch of uneducated thugs following one or another egomaniac and obsessed with the promise that they'll get to paradise by dying. I hope they all get there soon.

GE.

MrWoolyBooly
06-11-17, 16:20
A good observation, though not totally accurate in this case. The ISIS morons are comprised of lots of foreigners, including Malays, Indonesians and some from Central Asia, so it's doubtful that many of the folks in Marawi would feel any strong affinity with them. Also, lots of local residents have taken to social media to speak out strongly against the terrorists, and there sees to be a significant amount of support for the AFP. Marawi before the siege was a city of about 200,000 people, so even the ISIS idiots must have known they couldn't "conquer" the town with a force of a couple of hundred people. I'm not even sure they had an objective, other than to create mindless death and destruction, which seems to be their only raison the'tre. Mainly they're a bunch of uneducated thugs following one or another egomaniac and obsessed with the promise that they'll get to paradise by dying. I hope they all get there soon.

GE.I agree with everything you say about the Maute thugs' egomania and obsession. According to the AFP several dozen out of a few hundred Maute goons are non-Filipino. I disagree that few Filipino Muslims will consider the AFP as "guilty" when they unintentionally kill some civilians when trying to protect more from harm. There is more affinity among Muslims than we usually assume among other religions, considering themselves to be part of a single worldwide community (they use the Arabic word "ummah"). In my non-expert opinion, anywhere from 2-5% of the Filipino Muslims will instinctively suspect or blame non-Muslims for the suffering. An overwhelming majority won't, but even 2% of 200,000 is 4,000 of all ages, and that's just in Marawi. Those 4,000 are probably who the Maute gang hope to inspire to active support. They also broke out a bunch of local criminals from prison, and that probably got them a few no-hope supporters. I don't think they expected to hold territory. In Maoist military terms, they're just making their first steps into guerrilla warfare after first organizing, expecting bonus virgins in heaven if they die in the process. Maute can't win, but their nihilstic outlook will cause more destruction until it burns out from lack of support.

D Cups
06-11-17, 17:45
Does anyone have an update on the proposed new USA Military bases in the PI? I realize I could look it up but I defer to you noble researchers.

Thanks.


Though the US special forces are involved, it's not clear what their role is. It may be only support and logistics, and I'm not sure that any combat troops are involved. WR,

GE.

Wicked Roger
06-12-17, 06:40
Though the US special forces are involved, it's not clear what their role is. It may be only support and logistics, and I'm not sure that any combat troops are involved. WR, you're correct in that the problem in Marawi is that the ISIS folks--.

GE.Baes on the press and AFP, US support is technical, no boots on the ground just helping with spotting the terrorists using communication networks etc.

If the special forces were there I am hopeful the things will be eliminated faster than the SFP can manage.

Omega 3
06-13-17, 09:01
Gavin Menzies is a fraud. The initially exciting "revelations" in his books (that made him extremely wealthy) are now recognised by scholars of history to be the output of a wonderful imagination. There is no "substantial evidence" that Zhang He ever sailed further than the well-documented routes of his 7 voyages. He certainly never circumnavigated the world or voyaged to the Americas.

Ikksman.Thanks to Ikks, who correctly points out that established scholars of history have decried Gavin Menzies and his theories as a "fraud". Certainly, I have the utmost respect for Ikks and his posts.

Apparently, however, even established scholars of history do not dispute that Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho) some six centuries ago voyaged with massive flotillas from China to lands throughout Asia and as far away as Africa. These historians just dispute that Admiral Zheng voyaged to North America or circumnavigated the globe.

Actually, there are some folks who assert that Christopher Columbus never set foot in North America.

There also are some folks who would argue that much of "establishment history" itself is a fraud.

Not having been around some six or seven centuries ago, my views are certainly not dispositive of this matter. Nor, I suspect, are "established historian" views either dispositive of such matters.

At the very least, Menzies' books are, as I have previously posted, "fascinating reading" and do advance novel theories which those who actually read his books can evaluate and do with what they will.

New ideas are interesting, often fascinating. My own view is that the "establishment" is largely interested in maintaining the "status quo" and not so much interested in original ideas that may upset "established" thinking. Although by no means suggesting any similarity or applicability to the present case, I do note that history is replete with accounts of "established scholars or experts" who have summarily rejected ideas which were new or even revolutionary at the time, but which now are taken for granted.

I do note, however, that, to the extent "fake news" eventually evolves into "history", then such history should or may be viewed skeptically. Certainly, recent articles in "news" media such as, for example, the New York Times or Washington Post or The Guardian about Philippines President Duterte seem to bear little resemblance to "facts" as seem to be apparent here in the Philippines. Oddly, some of the NYT, WaPo, and Guardian articles seem to have been written by "knowledgeable" Western pundits who have no real familiarity with the Philippines or who even have not recently set foot in the Philippines.

Just one man's views.

OM.

P.S. Kudos to Westy, for his ongoing delightful sense of humor.

On The Road
06-14-17, 20:12
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.

Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.

Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?

Thanks.

Questor55
06-14-17, 20:27
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.

Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.

Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?

Thanks.Yes, by all means, avoid going there. It's not about the state of the country, but about your state of mind. If you are feeling concerned now, that will definitely affect your enjoyment negatively if you came. Experienced guys usually trust their gut.

Wicked Roger
06-14-17, 20:46
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.

Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.

Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?

Thanks.We all have a different perception of safety but I see no reason for anyone to postpone a visit as you will be in the main areas (I assume), you won't be travelling to most or any of Mindanao, Tawai Tawi, Jole, Sulu, Zambo etc so I see no reason to postpone. Duma is fine, Cebu is cool and I have friends who have just come back from Siquijor.

I will be there soon and the current news has not worried me at all but then I spend time in Pakistan and the Middle East where life can be more hairy at times.

GoodEnough
06-15-17, 00:08
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.

Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.

Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?

Thanks.I don't think you should be concerned. I've neither seen nor heard any reports of problems in the Visayas, and aside from the ongoing battles in Marawi, life continues here relatively normally. Though everyone here in Davao is aware of the martial law decree, the rhythm of life hasn't changed, and there's no evident increased presence of the military or police in the streets. There has been a notable slowdown of business here, and road traffic during the evening appears to have diminished somewhat, but life remains peaceful and calm.

There's little doubt that the martial law declaration and the Marawi insurgency have had an impact on tourism, and that might work in your favor relative to the availability of women in your target areas. That said, life continues on much as it did prior to the Marawi siege and I don't think there's any increased danger for foreigners.

GE.

GoodEnough
06-15-17, 01:01
Just ran across this article which implies at least that the siege in Marawi isn't going to be resolved any time soon. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/13/world/asia/marawi-philippines-islamic-state.html?action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&module=RelatedCoverage&region=EndOfArticle&pgtype=article.

GE.

FreebieFan
06-15-17, 01:36
Gavin Menzies is a fraud. The initially exciting "revelations" in his books (that made him extremely wealthy) are now recognised by scholars of history to be the output of a wonderful imagination. There is no "substantial evidence" that Zhang He ever sailed further than the well-documented routes of his 7 voyages. He certainly never circumnavigated the world or voyaged to the Americas.

Ikksman.But of course this " news " is totally suppressed in the land of spitters smokers and shouters. They were soooooo happy to discover a chinaman could have done all this and extolled the virtues of Zhang he in newspapaers, social media postings and even exhibitions.

I think some chinese news reports even had the great Zhang he as being the first man on the moon too. LOL.

Chocha Monger
06-15-17, 01:53
I'm planning my usual yearly trip in the Philippines, but I'm a little bit concerned about the security. I must say I was an expert of the area, being there more than ten times, but never been there since the Duterte election. My fav area is Dumaguete and the Visayas, but Duma and the Siquijor Island seem so close to the Mindanao area, and to Marawi, such as Tagbilaran and Panglao.

Furthermore I read some news comparing Duterte to Marcos, even guessing a nationwide martial law.

Any advice? Should I avoid the Phils this years, for relaxing holiday?

Thanks.It is not recommended to venture into the Sulu Archipelago. Security has tightened a bit in areas north of Palawan. Some places in the Visayas now ask for a valid photo ID before granting entry. This is due to fears that jihadists fleeing the Battle of Marawi City are infiltrating nearby islands to hide from government forces. Foreign jihadists have been identified among the slain insurgents. Some of the rebel leaders have been killed or captured. So, it is quite possible their disciples in areas outside of Mindanao may carry out terrorist attacks in retaliation for their losses in Marawi. They have executed Christian civilians in Marawi, so there is no doubt that they are ruthless ISIS branded Islamic terrorists.

On the other hand, the World Resorts Casino Massacre shows just how volatile Filipinos can be without religious radicalization. An emotional Filipino gambler with access to an M4 carbine returned to the casino to even the odds after previous gambling losses. Although he did not target guests and staff, the sound of automatic gunfire and ricocheting bullets combined with flames from gaming tables set ablaze by the enraged gambler were enough to trigger a massive panicked stampede. In the chaos a security guard shot himself dead while trying to draw his weapon. Terrified staff and guests became trapped as they attempted to flee and many perished due to suffocation and smoke inhalation. The gunman made his way to the nearby Maxim's Hotel where he doused himself in gasoline and set himself ablaze. The death toll was 38 people, including the gunman.

So, security in the Philippines is relative. The infrastructure is not exactly secure. Transportation safety is highly variable depending on mode of transport and area. Armed robbery, theft, scams and extortion are quite common. Ironically, martial law throughout the Philippines may actually reduce crime as a result of limiting movement at night and increasing searches and seizures of weapons. Currently, Cebu and Luzon remain largely unaffected by the events unfolding in Mindanao except for the coffins of soldiers killed in Marawi making their way to hometowns for burial. So, you can still relax your cock in many Pinays orifices for a modest price in your hotel room much like on your previous 10 sex tourism visits.

Omega 3
06-15-17, 02:59
Motivated by a post from RK some time ago, I have purchased and started to read Nick Joaquin's "Culture and History". My initial impression is that this is a charming period piece (1988), to be savored in small portions. It's interesting to read a noted and erudite local author's take on the Philippines, his home country.

For a monger does not necessarily live for sex only.

Just one man's views.

OM.

Member #4566
06-15-17, 03:08
I don't think you should be concerned. I've neither seen nor heard any reports of problems in the Visayas GE.A raid on the Western Visayan island of Palawan by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in 2001 resulted in the abduction of 22 hostages. 5 were subsequently killed including 2 Americans. One of the assailants had the unlikely name of Alzheimer Limbong. Where the flip do their parents get these names and why haven't they researched them more thoroughly. I once had a Filipina fuckmate name Honeybee! OK Honeybee as a name maybe. But who would name their kid Alzheimer?

BTW GE, I have a hint for you. Memory loss may be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. (just teasing you).

