General Info

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;2055028]It's a good question D, and I'm not sure I can provide a succinct set of responses, though I'll try. I've spent most of the last 35 years or so overseas, and most of that time was spent in what are euphemistically called "developing countries," mostly in Africa, and Southeast Asia. During the time I spent in Africa I was actually based in France and during downtime spent most of my vacations either traveling through France or other Western European countries. Thus, I've not actually lived in my country of birth for a long time.

Generally, I've observed that long-term expats develop a worldview, or perhaps a loose set of perceptions or beliefs that evolve, over time, into a mindset that's different from those who remained in their countries of birth: not better necessarily, but different. In my case, which I'm sure is not unique, I found that I could adapt readily to new cultures, could be comfortable in a variety of cultures, but of course didn't belong to any of the cultures in which I was living or working. I also found that, having been away from the US for so long, I did not really fit in there either, and the longer I remained outside of the country the less comfortable I felt when I did return. This has little to do with politics per se, as my alienation started well before the election of Trump or Obama..[/QUOTE]1. The Philippines offers absolutely nothing in terms of having a culture, architecture or an extensive history such as Japan, China or even Western Europe. The local cuisines is full of nothing but cholesterol, trans fat and sugar and leaves much to be desired. As for visiting the Southern Muslim dominated islands for fear of appearing to be a prejudiced I will just stay this is something I would not recommend as most foreign governments wisely advise on their respective consular pages.

2. In all my years of living in the Philippines I made one life long-local friend as I was very discerning with whom I interacted with as I found most of the population to be corrupt, morally bankrupt and in their delusional minds beyond reproach. Filipinos / Filipinas tend not to dwell on things such as age or outward appearance due their amazing ability to only worry about the "economic advantages" or "fun factor" of certain associations.

3. I was never employed there and I am grateful I didn't have to rely on the archaic, zany country for an income. Doing mundane things such as going to the grocery store or acquiring simple things such as driver license presented problems that I would say don't present themselves in the West. Out of all my years of living there I probably paid more taxes than the average Filipino will in their lifetime due to the various things I owned but not once was I made to feel like anything more than a foreigner. Nationalism and extreme racism is pervasive.

4. This is one point we agree as they are very social beings and love being in the company of one another and others but lets not kid ourselves the easy access to sex is the one of the only reason you love the place as most mongers.

5. I am in the middle of the road in terms of age but older gentlemen such as yourself love the Philippines for one reason and one reason only that they are able find women half or 1/4 their age willing to sleep with them for small amounts money. Other than that there is really no reason to reside in the country.

Intelligent expats (The foreigners who are aware of the dangers) live in utter fear in the county as one complaint against you from a local or crossing path with rogue cop / official or any powerful / rich Filipino can have disastrous outcomes for the would be expat.

There are hundreds of reports of foreigners, extorted, arrested under false pretense and brutally murdered over the years.

[URL]https://philippineslocksupaussie.wordpress.com/2013/08/04/so-close-and-yet-so-far-dannys-deportation-denied-due-to-bi-blunder/[/URL]

[URL]http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2015/06/25/us-marine-killed-in-2012-has-his-killer-walk-free-by-makati-city-judge/[/URL]

[URL]http://globalnation.inquirer.net/127465/4-workers-charged-for-killing-american-wife-in-negros-occidental[/URL]

[URL]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/467247/american-diver-who-helped-search-for-robredo-killed[/URL]

[URL]http://www.philstar.com/metro/584983/german-hotel-exec-shot-dead-makati[/URL]

[QUOTE=Golfinho;2055029]Your generic, non-descript guy no one in USA gives a second glance at, in the Philippines can become a little king by virtue of a bit of the hard currency. There's no mystery why their boosted little egos are kept there.[/QUOTE]In the West, and especially the United States, the elderly men are shoved aside and resented. However, in the Philippines their social security checks are valued and they are still useful. They can still have sex with younger women in Southeast Asia, whereas back in the USA They are reviled as dirty old men or perverts. Americans cringe at the thought of middle aged people having sex and men are expected to become sexless upon entering this period of life. So, it really comes down to staying in the West and becoming irrelevant or moving to the Philippines and becoming a sought after peso millionaire. Many opt for the latter situation.

