Solution: yes volunteer IE a church and since you give, bring some folks with you to help build a community. Give to the church and let the ministry bless many. Here in our small town we feed the hungry every Tuesday.....just an idea. Your a good man Cal.
It may not be bro, but as humans we have an innate desire to fix things we see broken. So, to live amongst poverty is to have it invade our thoughts and attempt to find ways to resolve it. I don’t think we can talk about living…without talking about…fighting.
You and I are alike in many ways. The feelings you have are valid. You are compassionate. That's a good thing. But, and let me be clear, there is nothing "normal" about ignoring suffering You should start by accepting that fact. Failure to accept that is probably adding to your guilt and depression. You're a man of action driven by emotion, and that's an excellent trait. It's the kind of trait that leads to solutions. You also know you can't save them all, but your actions will inspire others to act. That's how movement's begin. I have a TON of respect for you. Your channel is CLEARLY a reflection of who you really are, and I appreciate that a lot! Whe I arrive, I will be happy to stand with you and perhaps we can start a movement. Stay blessed, Old Soldier. You are where God has placed you.
This is probably the most realistic video. Let's face it, you are going to see some of the most severe poverty on Earth in the Philippines. It is nothing like that in the United States. Yes, we have small groups of people living in the same conditions. But in large we don't have millions of men, women, and children going hungry. It's going to smack you in the face. You are going to have to come to terms with saying no or come to terms with going broke. You will be the first person asked for money. People won't be shy assuming you are rich or asking. It happened dozens of times during my stay. It got to the point where being nice in my response was wearing thin. I gave food. I struggled with the adults who refused the food and wanted only money and then got mad when I said no. Continued to hound me, even during my own dinner standing next to my table continuing to beg. I offered food, they refused, I made it clear I wasn't going to give them money....It was time for them to move on. It's frustrating. It's also frustrating for vloggers not to address this in their videos when advertising the Philippines. Showing BGC or the Greenbelt, these are two very small areas representing the richest communities in the country. It's like me going to Beverly Hills and saying this is how Americans live. It's not reality. Yes a small, growing segment represents the middle class in the Philippines. Maybe 600-1200 dollars a month. 1500-3000 usd is well to do in the Philippines. Most people live on less than 400 dollars a month. Keep this in mind when you look at rental prices in the communities that you are looking at and how you will be viewed. Renting a place for $600-1000USD is way outside the budget for most families. 50-200 dollars is about right for rentals for your average Filipino in terms of rent. I bring this up because I think it's important to understand the value of each peso to the average Filipino family and how we view it.
Calvin, my Brother, I didn't come here to be A Messiah, but I am in touch with that part of myself! We've never met, but I intend to. But truthfully, I remind you that I'm only 6 months in here. But i remember your guidance from my very green and very ignorant attempt just to next after my plane landed in Cebu. I wasn't afraid when I landed, maybe too dumb to be apprehensive. But, truthfully as far as seeing the world, this isn't my rodeo. So again, I'm looking forward to having a meet and greet with you. I NEED to talk. And I need to talk, maybe collaborate is the word. Anyway, I'll try to email you. I don't know how to financially support your channel or anyone's for that matter. I hope to meet soon. I've recuperate some, so I can meet. PEace
@@robertdaem2315 Passively sitting with a cup or even shaking it as I walk by doesn’t bother me. The minute you spot me in a resto and come to my table demanding money… I have a problem with that. No Filipinos were asked nor did the owners intervene.
@@aboveitall9600even in America we experienced this. A beggar stood outside the Chinese restaurant while we waited for our order and actually waited until we got our food and as soon as we stepped outside the restaurant he started asking for money. At least in the Philippines people have a reason to be desperate.
Yes poverty lots of it. Some of the happiest people i know are very poor. Yes occasionally I’m asked for money. If I’m giving cash it’s always less than 50 cents usd. Most would prefer to work for it. Most of the poor have pride, i admire the people here. . Depressing yah possibly. when you’ve lived here for years not so much because they know how to make alittle go along way
Poverty & trash are everywhere here.. It's two of the sadist things here. It's the hallmark of a third-world country. The sad part is that it will never change here. I've been here for 40 years. And it seems it's getting worse.. It helps to leave here for a few months every year. We go home to the States every March & April to see friends & visit with family We catch up on what we've all been up to..it helps to recharge our batteries for dealing with all the BS here.
