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[QUOTE=WhatsUrName;1786463]
I also used the Brickstone Hotel as a "Staging area".[/QUOTE]Very clever system. Maybe I have too much Scots blood in me to have considered renting two rooms at the same time, but it's really not all that much money and I'm sure you're right about the advantages.
The resourcefulness of mongers is a wonderful thing.
Is there anyone here who understands (can read) the Kapampangan dialect and is willing to translate some sentences for me?
Or maybe someone who has a good understanding of Tagalog would also be able to help me out?
Please PM me.
[QUOTE=Slippery;1790175]This was my afternoon yesterday. Grabbed a taxi and told him where I wanted to go and what side of the street I wanted to get out on. I wanted to get out on that side of the street as there was less chance of getting hit by a car or jeepney. Of course, he stops on the wrong side of the street after I told him again which side I wanted to get out on. Sure enough, I damn near got hit crossing the street.
After finishing my short business, I went for drink at a bar where all of the help knows me. Notwithstanding the fact that I've been going into that place for over 6 years, and the waitress has known me for at least 3 years, she brought me the wrong drink. She then took it back and 10 minutes later brought me the correct drink. When it was time to leave, no waitress was available to bring the bill. I had to chase one down, and then she had to chase the other waitress down to bring the bill. That was another 10 minutes.
So I went to a restobar for a decent dinner, and specifically told the waitress there what I wanted. She got half of the meal correct. I was getting to my pressure point, so I kept my mouth shut and ate, and won't eat there again.
So then I went to another bar and ordered a drink. They know me there too. I asked for a drink with a mixer MIXED in. She brought me the alcohol in one glass and a can of mixer. I told her I didn't want a can, just about 2 ounces mixed in. "We don't do mixes anymore. You have to buy the whole can. ".
There was utter stupidity 4 times in a row from 4 different filipinos. They're either stupid, don't care or both. But never call a Filipino stupid to their face. You insult their pinoy pride. Pride in what?[/QUOTE]LOL. At some point you should just accept the fact you probably don't belong here and should go back to wherever you are from. I'm pretty sure you will be at least equally miserable but you won't have Filipinos to blame for your unhappiness. BTW, I would not be buying any lotto tickets anytime soon. You seem to be on quite a losing streak.
[QUOTE=Mogwai;1790778]Is there anyone here who understands (can read) the Kapampangan dialect and is willing to translate some sentences for me?
Or maybe someone who has a good understanding of Tagalog would also be able to help me out?
Please PM me.[/QUOTE]I have a pampango-speaking girl. PM me some sentences.
[QUOTE=Slippery;1790175]This was my afternoon yesterday. Grabbed a taxi and told him where I wanted to go and what side of the street I wanted to get out on. I wanted to get out on that side of the street as there was less chance of getting hit by a car or jeepney. Of course, he stops on the wrong side of the street after I told him again which side I wanted to get out on. Sure enough, I damn near got hit crossing the street.
After finishing my short business, I went for drink at a bar where all of the help knows me. Notwithstanding the fact that I've been going into that place for over 6 years, and the waitress has known me for at least 3 years, she brought me the wrong drink. She then took it back and 10 minutes later brought me the correct drink. When it was time to leave, no waitress was available to bring the bill. I had to chase one down, and then she had to chase the other waitress down to bring the bill. That was another 10 minutes.
So I went to a restobar for a decent dinner, and specifically told the waitress there what I wanted. She got half of the meal correct. I was getting to my pressure point, so I kept my mouth shut and ate, and won't eat there again.
So then I went to another bar and ordered a drink. They know me there too. I asked for a drink with a mixer MIXED in. She brought me the alcohol in one glass and a can of mixer. I told her I didn't want a can, just about 2 ounces mixed in. "We don't do mixes anymore. You have to buy the whole can. ".
There was utter stupidity 4 times in a row from 4 different filipinos. They're either stupid, don't care or both. But never call a Filipino stupid to their face. You insult their pinoy pride. Pride in what?[/QUOTE]I'm just guessing your attitude might have something to do with the service you receive. It doesn't matter how well they know you somewhere, if they don't like you. Do they know you as someone who is always complaining? Do they know you as someone who never has something nice to say? Do they know you as a lousy tipper?
