Butuan City Expats Information Resource for Butuan City | Butuan

03-23-09

Greetings All!

I have been participating in a very active discussion with a group of Expats residing in Ginoog, about 2 hours south of Butuan via their chatroom, gingoogvacation@ yahoogroups. com.  Aside from the particulars, the discussions pertain to the challenges of Western foreigners desiring to exist and participate in a culture that differs from whence we came.  One of the distinct unsaid dynamics is that many locals desire to live from whence we came, and if our homeland is as depicted on TV, what is wrong with us for choosing to come here.  There certainly is not a great influx of OFW’s coming to the Philippines.

I state this simply to emphasize that issues can be viewed in many ways-from differing perspectives.  In my experience, the most vocal critics, (other than the Expat drunk slob population), of the intertwined, sycophantish religious/political failings present here, are Filipino’s who live, or have lived in more ‘developed’ countries.  My hope is that at some point, that segment of the population will evolve from the ‘bitch, moan and whine’ ,(BMW), stage to a organizational level that returns to their homeland with the resources and desire to contribute to the betterment of their town and country.  Each Spring, Balikbayans typically return to their homes to visit, and perhaps detox from their country of work.  Many of these folks stay in touch with Butuan via a couple of Yahoo chat rooms.  Perhaps one method of demonstrating serious concern would be to organize prior to visiting and participate in gatherings that benefit local independantly owned businesses, rather than those chosen for you.  Present yourselves as an organized voice before the local leadership, in a manner that inspires Butuanons.  Fund, educate and participate in a political action group, located here,  that works toward demanding the accountability of those in leadership who you criticize via chat rooms throughout the year. Criticizing without allowing the opportunity for response is not an act of bravery-correct?

It seems disingenuous to have this treasured segment of Butuanons  spend their short visit attending parties, only to return to their livlihoods in other countries, and begin the 11 month long BMW process yet again.  Like me, there are many living here that would support your efforts, but it has to come from you.

Phew!  Now that that is finished, on to other stuff!  Our Sunday afternoon poker game evolved into a very enjoyable and relaxing moonlight river cruise.  We cruised upriver a few miles, shut off the engine and floated all the way through the center of town.  Great company, lots of stars, no bugs, soft music and a cooler-I forgot to bring the blender.  I guess I need more training as Captain, hint, hint.

Keep the April 4 yard sale on your calender!  Miss you Jack!

On the waterfront, desgn proposals are coming in for the navigational bouy’s to be installed at the mouth of the river.  The Port Authority appears to be finalizing their rate schedule and the cruising community anxiously awaits a new venue and typhoon shelter.  I’ll keep you posted.

Plans are in the works to host an Iron Chef Butuan TV show on the local cable channel.  A different chef from local venues wouldmake one of their signature dishes each episode.  I’ll make popcorn when it is my turn!

Our FAVE Biz of the week is……EM3 Pet House, located on JC Aquino Ave, near AIR 21.  Aside from a complete line of dog/cat accessories/food, Edward and Metus Chan also dispense wisened advice on pet care, the kind of common sense only gleened from years of being top notch breeders.  Their affection for their furry children is obvious, so they know how you feel about your critter of choice.

As an aside, Joy and I had to increase the size of our bed last month, as our 5 dogs are commanding more sleeping area.

Til next week!

g

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