@seashells-and-seashores we've had our house here on biliran Island for 30 years..if my wife wasn't from here, we wouldn't be here. She loves the States.. There is a lot of bs to put up with living here full time..We both love the diving here. it's our passion for sure.. It's what we live for here....
@seashells-and-seashores yes they have seashells here.. but you won't find good ones on the beach, but snorkeling or diving, you'll see some great ones.. Come to Southern leyte sometime do some whaleshark sightseeing and some of the best diving in the Philippines. Look up Peter's dive resort. We go there every 2 or 3 months for some great diving..
Thank you for being so real Calvin. Every time I watch your video I get smacked over the head with some new information something that I didn’t consider but I appreciate your realness. So take a break Calvin rest if you must, but don’t you ever ever give up because you are needed in this RU-vid space.
First trip to Philippines I got involved with a poor area in Mandaue City. The plight of the families affected me so much I ended up spending all my savings (about $15k) trying to help them. It’s a real issue, the question I couldn’t resolve was how can I hold on to money when these kids are in such a bad situation. When my money ran out I realised there’s only so much you can do and you have to accept that. However if you’re an empathic individual then being faced with these circumstances again and again is really tough man, I feel you. Only way I know is to avoid that kind of contact or help through a 3rd party and not subject yourself to that emotional torture.
Ha…I couldn’t believe it when I saw kids living up in the trees outside our local McDonald’s and begging for money at the entrance. We just ignored them and went inside, only to have them press their faces on the outside glass looking in. Just ignore all these people and don’t give them a penny. Much of the world is a shitty place. Nothing anybody can do to fix this
So true! As someone who usually lives in Thailand it was a real culture shock for me to be in the Philippines. It's like a parallel universum. I also always get sick when I just get into the Philippines (my voice gets messed up). Probably my body fighting to get used to the air in the Philippines.
@@AfterTheGame Great question! In Bangkok the air isn't that great sometimes but most of the time it's okay. I purposely live right at the biggest park here (Benchakitti park) so that certainly helps (to walk in nature and get, at least from my idea, more fresh air then other parts of the city).
Steve from the Philippine information channel said that you need to learn to say “no”, and that the locals are used to hearing it. That’s something that stuck with me. Another point is that you do not want to create a dependency on your assistance and then stop helping. Finally, if you do not take care of yourself and your own financial situation, you won’t be able to help others. Keep the videos coming, lots of good information here!!👍👍
I don't think he is missing the point, He is telling his strategy. That is what the video is about! I totally agree, I see it here in the US, I mean hell just look at the tent cities in every major city in the US. Getting worse everyday!
@@mylittlefil-amdolly308& @calroach1 Your reference to the tent cities in the U.S. seems very appropriate. I’ll add some more. Think about “The Slab” nomad community featured in the 2020 film Nomadland. Now think about communities such as those in Slidell, Louisiana or Aniston, Alabama. Think about super impoverished urban ghettos in all the largest states in America. Then think about the deep Omari’s & Appalachia. Think about the numerous hobo encampments found in the woods off the major highways. I bring these up for a reason. Now that you have those images locked into your heads, think about this. What if an obviously affluent or wealthy person moved into the center of any of these places & did so in a way that failed to camouflage his financial capacity? Why do think would happen? Even if no physical harm came to the affluent person his/her mental health would eventually suffer as a heavy form of survivor’s guilt set in. It appears to me the danger of moving to distressed communities within the Philippines is the equivalent of an affluent person moving into middle of Slab City in America. An additional challenge is comes into the mix when the “affluent westerner” (by Filipina standards) tries to form a family with the Filipina who may be integrally interlocked with those around her. How does the westerner ensure the children he produces with her as well as the new nuclear family he has formed with her are not dragged down into poverty rather than elevated from the depths of poverty. How does one leave an estate to a person who’s culturally uninitiated to such a concept and trust she will not literally give away the cuter that has been left for her and the children? Remember her definition of family loyalty is way different from the westerner’s definition.
Yes the life in the Philippines is hard specially now a days due to deplation,but the truth is not only Philippines are experiencing the hardship in life due to covid ,job loss, prices of necessities are rising everywhere in the world,life is not like before so let’s face it the whole world are experiencing difficulties in life.