When I go into a place I smile, I return greetings, I say "thanks" for everything. When I leave I tip a reasonable amount or more if service was good. I try to make the employees day a little better.
It works like magic. After a few visits people stop by to say Hello, I get good tables and better service, I might get asked to sample a new menu item or a new drink. Eventually, managers will start greeting me. If business is slow someone will sit and talk with me.
It works another way too. I get to hear about the bad customers and I learn not to get upset when service is slow, or something is messed up.
[QUOTE=Slippery;1790175]This was my afternoon yesterday. Grabbed a taxi and told him where I wanted to go and what side of the street I wanted to get out on. I wanted to get out on that side of the street as there was less chance of getting hit by a car or jeepney. Of course, he stops on the wrong side of the street after I told him again which side I wanted to get out on. Sure enough, I damn near got hit crossing the street.
There was utter stupidity 4 times in a row from 4 different filipinos. They're either stupid, don't care or both. But never call a Filipino stupid to their face. You insult their pinoy pride. Pride in what?[/QUOTE]If you keep in your mind that you are nothing but a guest and treat people with kindness and most respect, you may get the same in return. So, your life can be easier and you can enjoy your visits much more than before. $0. 02.
[QUOTE=Slippery;1790175]There was utter stupidity 4 times in a row from 4 different filipinos. They're either stupid, don't care or both.[/QUOTE]Many foreigners that live here have few other choices. It is among other things a Cheap Charlie's paradise. Perhaps they did not prepare for their retirement. Some had their saddle bags unpacked by ex-wives. Some have alcohol and / or gambling addictions. They go through their same routine every day trying to spend as little as possible and somehow feel the natives here are partly to blame. They want to feel superior to somebody even if it's a waitress taking their order. The waitress sees him every day and puts up with his constant complaining. She sees his face glow red when the fork is placed on the wrong side of the plate.
When he does go back to his own country to visit once a year he enjoys the sanitized and organized place he once called home. That feeling lasts for about 72 hours. He's quickly reminded of the reasons why he left home. He is ignored by his own people. He is invisible to women. If he complains he is likely told to go fuck himself. It's time to go back to the place where they at least will put up with his bullshit. He yearns to bark at a taxi driver for making him waddle across the street. He feels entitled here even if he's only on a thousand peso per day budget. His negative posts on ISG about the locals are a form of therapy. He's hoping for others to chime in and complain as well but GE's internet connection is down and cannot immediately respond. Nothing much to do but order a Crown Royal and complain it's not a full shot. Another day in paradise.
[QUOTE=ScreamingBeaver;1791510]Many foreigners that live here have few other choices. It is among other things a Cheap Charlie's paradise. Perhaps they did not prepare for their retirement. Some had their saddle bags unpacked by ex-wives. Some have alcohol and / or gambling addictions. They go through their same routine every day trying to spend as little as possible and somehow feel the natives here are partly to blame. They want to feel superior to somebody even if it's a waitress taking their order. The waitress sees him every day and puts up with his constant complaining. She sees his face glow red when the fork is placed on the wrong side of the plate.
When he does go back to his own country to visit once a year he enjoys the sanitized and organized place he once called home. That feeling lasts for about 72 hours. He's quickly reminded of the reasons why he left home. He is ignored by his own people. He is invisible to women. If he complains he is likely told to go fuck himself. It's time to go back to the place where they at least will put up with his bullshit. He yearns to bark at a taxi driver for making him waddle across the street. He feels entitled here even if he's only on a thousand peso per day budget. His negative posts on ISG about the locals are a form of therapy. He's hoping for others to chime in and complain as well but GE's internet connection is down and cannot immediately respond. Nothing much to do but order a Crown Royal and complain it's not a full shot. Another day in paradise.[/QUOTE]An excellent posting.
