For those who don’t subscribe to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, I am reprinting my blog entry entitled ‘Yes, It’s True!’ reworked and retitled “I will return to fight another day’ as it appeared on Sunday Inquirer Magazine last Feb. 25, 2006 It is a much longer version than the original and seems to ‘read’ differently. If you’ve read the shorter version, please bear with me.
I wasn’t going write about this until I was ready. I am ready now. Yes, it’s true. I am moving with my family to Australia.
I thought of migrating in 1998, a few months after Erap had won. Even if I did not vote for him, I was (in hindsight) naively hopeful that he would be a leader who would prove his detractors wrong. I was not just ready but hoping to be surprised. As it turned out, I was wrong. Instead, I found myself, with so many others, quite disgusted and disappointed with how things turned out. I saw little hope for the next six years.
How depressingly different the future seemed at that point compared to the optimism I felt in 1986 when I and my APO group mates, Danny Javier and Boboy Garrovillo, joined several million Filipinos in breaking the dictator’s repressive grip on our country. EDSA I was the glorious, euphoric culmination of years of struggle to win back our freedoms. It was the bold, victorious step we collectively took to redirect the country to the path to greatness.
We in the APO had done our humble part through our performances that somehow helped inspire fellow Filipinos to struggle for a different future. In the last months before EDSA I, the APO was banned from the controlled media, radio and TV, and prohibited from using government venues like Ultra, Folk Arts Theater and CCP.
It was par for the course but it only made us more committed to the movement to get Marcos out of Malacanang and our lives. I was more than ready to risk life, limb, career and future for a better Philippines. The events leading to EDSA I shaped my political convictions and the historic three days of the EDSA revolution told me that my idealism was not misplaced. It affirmed my belief that we Filipinos have what it takes to be great.
‘Magkakapit bisig libo-libong tao
Kay sarap pala maging Pilipino’…
Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo
Mapayapang paraang pagbabago
Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan
Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas
Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat
Those words, which spontaneously came out of me as I wrote what became the EDSA anthem ‘Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo’, captured both the greatness and unity that we are capable of when we set aside our differences.
Fast-forward to 2000. 1986 seemed so far away, like a half-forgotten dream. In place of the euphoria and optimism, I remember the feeling of being tossed in a sea of uncertainty and despair as we were fed by media with a daily diet of scandal after scandal that characterized Erap’s failed presidency and moral weakness. We had undoubtedly taken a wrong turn somewhere and we were headed for the abyss, which was just around the corner.
It was around then that I applied for migration to Australia. At the time, I felt it would be a good opportunity to sit out the Erap years and pursue something the family has always wanted to do — live abroad. I was in my late 40s and I was restless, wanting to try things I’ve never done before. My decision to move was and remains to be as much about personal growth as it was and is about the disappointment with how our leaders are running the country to the ground.
Before EDSA I, my family actually had green cards to live in the United States. But we surrendered these to the US Embassy in 1989 right after the deadliest coup staged by the military adventurists of the Reform the AFP Movement. After that close call for our democracy, my wife Lydia and I decided to make the statement that we were staying to defend the gains of our newly recovered freedoms from the military predators. We were staking our lives and that of our children to show our belief in and support for our new democracy. And to prove it, we closed the escape hatch.
I believed then as I do now that sometimes, one must do what one must, even if others think it’s crazy. The immigration officer was flabbergasted when I showed up at the US Embassy just two days after the coup ended to return our green cards. He could not fathom why we were doing this when so many Filipinos were willing to give anything for the chance to live in the US.
The way things stood in 2000, however, we felt it was the time to seriously consider the option to migrate. To our great delight, we were promptly approved for migration to Australia. We were given a five-year window to make the move but we wanted to leave right away. I was tired and had little enthusiasm for political involvement and causes.
It seemed that we had not learned anything from EDSA I. We had squandered our opportunities for genuine and lasting change. Almost every institution in our midst was faltering and failing its constituents and I felt deeply let down. Where after EDSA 1 I had the passion to engage and get involved, 15 years later, I was tired and even doubted whether doing so would change anything. It was Marshall Macluhan who said that the price for eternal vigilance was boredom. In my case, it was more a case of a flagging spirit, worn out in trying in my own way to get the country out of the inertia that it seems to be perennially stuck in. I was becoming too cynical. I needed a break.