[QUOTE=DarkKnight1;2055466]1. The Philippines offers absolutely nothing in terms of having a culture, architecture or an extensive history such as Japan, China or even Western Europe. The local cuisines is full of nothing but cholesterol, trans fat and sugar and leaves much to be desired. As for visiting the Southern Muslim dominated islands for fear of appearing to be a prejudiced I will just stay this is something I would not recommend as most foreign governments wisely advise on their respective consular pages.

2. In all my years of living in the Philippines I made one life long-local friend as I was very discerning with whom I interacted with as I found most of the population to be corrupt, morally bankrupt and in their delusional minds beyond reproach. Filipinos / Filipinas tend not to dwell on things such as age or outward appearance due their amazing ability to only worry about the "economic advantages" or "fun factor" of certain associations.

3. I was never employed there and I am grateful I didn't have to rely on the archaic, zany country for an income. Doing mundane things such as going to the grocery store or acquiring simple things such as driver license presented problems that I would say don't present themselves in the West. Out of all my years of living there I probably paid more taxes than the average Filipino will in their lifetime due to the various things I owned but not once was I made to feel like anything more than a foreigner. Nationalism and extreme racism is pervasive.

4. This is one point we agree as they are very social beings and love being in the company of one another and others but lets not kid ourselves the easy access to sex is the one of the only reason you love the place as most mongers.

5. I am in the middle of the road in terms of age but older gentlemen such as yourself love the Philippines for one reason and one reason only that they are able find women half or 1/4 their age willing to sleep with them for small amounts money. Other than that there is really no reason to reside in the country.

Intelligent expats (The foreigners who are aware of the dangers) live in utter fear in the county as one complaint against you from a local or crossing path with rogue cop / official or any powerful / rich Filipino can have disastrous outcomes for the would be expat.

There are hundreds of reports of foreigners, extorted, arrested under false pretense and brutally murdered over the years.

[URL]https://philippineslocksupaussie.wordpress.com/2013/08/04/so-close-and-yet-so-far-dannys-deportation-denied-due-to-bi-blunder/[/URL]

[URL]http://philippineslifestyle.com/blog/2015/06/25/us-marine-killed-in-2012-has-his-killer-walk-free-by-makati-city-judge/[/URL]

[URL]http://globalnation.inquirer.net/127465/4-workers-charged-for-killing-american-wife-in-negros-occidental[/URL]

[URL]http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/467247/american-diver-who-helped-search-for-robredo-killed[/URL]

[URL]http://www.philstar.com/metro/584983/german-hotel-exec-shot-dead-makati[/URL][/QUOTE]It would be safe to say the Philippines is not for you. Glad to hear that.

Your PM box is full.

[QUOTE=DarkKnight1;2055466]1. The Philippines offers absolutely nothing in terms of having a culture,

2. In all my years of living in the Philippines I made one life long-local friend as I was very discerning with whom I interacted with as I found most of the population to be corrupt, morally bankrupt and in their delusional minds beyond reproach.

3. I but not once was I made to feel like anything more than a foreigner. Nationalism and extreme racism is pervasive.

5. I am in the middle of the road in terms of age but older gentlemen such as yourself love the Philippines for one reason and one reason only that they are able find women half or 1/4 their age willing to sleep with them for small amounts money. Other than that there is really no reason to reside in the country.

Intelligent expats (The foreigners who are aware of the dangers) live in utter fear in the county as one complaint against you from a local or crossing path with rogue cop / official or any powerful / rich Filipino can have disastrous outcomes for the would be expat.

There are hundreds of reports of foreigners, extorted, arrested under false pretense and brutally murdered over the years.
[/QUOTE]It sounds like you spent you time here cowering in fear, while detesting the country that filled you so full of contempt. Of course I don't know you, but I can't help but wonder given the acidulousness of your post, why you stayed. I'm guessing that either you worked for a foreign company and the salary you earned offset your quivering fear, or you somehow enjoyed wallowing in your dislike of the place since it made you feel superior to those around you.