I’m here in leyte. Yes poverty is in my face everyday. How do I deal with it? I listen to my heart. If I’m moved to give then I give freely. If I’m not moved to give then I walk pass the women or men street beggars. But first I have a good look into their eyes and let my heart tell me what to do. I remember once eating barbecued chicken in an open restaurant and a beggar with a stretch out hand was asking for money. This is what they do. They annoy you for minutes until you give in and give them money. Instead of feeling shamed that I have food and he didn’t. I deliberately made a point to smile and savior every bite in front of him. He got the point and left after a few minutes. But I am a generous person and do give to people who are hard up. I do have a soft spot for homeless mothers with children on the streets. I do believe in Karma and when I’m moved to give, I give with a joyful heart.
Great video. My first trip to the PI was in 1991. Before that visit to PI I called myself poor, because I grew up in the projects of Houston Texas. But, I do not call myself poor anymore. The PI is a beautiful country with beautiful loving people and the poverty is awful. I feel your pain on this one. It is hard to see the poverty in PI these are some of the best people on earth and their government should do more to help.
Yeah you hit on the nose cal I live in Phillipines 3months out the year. Due to my Home in the states it's poor their in the states but nothing like the Philippines 🇵🇭 Theirs no food stamps, stimulus, social services unemployment insurance yes we complain about America but when remove all the immoral filth and greed off that wrinkled flag its still one of the best countries in the world. The Philippines government needs to do something about it.
You are right. You can't help everyone. What my wife and I have done is set certain boundaries about helping others. We give very little away (except school supplies for over 100 kids and some pesos to kids for Christmas). What we do, though, is provide jobs. We primarily will hire people to build, clean, or yardwork. We also help some with college expenses. These ways of helping reinforce positive efforts from the person being helped. It helps them keep their pride because they are earning money. The normal number of people helped is around 36 per month. Some of this is trickle down support. You hire the parent and they feed their whole family. We learned the hard way that when you give handouts, they will always ask for money every month from then on.
Man, it sounds like you're being put through the ringer about this. I've never heard this addressed by any vlogger. It's hard to be the richest guy for miles around. I understand the guilt though. Even if you gave it all it wouldn't be enough.
I have traveled all over the world. I always ignore poverty, especially in the Caribbean. Never gave a penny to anyone. I am about to have a $20 martini, with tiny ice crystals in it. Shaken, not stirred. Great video.
I agree with you about having a strategy to participate in the society you live in. My first time in the Philippines was over 40 years ago. I got depressed the first time out of the gate into Olongapo City. The poverty hit me dead square in my soul. It hurt me to my heart. We plan to move there in about one year. The plans include the ability to help someone. Thank you for your videos man. Keep up the VLOGS they are reaching those of us with a heart.
Calvin, I live in calamba city, I have been approached almost daily by beggars and if it is someone elderly or someone obviously handicapped then I help them. Now having said that let me tell you this. At least ten or more times I have been sitting on a bench in front of a store and have a younger person from 12-30 years old come to beg money from me. I have offered these people 100 peso’s to pick up trash in front of the store and sweep the sidewalk which would take about 5 minutes total. I tell them this is to help you build some pride in EARNING MONEY instead of begging money constantly. I have yet to get ONE person to agree to work 5 minutes for the 100 pesos. EVERYONE of them has refused so I tell them to go beg some where else. The other thing is, when they see me now, they won’t ask me but will ask others and will actually cross the street away from me. Trained to beg !!!
I don't know when you were last in Los Angeles, California in the U.S. Calvin, but the poverty downtown is clearly visible, widespread, and heartbreaking. It seems poverty is everywhere nowadays, including the richest country in the world.
I will be watching closely for you to find a solution to this. During my 4 months there this year I gave more than I could afford and I realized it wasn’t sustainable. If you respond to every need you will find yourself as poor as they are in short order. I want a strategy for this too. Love you, man. Don’t change, it can harden your heart.
I have traveled to many places where poverty isn’t unusual to see and I have experienced poverty myself. Knowing that I don’t have the solution to beat poverty nor do I have the finances to battle it. I do have enough to share though. And my strategy has always been the same. Those who need help the most with good moral standards are exactly the ones you don’t see or notice. That’s my first filter, those who ask, have the biggest voice are likely the ones who just collect as much as possible from those who are sensitive to their cry for help. No matter how hungry I was, I was too shy to ask. I find those who are too shy to ask because they are left behind. And I can’t give more than I own. But a peptalk, a listening ear, or just conversing can help a whole lot and it cost you nothing. A spiritual boost can energize some one or it gives them a different perspective on their situation that can lead to new opportunities. But no matter how poor one is, the righteous ones would not make you feel troubled for being in another position you also need to sustain. I also meditate about how Jesus was capable to feed the poor. But when he did or did not used his power to do so.