But politics aside, leaving was understandably attractive for many other personal reasons. I was eagerly getting into new pursuits—teaching, writing books, photography, scuba, giving workshops. And I still wanted to do other things, like pursue further studies, or simply try a different milieu to wake up to and engage. In other words, I was looking for new challenges, new vistas to explore and conquer.
But EDSA Dos intervened and delayed our move. After EDSA II succeeded in evicting Estrada from Malacanang in January 2001, we had second thoughts about leaving. But, as things turned out, our hope for change was short-lived. Soon after President Arroyo took over the government, it was clear that we would still be in for hard times. There was the nightmare of EDSA Tres in late April, the relentless assault of the opposition on the newly installed President, and its blind ambition to return to power at any cost. And the scandals that have plagued the Arroyo administration almost since Day One, did not inspire confidence.
Still, our plan to leave would be delayed by more important and tragic events in the family. On the home front, my mother-in-law was found to have cancer and passed away in less than a year. Shortly after my mother-in-law died, Lydia, who took care of her mother until the end, was herself diagnosed with breast cancer, which forced us to put our move to emigrate on hold indefinitely. Lydia’s cancer came as a big shock to our family. We considered the option of her getting treatment in Australia, but we later agreed it would be best to get her treatment here amid the healing company of her friends and loved ones.
Fortunately, she showed positive signs of recovery but our euphoria was quickly dashed when her father was diagnosed with lung and bone cancer in January last year. We stayed by his side until his death in October.
With the demise of both Lydia’s parents and her continuing recovery, we decided that it was time to pick up our plan to move to Sydney, Australia.
Why Australia? I’ve always enjoyed visiting the place. As a parent, I always think about what my kids’ future will be and constantly worry about their safety. Australia seems like a good place for them to learn to be independent, in a society that is stable, equitable and relatively safe. For starters, the country is kind to immigrants: it provides free education, medical benefits, social services, etc. and is still a decent place to live.
If the kids find that they want to return later on to the Philippines, it will be their choice. But by moving, we are giving them the opportunity to live in another country and thus be able to make an informed decision.
As for Lydia and me, we are doing this while we are still (relatively) young enough, strong enough and crazy enough to start anew. Do we intend to live in Australia for the rest of our lives? No! We are too hopelessly Pinoy to uproot ourselves completely from this country and society. Our roots are here. Our friends are here and we have spent most of our lives here. We will be back.
Years ago, I explained to a foreigner why overseas Filipinos want to eventually return home. First World countries may have great infrastructure, material comfort and modernity, but these cannot compare with the way the homeland speaks to a Filipino’s heart. There may be potholes in the street where I live but they ‘speak’ to me in a way that a flawless highway in a developed foreign country cannot. I may be upset by the potholes, but the feeling is a familiar one, and it is easier to endure than alienation in a foreign land.
The things that upset me about the country ‘speak’ to me in that same familiar language. In fact, it is so familiar that my sense of humor can run circles around the very things I complain about. But that is precisely the problem: because these have become too familiar, I am no longer moved by them – at least not enough to be able to change things. Indeed, they have become ‘my’ potholes. Life in the Philippines may be hell at times, but it remains our home. Lydia and I are not even selling our house.
I have been asked if I am disgusted with the way things are here. Yes, absolutely, just like everyone else. Am I abandoning the Philippines? No. I am Filipino. One big issue that I grappled with was the possibility of having to give up my citizenship in the course of migrating. I could not picture NOT being a Filipino. I still can’t. But with the new law allowing dual citizenship in place, that has stopped being a concern. Regardless, I know from years of meeting many of our kababayans abroad that we Pinoys may leave this country and settle in other places but our Filipino-ness will never leave us. Being Filipino is, after all, in the heart.
It might be a good experience living in another society, even for just a while, and becoming a Global Filipino, like Rizal, Luna, Ninoy, and the OFWs I have met while performing with the APO in the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand and Australia. I wish to share their experience of living abroad, in functional and orderly societies, and bringing back home lessons learned form the experience. I suspect that being a Global Pinoy can only be broadening.
