there and back again

i've recently read youngblood articles about how difficult life has become in the philippines and how pinoys are debating on whether to stay or not to stay. one particular writer made her convictions clear that she is STAYING PUT in europe where she is living an academic life. this was answered by an article written by somebody who is proud of STAYING BEHIND.

the debate between both articles were finally put to rest when a 21 year old actually made sense in his article when he pointed out that its NOT A QUESTION OF STAYING OR LEAVING.

i liked these parts from his article because it is so darn true!

"....I have met many Filipinos living in the United States who wish with every inch of their being, that they were back home. They make their versions of adobo, introduce their American friends to the pleasures (or horrors) of balut, watch The Filipino Channel, and decorate their homes in ways that are conspicuously Filipino."

"Unfortunately, they don't seem all too happy with their lives. They have latched on to the American way of life, earning a living, ably paying off their model homes, following traffic rules, and being the good citizens they promised to be when they pledged their allegiance to the United States flag. They seem very well adjusted. Yet, a single conversation will tell you that they wish for their families, for Filipino Christmases, for adobo, for better weather, for a more laidback lifestyle, for home. Over and over, I detect the same discontented tone. For a lot of Filipinos in the US, the prospect is in reverse -- that of wishing they were home."

i haven't been here in the US quite that long. in fact I've just celebrated my 6th month of immigrant bliss a few days ago. life in the philippines is tough, we all know that. but life here can be tough too. i have never felt so alone in my life than when i first came here, and the first thoughts that came to me at that moment was that i am definitely going back home...

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next year: "The Shire, here i come..."