I may add some get so lonely as to sign a Philippines marriage contract with a girl who works in Angeles. The consequence is that they get financially drained in building / buying a house for the wife (foreigners can only own condos), starting a (losing) business for the wife, supporting the wife's family & previous Filipino kids and / or a combination of all three. They then end up just about surviving financially, realizing the true legal meaning and consequence of the marriage contract and end up wandering around AC miserable and bitter. They do not dare partake of the only attraction in AC. Cheap pussy, because they cannot afford to and / or scared of the marriage contract real penalties for concubinism (using the Philippine law term). As often as not, such individuals will go into denial that they made mistakes. That is understandable!
[QUOTE=ScreamingBeaver;1791510]Many foreigners that live here have few other choices. It is among other things a Cheap Charlie's paradise. Perhaps they did not prepare for their retirement. Some ha.[/QUOTE]Awesome observation.
[QUOTE=ScreamingBeaver;1791510]Many foreigners that live here have few other choices. It is among other things a Cheap Charlie's paradise. Perhaps they did not prepare for their retirement. Some had their saddle bags unpacked by ex-wives. Some have alcohol and / or gambling addictions. They go through their same routine every day trying to spend as little as possible and somehow feel the natives here are partly to blame. They want to feel superior to somebody even if it's a waitress taking their order. The waitress sees him every day and puts up with his constant complaining. She sees his face glow red when the fork is placed on the wrong side of the plate.
When he does go back to his own country to visit once a year he enjoys the sanitized and organized place he once called home. That feeling lasts for about 72 hours. He's quickly reminded of the reasons why he left home. He is ignored by his own people. He is invisible to women. If he complains he is likely told to go fuck himself. It's time to go back to the place where they at least will put up with his bullshit. He yearns to bark at a taxi driver for making him waddle across the street. He feels entitled here even if he's only on a thousand peso per day budget. His negative posts on ISG about the locals are a form of therapy. He's hoping for others to chime in and complain as well but GE's internet connection is down and cannot immediately respond. Nothing much to do but order a Crown Royal and complain it's not a full shot. Another day in paradise.[/QUOTE]I guessing that the reasons for moving here are as varied as the expats who live here, though I do recognize the type described. Not really sure what the reference to me means, but I do agree that there are expats who live in a permanent state of smug resentment. I find that my anger, when it surfaces, is rarely directed at individuals--since I find most Filipinos to be among the nicest folks I've ever met--and more at governmental indifference, incompetence and greed. As to the "stupidity" post which elicited the above, the writer obviously doesn't understand the difference between the aggregate effects of poor education, poor training and perhaps a less than perfect comprehension of English and stupidity. I suspect that the writer of that post would be miserable wherever he lives.
Most of the retired expats I know don't fit within the genre described. But then, most of the retired expats I know don't live in Angeles. Rarely if ever go there, candy seem to have more engaging, richer lives than the lost should described in the post. Most have found ways of remaining productive and intellectually stimulated.
GE.
As for the third sentence: 1) is it a brain fart? 2) typo 3) Unusual auto edit by the ISG brain trust?
If I do a bit of rhyme and change "candy" to "and I" and then change "the lost should" to "those" it makes sense.
I'm a pretty fast touch typist and I find myself making similar mistakes. And auto correction sometimes makes the result especially weird. X.
[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1791699] SNIP
Most of the retired expats I know don't fit within the genre described. But then, most of the retired expats I know don't live in Angeles. Rarely if ever go there, candy seem to have more engaging, richer lives than the lost should described in the post. Most have found ways of remaining productive and intellectually stimulated.
GE.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=XMan;1791748]As for the third sentence: 1) is it a brain fart? 2) typo 3) Unusual auto edit by the ISG brain trust?
If I do a bit of rhyme and change "candy" to "and I" and then change "the lost should" to "those" it makes sense.
I'm a pretty fast touch typist and I find myself making similar mistakes. And auto correction sometimes makes the result especially weird. X.[/QUOTE]Sorry about that. I meant to say and they. ISG's automatic editing does produce some strange results.