Omega 3
06-15-17, 03:16
***

On the other hand, the World Resorts Casino Massacre shows just how volatile Filipinos can be without religious radicalization. An emotional Filipino gambler with access to an M4 carbine returned to the casino to even the odds after previous gambling losses. Although he did not target guests and staff, the sound of automatic gunfire and ricocheting bullets combined with flames from gaming tables set ablaze by the enraged gambler were enough to trigger a massive panicked stampede. In the chaos a security guard shot himself dead while trying to draw his weapon. Terrified staff and guests became trapped as they attempted to flee and many perished due to suffocation and smoke inhalation. The gunman made his way to the nearby Maxim's Hotel where he doused himself in gasoline and set himself ablaze. The death toll was 38 people, including the gunman.

So, security in the Philippines is relative. The infrastructure is not exactly secure. Transportation safety is highly variable depending on mode of transport and area. Armed robbery, theft, scams and extortion are quite common. Ironically, martial law throughout the Philippines may actually reduce crime as a result of limiting movement at night and increasing searches and seizures of weapons. Currently, Cebu and Luzon remain largely unaffected by the events.***.If not so sad, the whole Manila Resorts World tragedy could be described as a bizarre "comedy of errors". Apparently, then-Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and also Rappler with wildly inaccurate contemporaneous social media reporting, also each may have been among those who played significant contributing roles in the tragedy?

It will be interesting to see how this unfolds, if at all (if not just quietly "swept under the rug."

OM.

P.S. Maybe more appropriately described as a bizarre "tragedy of errors"?

Omega 3
06-15-17, 03:23
A raid on the Western Visayan island of Palawan by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in 2001 resulted in the abduction of 22 hostages. 5 were subsequently killed including 2 Americans. One of the assailants had the unlikely name of Alzheimer Limbong. Where the flip do their parents get these names and why haven't they researched them more thoroughly. I once had a Filipina fuckmate name Honeybee! OK Honeybee as a name maybe. But who would name their kid Alzheimer?.Perhaps the parents were prescient?

Omega.

P.S. BTW, "Alzheimer" might be a "cool handle" for a "demented" new ISG member?

Hutsori
06-15-17, 05:06
On the other hand, the World Resorts Casino Massacre shows just how volatile Filipinos can be without religious radicalization. An emotional Filipino gambler with access to an M4 carbine returned to the casino to even the odds after previous gambling losses.In fairness to the Filipinos, how often do mass shootings by those who aren't Muslim radicals happen? When I read the above I first thought of another country, one that's much more advanced in many, many ways and also has an easy path to gun ownership, experiencing mass shootings several times a month. That has to be a few dozen a year, right? Anyway, I didn't want to unfairly besmirch a country, so I checked and found that my initial thoughts were wrong. Ooops.

With 372 mass shootings (4 or more people killed or wounded, excluding the shooter(s)) in 2015 and 384 in 2016 that averages to slightly more than one per day.

http://www.shootingtracker.com/Main_Page

Omega 3
06-15-17, 06:42
In fairness to the Filipinos, how often do mass shootings by those who aren't Muslim radicals happen? When I read the above I first thought of another country, one that's much more advanced in many, many ways and also has an easy path to gun ownership, experiencing mass shootings several times a month. That has to be a few dozen a year, right? Anyway, I didn't want to unfairly besmirch a country, so I checked and found that my initial thoughts were wrong. Ooops.

With 372 mass shootings (4 or more people killed or wounded, excluding the shooter(s)) in 2015 and 384 in 2016 that averages to slightly more than one per day.

http://www.shootingtracker.com/Main_PageGood point, Huts.

And that's not even counting the GOP baseball team.

Another interesting statistic is annual automobile fatalities, which far outstrip annual deaths from shootings, at least in the US. Take away the guns, and you still have easy access to automobiles (or vans or trucks) which we have seen can be far more lethal than handguns or rifles.

Am I the only one who feels that the world has become a big loony bin?

OM.

FreebieFan
06-15-17, 08:22
A raid on the Western Visayan island of Palawan by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in 2001 resulted in the abduction of 22 hostages. 5 were subsequently killed including 2 Americans. One of the assailants had the unlikely name of Alzheimer Limbong. Where the flip do their parents get these names and why haven't they researched them more thoroughly. I once had a Filipina fuckmate name Honeybee! OK Honeybee as a name maybe. But who would name their kid Alzheimer?

BTW GE, I have a hint for you. Memory loss may be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. (just teasing you).Worked in Africa / China and a few other places where kids get to make up the names that they want to be used by. So I've worked with Pencil, Neuron, Smurfie, Atomic, Targaryon, Swaziland, Fanboy and a whole host of others. I think the HR department once refused to make a file for Horny Mzambo and I know that the name Syphilis was also rejected by another HR department. Somehow they didn't thnik it would look good on a name tag.

Names can be ver illogical. How about hte gal who was recently arrested in US for espionage. Reality Winner? And could LuzVisMinda ever become YorLanCum. (the Brits may get that).

On The Road
06-15-17, 18:30
Thanks for the advices, BTW. I'm not concerned about the normal dangers in the Philippines, I'm able to manage them. The RWM massacre in Manila is a one time tragedy nothing to be really scared off, this can happens anywhere in the world (all right, M4 rifles are not so easy to find in Europe, but you can't tell).

I use to go anywhere with jeepneys, local bus, trikes, ferries, motorbikes and so on. I'm well aware of the risks and I can manage it.

What I don't know if I will have to manage is the risk related to terrorism. If I walk night time on the Rizal Boulevard in Dgte with a young pinay, and a boat with some thugs running away from Marawi just land there.

But thanks again, I think I'll take the risk. Less tourists means more pussy available this period, I guess.

GoodEnough
06-15-17, 23:59
Good point, Huts.

And that's not even counting the GOP baseball team.

Another interesting statistic is annual automobile fatalities, which far outstrip annual deaths from shootings, at least in the US. Take away the guns, and you still have easy access to automobiles (or vans or trucks) which we have seen can be far more lethal than handguns or rifles.

Am I the only one who feels that the world has become a big loony bin?

OM.Nope, you're not alone. The election of the Orange Buffoon in the US has made it okay again in that country to openly hate pretty much anyone you like, and to express that hatred through violence. The rapid descent of the US into chaos presaged the venting of violent hatred in several other countries as well. There's an article in today's NYT that states the US is averaging slightly less than one mass shooting a day so far in 2017, and the ownership of several members of congress by the US gun lobby continues unabated, so it's doubtful anything meaningful will be done.

The Muslims here, historically marginalized in Mindanao, where they were once the largest segment of the population, have been fighting (and losing) against "invaders" since the Spanish times, resurged with the American occupation in 1898 and beyond, resurged again when Marcos began repopulating Mindanao with Christians, and continues to this day. It's only quite recently however that the local terrorists have been able to align themselves with a worldwide radical terrorist network, and with pourpous borders, easy access to and from Malaysia and Indonesia, an insufficient navy to patrol territorial waters, and virtually zero aerial surveillance capacity on the part of the government, it's likely that the locals will continue to be bolstered by foreign fighters, weapons and money.

I would advise would-be travelers here, whether experienced or newbies to avoid what passes for public mass transportation here, and thus to use taxis wherever possible. While I don't anticipate any sustained assaults in Manila, Cebu or Davao, all it takes is one suicidal jeepney driver to inflict mass casualties, and for me, the risk of riding a jeepney driven by someone "inspired" by ISIS, simply woulsn't be worth it. Then again, I've never in 15 years here taken a jeepney anyway so I may be biased.

Just as an aside on a totally unrelated topic, I had dinner a couple of nights ago with a local Congressional representative from Davao whom I've known for years. He's been leading an invesigation into irregularities in the MRT maintenance contract, and it was fascinating listening to him explain how Pinoy and his cronies managed to steal tens of millions of pesos through this single contract. He's done meticulous research and can pretty much document everything he contends. Just throwing that non-sequitor into this post to demonstrate that corruption under the "clean" Pinoy administration continued unabated.

GE.

Omega 3
06-16-17, 03:50
*** I had dinner a couple of nights ago with a local Congressional representative from Davao whom I've known for years. He's been leading an invesigation into irregularities in the MRT maintenance contract, and it was fascinating listening to him explain how Pinoy and his cronies managed to steal tens of millions of pesos through this single contract. He's done meticulous research and can pretty much document everything he contends. Just throwing that non-sequitor into this post to demonstrate that corruption under the "clean" Pinoy administration continued unabated.

GE.Thanks for your very interesting aside, GE.

Apparently, huge corruption was rampant during the Pinoy administration, of which the MRT scam was just the tip of the iceberg. Janet Napoles and huge pork barrel scams, the Renato Corona / Maria Lourdes Sereno scam, and the whole shabu explosion in the Phils during Pinoy's watch, to mention just a few. Pinoy made an art form of being disingenuous and professing to "not know" what was going on. "What, me worry?" Interesting articles by Rigoberto Tiglao of the Manila Times and others on various additional facets.

However, Pinoy and the Yellow Party were and are still the "fair haired boys" and darlings of the hugely biased and / or ignorant Western press.

Just one man's views.

OM.

GoodEnough
06-16-17, 12:33
Thanks for your very interesting aside, GE.

Apparently, huge corruption was rampant during the Pinoy administration, of which the MRT scam was just the tip of the iceberg. Janet Napoles and huge pork barrel scams, the Renato Corona / Maria Lourdes Sereno scam, and the whole shabu explosion in the Phils during Pinoy's watch, to mention just a few. Pinoy made an art form of being disingenuous and professing to "not know" what was going on. "What, me worry?" Interesting articles by Rigoberto Tiglao of the Manila Times and others on various additional facets.

However, Pinoy and the Yellow Party were and are still the "fair haired boys" and darlings of the hugely biased and / or ignorant Western press.

Just one man's views.

OM.Not just your views OM, but a view that's becoming ever more widely shared here. The depradations occurring under the deer-in-the-headlights Aquino are becoming every more widely publicized on local language newscasts, and there are lots of Duterte supporters who can recite chapter, line and verse of corruption sagas. The problem is that Pinoy, while he might have represented a high water mark on the spectrum of corruption, was hardly unique, and it continues unabated through to the present within the bureaucracies of government here.

Of course, I come from the US, where the buffoon-as-president is pretty openly using his office to profit to the maximum extent possible, so it's hard as an American to get self-righteous about corruption in the Philippines when our entire government is rather openly for sale. At least most of the sleaze here is hidden from public view.

GE.

Wicked Roger
06-16-17, 15:13
Just as an aside on a totally unrelated topic, I had dinner a couple of nights ago with a local Congressional representative from Davao whom I've known for years. He's been leading an invesigation into irregularities in the MRT maintenance contract, and it was fascinating listening to him explain how Pinoy and his cronies managed to steal tens of millions of pesos through this single contract. He's done meticulous research and can pretty much document everything he contends. Just throwing that non-sequitor into this post to demonstrate that corruption under the "clean" Pinoy administration continued unabated.