I am thankful that my closest friends and partners in APO – Danny Javier, Boboy Garovillo, Betta and Butch Dans – have been very supportive, making my decision to emigrate easier. APO is truly a free society. We have always encouraged each other’s plans to grow in the directions we chose. 
This is not the end of APO, however. Not by a long shot. Mick Jagger, in explaining the Stones’ longevity says that ‘good things last forever,’ I feel the same way about APO, especially after our newly affirmed realization (thanks to our concerts overseas) that generations of Filipinos have indeed grown up with our music. We will continue to tour abroad, and perform in Manila occasionally although admittedly, our appearances here will be more limited.
In the next few months, I look forward to pursuing my to-do list. After setting up house in Sydney, I would like to study, maybe pursue a masters’ degree, or try getting a job — something I have never done. Whatever lies in store for me in this new adventure, I am saying “yes”. There is something crazy, thrilling and exciting about it, almost like signing a blank check. One has to do crazy things every now and then.
I know my decision to leave has stirred some concern among some friends, but I have to do what I have to do. Call it a sabbatical. Or a Jungian call to adventure. Maybe it’s just me mid-lifing. But the fact is, there are parts of me wishing to find expression somewhere and in ways I have not tried. Political fatigue has made it easier for me to pursue my personal development. I will return to fight another day.
A wise person once pointed out, ‘We do not see the world as it is. We see it as we are’. Perhaps. When I come back, I shall have acquired fresh eyes and a revived spirit and hopefully, a better appreciation once more of the many blessings of life in the Philippines. I can once again jump into the fray and give my heart and soul to the day-to-day task of chipping away at the block of inertia that has characterized our society and brought us so many problems.
I am hopeful that I will want to join the effort once again to try and change things for the better in our country where Lydia and I intend to live the remaining years of our lives.
###
and just like the song, ” babalik at babalik ka rin….”
God speed and goodluck, neyburhud!
Just follow your heart my dear friend, you will be all right 🙂 You are a “gift” to anyone wherever you may be. May you be able to realize all the other things you want to pursue and accomplish. Yes, you are a Filipino through and through and there’s no doubt about it. Migrating to another country, as you said to a “more orderly and functional society” will surely give you some “peace” and a rejuvenated zest for life. This is what we all hope for all Filipinos in the Philippines who have no way, no chance nor opportunity as some of us do have(and had). Don’t feel sad that you have to leave “for awhile” because there’s this saying it is better (perhaps clearer) to appreciate the mountain from afar than when you are exactly there… Our good wishes on your new adventure and as I always say to you, “Have a good life my dear Friend!”… and to our fellow “kababayans” our thoughts and prayers for a peaceful resolution of the present crisis in the Philippines. Don’t despair, there’s always hope… and justice shall prevail… each has to do his part and God will do the rest :-)Jun, Julie, Matthew & Junie
Hey Jim (can I even call a respected elder by his first name? I certainly have tons of it for you),
I’m one of those Filipinos who needed to get away for a while. I’m not sure when I’ll return (or even if I will, apart from vacations) but it’ll always be in my heart.
For the meantime, I live in Metro DC area and the Smithsonian is getting my free time (I also get free parking and discounts, yay). If your family ever swings by this way, I’d be glad to play tour guide.
I wish you and your family all the best. You’re a true Atenean and a Renaissance Man.
Anya, who was the stage manager in EDSA Dos (I don’t know if Danny‘ll remember but he was my boss. I was the girl who had just checked out of the hospital but went immediately to EDSA Shrine because the revolution had just happened and the rest, as they say…), and Ala‘s retreat guide in HS at the time I was still connected to CLCP in Ateneo (which I doubt that she’ll even remember now. It’s been lotsa years after all.)
Here I am.
Hi Jim,
just for your info: I am fond of reading blogs (those that I find interesting ex. about spirituality, freedom..those intangible things)of other people, I know I can learn something from them, get new perspective, be inspired…
I just want you to know that I felt that you have written this particular topic by your heart…I also feel the frustration, dismay, all I can do is SIGH, pray, hope for things to get better in the Philippines.
I wish you all the best.