[QUOTE=GoodEnough;1791699]I guessing that the reasons for moving here are as varied
GE.[/QUOTE]Well put GE. These 2 week tourists put up with the shit because they are only here for a short while. I think they would be singing a different tune if they were here long term. The fucked-up and ramshackle infrastructure, mindless bureaucracy, chaotic dysfunctionality and lack of coherent service orientation can drive one to distraction. And I'm only her a few month of the year now. How you have put up with it so long and retained some semblance of sanity is a mystery.
My comments below are NOT directed towards any previous post in particular so I am not sniping at any other member. Just giving my own perspective.
I am into my 19th continuous year living here now and I find it gets easier as time passes because I surround myself with (mostly) positive people (rarely disillusioned expats) and I never get too hung up on anything that I CANNOT CHANGE.
A comment was made by SB I think in an earlier post that the PI can be viewed as a paradise if you highlight the positives rather than the negatives.
For me, I choose to live in Ortigas Center on a foreign salary and in a condo that is:
In a flood-free and built up area;.
Never seems to have power failures;.
Has an effective water supply;.
Long-term live-in maid;.
Excellent polite helpful security;.
A well-appointed gym that others in my condo rarely use;.
Cheap, efficient maintenance service on call for any small problems;.
Adjacent to 4 large malls (Robinson's, Podium, Megamall, Shangri-la) within easy and safe walking distance thus avoiding the personal need for a car and consequent hassling with traffic;.
Sufficient quality restaurants within reach if ever I want to dine out and new ones opening all the time (I prefer to eat fresh, healthy food at home);.
Mid-way between Makati and QC; easy access to my work environments;.
Etc.
I can accept the incompetent service that I often get in most service outlets because I know the staff are doing the best they can despite receiving poor training and without really understanding what are acceptable levels of service that I see as efficient because they have never travelled or experienced them. I no longer use the MRT because it is dysfunctional but I can't change that, so I use taxis, and rarely have any hassles with them. I know the government is incompetent but that incompetence rarely impinges directly on me except when I have to use the roads and I get delayed by a few hours because of the hopeless lack of infrastructure. Again, I plan for that in my schedule and deal with it when it occurs.
Yes. I feel depressed for the future of the country and I wish it could be better for the locals who deserve better, but no amount of me cursing or ranting will change anything so I just accept it. I work with incredibly nice, polite people who are generally very competent in what they do.
I also get the opportunity to travel outside PI to other SE Asian countries quite often and back to Australia at least once each year, so I get a chance to benchmark the standards here against the equally crazy things I often see in other countries, and I am often refreshed by visiting places and restaurants etc where service is high quality and this restores my equilibrium.
I don't understand why anybody continues to live here or keeps coming back for short or even extended periods but then spends at least a few hours every day criticizing everything and anything about the country or letting the situation get to them. The acid in their stomachs must be boiling and bubbling.
I tend to emphasize the reasons why I stay, not dwell too long on why I should move somewhere else. I have that option to move if I want, but I choose not to.
[QUOTE=RedKilt;1792156]I am into my 19th continuous year living here now and I find it gets easier as time passes because I surround myself with (mostly) positive people (rarely disillusioned expats) and I never get too hung up on anything that I CANNOT CHANGE.
[/QUOTE]One of the best comments ever on this topic.
Long ago I wrote that I didn't like the Philippines very much when I first started visiting here. The tales of woe and misery kind of got me down. Why was I [I]choosing[/I] to hang out with so many troubled people? By changing my social groups and avoiding travel during daytime hours, especially during rush hour, i.e. the things I can change, things are far better. Often they are fabulous. Because life is so easy when something goes awry I catch myself making a bigger deal of it than is deserved. Of course no one has put bullets in my luggage.
About the only time I experience a larger hassle is when I insert myself into a friend's problem, such as her being jerked around by a bank. It's not due to my altruistic nature, it's because I don't want to be bouncing from one office to the next all over town to sort it. I just call over a manager, explain the problem, and almost always a more efficient solution is found.
If I wanted public tidiness, gov't efficiency, business professionalism and near perfect infrastructure I'd live in Switzerland or Singabore.
All of us [I]choose[/I] to be here. Dissatisfied with your choice? Change your expectations or change your location.