GE.The MRT issue is big news GE as Grace Poe has been leading a committee and even asked the ex Transport Sec to appear and he said he just signed the documents given and blamed the previous chap in charge.

The Philstar editorial has a jounro (Frederico Pascual) who does regular and detailed updates on the issue pointing out flaw in the contract and everything since then. Grace Poe is trying to get to the bottom of it but as you know the wheels of justice etc move so slowly in the Philippines that a tortoise is faster.

But even a basic read of of Pascual's commentary will lead even the most unbiased reader to the conclusions you infer from your meeting with the gentleman.

Add to that commentary and details about the Agr Sec etc and rice smuggling plus the BOC. The guy seems to have a real investigative nose for corruption in the PNoy government IMHO.

Hutsori
06-17-17, 05:09
Nope, you're not alone. The election of the Orange Buffoon in the US has made it okay again in that country to openly hate pretty much anyone you like, and to express that hatred through violence.I don't entirely agree; I think we can track this back to years before Trump sat in the Oval Office, for example the anti-WTO riot in Seattle in '99. I want to make clear that, barring words that incite immediate violence, I don't believe words are violence. It seems to me that over the years a belief that words are violence has taken hold amongst many of the left, hence their batty advocacy of speech restrictions, no platforming, physically attacking speakers and their audience, kidnapping people from the street to torture for two days, and even "punch a Nazi" advocacy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYaN9z0OqDg), where anyone to the right of the far left is deemed a Nazi. The manifestation of this belief is groups like Black Bloc and Antifa that are genuinely violent and other groups like those who have taken over Evergreen College and manage it using the Lord of the Flies as its handbook. Further, we see more reports of hate crime (a mere accusation that hasn't been proved), but many are later proved to be false flag operations. These false flags are intended as a pretext to demand concessions by authorities - to even include racial segregation - and serve to justify violence if their demands are unmet.



I would advise would-be travelers here, whether experienced or newbies to avoid what passes for public mass transportation here, and thus to use taxis wherever possible. While I don't anticipate any sustained assaults in Manila, Cebu or Davao, all it takes is one suicidal jeepney driver to inflict mass casualties, and for me, the risk of riding a jeepney driven by someone "inspired" by ISIS, simply woulsn't be worth it. Then again, I've never in 15 years here taken a jeepney anyway so I may be biased.
I ride jeeps often, but not late at night, without incident. One doesn't need to be a passenger of a hijacked vehicle to be crushed by one, as events in France, Germany, the UK, and the US prove.

GoodEnough
06-17-17, 08:35
I don't entirely agree; I think we can track this back to years before Trump sat in the Oval Office, for example the anti-WTO riot in Seattle in '99. I want to make clear that, barring words that incite immediate violence, I don't believe words are violence. It seems to me that over the years a belief that words are violence has taken hold amongst many of the left, hence their batty advocacy of speech restrictions, no platforming, physically attacking speakers and their audience, kidnapping people from the street to torture for two days, and even "punch a Nazi" advocacy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYaN9z0OqDg), where anyone to the right of the far left is deemed a Nazi. The manifestation of this belief is groups like Black Bloc and Antifa that are genuinely violent and other groups like those who have taken over Evergreen College and manage it using the Lord of the Flies as its handbook. Further, we see more reports of hate crime (a mere accusation that hasn't been proved), but many are later proved to be false flag operations. These false flags are intended as a pretext to demand concessions by authorities - to even include racial segregation - and serve to justify violence if their demands are unmet.

I ride jeeps often, but not late at night, without incident. One doesn't need to be a passenger of a hijacked vehicle to be crushed by one, as events in France, Germany, the UK, and the US prove.I don't entirely disagree with you Huts. The schisms that exist in the US have been there for decades; Trump's election merely brought them to the forefront and made it "okay" to openly hate again. I detest the man, but I acknowledge that he didn't create the sectarian hatred that plagues and divides the country. And true, that words don't equate to violence, but words can incite it, whether from the right or the left. I'm of the "a pox on both your houses" school of thought, but that's another whole discussion and probably more appropriate for another type of forum.

As to Jeepneys and (in Manila) taxis and the MRT, I avoid them all and stick to Uber and sometimes Grabcar. I figure that at least I'm, minimizing my risk that way. I know people who have been robbed in Jeepneys during the daylight hours, the MRT is a public transport bad joke and the taxis are often decrepit and they often stink. Uber and Grab aren't much more expensive, and they're clean and a bit safer in my opinion. Here in Davao, I have my own car so it's not an issue, but, in keeping with some of the more recent suggestions of the government, I've started to avoid malls as much as possible and when I have to go, I go during off hours. I'm not particularly afraid, and I've not curtailed my activities, but I am more prudent about life in the big city.

GE.

GoodEnough
06-17-17, 08:39
The MRT issue is big news GE as Grace Poe has been leading a committee and even asked the ex Transport Sec to appear and he said he just signed the documents given and blamed the previous chap in charge.

The Philstar editorial has a jounro (Frederico Pascual) who does regular and detailed updates on the issue pointing out flaw in the contract and everything since then. Grace Poe is trying to get to the bottom of it but as you know the wheels of justice etc move so slowly in the Philippines that a tortoise is faster.

But even a basic read of of Pascual's commentary will lead even the most unbiased reader to the conclusions you infer from your meeting with the gentleman.

Add to that commentary and details about the Agr Sec etc and rice smuggling plus the BOC. The guy seems to have a real investigative nose for corruption in the PNoy government IMHO.But, as with all of the other scandals of the week or the month here, it's all empty rhetoric on the part of the politicians. No one important will ever be held accountable; no money will ever be recovered and business will continue as usual. This scandal will eventually be supplanted by additional, equally vacuous sound and fury directed at another target. It's how the soap opera of local politics is played out here. Nothing changes. Ever.

GE.

Soapy Smith
06-21-17, 13:41
I want to make clear that, barring words that incite immediate violence, I don't believe words are violence.

(snip)

other groups like those who have taken over Evergreen College and manage it using the Lord of the Flies as its handbook.

(snip)


I think you miss the larger point. The connection between words and violence is that words strung together--often through interaction among groups of like-minded people--create attitudes that allow the adherents to justify violence toward those they dislike.

You may want to check out a broader set of sources. You interestingly comment on some group from the left "taking over Evergreen" with "Lord of the Flies as its handbook" (really?) while overlooking the recent role of Trump-supportting "Prayer Patriots" on the same campus.

Regardless whether a connection exists between socially-constructed hateful attitudes and violent actions, it is hard to overlook the ways that current leaders in both the United States and the Philippines openly justify violence on the part of people who agree with them. I cannot recall any previous US presidential candidate openly justifying a crowd of supporters to rough up protestors who showed up for a campaign event. Or how about President Duterte joking that he would defend any soldiers who ra-- women during the current battle for Marawi City?

I find it sad, first that a leader in our current environment would make such a statement, and that (in the case of Duterte) others would simply laugh it off as typical rough talk from the President.

Obviously Marcos committed many atrocities in having his enemies jailed and killed, but I have never found a record of public statements from him in which he justified members of the public acting out his violent intentions toward his enemies. The secrecy with which the Marcos administration carried out its violence is deplorable, but at least the secrecy suggests that he understood what he was doing was not acceptable enough to be done openly. I acknowledge I don't know about such statements from Latin American and African leaders of the recent past, but to me the times have changed when public leaders in countries that call themselves democracies are willing to make such statements condoning public violence. Obviously history is full of tribal animosities and violence, but I think most of us had hoped that the civilized world had learned the lesson of Nazi Germany.

GoodEnough
06-22-17, 00:04
I think you miss the larger point. The connection between words and violence is that words strung together--often through interaction among groups of like-minded people--create attitudes that allow the adherents to justify violence toward those they dislike.

I find it sad, first that a leader in our current environment would make such a statement, and that (in the case of Duterte) others would simply laugh it off as typical rough talk from the President.

I read a column somewhere this morning, quoting some pundit who claimed that Fascism was the default political stance of humankind. The continuously unfolding political circus in the US may demonstrate that there's some underlying truth to this claim. This article in today's NYT suggests that Duterte's tacit approval of vigilante street justice in his so-called war on drugs may have further eroded was was already a fragile respect for law and due process in the Philippines. Those interested in the article can read it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/21/opinion/philippines-duterte-terrorism-isis.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-right-region&region=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region.

GE.

The Tall Man
06-22-17, 05:02
I read a column somewhere this morning, quoting some pundit who claimed that Fascism was the default political stance of humankind. The continuously unfolding political circus in the US may demonstrate that there's some underlying truth to this claim. This article in today's NYT suggests that Duterte's tacit approval of vigilante street justice in his so-called war on drugs may have further eroded was was already a fragile respect for law and due process in the Philippines. Those interested in the article can read it here: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/21/opinion/philippines-duterte-terrorism-isis.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=opinion-c-col-right-region&region=opinion-c-col-right-region&WT.nav=opinion-c-col-right-region.

GE.I read yesterday that Duterte's rating is over 75% and after my very little time spent here in Manila, Makati and travels up north to AC, every, let me say this again EVERY taxi cab driver and every call center worker and every person including the bar girls that I have spoken to in a restaurant and other conversations with Pinoy's have applauded his efforts and what he is doing for the people.

I could give a sh*t about politics but again you can't dismiss how the Filipinos are supportive of Duterte.

TTM.

GoodEnough
06-22-17, 06:32
I read yesterday that Duterte's rating is over 75% and after my very little time spent here in Manila, Makati and travels up north to AC, every, let me say this again EVERY taxi cab driver and every call center worker and every person including the bar girls that I have spoken to in a restaurant and other conversations with Pinoy's have applauded his efforts and what he is doing for the people.

I could give a sh*t about politics but again you can't dismiss how the Filipinos are supportive of Duterte.

TTM.It's true, his support is massive, and that's in large measure due to two factors. First, he's the first president in a long time (maybe forever) who does not come from one of the privileged elite that has ruled this place for centuries, with the full support of the Spanish and subsequently the Americans. Second, his reputation as the tough-guy Mayor of Davao, who made the streets safe again for ordinary Filipinos created the hope that he could do the same for the rest of the country. That said, I don't think he has any more idea of how to defeat ISIS and its tributaries than any of his Western counterparts. Eventually, the AFP will prevail militarily in Marawi, but the seeds of radical Islam will remain, and isolated violent confrontations, kidnappings, and terrorist acts will recur as they have here for decades. That's not a criticism of his leadership; no one else has any viable ideas of how to combat radical Islam either, but I believe that this country may become the Asian base for the movement.

GE.

