Going Overseas and Staying

A lot of Filipinos itch to work abroad, but not me. I like it here just fine. I undertand other people's reasons. Work opportunity is minimal here. New vistas await. Being forced to save is an asset. Separation from stifling families. Whatever those reasons are, I can't seem to find a resonance within me. I bid my compatriots a bon voyage but on these shores I will remain.

Make no mistake. I do want to travel to other countries. But for pleasure, not necessity. When I go overseas, I want to go as a tourist. The last thing I want is worrying about work visas and renewing them. I can't see myself doing that.

It's ironic that despite me being something of a loner, I tend to like watching what happens here in the Philippines. Sure, the social and political climates suck big time but I'm hoping that enough Filipinos will get the right attitude and will actually make nationhood work. Not posturing, not hollow pride, but a strong faith of who Filipinos are and what we stand for. A pride that does not need identification with the few successful Filipinos who wrest fame overseas. Let pride come from within, not from some other person without.

It might take a long time before that happens though. But I certainly hope the country my children grows up in will be like that. A country where no one will have to leave his or her family just to keep them fed and shelterd and educated. No more need for quasi-broken families.

Speaking of OFW families, it's fascinating how everyone else stops working once there's an OFW in the family. It's as if everyone thinks it's their birthright to be supported by the kin slaving away on distant lands. I'd give a lot to just be able to slap some sense in their collective heads. If you want real progress and wealth, then get your collective butts together and work!