Upward Bound . . . and a Bump

This morning in my half-sleep whilst sipping my strong Philippine coffee, Seven Flavors, if I get the translation correct, it struck me that I somehow feel more secure in the Philippines this year. It is nothing tangible, really. It is just a sense that the government is honorable rather than ruthless. It may not be competent, always. Who is? But it is not totalitarian and manipulative in the guise of sweet concern for the public, the sense I had of things under President Arroyo.

I also think President Aquino generally thinks about the well-being of the Philippines first, and his own gains second. That, too, is a reversal. It is inconsistent with how so many think here, where self-gain is all that matters. Principles like honor and integrity and compassion and generosity hold little stock. The "trade of favors" that underlies corruption in the Philippines is deeply and broadly rooted, and is essentially the foundation of self-dealing that undermines high-standing principles.

My wife and I were driving along a narrow road; we came upon a crowd of motorcycles, the owners of which were gathered at a cock-fight about 25 paces away. One of the motorcycles was parked in the road, blocking it. I honked. No one responded. My wife got out to try to get the attention of the owner. 50 guys turned and looked and someone told told her to move the motorbike. She is 4'9" and the bike was big, but she struggled to get it out of the road. Not one guy was gentleman enough to step over to help.

It is a frame of mind. You think of helping others, or you don't . . .

A Crappy Leather Wallet

My impression of Philippine culture is not always kind as ways here often conflict with my own cultural upbringing which taught politeness and well-organized achievement. We were taught the Golden Rule, to do unto others as we would have others do unto us. There is consideration and compassion in that rule. As Boy Scouts we were taught to do a good deed each day. I flunked out of that organization, for we were supposed to master crafts and hike the hills and do various projects, but I only learned to shoot a .22 rifle and make a crappy leather wallet.

Nevertheless, the "good deed" and thoughtfulness rule was infused in our every act by parents and teachers and scout leaders and little league managers. Respect your elders, obey authority, get good grades, achieve, think ahead ("be prepared", as the Scouts would say), compete fairly in sports, honor your country. These were the values we were taught. Churches taught similar lessons but I flunked Church, too, my illusions shattered by seeing the good parson across the street lighting up his cigarette once the faithful had departed. I also found the bible stories hard to believe. At a young age, I did not grasp the concept of allegory or the fluidity of interpretation where truth was bent to fit the doctrine.

Faith forms its own fake reality, as Church folk believe in what they imagine, or what they are told to imagine by the cloaked minister. It still seems a tad lunatic to me, although I confess to being quite able to slip into a spiritual moment at a good sermon that teaches the wonders of our world or the strength we must exhibit to do right when wrong would be so much easier.

What's my point? My point is that the Philippines would be a healthier place if ego-bound behaviors were tempered a little in favor of compassion and giving. The nation would be less stressed, politically, and might even gin up a diplomat of the first order instead of a pack of crusty, self-serving oligarchs. The land would be cleaner and there would be fewer dogs out killing motorcyclists on the National Highway. Ferries would sink less often and bribes would fade in favor of the honor of doing good for others. Pro-action would replace reaction and the excitement of ambition would replace the drudge of daily subsistence.

Achievement. Make it a part of the culture. Dancing and kareoke and star-struck, breathless idol worship are not achievements. Having white skin is not an achievement.

Giving is an achievement. Getting things done well is an achievement.

I'm for a more productive, kinder, and more thoughtful Philippines.