Hutsori
06-22-17, 07:16
That said, I don't think he has any more idea of how to defeat ISIS and its tributaries than any of his Western counterparts. Eventually, the AFP will prevail militarily in Marawi, but the seeds of radical Islam will remain, and isolated violent confrontations, kidnappings, and terrorist acts will recur as they have here for decades. That's not a criticism of his leadership; no one else has any viable ideas of how to combat radical Islam either, but I believe that this country may become the Asian base for the movement.
GE.I wouldn't advocate asking westerners for ideas on how to deal with that because they no longer fight wars to win them. I suppose being existentially removed from it, or at least the perception that it isn't existential, has weakened their will to fight. Look at people crying over mismatches of lethal force. You ought to be celebrating it; fewer casualties for your side. Drones are "dishonourable". Screw that. Darken the sky with them.

Look to Sri Lanka instead. After years of cowing to western pleas and pressure to allow yet another ceasefire, which only served to rebuild and rearm the Tamil Tigers, Colombo said "fuck it" and literally drove the Tamil Tigers into the ocean. By literally I mean literally; the bodies of the Tigers were on the shore and in the sea. The western world, the UN, the NGOs, and the media were all screaming bloody murder about protecting civilians, which the Tigers were using once again as human shields, but those fell on deaf ears. The terrorist group, which was one of the world's most potent and innovative, hasn't been seen since. Colombo was scolded a bit, and the NGOs are still in a funk over it, but no consequences ultimately. One should be wary of entering war, but it shouldn't be ended until the enemy surrenders or is destroyed. When a public doesn't demand victory, you've lost the war before the first shot is fired.

The Philippines is constrained because the US is its weapons supplier. Sri Lanka was armed by Chinese, and Beijing doesn't play the westerners' game.

Hutsori
06-22-17, 08:02
I think you miss the larger point. The connection between words and violence is that words strung together--often through interaction among groups of like-minded people--create attitudes that allow the adherents to justify violence toward those they dislike.No, I didn't miss the larger point. I think it's an overwrought if not an invalid point. It's used by authoritarians of the left and right to trample on the liberties of the people. The irony is that those who say they're fighting violence are the violent group.


"Prayer Patriots" on the same campus.Yes, I saw the video of them the other day. One group (of students and their academic supporters) took over the campus and held uni administrators in an office to address their demands. The president was told to "hold it" when he asked to use the toilet and was later escorted to it to be monitored by students. You have professors teaching their classes off campus because police told them stay away for their own safety. The other group, "Prayer Patriots", is a half dozen religious fundamentalists who came to the campus in response to the turmoil, score some points, and gain a bit of notoriety, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-jelGZjVUI Yep, they're equivalent actions.


I cannot recall any previous US presidential candidate openly justifying a crowd of supporters to rough up protestors who showed up for a campaign event. I think you ought to delve back in US history. US politics was a violent affair, and so it has been in many other places. https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/what-19th-century-politics-can-teach-us-about-today.


The secrecy with which the Marcos administration carried out its violence is deplorable, but at least the secrecy suggests that he understood what he was doing was not acceptable enough to be done openly.I think Marcos had to be careful with his statements or else his patrons in Washington would have been upset.


... but I think most of us had hoped that the civilized world had learned the lesson of Nazi Germany.Right there is only half of the problem. Not only was the left as brutal, it was even deadlier. Somehow it gets a pass, or at least it's ignored. "They were the wrong type of Socialists" and "That wasn't real Socialism. " Could you imagine large groups of people including journalists and academics saying Naziism was simply the wrong execution of National Socialism?

The civilised world exists in only a handful of countries, and seeing what's happening in some of them such as covering up mass crime I think calling them civilised is a bit of stretch. The facade is crumbling because certain political parties won't call a spade a spade. It's places like Singapore and S. Korea that are civilised, and they don't put up with much BS.

Anyway, I think the left-right dichotomy is kind of stale and ought not be the sole lens to view events. Most of the contemporary issues seem to be populist versus globalist, rural versus urban, logos versus pathos, individualism versus identitarianism, even-tempered liberalism versus emotive power politics. I think we're in a era of what Jung described as the devouring mother versus the tyrant king. You could see the writing on the wall when Perot won about 20% of the vote in '92. Sadly, it's about 15 to 20% of the population who are extremists on both sides and the rest are trying to go about their lives.

GoodEnough
06-22-17, 13:36
The Philippines is constrained because the US is its weapons supplier. Sri Lanka was armed by Chinese, and Beijing doesn't play the westerners' game.Huts, the Philippines is constrained because its army is poorly trained, its generals are corrupt and gain financially from the $40 million or so the US gives in military assistance each year, because the command structure is like a Rube Goldberg cartoon, because it has no Air Force or navy to speak of, and because it invests so little of its GDP in defense spending. Under this US administration I doubt the US cares if the AFP destroys the entire city to eradicate these guys. As countless others have pointed out before me, long before the eruption of the Marawi crisis, the power elites on both sides profit hugely from sustaining the conflict, which was been going on, intermittently, for more than 5 decades. The only thing that's changed much with the emergence of ISIS is that there's now a deeper pool of intransigents, the weapons are better and they're better trained, and there's zero commitment on the part of the government to exterminate them, so they'll retreat back to the jungles in Sulu and plant their next forays.

As to the lack of difference in violence between left / right, populism / globalism, or whatever the labels are au courant, I agree. The anomaly may be Syria, where labels mean nothing, there are no good guys, and no one has an upper hand militarily. My response to that fiasco would be to pull out and let them fight it out themselves. What sickens me about that imbroglio, and those in Libya, Yemen, and Iraq is the lack of any strategy. What does "winning" look like in those situations, and why are any of them worth the sacrifice of a single Western solider?

You might want to add Switzerland, Denamark and perhaps the Netherlands to your short list of civilized countries.

GE.

Hutsori
06-23-17, 09:22
Huts, the Philippines is constrained because its army is poorly trained, its generals are corrupt and gain financially from the $40 million or so the US gives in military assistance each year, because the command structure is like a Rube Goldberg cartoon, because it has no Air Force or navy to speak of, and because it invests so little of its GDP in defense spending. Under this US administration I doubt the US cares if the AFP destroys the entire city to eradicate these guys. As countless others have pointed out before me, long before the eruption of the Marawi crisis, the power elites on both sides profit hugely from sustaining the conflict, which was been going on, intermittently, for more than 5 decades. The only thing that's changed much with the emergence of ISIS is that there's now a deeper pool of intransigents, the weapons are better and they're better trained, and there's zero commitment on the part of the government to exterminate them, so they'll retreat back to the jungles in Sulu and plant their next forays.
Understood. But even very well trained, highly professional militaries with overwhelming conventional fire power such as America's and Israel's are constrained by political leaders' concern over public sentiment and international opinion. Surely both militaries could wipe insurgents off the planet if the battle space was declared a free-fire zone.

I should have been more explicit in my earlier comment. A US administration, even Trump's, faces scrutiny and demands unlike Beijing. Even a poorly trained army requires a resupply of munitions to sustain the fight, but if the supplier, i.e. Washington in this context, cuts off the pipeline that's the end of the battle. Sri Lanka, which isn't an army of excellence too and may even be as bumbling as the Philippines', had a more reliable supplier, one which didn't care about international opinion. Many pander to Beijing and are easily cowed by it. Both Colombo and Beijing remained resolute. The Sri Lankans kicked out the NGOs, kept the international press out, and let it rip. Beijing provided the weaponry. The result: they won. The only documentation we have is "war trophy" videos shot on mobile phones, and this episode is largely forgotten about.

What we have is a public of inconsistent, even mercurial, morality. It demands higher morality from some and disregards the breaches by others. We hold China to low expectations and expect better, if not perfection, from the west, chiefly the US and the UK. Alinsky's Rules for Radicals #4, "Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules. You can kill them with this because no one can possibly obey all of their own rules," is applied.

It seems to me Beijing has the better strategy. It can behave egregiously with some outside criticism, and once in a while toss a bone to the international community, for example the Paris Climate Accord, which doesn't require China to do anything until 2030, and be lauded. (China will simply move its most polluting factories to less developed countries that have a longer period to comply. It's a shell game, IMO.) Even America at its worst is a better partner than China at its best. Just its adherence to the rule of law vice the rule by law makes it so. Trump gets a lot a criticism, justly so, yet in no way is he as powerful as Xi and Kim Jong Un. The rule of law constrains him.

I've digressed.

GoodEnough
06-23-17, 10:29
Understood. But even very well trained, highly professional militaries with overwhelming conventional fire power such as America's and Israel's are constrained by political leaders' concern over public sentiment and international opinion. Surely both militaries could wipe insurgents off the planet if the battle space was declared a free-fire zone.

It seems to me Beijing has the better strategy. It can behave egregiously with some outside criticism, and once in a while toss a bone to the international community, for example the Paris Climate Accord, which doesn't require China to do anything until 2030, and be lauded. (China will simply move its most polluting factories to less developed countries that have a longer period to comply. It's a shell game, IMO.) Even America at its worst is a better partner than China at its best. Just its adherence to the rule of law vice the rule by law makes it so. Trump gets a lot a criticism, justly so, yet in no way is he as powerful as Xi and Kim Jong Un. The rule of law constrains him.

I've digressed.You haven't digressed, and you've made your point rather eloquently, and I cannot disagree, that some countries (probably all of the west) are held to a higher set of moral expectations than others. And it's also true that any American President does not wield the same almost unlimited power of Xi or the North Korean dictator, as he's circumscribed by the law and its institutions. However, I don't believe that the problem here is that the US would cut off, or threaten to cut off munitions. Duterte, who has taken a very strident, public stance on rebalancing his foreign policy and distancing himself from US influence, wants his military to be seen as doing this on its own. Thus, he pretended to be surprised that US special forces were somehow involved in logistical support of his troops. The problem is, as I've said in a prior post, that the AFP isn't capable of doing it on its own, and there's a lot of informed speculation that those who benefit most directly from the ongoing conflicts on both sides, don't want to see them ended. I, in my dotage, am cynical enough to believe that the endless immersion of the US in unwinnable wars may be explained by the same sort of heuristic: there's too much money to be made by politicians and arms manufacturers and the cash flow would diminish if peace were to break out. Young men fight and die so that old men can reap enormous financial rewards.

GE.

PolyOrchid
06-23-17, 11:09
there's too much money to be made by politicians and arms manufacturers and the cash flow would diminish if peace were to break out. Young men fight and die so that old men can reap enormous financial rewards.

GE.Not too far off, I reckon, GE. Already the American press is teeing up the "strong potential" for US to engage Iran in armed conflict. It's never-ending. War is big business, and it's financially addictive to the scumbags who legislate it. Someone said "old men make wars; young men fight them."

I remember being physically assaulted when coming out of my little country town Catholic church by an upstanding church member because I'd declared and been granted a deferment as a conscientious objector in 1969. How dare I not want to go and kill those godless commies in Vietnam. I also remember some of my high school mates going to war and not even knowing where Vietnam was on a map. But they valiantly went to defend the homeland.

No wonder so many of us have no desire to live in the Excited States anymore.

