1. Notes: 6 / 4 months ago  from pilipinas

   pilipinas:

   It’s easy to have visions of a better Philippines.  Having lived in first world cities, I find that the standards I have for my homeland are largely based on my experiences abroad.  Clean roads, sparkly buildings, straight lines, unjammed traffic.  I have long resigned to the fact that I will never see this sort of Philippines in my lifetime, that it was just too far off.  But perhaps the flaw in my thinking is that the Philippines may not reach the stage I’ve envisioned at all - simply because it has to transform itself into something that is uniquely its own.

   Basic needs and rights like good education, decent healthcare, humane living conditions, and a sense of dignity, among other things, are universal.  These things we can target and develop and improve.  But as for envisioning the country and expecting Quezon City to be like San Francisco or Manila to be like New York is majorly flawed; we can even say that it’s yet another form of self-imposed neocolonialism.  We can learn from the developed countries of the world, but let us not lose our own distinct flavor, because that richness is ours and ours alone.  We do not have to pattern our entire image after a developed country; the Philippines can and, given our persistence and dedication, will evolve into a developed version of itself.  I needed to realize this, and I am thankful I have.

   Very important insight with which I also have to come to terms with myself.

2. Notes

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      Very important insight with which...terms with myself.

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My name is Justin & I live in a constant state of cultural dissonance. I was born, raised, & educated in LA; spent a semester "studying" in Singapore; and recently completed a Princeton in Asia fellowship in Manila. I'm still in the process of figuring out my next destination.

Contact me at zenemij [at] ucla [dot] edu.

Comrades

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