By the way, I admire APO for their beautiful songs. I hope you could do a show in Dubai sometime in the future.
edsa..i wish i was born when that happened..i wish other young people like me would come to not just appreciate what the people behind EDSA 1 has done…what impact it made on the country and to the generstion today..i hope people wud come to fight for our rights and be proud that we are Filipinos..as in proud, not because we excel in any field that we choose..or great in talent..but as “Filipinos”.
a lil OT: where did you have your photos printed again?and may i have their contact numbers…after reading your artik in picture perfect, i realized that pics are really better off printed than just eating dust or being stucked in a cd..
All my best wishes to you and your family, Jim. I’m looking forward to your postings from Sydney. 😀
goodluck with the move :).
thank you for everything.may the Lord keep you and bless you.your family will always be in our prayers.welcome global pinoy!
balikbayan box–totoo yan! Salamat sa ‘good luck’
julie–as always, you are very encouraging. Thank you deeply for your friendship.
anonymous– How interesting. Let me pass them info to Danny and Ala. Who knows? I may be in your area one of these months. Will look you up. Thank you for your kind words.
anonymous–Thank you. Dubai is one place I am raring to visit. Glad you enjoy my blog.
bilang ako–every generation will have it’s share of opportunities to be heroes. YOur time will come.
I have my best pictures printed at Studio 58 at Pasong Tamo. Look them up nalang sa phone book.
screwed up, denden, emm banaag–daghang salamat! I will need the prayers.
hi jim!
i wish i had the guts to just pack up and leave. i myself am at an impasse the logical part of me is telling me to continue on with my studies as a law student, but another is telling me to stop and pursue something im really passionate about – somewhere else. to be a citizen of the world.
is it a bad thing to want to leave even if i havent given back yet? i feel there is so much i have to see to be complete. it makes me sad that our country cannot offer me everything i want to discover.
:'( what a sad and happy entry!
im writing this as your TV special of Channel 2 ends. How ironic that you have this show on tonight after all the mess being shown on the news all day! Im am soo sick of the news!
I wish you and your family all the best as you dive in to your new lives. Maybe when I see you again, you’ll be speaking with “yeh” at the end of every sentence! 😀
I am sure you will have a great and challenging experience. I pray for you and your family always!:D God bless you always!!
hello there! i was able to read your article in INQ and i watched your docu with bianca gonzales awhile ago.
your article was definitely enlightening and written with so much passion about being a Filipino.
your docu with bianca was definitely a must-see especially for the younger generation. kinikilabutan ako while i was watching it. way to go, Mr. Paredes!
you’re welcome to come back to the philippines anytime. goodluck and God bless!
Hey Jim,
Good Luck to you and your family, It’s not easy during the first few months or maybe years, but with your talent and abilities you and your family will be just fine.
Also I would like to take this opportunity for all the wonderful contributions to the motherland!
From my family to yours- Good luck again and godspeed.
Ingat Lagi!
Kevin
San Gabriel, Ca 91775
i read inquirer’s SIM. i salute you, sir jim, for your courage.
you will always find home.
take care and God bless you and your family.
still, i wish i could’ve done more than just sitting and watching the news..hoping everything will be okay..when i finish my degree here..there’s a huge possibility for me to study abroad.yes, it is a good opportunity.it’s just that i feelm like it’s so near..i feel like i haven’t done anything beneficial for the country..except for studying well, not littering, following certain rules a citizen must abide..but what else can i offer?i don’t want my being young to limit myself from enjoying the few things r country can offer.i love the philippines.and im hella proud im a filipinino..but i have to leave it sooner or later..*sighs*
Good luck! It’s a big step, just like the majority of Filipino migrants who had the chance to move away from the “chaos” (sorry, can’t find the right noun)which is our country – we are doing this for our children sake and hoping that someday change will happen back home and we will all come back and help re-build it – someday…
BTW, enjoyed your show here in Calgary last Valentine Day. I wanted to stay after the show hoping to get a chance for a little chat to say thanks for a wonderful show and wanted to ask how Martin M.(Marty) is, but did not have a chance as meron pasok pa kinabukasan. He is a classmate of mine (Architecture) back in College. Again reading your story brings back memories esp. when Marty will tell us then (1984-86) “Let’s make Friday, a Yellow day!” Anyways, good luck again and wishing you and your family continued success!
