14. Being able to drive -- First, no license. Second, can't afford to buy a car (at 200-percent tax, never mind). Third, I easily get lost (one open field looks just like any other). Fourth, I can't imagine myself filling up at a gas station (me holding the gas nozzle? Ewwww!). Fifth, I wouldn't know what to do if there's a solid sheet of ice on the windshield.
13. Taking two minutes to dress up Alex in sando (undershirt), shorts, and sandals -- Here: underpants, long socks, normal socks, long pants, t-shirt, long sleeved shirt, sweater, gloves, winter coveralls, boots, hood. Minimum: 30 minutes. If he's not cooperative, this takes an hour. Pagod na ako, hindi pa kami nakakalabas ng pinto (We’ve not gone out the door and already I’m tired)!
12. Being able to blend in -- Almost the entire indigenous population is blonde, and I get a sense that all women are at least 5'8". People don't stare (as we do at foreigners in Pinas, out of a naive curiosity rather than rudeness), but it is not possible to just pass through here unnoticed. This is especially uncomfortable for someone with a self-conscious streak. Of course there are deeper issues here: It's about being in the minority. The last place where I lived abroad for an extended period was
11. Long mall hours -- Everything is closed by 6 or 7 p.m. on weekdays, by 3 p.m. on Saturdays. And there's nothing open on Sundays (except on eight Sundays of the year)! What happened to shopping after work? Or sitting in coffee shops till midnight? I'm told it's because family life (being at home) is so central to living that commercial establishments have to let their employees go and enjoy it.
10. People with a more friendly sense of personal space -- Having grown up riding jeepneys (and buses on pre-MRT EDSA), I think nothing of being packed like a sardine in public transport, thighs squished together on both sides. One time I sat beside an old man on a public bus, I swear he gave me an elbow (okay, he might have had Parkinson's). But there was another time when I reached over to press the stop button and the lady beside me raised her arms in a defensive move, like preparing for a karate chop (okay, maybe she was physically abused in the past). In a half-full bus, I see people electing to stay standing. Those who sit together in the two-seater row are friends, not strangers.
9. Minimum fare of P7.50 -- Here it’s P96.00 (that's on buses/trains where you can have unlimited transfers within two adjacent geographical areas over one hour; but you still pay the same minimum fare even if you're just going for a five-minute ride).
8. Temperatures above 20 degrees -- This is a country where the average annual temperature is seven degrees Celsius. Haaaay! Apat na patong ng damit, nanunuot pa rin ang lamig. Bawiin ang Nobel Peace Prize ni Al Gore (Four layers of clothes and the cold still seeps in. Get back Al Gore’s Nobel Peace Prize)!
7. Policemen -- Never thought I'd say this, but I miss seeing policemen, armed security guards, traffic enforcers, and the "friskers" at the entrances of malls and LRT stations. Not that I long for their presence; it's their absence that is disconcerting. In my one month's stay here, I swear I've only seen one policeman (his partner, the driver of the police car, was female). At the police station where I had to report my presence, the staff were all women. There are lots of cameras on public transportation and highways, still, getting the personal touch is different (hahaha).
6. 12-percent VAT -- That sounds good if you now have to pay 25 percent.
5. McDo, Pizza Hut, Don Henrico's, Jollibee, Max's, and all restaurants who deliver even if you're just ordering food for one. Corollary to that is having hot meals three times a day (at least). -- Here, it’s buttered bread and yoghurt for breakfast, cold cuts sandwich for lunch, and a hot meal for dinner. Ack! Walang ginataang bilu-bilo na meryenda sa umaga at walang pancit malabon na meryenda sa hapon (No Filipino snacks in the morning and afternoon)!
4. Going to the movies -- This is a country with the most expensive movie theater tickets in the world, and the theaters are far from where I live (well not really far, but I would be spending more than minimum fare; add that to the cost of movie tickets.).
3. Filipinos -- I've only seen one Pinoy (plus two on many previous visits) in the streets. This is not a preferred destination for overseas workers because taxes take out at least 40 percent of your income (closer to 60 percent total), and then there's VAT. It's great if you live here, retire here, and your entire family is supported by the social system (with free education and health care), but it's near impossible to send money to relatives back home.
2. Filipino the language -- The sound of Filipino is heavy on hard T's, K's, D's, and short A's; what you hear is what you spell (and the other way around). Here there are all kinds of rolling R's and soft D's; H's and V's that are barely there. Sabihin mo nga sa akin kung paanong naging "mal" ang pagbigkas ng "meget" (Just tell me how "mal" becomes "meget" when spoken)? I'm told that everyone understands English, but they won't volunteer that. They will speak their language until you say that you can't speak it yourself.