You can sense that the frustration is real. Im a cheerful giver but i don't like to subsidize poverty. Im more in favor of a hand up and not a hand out. It's difficult to figure out in America, i can imagine its harder over there. What does constructive assistance look like that doesn't create dependency? I don't have the answers but someone does.
very touching....if 90% atleast of wealthy people all over the world would have such a mentality...earth would be a beautiful place to live in.....love your channel keep it coming ....Jesus never forgets all your hard work put up for his name
Hey Calvin...I can understand you...been here for a month..will be back to US soon. Saw some hard things to witness.. Grew up poor and been homeless but still this can hit you to the core. Remember seeing some women with a child about 2 years old sitting on some cards board. Asked my fiancee about them was told they have nothing and are homeless. Can really eat at you especially if you been there. Anyway you take care
Great video!! I know that I will be struggling in this area. I need to work on developing a mindset before I arrive to survive it. This might be my greatest challenge.
Thank you for pointing this out! I came to the Philippines after doing tons of research and it is beyond sad. Not thinking i can live fulltime there after this research trip. If i come back it will be for 2 to 3 months. Wish fhem fhe best, regardless
You're a good man, Calvin. You are empathetic and want to help others. After watching this video, it really hit home. I am planning on visiting the Philippines as soon as i can get my budget straight, and im sure that i will feel the same as you and want to help everyone that I can. I will try and come up with a strategy to deal with that. Thank you for sharing these videos.
Very hard hitting video. Any person with half a heart would get overwhelmed by the misery in your face. I don't know how i would handle it. Maybe one of those condos you mentioned. It's really a problem with no answer, just the pain of seeing it.
Thank you for bringing up this issue. I help several poor families in the Philippines. If you are poor and uneducated in the Philippines, you do not have many options. Even if they can get a good job working in a store in a mall or something, which is hard to get, it doesn't even pay $100 per month and it is temporary and they might not renew your contract. Many of them go to work overseas working as domestic workers or cleaners in the Middle East and can make $500 per month to send home there to support their families. Most of the ofws are mothers and leave their children behind with grandma and it breaks their hearts to not be with their children. So, tough situation with no easy answers. I often give large amounts of food instead of money, or just a limited amount of money per month so they will not starve but still have some incentive to work. You need to have a policy, rather than constantly making decisions, which is hard. Like I do not give for medical treatment. And I only give if they have children. But I can only do so much. Thanks.
facts... until you lived it you can't fully understand Privilege... makes you no better but shows your pure luck. Calvin,keep living and loving and spreading kindness as you are.
You're absolutely right Calvin. I've been going through an almost similar thing as you. The poverty just smacks you in the face everyday. The expats that live in these bubble cities like BGC and Cebu Mactan Newtown don't really experience what it's really like to live in the province amongst the locals. I, myself get depressed when I see how people are so impoverished here. It's nothing like the poverty in the United States. So I hear you.
You're an empath. You have a huge heart. I'm planning on moving to Cebu. I'm receiving $3,621.95 per month from the VA. I never thought of this, but as a Sigma, I'm going to do what I can to help my future phillipina and her family and keep it moving.
Thank you, Calvin. This is very helpful to prepare myself to live there part time. I have been coming there for long vacations and have seen a little bit of what you talked about. I will be fully retiring soon and plan to be splitting my time between Philippines and Thailand and possibly other countries of Southeast Asia. So far the way I have dealing with it is, to help a couple people regularly. You gave me something to think about.
Thanks Calvin for covering such an emotional and important topic. We just try to help with little things when we can. However, we stepped into a hornet's nest when we decided to help pay for one niece's college education, hoping she can eventually help her younger sisters and parents. Other family members then became jealous, but in the end we decided," Our money, our rules."
This makes a lot of sense what you're talking about because I struggle with that here in America I have a lot of friends in the Philippines so I know what you mean it's hard to see people in so much need and they're not afraid to ask it's very hard to say no for me I just barely after a few years started to be strong and just tell people I'm sorry I can't help you at this time
The thing is that you have a desire to change their situation. With some it's the decisions the people make and with some others it's about circumstances. Just make sure your cup is never empty.