Ps.
Say Hi to Marty! If he asks who I am – just tell him the person who almost has a fistfight with our instructor, and he being the cool guy, managed to pull me away – if not, probably i won’t be here today.
Hi Jim! I am a 27-year-old Filipina in New York, one who refuses to be called a New Yorker as many people would call me. I just wanted to say, I know the emotional roller coaster your family might be experiencing right now, with your move away from home. But for all it’s worth, let me assure you that your leaving will bring you only more love and renewed appreciation for our beloved country. I am very sure of that.
I am excited and very much looking forward to see you fighting again, because even if I am miles and miles away from home, I will fight with you, together with thousands of other Filipinos abroad who has not and will NEVER give up on the Philippines.
God bless you and your family, Jim!
good luck
Hello Jim,
I saw you guys have a motorcade in Maasin So. Leyte circa early 80’s. But I was just 10 years old and have no money to see your concert for 100 pesos a ticket nor a fare for motorcab ride.
I was in grade six during EDSA in 1986, and we sang your theme song “Awit ng Pilipino sa Mundo”.. I hope i am correct. I guess we we’re big APO Hiking fans by then.
Fastforward 21 years after, I finally met you, Boboy and Danny in person in Canada Feb 11, 2006. Things havent changed much. I remembered Boboy still looks the same.
I can see that journeys and mine had crosspaths. Eventhough for a simple acquiantances it feels like forever that I have known you guys and we’re old lost friends. Just an idea. I did start from scratch when i came 7 years ago in Canada with only 10$ in my pocket. Believe me, the bagel sandwich in the airport is not worth it.. it’s tough as rubber.
Jim I hope everything will turn out just the way you planned it. Life is a journey…..
this is Calex from Calgary
P.S.
Extend my regards to Alaism, Danny Javier and Boboy
nakita ko pow yung tribute nyo kgabi sa edsa! di ko nga lang natapos kasi lasing na kasma ko… medyo connected me sa edsa eh, feb 26, 1986 me pinanganak. lols… la lang…
Hi Jim, advance welcome to Sydney. I understand where you are coming from as any Filipino living overseas does. You will find life here is too peaceful compared to living in Manila. As you and your family settle down you will find new challeges which you may not have yet imagined (like having no maids!). But the peace of mind you will enjoy here will compensate for these minor disadvantages. If you are looking for something to do which I think we desperately need in Sydney is to consider putting up a good Filipino pub/restaurant to introduce the locals to our home cooking. There are already a number of them existing but they are out in the suburbs. We need it near or in the CBD itself. We need it also to serve as a meeting place where Filipinos can go after work to share a San Miguel beer or two, enjoy our APO songs, savour our pulutan. And it can serve as well as a gathering place for locals to better appreciate our culture. I think with your icon status you may want to do this. And may possibly provide you a new sense of purpose in your life here. I would be happy to help you should you like to consider pursuing this. In the meanwhile mate, Mabuhay and welcome to Sydney!
Hey Jim,
I got this idea.
You need to watch the movie “Danny Deckchair”.
Let me know after you watch it.
I watched the EDSA I special kagabi sa Channel 2 and I was like, “WOW! Sana I was there”. Sayang nga lang I’m too young and I was not born then. Anyway, with what’s been happening in this country ngayon, feeling ko po, nabuhay uli yung spirit ng EDSA I.
Hi Sir. Jim!
Please bear with me ‘cos this could be pretty long, sir. I don’t know where to write you po kasi.
I do read your (and your daughter’s) blog whenever I have time but this is just my first time to drop you a line. I really admire you Sir, as a musician, as a writer, as a Filipino and as a person in general. I’ve gotten to know, kahit a piece of you lang po by reading you blog.