1. Daylight -- Alas-tres pa lang madilim na (It’s just three o’clock in the afternoon and it’s already dark)! Now the days are at their shortest (supposedly seven hours, but it's really not daylight, more like dusk all day). Losing light is like being hungry -- I feel crabby, tired, and a bit sorry for myself. I never knew I subsisted on photosynthesis. There are gadgets for sale that simulate daylight. There's a new alarm clock on the market that comes with a big wakeup light that's supposed to be like the dawn. I think this is the hardest for me to get used to. It's not about being afraid of the dark, it's about not having the sun streaming through the windows when it should. Someone told me that when there is light, I should go out and soak up as much of it as I can. Pero kung balot na balot naman ako, eh di noo at pisngi lang ang pwedeng mag-sunbathing (But if I’m covered in clothes, it’s just my forehead and cheeks that get to sun-bathe)!
not sounding disrespectful, but it seems like everything is better in the philippines based on your countdown so, why not move back?
I have to say that I can sympathise with most of the things that you said. I am married to a Scotsman and now live and work in Scotland. Although, I've now been away from the Philippines for more than fifteen years, there are still things that I miss from our native land. Surprisingly, I can get marinated bangus, ube in a jar, Skyflakes, etc. from a local Chinese supermarket! A visit to the Philippines to see my parents has now become a struggle after being acclimatised to the Scottish weather which I believe is not very different from Scandinavia.
One of the positive aspects about the weather though is that despite the fact that winter days are short, we can thoroughly enjoy having long summer days when you can play with your son outside the house until around 22:00 - something that we never do in the Philippines where the sun sets at a regular time! :-)
It just show that Philippines is not a BAD place after all.
I hope she will post again with the same topic after 6 months or 10 months stay in Denmark. Let us see if she crop again with the same observation.
Well, same in Finland.I also miss security guards at the mall who open the door for you greeting you with a smile, baggers that put your groceries in a bag and carry them outside for you. i don´t know if its the cold weather that make the people cold never too friendly, long face. No wonder they always asked are you always okay???
I MISS MY HOME, FAMILY, RELATIVES AND MY CHILDHOOD.
All true, except for the bus incident. They are mostly polite, actually. Been in Denmark (Århus) and lived there for almost 3 years. Now I'm back here in the Philippines since Nov 06.
i hope you were just joking about number 15 like missing without somebody carrying your things and with the plastic bags. well, i know you were just teasing people wo are used to have maids at home and those who are environmentally unconcious.
Get over it. Millions have learned to assimilate. Unless you enjoy whining about it. Otherwise, just leave if you are so miserable.
I feel sorry for you Lurenda now i know i will not emigrate to Denmark, it sounds like you are in an open prison.LOL.
Happy new year if you can?
Manny
have been married to a pinay i know its hard to integrate , but possible and for sur networks here are strong - in Jylland where i live is good place to start at homepage of:www.pinayexclusive.com where you can find proper assistance and even find bayans of all pinay languages spoken - You shall be very welcomed to our 5 million inhabitant country and i wish you and your family good luck in the future
Good Article
hi,
very same thing here in canada, nakakamiss pa rin ang pinas but we have to leave home for our daughter's future.only the rich people and the corrupt are making more money, walang value ang pera,cost of foods, education, health care are very expensive.dito sa canada walang nagugutom, even the wild ducks and the birds ang tataba nila. we are here for almost 2 yrs, we plan to go home yr. 2010, ipon muna ng pamasahe at pasalubong.
have a nice day, take care
During the late eighties, we have the same experiences here in Australia. But things have greatly changed then since the on-set of Asian immigrations, particularly Vietnamese and Chinese. I will see if I could write on this in the future.
I found your article very interesting. I agree with every single thing you said. I live here in Canada and there are things that can be found "Only in the Philippines"
I have to use 5 layers of clothes here in Nagano, Japan. It is 2 degrees to - 8 degrees here usuallly from November to April. And the rest are the same, prices, time, driving, movies, etc.... we have similar experiences too. Let us be more patient then.
Dr. Lurenda,
It is good that your sense of humor has not diminished despite your present predicament. It is really hard to be uprooted from the comforts of our own culture and way of life. Nonetheless, we pinoys are survivors and I am sure your sense of humor and discovery of the different things and ways will get you through.
Yes u are right, i felt the same on how you feel being abroad. I still love the philippines and i still prefer being in the philippines. There is no place like the Philippines but i havent been felt yet what the whole year round would feel because i'm only here for 6months yet. One thing i enjoy being abroad is wearing winter clothes to hide all my fats which you cant do it in the Philippines.
Interesting read. I wonder what is it that you won't miss.
I am in Canada and I hear you.
Welcome to the world of feeling like neither here nor there.
I guess that is the trade off for economic and financial comfort, career opportunities and intellectual and emotional space to explore and grow, and opportunities for your children as far as their eyes can see.
I wish you well in your adventures.
Well, all I can say is welcome to Denmark! But I can tell that you must be far from the city...tsk..tsk...tsk...