Sam 14
06-23-17, 19:48
I, in my dotage, am cynical enough to believe that the endless immersion of the US in unwinnable wars may be explained by the same sort of heuristic: there's too much money to be made by politicians and arms manufacturers and the cash flow would diminish if peace were to break out.
GE.Ya. And according to this reporter, a ridiculous amount of tonnage is supplied by the United States directly to the terrorists and the country most involved in exporting the extreme ideology it claims it's trying to irradiate. https://consortiumnews.com/2017/06/23/how-america-armed-terrorists-in-syria/.

Chocha Monger
06-24-17, 06:33
Suspected members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) raided Sunday, June 18, the municipal police station of Maasin in Iloilo province. Chief Inspector Aaron Palomo, public information officer (PIO) of Philippine National Police Iloilo Provincial Office, said 50 to 70 armed men swooped down on the station at about 11 am Sunday. No one was hurt in the incident, but the rebels carted away four Glock pistols and nine Armalite rifles, Palomo said in a telephone interview.

In a tweet, the Communist Party of the Philippines information bureau said NPA-Panay took M16 rifles and four pistols during the raid, which was carried out at 10:30 am Sunday. Palomo said the rebels also took the patrol car, but later abandoned this in the neighboring town of Alimodian. "We have recovered the patrol car as well as the truck used by the rebels. Follow-up operations are ongoing," Palomo said. Prior to the raid, two suspected rebels went inside the station to supposedly have an incident recorded in the police blotter. While the duty officer was interviewing them, a truck full of armed men arrived at the station and the two rebels inside announced a raid. By then, the rebels have blocked major roads leading to the station. "It happened fast. They announced a raid, handcuffed our men, took their firearms and left. No one was injured," Palomo said, adding that five policemen were in the station at that time.

Maasin is a fourth-class town situated about 28 kilometers west of Iloilo City, the capital of Iloilo province. Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog placed the entire city on Sunday in full alert status as a precautionary measure shortly after the NPA raid in Maasin. "All barangay captains and barangay officials together with their barangay tanods and CVOs (civilian volunteer organizations) shall strictly monitor their respective barangays and report any suspicious movement that may compromise the peace and order situation of the city," Mabilog stated in a post on his official Facebook page. The barangays were also instructed to "collaborate with their respective district police stations in the maintenance of peace and order. " Mabilog asked the public to remain calm, but vigilant.

Read more: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/iloilo/local-news/2017/06/18/rebels-raid-iloilo-police-station-548108.

Chocha Monger
06-24-17, 08:44
Video of the recent NPA rebel raid on the Maasin municipal police station in Iloilo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRNJjal4s7A

It seems that the NPA is taking the opportunity carry out operations in other areas while the AFP is busy trying to put down ISIS in Marawi. This may mean insurgent activity in previously quiet areas. Mongers living in or visiting these areas should take note that local security conditions can change suddenly without warning.

http://pinoytrendingnews.net/look-actual-amateur-video-of-the-npa-raid-of-police-station-in-maasin-iloilo-goes-viral/

GoodEnough
06-24-17, 14:16
I don't think this is very recent, but it's an interesting video by thee BBC on the conflict between economic growth and unchecked population growth. It's worth the 25 minutes or so it takes to view. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A0XUQa55OhI&feature=share.

GE.

Shining Wit
06-24-17, 16:48
I don't think this is very recent, but it's an interesting video by thee BBC on the conflict between economic growth and unchecked population growth. It's worth the 25 minutes or so it takes to view. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=A0XUQa55OhI&feature=share.

GE.On the topic of BBC's HARDTalk, has anybody watched Stephen Sackur's interview with Sen. Trillanes? Apart from Sackur's expression at somewhere around 7 minutes, what was interesting was that at the close of the programme he referred to Antonio Trillanes and not Senator. Normally, I would expect howls of protest from certain quarters of the media at how he had been disrespected, but checking the online coverage of both Inquirer and Post? - zip. The Manila Times does have an opinion piece on it, slating Trillanes performance.

Does anybody on the ground have any more info on the media response?

Wicked Roger
06-25-17, 06:01
On the topic of BBC's HARDTalk, has anybody watched Stephen Sackur's interview with Sen. Trillanes? Apart from Sackur's expression at somewhere around 7 minutes, what was interesting was that at the close of the programme he referred to Antonio Trillanes and not Senator. Normally, I would expect howls of protest from certain quarters of the media at how he had been disrespected, but checking the online coverage of both Inquirer and Post? - zip. The Manila Times does have an opinion piece on it, slating Trillanes performance.

Does anybody on the ground have any more info on the media response?Friends (pinoys) all found it highly amusing and said proved a point that he had no clue.

The Daily Tribune said he showed he was not in tune with the public and a D30 news page thanks the BBC for its in depth research etc as Sakur did have facts to hand to challenge him.

https://www.facebook.com/DuterteFSupporters/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/senator-not-in-tune-with-public-pulse

As for mainstream media in the Philippines I did not read anything but as others have pointed out those outlets are generally anti D30 and the President himself did say he would sue the Inquirer (I think) for taking cash for an advet it did not run etc. Politics and the media worldwide is a messy business.

Omega 3
06-28-17, 09:15
Friends (pinoys) all found it highly amusing and said proved a point that he had no clue.

The Daily Tribune said he showed he was not in tune with the public and a D30 news page thanks the BBC for its in depth research etc as Sakur did have facts to hand to challenge him.

https://www.facebook.com/DuterteFSupporters/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED&fref=nf

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/senator-not-in-tune-with-public-pulse

As for mainstream media in the Philippines I did not read anything but as others have pointed out those outlets are generally anti D30 and the President himself did say he would sue the Inquirer (I think) for taking cash for an advet it did not run etc. Politics and the media worldwide is a messy business.WR is right on point.

I think that the most recent prior claim to fame by Senator Antonio Trillanes was his attempted "coup" in 2007. That was his second attempted coup which ended in complete failure (other than to gain notoriety and PR, which probably enabled him to get elected to the Senate in the first place). Reportedly, the 2007 "coup" lasted about 3 hours, while Trillanes was holed up in the Makati Peninsula hotel (obviously, at great personal hardship). The "coup" collapsed ignominiously and abruptly when a Philippine Army APC showed up.

Honest, I'm not making this up!

OM.

Wicked Roger
06-29-17, 04:44
WR is right on point.

I think that the most recent prior claim to fame by Senator Antonio Trillanes was his attempted "coup" in 2007. That was his second attempted coup which ended in complete failure (other than to gain notoriety and PR, which probably enabled him to get elected to the Senate in the first place). Reportedly, the 2007 "coup" lasted about 3 hours, while Trillanes was holed up in the Makati Peninsula hotel (obviously, at great personal hardship). The "coup" collapsed ignominiously and abruptly when a Philippine Army APC showed up.

Honest, I'm not making this up!

OM.Another of the coup soldiers is also a senator who has filed (and failed) in an impeachment complaint against D30 and also filed similar with the ICC in the Hague. I think he is a party of one but is with Trillianes in hating this administration.

Intersting spot on the Hardtalk interview when Sakur asked Trillianes if he supported D30 in dealing with drugs etc given the guy was elected on that mandate and had a 75% approval rating. Trillanes squirmed and tried to slide out of that question which my friends noticed (said to me "unpatriotic" and that it showed he just wanted the LP back at any costs).

Politics anywhere is a dirty game just more open in the Philippines LOL.

Omega 3
06-30-17, 21:20
Interesting articles recently by each of Rigoberto Tiglao, Sass Rogando Sasot, and RJ Nieto (aka Thinking Pinoy) about the Philippine news website, Rappler.

In a nutshell, in the words of Tiglao, "How can we not be in outrage against a news outfit funded hugely by foreigners (in violation of the Philippine Constitution) that spreads lies about our country"?

OM.

GoodEnough
07-18-17, 00:15
For anyone who might be interested, here's a copy of the latest travel warning for the Philippines from the US Embassy:

The Department of State warns USA Citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to the city of Marawi, Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago including the southern Sulu Sea, and to exercise extreme caution when traveling to other regions of Mindanao, due to terrorist threats, insurgent activities, and kidnappings. Similar threats also occurred throughout the Philippines in 2017. This replaces the Travel Warning dated December 20,2016.

There is a threat of kidnappings-for-ransom of foreigners, including USA Citizens, from terrorist and insurgent groups based in the Sulu Archipelago and in the southern Sulu Sea area. This area stretches from the southern tip of Palawan, along the coast of eastern Sabah, Malaysia and the islands of the Sulu Archipelago, up to Zamboanga City, Mindanao. The USA Embassy requires USA Government personnel to obtain special authorization before traveling to Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.

Separatist and terrorist groups continue to attack and kidnap civilians, foreigners, political leaders, and Philippine security forces in Mindanao. On May 23,2017, the Philippine government declared martial law throughout the Mindanao region. Review the following information:

In September 2016, a terrorist group detonated a bomb in Davao City, killing 14 and wounding at least 70 people. Following the attack, the Philippine government declared a "State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao. ".

In May 2017, an ongoing conflict erupted between terrorist groups and Philippine security forces in Marawi City, Mindanao, resulting in multiple dead and injured.

In central Mindanao, extremist groups aligned with the Islamic State, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and other armed groups have carried out attacks on local government institutions, civilians, and security forces in the Cotabato City area, and in the Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces, where the government maintains a state of emergency and a greater police presence.

In Mindanao, terrorists, insurgents, and criminal gangs regularly conduct kidnappings for ransom. Since January 2017, at least six separate kidnappings have been reported.

In western Mindanao, terrorists, insurgents, and criminal gangs regularly conduct kidnappings for ransom.

The USA Embassy has restricted USA Government personnel travel to Mindanao.

There have been no reports of USA Citizens in Mindanao targeted specifically for their nationality; however, general threats to USA Citizens and other foreigners throughout Mindanao remain a concern.

Recent terrorist threats, kidnappings, and bombings have occurred throughout the Philippines. USA Embassy Manila received credible information that terrorists planned to conduct kidnappings in Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol provinces in 2017. In November 2016, a terrorist group planted an Improvised Explosive Device near the USA Embassy in Metro Manila. In April and May 2017, bombings in Quiapo, Manila killed two and injured twenty.

For further information:

See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Philippines Country Specific Information.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Contact the USA Embassy in Manila, Philippines, located at 1201 Roxas Boulevard, at +(63) (2) 301-2000, from 7:30 am To 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for USA Citizens is +(63) (2) 301-2000.

Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 am To 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except USA Federal holidays).

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Red Kilt
12-06-17, 05:58
Some of the economic nerds on ISG might find this source of data rich for analysis.

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/357006/phi.pdf

Chocha Monger
02-18-18, 01:07
Duterte created a stir among pro-condom advocates when he promoted bareback, saying that condoms are not pleasurable.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/duterte-avoid-condom-use-because-they-aren-t-pleasurable-20180217-p4z0p0.html

WestCoast1
06-22-18, 16:36
Personally I would volunteer to fly the straight-wing A-10, which I can get low and slow to see the dumb faces of the bastards before I blow them to bits.