I find most of your sweeping generalizations simply absurd. For example you indicate that most "intelligent expats live in utter fear. " which is totally contrary to my experience, since the "intelligent" expats I know remain here because they like the place, willingly tolerate its idiosyncrasies, and view the ready availability of young women as a minor fringe benefit. Again, you claim (never having met me) thatdespite my rather lengthy explanation of why I live here I'm wrong and only stay because of the women. I'd say given that fact we don't (thankfully) know each other, your blatant disgregard of what of what I said smacks of smirking ignorance, unfounded hubris or both. If you had actually read my post a bit more carefully you might have noticed my comments that younger women are readily available in many countries in SE Asia, Africa and (so I’m told) S. America, so obviously this country is not unique in that regard.

Given your contempt for the country and its people, it's unsurprising that you were made to feel like a foreigner and developed so few local friends. Why would any local want to befriend anyone who holds him (or her) and the country in such complete disregard? In fact your entire jeremiad against the Philippines sounds like the peevish reaction of a jilted lover.

As to the racism and nationalism that you claim is characteristic of the country, I would counter that these pale in comparison to those of the US and the views of the "America first" point of view of the teeming Trumpian masses.

GE.

[QUOTE=DarkKnight1;2055466]1. The Philippines offers absolutely nothing in terms of having a culture, architecture or an extensive history such as Japan, China or even Western Europe. The local cuisines is full of nothing but cholesterol, trans fat and sugar and leaves much to be desired. As for visiting the Southern Muslim dominated islands for fear of appearing to be a prejudiced I will just stay this is something I would not recommend as most foreign governments wisely advise on their respective consular pages.[/QUOTE]Apart from the above comment which I tend to agree with (well mostly re the food and even GE would agree with that) the rest of your rant was 'amusing' is at best misguided and misinformed.

You don't say where you live as clearly it can't be in a nice condo in a large city where many expats like myself and others I know don't cower in fear but actually wake up, go to the coffee shop and have breakfast etc. And start the day with a smile (if not a BBBJ and CIM before that LOL).

If you think people are here purely for the ladies that is mistaken as that fun does not last long when living here and you settle down and realise there is more to life. When you visit this is not evident I agree.

Making friends is easy keeping, them is another matter and I suspect you have trouble with the latter as your attitude seems 'superior' based on your posts.

Also are you friends with Amavida who ran away tail between his legs as he was scared and frightened to Thailand (where there is a military dictatorship) - or are you Amavida under a different handle or maybe you are bitter because of personal circumstances regarding pinays and decided to vent your spleen here for a change.

Your comments have been read and GE and DG both replied saying you are wrong (as I am). If the country is not for you why stay? Leave as you have a choice that many pinoys don't have but wish they did. Make everyone's lives happier by doing that and post comments in a forum of a country you like and love to live in rather than here as your observations are rather one sided and myopic IMHO.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;2055822]It sounds like you...Of course I don't know you, but the place since it made you feel superior to those around you. GE.[/QUOTE]Responding to this guy with nothing but your own projections, but it is at least the nearest thing to honesty coming out of you, however unwittingly.

Anyway, for all lower delta and omega guys like you who don't have the means, talent, abilities, merit, whatever it takes to have success in their home countries, there's always a place like the Philippines you can run to and attempt to realize your fantasies. So, spare us your window dressing and rationalizations; you're really doing nothing but making yourself sound ridiculous.

[QUOTE=DarkKnight1;2055466]1. The Philippines offers absolutely nothing in terms of having a culture, architecture or an extensive history such as Japan, China or even Western Europe. [/QUOTE]Obviously you are not or even attended any history lessons. In my last visit, I was able to go to Museums in Cebu and learn about the long time Philippines history and culture and also saw some history in Letye. There are many places in Philippines you should visit and learn about the country's history. No one country's history is the same as another. It is what it is. You cannot compare one country's history with another and say, this one is better. What is better? More deaths, battles, dictators etc? Does it make it better? If you are looking for your own culture in Philippines, then you are on the wrong track. Accept the country for what it is or you'll always have a difficult time. In some countries, if you continue with your smug attitude, you'll be run out of the country or found in a ditch.