EDSA1. I was only 8mos then when that brief but glorious shining moment of us Filipinos, happened. I hear stories about it only through teachers at school, TV specials and through my mom (who was an avid Ninoy supporter back then). Whenever I see pictures about it, I always imagine what it’s like to be in that huge wave of crowd, fighting for your country’s freedom and actually be part of the history. But I was never contented with the knowledge that I have about EDSA1. Feeling ko po, kulang lahat ng nalalaman ko that’s why when I saw the teaser of your docu w/ bianca, I was really excited to watch it ‘cos I know it’ll be a different one from all the docus I’ve watched about EDSA. And hindi nga po ako nagkamali. 🙂
While I was watching it, I felt so really PROUD to be a Filipino. Yung dapang ilong ko nga, tumangos po e! Hehe. I even cried while watching it. The moment when ch4 aired again-liberated at last, then June Keithly and one guy (forgot po his name, sorry) cried. Pati yung sumigaw po kayong tatlo ni Mr. Herrero and Mr. Trinidad. Sobrang na-feel ko yung tuwa na naramdaman niyo that time. I can’t help to be emotional. Sobrang ang sarap po siguro talaga ng feeling, noh?
But then again, looking back to the 20yrs that has passed, I want to believe that my parents, together w/ the millions of Filipinos who went there and prayed, didn’t fight in vain, that their efforts wasn’t wasted. Sa kalagayan ng bansa po natin ngayon, I feel so sad and disgusted (to use the term). Tapos.. tapos… aalis pa kayo? Pano na lang ang Pilipinas nito? Hay.
Learning about the news that you w/ your whole family will be migrating sends a wave of sadness over me. Really. But I know that being a Filipino doesn’t stop on living in your homeland. You can still be a Filipino through and through-w/ your actions and your deeds. Miles away man. Kulay at ilong palang po e! (pango po kasi ako) 🙂
Don’t you worry po, I’ll do my own share, my own little ways, as a future nurse, to give back to my motherland all the things she has taught and gave me. Besides, this is every Filipinos’ responsiblity po.
May God guide you and your family everyday and may you find the “peace” you are looking for. Enjoy your new life po in Aus and someday, I know babalik din po kayo. 🙂
P.S.
I am soooo sorry for the long comment.
God bless!
Rachelle
Rachelle here again, Sir.
I just want to ask if there is any possible way I could get a copy of the documentary you hosted yesterday on ABS? Hindi po kasi napanuod ng dad ko and sobrang nanghihinayang siya he wasn’t able to catched it tsaka magandang memento/keepsake po iyon.
Just asking lang po… thanks! 🙂
sophie–wherever you are happy is where you shoiud be.
doranne–clearly EDSA is not finished yet. Thanks for the good wishes.
Barenaked–salamat. glad you liked it.
kevin–I am preparing myself for the change and the hardship.
jey-salamat
bilang akpo–by being the best you can be, you are doing the country proud.
huseng busabos–will tell marty your message.
pinay_sa_nyc–my feelings exactly.
calex–wow! who would have known our lives would intersect in two continents years later.
jed–salamat
aussiecharles–hmmm. that’s an idea…
anonymous–will look for movie
talia–glad you liked it
anonymous–don’t apologise for long entries. I read each one. I am glad that special touched you in a big way. I will announce on my blog where people can get the video when I find out!
Jim
Hello APO Jim!
My wife and I recently migrated to the US with same sentiments that you have expressed on your post – disgust for the neverending politics, personal growth, giving a chance and a choice to our future children. Still, it’s sad to read about what’s happening in the Philippines even though we’re miles away. Like you’ve said – we’re Filipinos. Kahit ilang paligo pa ang gawin ko, Pinoy pa rin.
I’m sure the Australian community will welcome you and your family. Good luck!
Jim, i don’t have anything else to say except, thank you for all your efforts and godspeed on the journey that lies ahead.
Puwedeng magtanong, dumaan ba kayo ng agency o sarili lang kayong nagapply. Nagbabalak na rin kaming umalis dahil sa rason na mukhang nabuhay ulit si Marcos at mukhang mas mabagsik pa siya ngayon.
Any advice po? Salamat po.
hi, we are also leaving for australia this april, pero sa melbourne,hope you could visit melbourne also
I can sense a feeling of sadness in your piece and yet I can also sense your love for our country. And I can relate to that feeling because I myself left our beloved country with sadness and love for our country. But I hope to come back soon with a hope and feeling that at that time things have change and our coutry has change for the better. I wish you and your family good luck and how I wish you migrated to Alberta, Canada (where I live now) instead. Will you continue singing and doing things like you used to do like writing on this website when you are in Australia?