Can anyone out there tell the point of this post? No. Rambling. Dark. Worse even than some of mine. CS, you're waiting for WWIII? And I was feeling bad enough about DT being 'our guy'.

Mr Enternational
06-22-18, 17:15
No. Rambling. Dark. Worse even than some of mine. CS, you're waiting for WWIII? And I was feeling bad enough about DT being 'our guy'.And the funny part about it is that he assumes he is just going to waltz in and blow somebody to bits like they are not going to be trying to blow him to bits at the same time.

Member #4794
06-22-18, 20:22
When we have to go to war, Americans have the best weapons, equipment, organization, logistics, morale and global supports. We can be assured that food and shelter are produced in abundance and held in reserve for the entire country for quite a few years, and that our families will be well taken care of while we are gone fighting.This is the epitome of "brainwashed", this person has believed every propagandized tow line ever regurgitated, this kind of holier than tho attitude is why americans are hated the world over. Kind of sad to see that such an un-"woke" person in the light of the "interwebs". This kind of person needs to be in some bunker somewhere waiting for Y2K.

Whatsmore I feel awful for the women that get mixed up with this person. Conversations filled with war stories and political diatribes absolute nightmare of a "john". This guy might be overcompensating in terms of nationalism being a mexican-american and they are kind of under fire right now. Mexicans know very little about asian cultures and kind of overcompensate by pontificating and spewing historical facts to obfuscate their very limited knowledge of asian cultures. Hispanics feel like they understand the philippines because of some spanish words that are mixed into to tagalog all of the ones ive come across have been very off the mark about asian cultures in general.

Member #4794
06-22-18, 20:47
The United States cannot fight a major conventional war without bringing back the draft. The all-volunteer military has a harder time finding volunteers with each passing year, as the generation that is now reaching fighting age has little interest in sacrificing their freedoms and well-being in foreign wars that mean nothing to them on a personal level. The current sentiment is to leave other countries to sort out their own differences and problems.
That is actually a very true statement America has a REAL crisis in terms of talent for meaningful units. Most special forces units under maned ATM. Tim kennedy "It's scary" "can't get somebody that can pass a tape test" "they are too fat". This is kind of being overlooked but right this second we are not prepared and are severely lacking. No one is showing up for any meaningful opposition anytime soon.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1493328/military-leaders-highlight-efforts-challenges-in-recruiting-retention/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9Tg2QtpP7A

Mr Enternational
06-22-18, 21:29
This is the epitome of "brainwashed", this person has believed every propagandized tow line ever regurgitated, this kind of holier than tho attitude is why americans are hated the world over.I got out of the military because I was not trying to kill anybody and damn sure was not about to let anybody kill me. All over some politicians that are trying to protect the business interests of the ones that elected them. Brainwashing is real. America makes war over money, not any other bullshit that you have been led or choose to believe.

And in other news met a chick on Tinder and we (she actually) get into it every minute. I told her that I understood that I needed to train her and even if we didn't work out she would be A1 for the next guy:

Her: I think you are used to stupid filipinas. The hookers u gettin from the street or clubs. Im okay with or without a guy. U training me how?

Me: you are not going to leave me the same way you came to me. i gotta mold you.

Member #4794
06-22-18, 21:48
America makes war over money, not any other bullshit that you have been led or choose to believe.100% correct and a lot of respect going the distance and being able to climb out of that morass. Just as a caveat all I do is follow the money as I am a stock trader and the money trails never lie. Not many people follow the money but that's where the cold hard truth lives. This stuff in the south China sea will go on for decades nothing urgent about it, after they wrap up the middle east, africa is going to come under fire they are setting up the ISIS sentiment in Africa as false flags but the real story is a war over rare earth minerals in Africa and China has a huge stake in Africa so that is "worth it" for countries to go to war over. Africa will act as a pseudo war with China because it threatens China's investments in rare earth minerals there that is a far more pressing an issue no one going to intervene on this trash uninhabited island nonsense IMO. He who controls the rare earth minerals controls the cost of iPhones.

Kabul Guy
06-22-18, 22:51
Read it a few times GE. Seems he says.

"USA is the best. We are not dumb and we can kill anyone or everyone as we are the best.. And of course we are led by a great man with intelligence, sympathy, empathy, vision and a knack for diplomacy".

LOL.Since this attitude is so prevalent with Americans, it is the main reason why I am very selective about having any Americans as friends or even as casual acquaintances.

Also part of the reason why I avoid going anywhere near the USA if at all possible, even to transit through there on my way somewhere with sane people in it.

Kabul Guy
06-22-18, 23:10
That is actually a very true statement America has a REAL crisis in terms of talent for meaningful units. ....The US military has long been seen as a way for minorities to get upward mobility. Since the GI Bill after WW2 one significant factor in recruiting is the ability to get an education, some meaningful job experience and become a marketable person. That is partly why the US military has a significant over representation of minorities and people from lower social economic backgrounds in it.

I have read elsewhere that part of the recruiting issues that the US military is facing is that the minorities and disadvantaged now have other options to get ahead and do not need the military as much.

I worked with an American engineer, he spent 5 years riding around the world on an aircraft carrier operating communications gear. He had his full undergraduate education paid for, since the carrier had seen action in Gulf War part 1, he got a veteran preference for his first post graduate job. After gaining a few years experience he discovered that since he was a Texan and Texas has additional top up on the GI Bill that he could get almost complete funding for heading back for his MSc. Last time I saw him, he was getting on a plane to go to Texas for his graduate degree.

The funny part is that the carrier saw the action but he was deep inside the ship on the com gear that he seldom even saw daylight but still classified as a veteran.

Mr Enternational
06-22-18, 23:51
The funny part is that the carrier saw the action but he was deep inside the ship on the com gear that he seldom even saw daylight but still classified as a veteran.What is funny about that? I was on a submarine and I am still classified as a veteran. Maybe you are looking for another term.

Kabul Guy
06-23-18, 04:07
What is funny about that? I was on a submarine and I am still classified as a veteran. Maybe you are looking for another term.I just think the term is more applicable to someone who was directly involved in combat at a personal level.

I was many years in Afghanistan, shot at more than I care to think about, took causalities, carried a weapon, came back from road missions with KIA and WIA personnel and just because I did not wear a uniform, I am not a veteran. He rode around on his ship, doing exactly what he did in peacetime at no increased personal danger and he was a veteran because he wore a uniform.

Mr Enternational
06-23-18, 07:12
I was many years in Afghanistan, shot at more than I care to think about, took causalities, carried a weapon, came back from road missions with KIA and WIA personnel and just because I did not wear a uniform, I am not a veteran. He rode around on his ship, doing exactly what he did in peacetime at no increased personal danger and he was a veteran because he wore a uniform.So you got to make the big bucks while he got to be called veteran. I would say that is a fair trade off. When I first went in the Navy I was making $669/ month. You think that was worth getting my ass shot at? As my friends say, a purple heart will not even get you $1 to buy a cup of coffee. Being called a veteran will get you even less. The best reason to be in the Navy is exactly what you said, no increased personal danger and hot meals with ice cream.

Member #4566
06-23-18, 07:23
Since this attitude is so prevalent with Americans, it is the main reason why I am very selective about having any Americans as friends or even as casual acquaintances. Also part of the reason why I avoid going anywhere near the USA if at all possible, even to transit through there on my way somewhere with sane people in it.A lot of anti-American bile.

Member #4794
06-23-18, 10:40
Also part of the reason why I avoid going anywhere near the USA if at all possible, even to transit through there on my way somewhere with sane people in it.Same could be said for foreigners from Turkey or any european country. Foreigners like you oftentimes hold assumptions that are most likely circulated by your government which also makes you "brainwashed" such as how flawed your idea of a veteran is. A vet is someone who serves their country did what was told and discharged honorably end of story. Soldiers who are in danger get something called hazard pay but everyone who serves their country deserves and has earned the right to be called a veteran. I find that foreigners often times cannot admit when they are wrong and try to defend their flawed beliefs instead of learning from other people. In that sense I do also avoid close minded / rude / inconsiderate foreigners. Which is why I think for the most part filipinos have won me over with their warm hearts (some would say naivety) generally a round of beers and a short conversation is enough for them to welcome almost anyone into their homes and circle of friends. Euros and Americans alike I think can learn a lot of humility from the philippines. They sometimes offer me the last bit of food they have without blinking an eye and offer to let me stay at their homes. I avoid tourists in general or anyone that is non whatever country I'm in, backpackers are the worst imo. I have never met a "sane" backpacker. If I travel all the way to the philippines last thing I want is to be surrounded by euros or americans, kind of missing the plot imo. Unless you are on the lamb.

Nice Guy 99
06-23-18, 14:45
The best reason to be in the Navy is exactly what you said, no increased personal danger and hot meals with ice cream.The SA-2's coming up at me unfortunately created an impression of personal danger. I've also packed up more that one guy's stuff to send home to his parents when he didn't come back from a mission. Made sure none of the bar girl letters or pics went home to mom.

I did enjoy the clean sheets, hot meals and ice cream but almost ran out of bourbon a couple of times.

Kabul Guy
06-23-18, 23:48
A lot of anti-American bile.But not undeserved.

You guys elected Trump.

Enough said.

Member #4698
06-24-18, 02:54
But not undeserved.

You guys elected Trump.

Enough said.But is it? I wonder why it obviously makes you feel good to post your anti Trump political point of view here on the International Sex Guide? Yeah, I know the other guy started it with his overly patriotic rant that came out of nowhere, but why not let it go so we can all get back to discussing more pertinent issues like PI girls and in this particular thread, PI politics and economics. Of course, you are entitled to your opinion, but posting it here and in the somewhat derogatory way that you have is only going to inflame the situation and result in getting the whole conversation deleted sooner rather than later. Your negative opinion of Trump and Trump voters or my negative opinion of Obama & Clinton and their supporters does not belong here. We are all just pussy lovers here. I am sorry I had to waste bandwidth to remind you of this.

Soapy Smith
06-24-18, 11:58
The best reason to be in the Navy is exactly what you said, no increased personal danger and hot meals with ice cream.Navy and Air Force get ice cream, but not the Army, and probably not the Marines.

Soapy Smith
06-24-18, 12:26
Your negative opinion of Trump and Trump voters or my negative opinion of Obama & Clinton and their supporters does not belong here. We are all just pussy lovers here. I am sorry I had to waste bandwidth to remind you of this.In the past we had a thread entitled "USA Politics," but for some reason it was taken down. Anybody know why?

I understand that this title seems totally unrelated to getting laid in the Philippines, but it was helpful at times as a place to redirect political conversations that sprung up in other threads. Natty is correct that this particular conversation doesn't fit here.