My favorite bit of Phil. History is that Magellen wasn't happy about a certain tribe on the island which is now called Mactan. He floated his warship up to the coast and got his butt kicked big time.

[QUOTE=LifeIsABeach;2056197]Obviously you are not or even attended any history lessons. In my last visit, I was able to go to Museums in Cebu and learn about the long time Philippines history and culture and also saw some history in Letye. There are many places in Philippines you should visit and learn about the country's history. No one country's history is the same as another. It is what it is. You cannot compare one country's history with another and say, this one is better. What is better? More deaths, battles, dictators etc? Does it make it better? If you are looking for your own culture in Philippines, then you are on the wrong track. Accept the country for what it is or you'll always have a difficult time. In some countries, if you continue with your smug attitude, you'll be run out of the country or found in a ditch.[/QUOTE]

Thanks to the gents for their comments and wisdom.

[QUOTE=SaltyPete;2054001]I would have taken a picture of the receipt with my phone. I mean, that is literally a photo copy. You could have printed it at the hotel if you needed.

Part of me thinks you intentionally chose to play the game, to pull the thread. If I had gotten to the point of receiving a photocopy then directed to the non-moving line, I would have given the girl the 50, walked away and let her deal with it.[/QUOTE]The photocopy on my phone would have been a great idea. Unfortunately, it didn't dawn on me at the time (I've used it in the past). The other idea of just walking out and copying it at my hotel DID dawn on me. Your idea of dropping the p50 and walking out didn't dawn on me. It was what it was.

[QUOTE=WickedRoger;2053994]Westy. I know you are a calm and patient fellow but even that must have driven you crazy. I have also has 'frustrations' such as yours but never bothered to see it through as you managed.[/QUOTE]The situation was liveable until the point when the lady next to the cashier lied (no manager available is bola in any language). I was not about to depart without talking to management. It became my gentle but persistent quest.

[QUOTE=WickedRoger;2053994]The Globe Express counter in Ayala, Cebu) was never express and could be an hour before being served for something very simple. Worse if there were Koreans in queue which for me meant for me "come back another day". [/QUOTE]This is an interesting cultural schism, and more. We westerners don't like waiting. Pinoy don't mind waiting. Regular westerners understand both of those things. But there are chunks of pinoy who only understand one side of the schism (they don't mind waiting), but not necessarily the other side (westerners don't like waiting).

Example. Recently I was visiting a pinay regular in her province (met the fam before). Over a lot of red horse and food, she was to my left, chatting her cousins and lolo. To my right, her tita had my ear, we were talking about american culture. Out of my left ear I was mildly paying attention to my girl's conversation in the local language. She herself was telling them of how both myself and a previous foreign boyfriend behaved (she assumed I was not paying attention). She used the example of her former BF would not go to a remit place to send money as there is often a wait time. He gave the girl money to send to other people, sending her there to wait in line. One of the cousins asked rather forecefully why the guy would not go himself and wait. Before my girl could answer, one of the other cousins said, quietly and in engrish: "because his time is like gold to him". They quietly took that in. I explained to them that my boss gives me xxxxx pesos per hour and requires me to work sometimes even when I'm on vacation. If I have to spend 20 minutes in transport and waste 40 minutes in line at Cebuana to send or pick up money, then I am not working, and xxxxx pesos are not paid. Money lost. Not only did that sink in, but I mistakenly used an approximate number when I said xxxxx pesos per hour. There were a lot of wide eyes when I said that (one of the things that makes them think all foreigner are rich). I asked: Is it worth a pxxxxx loss to myself or my company to send 1500 to someone? When I can easily send their cousin (who has no trabajo and no kids and little to do) to do it for me (just like her previous BF)? They got that. My point is simple: Most all of us get the two sides of time = money vs complacency, but many pinoy don't. As the number of foreigners here grows (provinces included), both sides must have an understanding of each other.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;2053980]Ah Westy, your post invoked so many memories of so many similar situations. I think the problem is you were looking for logic in a country which doesn't operate according to the laws of logic; or at least no logic I've ever been able to fathom. Filipinos are so habituated to crap service that they likely believe it to be the norm, so they wait, docilely thinking (to the extent they ever wonder at all), that the entire planet must be like this. And I don't believe the provincial location had much to do with it: I've run into identical situations in Davao and in Makati.[/QUOTE]These kind of posts, on occasion, spotlight the culture as it is. They are (from time to time) good for the board and the Internet readership in general, for those persons considering coming here. These kinds of posts, while infrequent, should continue, if for no other reason than the newbs*. If it gets posted only once, a year from now it rolls way back into the thread, and anyone who RTTF might miss these kinds of things. If the board were only for us regulars, there would be no need to post these on occasion. When they are posted from time-to-time then outsiders will know exactly what RK is talking about: That the hurry-up-and-wait thing is common, as is the face-saving-give-any-answer thing.