This was a good topic to bring up. It is something I've considered when deciding whether I want to take a trip over there (I have not been before). I can handle seeing adults in poverty because you feel like they have some agency over their own lives. But kids are innocent and have no power to improve their situation and so the thought of seeing them in such poverty is hard to handle. I can't imagine how hard it must be to see that little boy with the problem with his eye. You're a good man to want to help him instead of just turning away. I wish I had some sage advice to offer on how to balance wanting to help the poverty you're faced with but not wanting to bankrupt yourself in the process, but I don't know. I would struggle with that too.
Calvin's making so much sense! Just like a Saint! God Bless you, bro! Just follow St Francis and you will be redeemed! When things get tough just take a break and go and spend a month on the beach in Boracay! God Bless!
Go to an English speaking church and become a member. Surely, they will have a homeless outreach ministry, meals on wheels, or something to that effect.
Touched my heart, dear brother. I feel ya. I’m going to be living in Batangas next year. Not sure how poverty will affect my outlook. Vacationing in relaxed places should give us a temporary break. Thanks
Calvin, These are the "Boots on the Ground" videos the wanna be Expats like me need to see. Anyone can make a "Booty Call" vlog. But you alway keep it real, brother. I have 5-7 more years on the hamster wheel, but the planning has started now. Thank you for your perspective.
Just the fact that you are there, spending money in the local economy is helping them, in a very small way but it will accumulate, more outside money coming in getting spent on the local people, buying food, paying my rent, utilities and entertainment. That money trickles out through the rest of the economy. That's the best way to help them.
Wow Calvin, you bring real life of living there in brutally clear terms. Few if any address it so well and glad you put it to us. Your thoughts on how westerners deal w this very raw and honest. I just had to deal w it when in duma for a view days; you feel cold turning away the beggars. To live w it every day would be hard. You give a very valid warning to us to prepare how we will cope w this and to have a strategy. One thing about this reality is it kills any temptation to feel sorry for yourself - about anything. If it ever crosses my mind I think of these people and feel ridiculous about my petty problem and laugh at myself. How fortunate we are to have what we have. I will be back in January in Dauin and CocoGrove just down from the beach house you rented. Wish you were there to meet. Thanks, John
I have been thinking of that for a long time here in Hawaii. So I have a plan here in Hawaii before I come to Philippines. I was born in the South in the Arkansas Delta and it is the poorest in Arkansas. I get depressed looking at the area at home ,so I understand poor . I plan to help those with a missionary that is working in Philippines. I'm praying to start soon from Hawaii monthly as God open the doors. I have alot I'm trying to get from VA now with this service connected. Thanks for sharing I got a plan in back to help . Keep pressing forward
Calvin , it's time for a real vacation. It's the same thing when I go to Mexico at times when I go to a restaurant I will pay for a family's meal. I know it's hard dealing with the situation of proverty but at least I know that I have done something Good by helping the less fortunate. 🌴🌴🌴
Great video Calvin! I feel the pain in your voice! I wish I had seen this video sooner. You are very compassionate...THANK YOU FOR THAT! I was thinking you might start a feeding program for the children in your neighborhood. it might address one of the issues of poverty.... food anxiety... those children will be able to go to school with something in their belly and be able to study without thinking about how hungry they are. You are from the south Calvin, you know something about gumbo, red beans and rice, navy beans and rice...This is nutritious food that we all grew up on. It will work for these children, too...beans are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat! Filipinos don't eat beans because of their economy. They prefer rice. Rice takes 30 minutes cook. Beans take about 4 hours to cook. The family cooking fuel budget can disappear quickly by cooking beans. Beans are more nutritious but cost more fuel to cook. Buy two big pots, serve beans over rice (gumbo over rice) twice a week and watch what happens. The parents will probably start pushing the kids out of the line...lol... If you don't know how to cook Calvin, find some women in the neighborhood that are willing to help. You just need to find the beans, seasoning, bowls (only big enough for breakfast) and spoons. Good luck
Dude, I understand what you're saying. I felt the same way when I was there. But, when it comes down to it you have to look out for #1. No matter how hard it might be 🤨
Hey Calvin, be extremely careful 🧐! Extreme Desperation, as experienced by the locals in a 3RD world country like the Philippines, can cause people to do crazy and go to very DANGEROUS measures, therefore possibly placing your life at RISK. Not to mention your "WALLET"! Please 🙏 believe me as I have relatives in South America.