Hi Jim,
If your interested to evaluate further the potentials of my idea email on ideasman88@yahoo.com.au. I already know of a Pinoy chef who already lives here who wants to be a part of this idea. At the same time my nephew has a band who is looking for a place to play on a regular basis. In terms of location, I already found a place in King Street, Newtown which is just the place to be. I think it is also the perfect place to promote your other skills in writing and creative training. I look forward to meet you even just to get your autograph!
sir jim,
mukhang tuloy-tuloy na ang pagalis ninyong mag-anak. Nakakalungkot man isipin na ang isa sa mga pilipinong nagbigay buhay sa kultura at sining ay aalis sa bansa, ay alam kong hindi ito ang katapusan ng paggawa mo ng kanta, litrato at higit sa lahat ang pagiging pilipino. Marahil sa tamang panahon ay babalik ka muli.
God Speed and Good luck to your family.
Hi Jim
I’m a long time fan, more than 30 years. I read your article in the Sunday Inquirer about migrating to Australia and if you don’t mind, I’d like to make a few comments.
First off, I’m an Australian from a Filipino background. I’ve been living in Sydney for 25 years and I call this place my home. Having said this, I’ll always have an attachment to my old country, the Philippines, where I grew up.
Your comment about Oz are spot on. It is a very good country, especially for those willing to be a good citizen. I’d say without reservation that Oz is the best place in the world to raise a family. I need not say anymore because you have accurately described Australia already.
My concern about what you wrote is that despite of your obvious regard to Australia, it seems to me that you are only concern about what you are going to get from this country. I understand that you are passionate about the Philippines, so am I, but you are coming here as an immigrant, not a contract worker, so you and your family are coming here to live. Australia is a country as well that expects passion from her people.
From what you have written about your passion for the Philippines, it seems that you have no room left in your heart and soul to develop any love for Australia, a country that you expect to give your family a future worth leaving the Philippines for. It all seems to be a little bit disrespectful to Australia.
Hi Jim
I’m a long time fan, more than 30 years. I read your article in the Sunday Inquirer about migrating to Australia and if you don’t mind, I’d like to make a few comments.
First off, I’m an Australian from a Filipino background. I’ve been living in Sydney for 25 years and I call this place my home. Having said this, I’ll always have an attachment to my old country, the Philippines, where I grew up.
Your comment about Oz are spot on. It is a very good country, especially for those willing to be a good citizen. I’d say without reservation that Oz is the best place in the world to raise a family. I need not say anymore because you have accurately described Australia already.
My concern about what you wrote is that despite of your obvious regard to Australia, it seems to me that you are only concern about what you are going to get from this country and nothing about what you will contribute. I understand that you are passionate about the Philippines, so am I, but you are coming here as an immigrant, not a contract worker, so you and your family are coming here to live. Australia is a country as well that expects, and deserves passion and respect from its people.
From what you have written about your passion for the Philippines, it seems that you have no room left in your heart and soul to develop any love for Australia, a country that you expect to give your family a future worth leaving the Philippines for. It all seems to be a little bit disrespectful to Australia to live here with your heart and soul somewhere else. I reckon that is no way to live.
manding– I expect to live with passion ANYWHERE I am. I intend as always to give more than I get in life wherever it may be. I am present to my situation. Right now, please allow me the space to just indulge in the sadness for a love I am leaving behind.
benjie–salamat
aussicharles–I still have to get there and get settled before I seriously look into anything. Ask me again in 3 months.
arnulfo–Canada is a great country. Sobrang lamig lang!!
Anonymous–Melbourne is nice, but wet!!
desperate–no, i did not use an agency.
markmomukhamo–salamat!
Coolmel–thanks.
Hi Jim
I’m a long time fan, more than 30 years. I read your article in the Sunday Inquirer about migrating to Australia and if you don’t mind, I’d like to make a few comments.
First off, I’m an Australian from a Filipino background. I’ve been living in Sydney for 25 years and I call this place my home. Having said this, I’ll always have an attachment to my old country, the Philippines, where I grew up.