[QUOTE=RedKilt;2053992]I don't get it WC.

You return to the Philippines every 3 months or so and keep on doing it again and again and yet you spent an inordinate amount of time reporting these lowest-common-denominator instances of bizarre experiences.

I don't understand why a country that obviously attracts you also makes you wish to openly denigrate both the people and their quaint processes.[/QUOTE]With great respect Red, I'm sure that post was perceived both a bit denigrating and a bit eye-opening (to newbs). On occasion myself, GE, WR or other posts something about the complacency of pinoy culture. Certainly we could do that everyday, but one from time-to-time is good for the board. The regulars don't need to be reminded of it, but if we never post those, its difficult to tell newbs to RTTF to get a feel for the culture*.

[QUOTE=RedKilt;2053992]If you lived here like I do you would know that events of this kind are common and so are best avoided. Why anyone would want a photocopy of a receipt already provided is likely to bewilder most people. That's where your problem started. Surely you know by now that all cash exchanges in department stores must be enacted through a cashier.[/QUOTE]I'm already aware that events like this are common. My desire was to report an egregious one. I wanted the copy of the receipt because the girl, who must use the phone and keep the receipt for warranty purposes, will lose it (that's my experience). However, my reasoning or desire are not at issue here. More at issue are two things: a cultural dependence on a system that is inherently slow, and a large number of employees who cannot point to the existence or location of management. I had a local language speaker with me who was also asking for management. At what point does this employee behavior rise to the level of incompetence (or give the appearance)? And at what point is denying that management exists a firing offense to the organization? As an analogy, if you managed a McDonalds in either Aus or Phils, and you discovered that most of the front-counter staff could not point you out on the premises when a customer asked for a manager (after being told to do just that, as the Complaint Desk lady told me), what would you do?

[QUOTE=RedKilt;2053992]Your second mistake was to try to prove some sort of point (I am not sure what it is) to people for whom English is a second language. If you had managed to speak to "management", I am curious to know what would have been a successful outcome for you? Opening a 2nd cash register for you to pay your 2 pesos more quickly?[/QUOTE]A lane with modern scanning equipment would be one thought (for some purchased items, the cashier is looking up item numbers on a placard and entering the item number into the cash register computer to look up the price -- short of utilizing a handheld calculator, it couldn't get much more archaic or take much longer). However, I was simply registering the complaint (things don't change without complaints). A customer can do that, and leave to management to decide if it rises to the level of change. Its not the customer's job to figure out better ways to do biz, that's the realm of management. Its the customer's *place* to suggest change or register discomfort.

[QUOTE=RedKilt;2053992]Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change.

The courage to change the things I can.