I have been guilty of fueling some of these errant conversations. I think issues from American politics in particular spring up because a) yanks are very politically divided at present and b) for various reasons people from other countries, including ISG members, sometimes don't like us very much. And something must be wrong when we simultaneously p..s off the Canadians and the Mexicans.

I sure do wish we still had the USA Politics thread.

Member #4698
06-24-18, 13:25
In the past we had a thread entitled "USA Politics," but for some reason it was taken down. Anybody know why?

I understand that this title seems totally unrelated to getting laid in the Philippines, but it was helpful at times as a place to redirect political conversations that sprung up in other threads. Natty is correct that this particular conversation doesn't fit here.

I have been guilty of fueling some of these errant conversations. I think issues from American politics in particular spring up because a) yanks are very politically divided at present and b) for various reasons people from other countries, including ISG members, sometimes don't like us very much. And something must be wrong when we simultaneously p..s off the Canadians and the Mexicans.

I sure do wish we still had the USA Politics thread.I think the "USA Politics" thread was taken down because it became too contentious and argumentative. That is what I was alluding to when I wrote that these posts will "result in getting the whole conversation deleted sooner rather than later. " There is a fucking civil war going on in America and throughout the West for that matter. Look at what is going on in Italy, England, Germany and the Netherlands. Few people from either side can or will discuss things is a civilized manner without falling back on the insults and character assassinations. For those caught up in the emotions of these volatile times there are plenty of internet sites that cater to this sort of thing. Emotions run very hot. That is why it is best to leave your politics at the door and talk about what really matters here. I agree with Jackson's policy else politics would destroy the congeniality of the ISG.

Breadman
06-25-18, 00:12
In the past we had a thread entitled "USA Politics," but for some reason it was taken down. Anybody know why?.Now why would someone assume the majority of people reading a pussy forum want to read about USA politics? Talk about the girls, politics, situation etc of what's happening in the Philippines on a Philippine review board. There's plenty of forums and message boards to vent about US politics in the US.

EihTooms
06-25-18, 00:31
But not undeserved.

You guys elected Trump.

Enough said.Actually, Hillary Clinton won the vote by almost 3 million. The Electoral Collage, 538 people, awarded Trump the presidency anyway, something they were not bound by law to do and merely chose to do on their own. And not even all of them.

Dg8787
06-25-18, 05:07
Actually, Hillary Clinton won the vote by almost 3 million. The Electoral Collage, 538 people, awarded Trump the presidency anyway, something they were not bound by law to do and merely chose to do on their own. And not even all of them.Trump got the electoral college votes fair and square. The college voted as they were suppose to vote. Electoral College was set up for exactly for this so no one state with an overwhelming vote could run off with the election.

I did not vote for Trump but I do recognize him to be the President of my country. For better or worse he is the President of United States.

Red Kilt
06-25-18, 08:54
Now why would someone assume the majority of people reading a pussy forum want to read about USA politics? <SNIP> There's plenty of forums and message boards to vent about US politics in the US.I am puzzled (possible a bit sad too) why there is even a need for such a thread on a board entitled "International Sex Guide"?

Surely guys can express their opinions in their local bar without having to bring it to a board like this.

It's a thread that I easily ignore (except this once LOL).

Soapy Smith
06-26-18, 00:41
Now why would someone assume the majority of people reading a pussy forum want to read about USA politics? Talk about the girls, politics, situation etc of what's happening in the Philippines on a Philippine review board. There's plenty of forums and message boards to vent about US politics in the US.


I am puzzled (possible a bit sad too) why there is even a need for such a thread on a board entitled "International Sex Guide"? Surely guys can express their opinions in their local bar without having to bring it to a board like this.Much of the impassioned side conversation about politics in the United States or other countries is tangential to the immediate purpose of ISG. But it is not unrelated. The period of American colonialismand continued military presence in the Philippines--shaped life in the Philippines and the sex trades in AC and Olongapo in particular, in significant ways, not all of them for the better. Granted, Marcos was removed 32 years ago, but his influence, propped up as it was especially by American interests, continues in significant ways in the Philippines. His son almost became Vice President, his widow is a member of Congress, and his daughter is a provincial governor. But the real influences run much deeper.

Various posters in the forum draw attention to the importance of Philippine cultural practices in trying to understand the sex trade and Filipinas more generally. But the politics and economics of the Global North frame the Philippine sex trade in ways that are perhaps more important than Philippine culture. Economic disparity between Western countries and developing countries is precisely what brings Western men to the Philippines to buy sexand frames the practical realities that draw Filipinas into prostitution and husband hunting. If the United States or European Union gets an economic sniffle or an increase of a few cents for gasoline, the Philippine piso and farmers in the provinces catch pneumonia. Duterte may think that he has isolated the Philippines from the influence of critics in the United States, Europe, and the Vatican, but perhaps he hasn't recently checked the value of the piso against other currencies.

It is true that much of the political passion that gets expressed does not reflect on its influence in the Philippines, but to assume that stalking Filipinas for sex is unrelated to the economics and politics of industrialized countries seems a little short-sighted. Even well-established expats depend on the economics and policies of their home countries for many parts of their livelihoods. Development consultants in particular depend on the political climates in donor countries to continue bilateral aid that supports their work. Simply stated, none of us engage in sex with Filipinas in isolation from broader economic and political dynamics.

I am perhaps part of a small group of forum participants who try to understand sex in the Philippines within a broader cultural, political, historical, and economic context. If I should limit my input to commentary about the old in-out, in-out, I would welcome being referred to other English language boards that focus on the broader Philippine context. Life is short and I can be easily persuaded to take my thoughts elsewhere.

Soapy Smith
06-26-18, 01:05
Trump got the electoral college votes fair and square. The college voted as they were suppose to vote. Electoral College was set up for exactly for this so no one state with an overwhelming vote could run off with the election.The social studies teacher in me must respond. The intent and design of the Electoral College has evolved over time. The initial concern was about no candidate receiving enough votes to win as various states support their own "favorite sons. " How about this Philippine source? Looks correct to me.

https://uselectionatlas.org/INFORMATION/INFORMATION/electcollege_history.php

The principal corrective to prevent the bigger states from overwhelming the interests of the smaller states (referred to as "tyranny of the majority") was resolved by the "Connecticut Compromise," which created the Senate in which all states had the same number of members. It was negotiated primarily by James Madison, in his 30's at the time, who went around at night to the Philadelphia inns and taverns where the various state delegations were lodging. Bottom line: the Senate was created by a bunch of drunk representatives to the Constitutional Convention.

Apologies to those who don't want to read about anything but Filipina pussy.

Kabul Guy
06-26-18, 12:43
Much of the impassioned side conversation about politics in the United States or other countries is tangential to the immediate purpose of ISG. But it is not unrelated. .....This forum is Philippines Politics and Economy so I would think the right place for the sort of discussion you are talking about. A discussion on the impact of politics on local life and events.

There is another forum on bar stool chat which I think is to be an open discussion forum, anything that you would discuss in a bar is far game for that one. That would cover everything from women to sports to politics (world wide) and religion.

Like in a bar chat, if it gets too heated take it outside but have a thick skin about anything discussed. If you don't want to listen to a discussipon, ignore it and chat to the guy on the stool on the other side.

Engine Driver
01-12-19, 08:18
Economic disparity between Western countries and developing countries is precisely what brings Western men to the Philippines to buy sex and frames the practical realities that draw Filipinas into prostitution and husband hunting. The West has grown extremely wealthy over the past 40-years. This is why you no longer see significant numbers of Western women resorting to prostitution in Australia, US, Canada, Germany, France or UK. There is no longer an economic necessity for a western woman to become a prostitute or even a masseur due access to eduction, excellent legitimate employment prospects and a generous welfare safety net. In my country Australia, the sex industry is almost completely dominated by Asian women, who usually travel on dodgy student or tourist visas. There are very few Filipina prostitutes in Australia as the ones that come here are attached to an Australian man, hence don't have financial need. Filipina women also don't go abroad to study as their medium of instruction is English in their homeland, thus depriving the West of another group of prostitutes.

Goferring
01-12-19, 10:31
Filipina women also don't go abroad to study as their medium of instruction is English in their homeland, thus depriving the West of another group of prostitutes.I agree with what you have said earlier but I don't get your connection. A full fee overseas education with accommodation and living expenses is hardly cheap. Any one able to spare that amount is unlikely to have little Suzie on her back to help pay for the books.

I'm certainly not aware of many Indonesian, Vietnamese or Chinese students on the streets.

The illegitimate use of Student Visas is something entirely different and happens all the time.

Enjoy, G.

Engine Driver
01-12-19, 10:53
I agree with what you have said earlier but I don't get your connection. A full fee overseas education with accommodation and living expenses is hardly cheap. Any one able to spare that amount is unlikely to have little Suzie on her back to help pay for the books.

I'm certainly not aware of many Indonesian, Vietnamese or Chinese students on the streets.

The illegitimate use of Student Visas is something entirely different and happens all the time.

Enjoy, G.Not all students from Asia who go to Australia have the financial means to complete their course. They show doctored bank statements to get the visa. Once in Australia, they just work in any job they can get, usually cash in hand, to evade immigration and taxation officials. Waiting tables, kitchen hands, cleaning etc are the usual jobs they take. Many Chinese and Thai female students reduce their school work load to a few hours a week and then go about earning serious money to send back home. A Thai girl in a rub and tug shop, willing to do nude body-to-body rubs, can easily make over $1,000 a day. If she works 4 days a week, that's $200 K a year, tax free. This explains why even after 4-5 years in Australia, most Thais are unable to speak more than a few words of English (ie. They don't bother studying).

I've been seeing this Thai prostitute "Cha Cha" in Sydney for the past 5-years. She's been studying "management" for the past 6- years, by reducing her subject load and by extending her visa every few years. In fact, the entire brothel where she works is full of Thai students. She has earned over $1 million, tax free, over the past 5-years. Considering she shares an apartment with 3 other students and her costs are so low, that's a lot of money to send back to Thailand.

Goferring
01-12-19, 12:44
I've been seeing this Thai prostitute "Cha Cha" in Sydney for the past 5-years. She's been studying "management" for the past 6- years, by reducing her subject load and by extending her visa every few years. In fact, the entire brothel where she works is full of Thai students. She has earned over $1 million, tax free, over the past 5-years. Considering she shares an apartment with 3 other students and her costs are so low, that's a lot of money to send back to Thailand.Again, I don't disagree with what you are saying but I see it as an illegitimate use of the Student Visa system rather than a legitimate student who turns to brothels due to limited funds.

I doubt your girl will ever return to Thailand and put her degree to use. And why would she.

Kabul Guy
01-14-19, 02:05
....

I doubt your girl will ever return to Thailand and put her degree to use. And why would she.Someone who an put away a million tax free would be able to find a use for the skills of a management degree. She could start a legitimate business and do well with that sort of grub stake.

