I am so tired of hearing Expats complain.

[Teacher]

I understand that complaining in the western world is an everyday thing we all complain about everything our government, taxes, people, traffic, etc. etc. etc. it is a non-stop affair. But do we really have to come to the Philippines and do too. When we arrive the air is sweet the women are beautiful, the beaches are heaven and the beer is cold. Everything so cheap we cannot believe it. We are overwhelmed with joy and happiness. Everything new to us and so very interesting, we are blinded by joy and happiness. Then as we settle in to our new life and it becomes dull just eat and sleep have a few cold ones and nothing else to do. So we slip back to our old ways acting like old women everything is wrong nothing right the government, taxes, people, traffic, etc. etc.etc. Sounds all too familiar doesn’t it. But now you add a twist you blame the Filipinos for everything like it is their fault. But remember you are the one who picked the Philippines to live not them should we not have a little respect for our host. In all of Asia there is one thing that is never allowed and is very rude, that is to complain. You will almost never see it done by an Asian. Unless they have become a little western in their ways doing things but still never will an outsider be allowed this but most will never say a word because it would be rude to do so. They stay quiet until they can take no more but once they start pack your bags go home. Please understand Filipino have their culture and it is not your place to say what is right or wrong. Remember when a foreigner comes to the western world what is said: accept our ways or get out. I find the Filipinos far more tolerant of foreigners they we are. Maybe you should think again before you open your mouth when it comes to Filipinos and your new home. I kept the wording very blunt and easy to understand.

[Teacher]

Sorry about the type O's

[jellyfish]

Exactly Teacher.
I remember how many of my countrymen complained week by week about all those "foreign" workers who did not at all adapt to our culture, norms etc.... in our country.
So now we have to complain also as guests in another country that those people living there need to change their norms and culture because they are so wrong (acc. to OUR norms , culture....) ??????
Very selfish attitude, I may say.
Sure, it does not mean we can't discuss differences.
But that's different from JUDGING that they are wrong, unpolite, rude, .......

[Timn8ter]

This is the key phrase:

you are the one who picked the Philippines to live not them

It's not as if the rest of us are senseless. We see the traffic, smell the smoke and hear the noise too. If you're looking for Valhalla or the Garden of Eden you're going to be disappointed.

[pecoskid45]

Did it ever occur to you that if Filipinos did complain more then something
might actually get fixed in their country? Isn't that why America is so great,
because people speak up about injustice and go to their public officials when
they see something wrong? Here, the people just look the other way and don't even complain when they know they're being screwed.

[mydestinyz23]

[QUOTE=pecoskid45;27147]Did it ever occur to you that if Filipinos did complain more then something
might actually get fixed in their country? Isn't that why America is so great,
because people speak up about injustice and go to their public officials when
they see something wrong? Here, the people just look the other way and don't even complain when they know they're being screwed.[/QUOT

I totally disagree. Forgive me but not all Filipinos are like that. Some Filipinos complain, some people don't. If everybody will complain, call the cops, or the Barangay officials, what's going to happen? If you noticed, Philippines does not have enough cops, fireman, military etc.etc. etc. Unlike in U.S. when you call the cops and give your address, they will be in your doorstep, knocking your door within 5 minutes.

[Timn8ter]

Did it ever occur to you that if Filipinos did complain more then something

Isn't that up to the Filipinos to decide for themselves? Besides, comparing Malacanang to a Western government is erroneous.
There are activists in PI and their numbers are increasing in relation to the number of citizens with higher education.
Have you ever read Tony Abaya's column?

tonyabaya

[sntmig]

pescokid...I'm totally with you on that...So many of the Philippine people"look the other way".. I have witnessed this in Resorts,and small villages where there is a theft or even rape and ,because one family does not wish to embarrass annother or, they fear retribution , Nothing is done...no conflict !! Also,in restaurants,where even if the food order is wrong or not good, it will just be accepted...(complaining here causes "big" drama with the staff !!)

[pecoskid45]

I guess we're mixing "complaining" and "protesting". Similar meanings but different connotations. Complaining=bad and protesting=good.
But I've had this argument with my wife for 15 years. She won't complain when something is wrong, and when I do, I'm wrong. Go figure.

[firea]

Not all Filipinos look the other way around. You should meet me and my friends

Back to the topic:
Yes, it is tiring to hear Foreigners complain about the culture and the environment. With information readily available on magazines, books and most especially the internet, one would think that a person going to move to a different country would've done research.

You're in our country so learn to respect and understand everything about it. If you think it's not for you, you always have a choice to go back to your own or go someplace else.