You must know how to adapt and stop comparing. Hello... you're no longer in the Philippines and so it doesn't make sense expecting jeepney stop in front of your house!
(me holding the gas nozzle? Ewwww!)...
This is the worst phrase in this whole article. Besides needing help ALL the time so they could go shopping! It was clearly written by some rich spoiled kabayan who does not know where taxes go.
where are you anyways?
labor in the Phils. is cheap...
an average Fil. earner can afford servants, supermarkets helpers, restaurants many waiters...
Denmark's crime rate is lower than in the Phils...no need to have security guards in every establishment; cameras monitor
traffic violators
the dept.director/lawyer of the Ministry of Refugee, Immigration and Integration
Affairs is half-Filipina- Cristina Poblador.
It is necessary in these countries to have
such ministry because there are so many
refugees, guest laborers, illegals coming in..
it will take time to adjust, but you will
survive...Fils. are very flexible people.
In winter, when everyone looks grey and
walking fast, just smile and brighten them
up, maybe that's what they all need to
keep them warm...
Fourth, I can’t imagine myself filling up at a gas station (me holding the gas nozzle? Ewwww!). ..
good lord.. must be your first time to go out of the philippines.. have you been to the u.s. dear? come and i will teach you how to put gas in your car.. what's so ewwww in filling up your tank using your own hands?
7. Policemen — Never thought I’d say this, but I miss seeing policemen, armed security guards, traffic enforcers, and the “friskers” at the entrances of malls and LRT stations. Not that I long for their presence; it’s their absence that is disconcerting. In my one month’s stay here, I swear I’ve only seen one policeman (his partner, the driver of the police car, was female). At the police station where I had to report my presence, the staff were all women. There are lots of cameras on public transportation and highways, still, getting the personal touch is different (hahaha).
..beacue dear, they dont need a policeman there.. people are obeying the laws.. and that's it..
Mabuhay! Eto naman ang mga nami-miss ko sa Pilipinas. Nandito ako sa Amerika (New Jersey) nung 2003 pa - malamig din dito 9 months of the year, 3 months lang summer
1. Mga Parol sa mga bahay bahay at ang engrandeng Christmas decors sa Ayala Avenue, Makati
2. Mga nangangaroling (carolers)
3. Tricycle, Pedicab
4. Jeepneys, MRT
5. Mainit na Pandesal sa umaga; palaman na Star Margarine, Cheez Wiz
6. Sari-sari stores sa bawat kanto
7. Believe or not - yung traffic sa Maynila
8. Taho, Halo-Halo
9. Gulaman at Sago na mabibili sa kanto
10. Tiangge lalo na sa Baclaran at Greenhills
11. Fishballs at ang tatlong klaseng sawsawan - gusto ko yung matamis
12. Watusi at mga paputok tuwing New Year
13. Mga Piesta sa iba't ibang lugar - lalo na yung basaan sa San Juan
14. Santacruzan tuwing Mayo
15. Mga buko na mabibili sa Araneta Avenue, QC
Marami pang iba - pero yan lang muna po ang sharing ko sa ngayon.
Enjoyed reading your post. It reminded me when we are living in Iceland. The only different is my wife is a Pinay and our children are all born and raised in the USA. Although the kids missed shopping mall and american fast food they adjusted very well. I like the safe and clean environment but I hate the long nights and howling wind of winter. The 23 hours day light during summer (what summer?) is also something.
And one thing, Eastern European think that all Asian (including Filipinos) are all look-alike. So guys just stay in PI where life is simple and people speak your language. I am going home soon.
Charlie San Diego
I lived in Denmark (Aarhus City) for almost 3 years. I agree with most of the things except for the bus ride. They are generally polite and courteous in public transport. But I guess that depends on where you are taking the bus from. I like it there but my Icelandic-German husband and I prefer to live here in the Philippines.
thank you for this. very enlightening and fun to read.
what's wrong with filling up at the gas station by yourself? i, myself, migrated to a foreign country -- the united states, and like everybody else here, i do it on my own. i've never done it back in pinas, but hey, no big deal. you made it sound like it's so disgusting. unless the gas nozzle in denmark is so nakakadiri that's why.
and by the way, you give the impression that denmark is not a nice place. am sure denmark has many wonderful things to offer. you sound very unhappy, might as well bumalik ka na lang ng pinas if you can't adapt and adjust.
First of all, I'm one of the Filipinos who are always surfing Philippine news via inquirer.net and it's a part of my day to day habit. I'm an immigrant for three years but still I love to know the situation in our country. Thanks for this wonderful website.
My comment to Lurenda Suplido-Westergaard, M.D. is that it's expensive to live in European countries unlike United States. What she mean by saying that taxes to buy a car is 200%? What kind of car is that? It's funny to know but I don't buy on her idea because there's a lot of european car here in the US.