Way back in the 1960's In Canada, where we as 6 kids grew up in a project we had it tough. There was a black community named Africville not far away and the folks lived of the avails of the city dump. Just like Tondo. True 3rd world conditions. Living in tin shacks in the rotten cold of a Canadian winter is serious business and they were burning car battery cases for heat. All that lead took it's tole. So, I understand man and when I'm in the Philippines I ask myself the same questions as you Calvin. It is much bigger than you and me. I had to harden my heart...just a little... to not be so saddened by the brutality of abject poverty. Thank you Calvin...for having a heart.❤
Great video bro. I realized upon leaving the airport in Bacolod that it hit different. It was certainly on my mind within 10 minutes. I’ve already reached out to help through missions and will make that a point of emphasis in my life. I’ve seen this in Brazil and Mexico where I’ve spent time working. It does get to you. Again thanks for the video.
The province is beautiful in many parts that doesn't require much money to live. Many public lands with fresh food and waters filled with sea life. Living here you see how people have lived for hundreds of years. The city contains poverty where people from all over the country try to migrate & find work. It's hard to move from province to city, and adapt when the employment & education demands are so high. That is the struggle many are facing in the city.
Yes I have a strategy. I'm in Houston. Let me know how I can help. There are roots to every problem. I am building a strategy house to pull nations out of poverty death and disease. No reason to be depressed when you have the answers.
I understand what you are talking about cuz my first time in the Philippines I sometimes felt like it was a dream but I knew that I could go back to my home country but for the locals life would stay the same. So my ideal plan is to spend 6 months in the Philippines and 6 months in Canada. I really do enjoy the Philippines and the people
Depression is a state of mind, it has nothing to do with the location, it has everything to do with what you make things out to be, it is a perception.
I have not yet ventured out of the expat enclaves, so I have not seen the poverty. I do plan to venture out. That being said, I have never been asked for money so often as I have here. I always carry a little cash to help street kids begging. I don’t know how I’ll react when and if I see true poverty.
I plan to support the area Orphanage when I find a place to settle.I also will help support what ever programs the Barangay I'm in has. Probably a local school as well. Regular, Monthly, cash gifts. [I've been in Education Support for 28 years & will be retiring in 22 Months.] I don't know if I'll volunteer...
Yes, the poverty affects me but I try to win small battles by helping strangers and others when I can. Just be a good genuine person all the time because the Filipinos are really loving, kind people… They don’t expect you to give them everything but as long as you’re kind and you treat them with respect and compassion, they will admire you for it and appreciate it.
It Only shows that you have a Heart My Brother. I Am the Same way, I Will be Visiting the Philippines Next year and if I see that I Can Help some unfortunate individual, I Will, it's hard to turn your face away from the poor.
An old minister once said; "you've got to eventually come to the realization that even though your heart is in the right place, and your intentions are admirable, in the end you can't save them all, so just save the ones you can and be satisfied with that".
You gotta be like NYers , we see it and keep walking all the time. I gave one bag of chips to one person when I was there in Philippines but that was it. I think of it this way. If I randomly give people cash I am one step closer to being one of them. The BEST thing I can do for the poor is not become one of them.
Thank you for your video and yes, I agree with you. There is a lot of poverty here. My strategy now that i am here is to change young peoples life with my dancing. I want to try to open a dance school here and to teach and educate young people to became professional dancers and to be good enough to get a Job abroad and to change their life. that has been a dream of mine for many, many years. Lets see how it goes.
My Strategy for Phil is the same as my Strategy for the rest of mankind. Show them. Humans are not poor due to lack of resources humans are poor due to their way of thinking. We can adjust our way of thinking and make our lives richer as individuals no matter where we are on the Economic ladder. Its my responsibility to help I just choose to help people in the way that I can which is to dispense as much knowledge and good will as much as possible and to make myself that example they can follow! I have always said that The Philippines is not poor because they lack money but due to how they think about money, its management and aquisition. You will need to move to the areas where people are struggling less and are in the process of elevating themselves by applying the principles that work!