And the wisdom to know the difference.[/QUOTE]I choose a different model. Pushing back against a constraining system is one way to grow the system. As Koreans and others continue to flood into the country (just visit Ayala Cebu), the culture must accommodate. I'm only a mild believer in the Star Trek Prime Directive. Fifteen years ago very few businesses in phils took a Visa credit card. Today I use it often even in the province (used it right there in that same department store). Imagine if every foreigner had adopted the Prime Directive and just used cash all the time (a painful and somewhat dangerous system as carrying cash invites robbery) because that's how the locals do it? In another province recently I visited Starbucks one morning and while paying with my credit card (still a slow process as one must sign 2 pieces of paper). I thought: How long until they advance to a faster customer-swipe-and-walk-away technology, or better a simple-pay technology that exists elsewhere (ie, Android Pay or such), that allows the customer to skip the CC completely and just touch his phone to the credit card machine for a quick receiptless-pay-out-the-door experience? Is it wrong to suggest to the clerk that they look into that to save me time?

[QUOTE=RedKilt;2053992]After my 20 years here I only ever take on major areas of inefficiency if I wish to make a point AND try to get a process changed. In other words, I choose my battles wisely.[/QUOTE]Its good advice, but this time I chose something different. As I had time on my hands, I thought it was a good exercise (and a good report here) in just how far down the rabbit hole one might have to go to get to a manager in a department store. This was not a language issue. "Where can I find manager?" Spoken by me in english, and my girl in local language, drew vastly different responses from different clerks. In a nearby province, in the same brand mall, I tried this experience again a week later. I just walked up to several clerks and asked where I could find a manager. All of them pointed me in the right direction without needing to ask someone else for help. One even offered to call a manager to my location (sweet). Why the difference between the two identical malls in different cities?

*Side note. I walked out of my hotel one morning and there was a white man walking past on the sidewalk pulling luggage. He was not departing or entering the hotel, he was just walking down the street. Odd. He stopped me with "Sir? Sir? Can I ask you something?" (northeast US accent) Ah, sure. He asked several things all at once (they exploded out of him): "Are all philipino women stupid? Is the whole country stupid? Why can't these women be on time to anything? What's wrong with these people? Is it just me?" Kind of like that. I was taken aback, and considered walking away. I asked him to step into the shade, and I gave him the short version that all of what he was experiencing was based on cultural differences. No, they are not stupid, its just an appearance. Time is more relative to pinoy. Being on time is not considered as important. Being on time is not always possible due to traffic. You need to get a hotel room fella. You didn't research this stuff before flying here? And so on. BTW, I was embarrassed by how he was talking. A private conversation with him would have been fine, but there were locals passing by and he was speaking loudly.

If we don't have occasional posts here regarding those difficulties, how does the newb get his head around those things before he comes?

[QUOTE=WestCoast1;2053966]I was calm through this.
I asked the clerk to make me a photocopy of the hand-written receipt. She said that they had no copy machine, and instructed me to the mall's department store for a scan. I left the pinay at the phone company wrapping things up (she was looking at some other stuff) while I wandered next door for a photocopy.
Blah, blah, blah
Blah, blah, blah
Soooooo. We get downstairs to a desk marked "Complaint Desk".
She said that she would talk with each of the employees that I had mentioned, and also one of the managers in the management office. [/QUOTE]Too much demand for nothing. If you cannot understand the culture or the ways of a country, you need to change.

Are you going to pay for the real time cash registers in the stores in the mall? If not, do not complain. Waiting for things done varies in every country. In some countries, it could take even hours and days to get things done. Put your USA way of doing things in your back pocket when you go abroad. In France, an appointment for today may not be till tomorrow. In Morocco, the girls did keep keep the appointment but 6 hours later. That's way it is. There is NO reason for other countries to follow the burn yourself to death with fast, fast, now, now, stress, stress, instant gratification culture. Take your time and smell the roses. It's better in other countries, less stress. I remember my first time time in Morocco, I had already had breakfast in my rented condo and about 1.00 pm went to the big market for lunch. The old lady told me that it was Breakfast time and the dish I wanted would be later. Alright, I'll have breakfast! Life is good not being in the fast lane. Slow, slow is better. Be happy and not a good idea wasting time and effort filing a complaint over 2 p. Even in USA, many times, the Manager is not available all the time. Different shifts or may be out on on other matters. Just keep calm and enjoy life.