Goferring
01-14-19, 02:38
Someone who an put away a million tax free would be able to find a use for the skills of a management degree. She could start a legitimate business and do well with that sort of grub stake.The same can be said for many groups.

Criminal gangs often have the skills and ability to operate very successful front companies. I've worked with militant unionized employees who, if they put their same effort into doing work rather than avoiding it, would be star employees and not need the union at all. Many problem kids have the natural smarts to flourish once they leave a structured, one size fits all education system and can find their own path in life.

I truely believe that the days of a structured education followed by dedication to a "real" job being the only path to success are over.

ForkTruck
01-14-19, 10:36
I doubt your girl will ever return to Thailand and put her degree to use. And why would she.I was talking to a guy last week in manila who is working in philis as a software eng contractor. He is from a Euorpean country and is only here on a one month assignment. He told me the best in house engineer the phili company had here where he is assigned was a very talented guy and if he chose to work in another country he could easily double the equivelant $4 K US monthly salary he draws in Manila. Family keeps him here. Pay here is very low so talented folks go elsewhere when opportunity presents. Of course cost of living is very low here so $4 K is good and way better than most. But many prefer to live in a non 3rd world place even if cost of living is much higher.

Soapy Smith
01-16-19, 08:35
I truely believe that the days of a structured education followed by dedication to a "real" job being the only path to success are over.Was it ever the only path?

Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are examples of individuals who thrived financially without college degrees. And I have a high school classmate who spent three years in the Army in the 1960's, never attended college, moved to Florida, started a pest control business, and became a millionaire. I'm sure others in the forum know of similar cases. But these examples represent what is sometimes called "anecdotal evidence": interesting examples that are not representative. And, in the cases of Gates and Zuckerberg, both of these guys spent two years at Harvard before going it on their own. Jeff Bezos, for his part, has a bachelors degree from Princeton. But if average blokes think they can make out like this, they should think again.

There is evidence among Hispanic males, and especially African-American men, of peer pressure not to pursue higher education, because doing so is "giving in to the 'Man'. " So how's that working out for those guys? And surely there are bartenders and cab drivers who love to hold forth on the foolishness of college education, but please keep in mind that most of them either never undertook college or dropped out – and obviously have so much to show for these choices.

But in the interest of something more systematic than strong opinions, there is evidence from the states, although perhaps Europe, Canada, and Australia have competing evidence. Check out especially the US News story:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnebersole/2012/08/08/why-a-college-degree/#5 e33 f6 e75 ed8.

http://css.edu/the-sentinel-blog/community-benefits-of-a-college-degree.html

https://unemploymentdata.com/unemployment/college-degree-difference-unemployment/

https://money.cnn.com/infographic/economy/college-degree-earnings/index.html

https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/02/11/study-income-gap-between-young-college-and-high-school-grads-widens

Naked Gunz
01-16-19, 16:49
There is evidence among Hispanic males, and especially African-American men, of peer pressure not to pursue higher education, because doing so is "giving in to the 'Man'."I'm Black and I'm dying to see the "evidence", as I sweat my last few classes towards my BS degree.

Soapy Smith
01-17-19, 07:39
I'm Black and I'm dying to see the "evidence", as I sweat my last few classes towards my BS degree.If you understand the nature of implied cause and effect, I hope you weren't expecting to see evidence before you finish the degree nor, for that matter, as you walk off the commencement stage. You still have to get out in the marketplace and show people that your degree is more than a piece of paper. I applaud your efforts; chances are you will experience the evidence.

D Cups
01-17-19, 14:51
I'm Black and I'm dying to see the "evidence", as I sweat my last few classes towards my BS degree.The Bureau of Labor Statistics (USA) shows a dramatic income increase for bachelor's degree holders and continuing upward for masters and professional holders. Of course there are many exceptions but every degree I've earned (and I have 4) has led me to more money, and more importantly, more important work. Congratulations and good luck, NG.

Soapy Smith
01-18-19, 18:42
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (USA) shows a dramatic income increase for bachelor's degree holders and continuing upward for masters and professional holders. Of course there are many exceptions but every degree I've earned (and I have 4) has led me to more money, and more importantly, more important work. Congratulations and good luck, NG.The trend DC describes applies also in the Phils. What is sometimes confusing is that in both Western countries and the Phils there are instances we all know about in which college grads are working in jobs for which they are hugely over-qualified. In Western countries it is sometimes market displacement (temporary weak markets in some professions) and sometimes it's because the individual is toxic and unemployable. For example, don't go to law school right now. The market has a glut of unemployed attorneys and law school enrollments are in the toilet.

In the Phils there's also the problem of huge variability in the quality of institutions of higher education. So some people from colleges with weak reputations may never be employable in the professions for which they trained. On the other hand, the national university with the lowest tuition, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), reportedly has the most employable graduates in the eyes of employers. They tend to attract very bright, but often poor, students, and perhaps this implies a strong work ethic. On the other hand, they, along with UP, also have a reputation for political protest. Maybe that's what happens when you get a bunch of inspired, very bright, and poor young people together. There are a couple expats in the forum who know this stuff far better than I do.

Red Kilt
01-19-19, 07:13
In the Phils there's also the problem of huge variability in the quality of institutions of higher education. So some people from colleges with weak reputations may never be employable in the professions for which they trained. On the other hand, the national university with the lowest tuition, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), reportedly has the most employable graduates in the eyes of employers. They tend to attract very bright, but often poor, students, and perhaps this implies a strong work ethic. On the other hand, they, along with UP, also have a reputation for political protest. Maybe that's what happens when you get a bunch of inspired, very bright, and poor young people together. There are a couple expats in the forum who know this stuff far better than I do.I work with many of the products of these institutions but sad to say Soapy; I don't have the time or patience to write a paper on Philippines H.E. quality for around 3 interested guys on ISG to read. I use my time writing stuff for which I receive financial compensation.

Engine Driver
01-19-19, 08:22
On the other hand, they, along with UP, also have a reputation for political protest. Maybe that's what happens when you get a bunch of inspired, very bright, and poor young people together. Apart from protesting against Duterte's heavy handed response and running naked through the campus once a year, what else do UP Diliman's elite kids get up to? On western university campuses, the whole student body has drunk the Kool aid as far as gender fluidity, LGBTI rights, climate change, global wealth redistribution, gender pay gap and the right of white men to merely exist goes.

Meanwhile, we get job applications from Masters students who can't put two words together to form a sentence and they wonder why they can't become managers on day 1.

Soapy Smith
01-23-19, 21:50
I work with many of the products of these institutions but sad to say Soapy; I don't have the time or patience to write a paper on Philippines H.E. quality for around 3 interested guys on ISG to read. I use my time writing stuff for which I receive financial compensation.If your time is that valuable, why spend the time for these two or three lines?

Kabul Guy
01-23-19, 23:02
The trend DC describes applies also in the Phils. What is sometimes confusing is that in both Western countries and the Phils there are instances we all know about in which college grads are working in jobs for which they are hugely over-qualified. .......I rented a car here and when I filled the tank the gas station had a sign looking for gas jockeys. Degree required.

The quality of a graduate here is highly variable. I have worked with some world class engineers from here, I tried to get them to come to Canada when I was working there a couple of years ago but the red tape was too much. These are guys I would hire in an instant if I had an opening for them and they were available.

OTOH, I have found some people who had degrees but operated at about a grade 3 level. People that it is difficult to have a reasonable conservation with because their thought processes are so lacking in discipline.

Education here can be for profit, the biggest scam area is IMHO in the hotel and tourism areas. There are some good degrees tin that area but mostly it is a high cost training to be a desk cleark followed by several months of on job training that they get treated as slaves and pay for the privilege.

Dg8787
01-24-19, 01:34
I rented a car here and when I filled the tank the gas station had a sign looking for gas jockeys. Degree required.

The quality of a graduate here is highly variable. I have worked with some world class engineers from here, I tried to get them to come to Canada when I was working there a couple of years ago but the red tape was too much. These are guys I would hire in an instant if I had an opening for them and they were available.

OTOH, I have found some people who had degrees but operated at about a grade 3 level. People that it is difficult to have a reasonable conservation with because their thought processes are so lacking in discipline.

Education here can be for profit, the biggest scam area is IMHO in the hotel and tourism areas. There are some good degrees tin that area but mostly it is a high cost training to be a desk cleark followed by several months of on job training that they get treated as slaves and pay for the privilege.I believe the push for higher education was a way to keep them in a holding pattern and not have to count them as unemployed. Plus it made money for the colleges.

Don't forget that people over 35 can not find a decent job. All the housekeepers I see in the hotels are HRM grads in their 20's. I give these HRM grads credit for working hard. I usually leave a 50-100 peso tip daily.

Engine Driver
01-24-19, 03:26
I rented a car here and when I filled the tank the gas station had a sign looking for gas jockeys. Degree required.

The quality of a graduate here is highly variable. I have worked with some world class engineers from here, I tried to get them to come to Canada when I was working there a couple of years ago but the red tape was too much. These are guys I would hire in an instant if I had an opening for them and they were available.

OTOH, I have found some people who had degrees but operated at about a grade 3 level. People that it is difficult to have a reasonable conservation with because their thought processes are so lacking in discipline.

Education here can be for profit, the biggest scam area is IMHO in the hotel and tourism areas. There are some good degrees tin that area but mostly it is a high cost training to be a desk cleark followed by several months of on job training that they get treated as slaves and pay for the privilege.There was a large notice posted on a resto door seeking applications for a job as a security guard. "Must have a degree in criminology".

PedroMorales
08-25-19, 23:00
I ended up on Wikipedia's page explaining what a Budget is. Budgeting, as many know, is not the strong card of the lovley ladies we meet. Anyway, here is the link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budget.

Here is the relevant piece that caught my eye: Philippines: The Philippine budget is considered the most complicated in the world, incorporating multiple approaches in one single budget system: line-item (budget execution), performance (budget accountability), and zero-based budgeting.

I think that says it all really. More complicated than the USA, China, the G7's and every little state in Africa. Goodnight Manila! Keep praying to Santa Nino, who has give up on the lot of you, if he has any sense.

Soapy Smith
09-01-19, 02:17
I ended up on Wikipedia's page explaining what a Budget is. Budgeting, as many know, is not the strong card of the lovley ladies we meet. Anyway, here is the link https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budget.

Here is the relevant piece that caught my eye: Philippines: The Philippine budget is considered the most complicated in the world, incorporating multiple approaches in one single budget system: line-item (budget execution), performance (budget accountability), and zero-based budgeting.I think for many of our lovely ladies, "budget" means having money in your pocket.

One way to characterize the complicated budget system is as bureaucratic redtape. Another possibility is that, because there are so many working parts, each one is a point of leverage for corruption.

Some thoughtful observers suggest that Philippine budget systems, personnel practices, and regulations are borrowed from the West, and especially the United States, but that the systems are only formalistic on paper, whereas in fact most of them operate in part as good ole boy (and only a few girls') systems.