Poverty is truly evident in all of the Philippines but it is a reality that wont be cured unless the government steps in now I've been going there since 1980 what I've seen from friends that live there is they join groups that help locals ,ie masins,VFW,AMERICAN LEGION etc a single person is going to be overwhelmed but a group could help
You're a good man Calvin. I don't know what the answer would be to that dilemma. There is poverty all over the world. Even here in the USA. Granted, it's much more prevalent in the Philippines. I wonder how successful Filipinos deal with the problem. Even very successful Filipino RU-vidrs. I don't see them being concerned about it but maybe they do more in the background then what is aparent.
Rule #1 for all foreigners: Learn to be stern with a solid No, but with a smile on your face. "Sorry, I don't have today". Rule #2. Repeat and remember Rule#1. Otherwise you will be broker than a joker faster than you know. I know first hand because my wife's family is always reaching hands out and we live in a different country. We help 2 sets of cousins with school incidentals during the school year and word of that help transcends to others wanting help. People I've never even met.
There are very affluent places in the Philippines I'm sure. If you cold afford living there or visiting, you would not see the poverty like where you put yourself. It's always uplifting to see wealth, and be in among it. Whatever country you are in, you have to elevate yourself as much as possible. It's always depressing to be in the worst parts of town. There are dress up parts where you should go that inspire where you try to be and look your best, and run down tired looking parts that are depressing to avoid. I think that's the only secret.
Talking about the most present reality in the Philippines does not get views, and 99 percent of bloggers in the Philippines are in it for the money. Everyone talks about Filipina scams but not the bloggers who deliberately avoid this subject, arent they scamming the viewers? Thanks for this one, its needed. There's no solution, even if you were a billionaire. If the wealthiest Filipinos don't have a solution for this man made issue, a poor man cannot solve it. Help one person when possible, that's my opinion.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Family Income of less than 9,100 php a month is considered poor. This is 16.5% of the population. Low income is 9,100 to 18,200 php a month, this is 34.4% of the population. Lower Middle is 18,200 to 36,400 php a month , this is 29.2% of the population. Middle is 36,400 to 63,700 php a month, this is 12.7% of the population. Upper middle class is 63,700 to 109,200 php a month, this is 4.9% of the population. Upper class is 109,200 to 182,000 php a month, this is 1.7 % of the population. Rich is 182,000+ php a month, this is 0.6 of the population. Poor is 16.5% + Low Income 34.4% equals 50.9% of the population is Low Income or poor. Add in lower middle class at 29.2% , then 80.1% of the population is lower middle class, low income or poor. 😔
Excellent commentary Calvin. How do other western expats deal with it? I imagine everyone has to consciously deal w it since as you pointed out, there’s nothing it in the West
95 % of RU-vids are "Selling (Hyped Philippine) Paradise" .. Living the Expat Bubble (you said it Fantasy).. Beyond, smiling " happy Filipino's" .. they Rarely if ever have or show meaningful discussions with "Filipino Guests or show the Reality of their existence .. They're just the smiling, harmless, happy natives that love us ..
This is the realest video that I have seen in a long time. I know that i can't save the world, but i still try bro. If you figure out a solution, let me know and we will do it together.
Best strategy is to give a percentage of your time and money. That percentage will be different for everyone and is determined by each individual. If that is not enough, start a charity with like minded individuals.
Call me a optimist or a dummy but I really believe if everybody did a little to help the world would change. Geechee lion showed a small crew making life changing contributions to a community. It takes little but it takes everybody.
Hi Calvin: I actually watch your You Tube channel on my TV so I'm more than half way through this video. But I have to come to the computer to comment. I had to go through a similar thing in the early part of my life. And although it took time to put in place, the plan was simple. MY FAMILY CAME FIRST. It took time for everyone to know this, and learn it, and try me in order to find out how serious I was. But that was my answer. In the end everyone respected it. Well, they may not have respected it, but I got no hassles. I was going to apply the same in the Philippines but my wife was against it. Needless to say, it was partially the reason I divorced her and "our"(?) dream of retiring in the Philippines never happened. You're a great man. But you are also a strong man. It may not happen over night but you can force yourself to say no, and in the meantime as you say, take a break. Go somewhere else. FIRST your sanity. THEN your family. EVERYTHING ELSE can fight for its place in line.
Hey Calvin, I have an excellent strategy for you. When I'm settled into my new house, you guys have a place to stay and get away from it all in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