Happy New Year to all!!!!!!!!!
hey doc your slip is showing.
what do you expect in danish land, coconut and banana?
enjoy the danes kippered herrings, it is good for your heart, forget about greasy food in the meantime.
v/r....
kayana
What is wrong with having female police officers? Why is that disconcerting? I'd be proud of that!
If you don't like where you are now maybe you should consider to come back. Honestly :)
Hi,
I'm been living here 4.5 years in Denmark and you just expressed all what I missed and maybe eating out and ang pagkamagalang ng pinoy here they don't have please in there language.
There's a lot of Filipinos here in Copenhagen and some active filipino organization. We are a small group of Filipinas but a member of Babaylan Europe who main goal is women empowerment.
Visit our website or contact us we can provide you whats the latest here in Copnehagen.
Happy New Year
Very funny, I enjoyed reading it. Thank's.
HI, praise Him that i live here in the phils.!!i dont know why but i love being pinoy & living here!!God has blessed us to be with my husband when he went to work in malaysia & brunei.almost all the pinoys there migrated to canada.my husband even during our ist year in malaysia was urging me, no, was forcing me to apply to canada for emigration but i do not want to.he told me it will be for our kids' future but i thought & maintain until today that if they want to emigrate they can do it on their own!of course, there are things that i do not like here.what with the kids begging on the streets?the mendicant mentality being encouraged by the govt & most especially an afternoon tv show?i tell you, i lived in the squatters' area before but never in my childhood days my parents encouraged us to beg or to line up for xmas bags etc?we were poor but my parents worked hard to give all six of us education.my goal in life was to finish college so i can buy all the things that i wanted.my son once told me the reason why a lot of pinoys are baon sa utang or think of themselves as "poor"?it is because daw that we want to live as the people in first world countries live?i do not know if it is true or not but baka nga?anyway, dont worry girl!rest assured that when you have the time to come back, we will be here!!!!ha ha ha!!
I agree..being in a different country will really make our whole life change.There's no place like home.
First of all, the reason why they don't give you free shopping bags in the supermarket is because they are trying to help the environment.
Can't see filipinos? Go to church, you'll definitely see some there.
Language barrier? It is the same everywhere even back home. It is human nature to prefer to speak your native language. Since you are in their country - where you've been for a year - try to learn it.
Your whinings and MORE are the things we, overseas filipino workers, have to go through everyday of our lives. However, we need to sacrifice and live through it coz the $200 we send back home makes a huge difference to our families and even to the economy.
After all your 15, I doubt you'll move back to the Philippines sometime soon - well, unless you are part of the upper class.
Tama ka maam.
Minsan kahit anong ayos at ganda ng ibang bansa mamimiss mo pa rin ang Pinas. Kahit magulo ang kalsada, umitim pa ang leeg mo sa kakalakad dahil sa usok. Hinahanap hanap mo pa rin yung Good mornings sir sa mga Fastfood. Yung kapal ng tao sa mga mall, yung mga ngiti at tawa ng mga kababayan mo. Yung masarap na treatment kapag namimili ka.
Wala lang talagang trabaho sa Pinas kaya kailangan lang talagang magwork dito sa ibang bansa. Kaya ideally dapat kahit kaunti may pera ka sa Pinas para mas maenjoy mo yung kalayaan ng buhay sa atin. Para hindi rin magmukhang kawawa sa bandang huli.
Sa tutuo lang maganda at mayaman ang Pinas pero masyado lang maraming negatibong pananaw ang ibang sektor ng media at pulitika diyan sa atin.
Merry Christmas and Happy new year sa iyo at pamilya mo.
It was fun reading this!! I see myself in your experience when I first came to Sweden. (11 years ago as student but living here for 5 years na as a resident).
I agree with you 100% about winter. November is the worst month for me with the darkness, cold and the thought of the coming long winter. Depression always comes uninvited.
Good luck to you and hope to read more of your experiences there.
i hope you enjoy reading this...
where are you from in the USA? i'm from new york and it's much different here. are you living in Alaska?
you can write me back on my yahoo
mikethomson7 @ yahoo . com
This is an exaggeration of concepts derived from simple ignorance. How was this even published on Inquirer?
I so totally agree with you! I have just moved to sweden six mos ago with my husband and two kids. WE MiSS LIVING IN THE PHILS SO MUCH!
wait Lurenda, you forgot something. didn't you miss the pollution also. and also tilaok ng manok sa madaling araw? As for me, I miss balut!
There are 50 million Filipinos that will change places with you in a second. Quit complaining.
You complain too much. Why don't you just go back to P.I. Stop converting your money to pesos, you don't earn pesos in Denmark anyways.You can't see police officers on the street because the place is so peaceful and quiet, unlike in Manila, even the police will make "kotong." And they're no racist, even female can join the police force.