[QUOTE=LifeIsABeach;2056691]

Are you going to pay for the real time cash registers in the stores in the mall? If not, do not complain. Waiting for things done varies in every country. Just keep calm and enjoy life.[/QUOTE]There are real time cash registers in most malls. The real issue I believe is that the focus on commercial transactions here is difference, and the stress is less on customer service than ensuring that employees have limited opportunities to steal. This remains largely a cash economy, and the owners / senior managers of commercial establishments limit employees' access to cash by insisting that one person and only a very limited number of people are able to handle the transactions.

As to taking the time to smell the roses, I agree. I remember, when I first started worked in Paris and was told by my French colleagues over lunch that: "This is France. This is not the United States. Here, we work to live; there, you live to work. " Internalizing that simple remark changed my whole outlook on life over the ensuring years. Living here, if you don't learn to take the lack of efficiency in stride, you're dooming yourself to high stress levels.

GE.

[QUOTE=GoodEnough;2057082]There are real time cash registers in most malls. The real issue I believe is that the focus on commercial transactions here is difference, and the stress is less on customer service than ensuring that employees have limited opportunities to steal. This remains largely a cash economy, and the owners / senior managers of commercial establishments limit employees' access to cash by insisting that one person and only a very limited number of people are able to handle the transactions.

As to taking the time to smell the roses, I agree. I remember, when I first started worked in Paris and was told by my French colleagues over lunch that: "This is France. This is not the United States. Here, we work to live; there, you live to work. " Internalizing that simple remark changed my whole outlook on life over the ensuring years. Living here, if you don't learn to take the lack of efficiency in stride, you're dooming yourself to high stress levels. GE.[/QUOTE]Agreed. Corruption takes over efficiency in Philippines. Frankly, I do not care. I consider myself a guest in another country and go by their flow. Right now, I am so happy to have ditched the USA way of work and even if someone comes to me with a wad of dollars to do what I used to do, even for a very short time, I'll say NO Way. I have a lot less money by taking early retirement and will be outa USA within the next 6 months. Simply can't wait to leave.

[QUOTE=LifeIsABeach;2057162]Agreed. Corruption takes over efficiency in Philippines. Frankly, I do not care. I consider myself a guest in another country and go by their flow. Right now, I am so happy to have ditched the USA way of work and even if someone comes to me with a wad of dollars to do what I used to do, even for a very short time, I'll say NO Way. I have a lot less money by taking early retirement and will be outa USA within the next 6 months. Simply can't wait to leave.[/QUOTE]I hear you, and I agree, particularly with the US the way it is now. The simple lesson is you learn to adapt, and revel in those aspects of the country that you find appealing, or you walk around full of resentment and anger while you're here in which case you're not going to last long.

GE.

[QUOTE=LifeIsABeach;2056691]Too much demand for nothing. If you cannot understand the culture or the ways of a country, you need to change.[/QUOTE]As stated, I understand it. I was polite in my dealings. That I'd like part of it to change becomes irrelevant, as the culture is in the midst of change. Its not demand for nothing if I'm willing to pay for it (see below).

[QUOTE=LifeIsABeach;2056691]Are you going to pay for the real time cash registers in the stores in the mall? If not, do not complain. [/QUOTE]Yes, I'm willing to pay for it. In fact we are all have been paying for it in other countries. As businesses move towards plastic as payment (and POS scanners that go with it), stores recalculate the increased prices to account for the technology (and to account for the % loss to Visa). Hence, we all pay for that. While still a cash society, Phils is in the midst of moving more towards plastic for payment (has been slowly going on for some time now). Phils is just behind in timeframe. Spent 2 weeks recently in the Mindanao province, used my CC in quite a few POS places (pretty non-existent 5 years ago). Doesn't matter if I gripe or not, the change will occur.