Your comment about Oz are spot on. It is a very good country, especially for those willing to be a good citizen. I’d say without reservation that Oz is the best place in the world to raise a family. I need not say anymore because you have accurately described Australia already.
My concern about what you wrote is that despite of your obvious regard to Australia, it seems to me that you are only concern about what you are going to get from this country. I understand that you are passionate about the Philippines, so am I, but you are coming here as an immigrant, not a contract worker, so you and your family are coming here to live. Australia is a country as well that expects passion from her people.
From what you have written about your passion for the Philippines, it seems that you have no room left in your heart and soul to develop any love for Australia, a country that you expect to give your family a future worth leaving the Philippines for. It all seems to be a little bit disrespectful to Australia.
Sorry, my last posting is inadvertent.
I understand Jim. Perhaps we all can get emotional when leaving our country. I am just making the point that no one should migrate without an open mind and heart to their new country.
I am sure that you will be Australia’s gain and the Philippines lost (I guess that gors for all Pinoys overseas). I can assure you that in no time you will come to love Sydney.
Hi Jim,
I just wanted to make a comment in regards to what Manding wrote. An artist like you would always be passionate in your beliefs and what you do wherever you will be. I do think you will always find a purpose and a meaning in what you do even when in Australia. And in time, like what you did back home, from being an artist to becoming an EDSA icon, your presence will enrich Australia as well with what you can do here.
Thanks Jim for even responding to my post. I’ve felt you are a friend even though you don’t even know or met me. One regret I have recently was failing to watch your concert when you and the rest of APO was here in Edmonton, Alberta. I was busy working 500 km. north of Edmonton when that event happened. I just hope Danny, Boboy and you will be back soon here in Edmonton. And when that time comes, I will make sure that I will be there to watch your concert………By the way, not all part of Canada is “too cold”. Vancouver is perfect and got the best weather in the world.
Hi Jim, (if I may call you so)
I’m one of the millions who grew up on your songs, watched your concerts, tuned in to Sa Linggo nAPO sila that eventually became Sang Linggo nAPO sila. Some of my best memories are usually accompanied by songs like “Anna” and “‘Til I met you.”
Like you, and a couple of people who made a comment on this post, I’m one of the Filipinos who’s physically away from the country but whose heart and roots are firmly planted back home. Like you, I look forward to the day when I come back and do my share in making the country better in some small way. I’m glad that there are people like you who has hope in his heart, hope that our country will be great, and is definitely worth fighting for. With enough hope, I think anything and everything is achievable.
Good luck to you and your family as you embark on this new journey and enter this new chapter. Your talent will be missed. Ala will be missed. But we will be waiting patiently for your return.
God bless you, Jim, and your family. I couldn’t blame you or anybody for our situation right now. As a young citizen of this country, I too, is dismayed by the things that is happening in our country right now. When my father and I talks, it usually ends up him saying its better to migrate somewhere out there. Our economics, government is apalling. But like you, I’m a pinoy by heart.
I’m not still decided.
Anyway, we’ll be looking forward to your posts from Sydney. Wish you all the best.
Hi Jim,
What you’ve written on your blog truly reflects the heart of each of us Pinoy’s living abroad.
Pag malayo ka sa inang bayan …mas mararamdaman mo ang pagkapilipino..
Wishing you and your family the best!
Nice article and I understand your sadness. Think of this though: Australia is a great country. Its government will treat you FAR FAR better than the Philippine Government has and ever will.
I read somewhere someone said that the measure of the greatness of a society is in how it treats the least of its citizens. You will note how much hoopla has been given to the Edsa “revolution” 20th anniversary and all the turmoil that happened over February. But I find it disturbing that the 1,800 Pinoy souls who lost their lives in the latest mudslide has since become nothing more than a footnote in our history. THAT is what I’m talking about.
In Australia, you will be astounded by how much resources (and your tax money) is devoted to the most disadvantaged members of its society. Being part of a community like that — one that goes beyond superficial populism to deliver REAL RESULTS to its citizens — is nothing less than the best experience one could have.
So go ahead and be FILIPINO. You cannot lose than identity EVEN IF YOU WANTED TO. But embrace Australia and contribute to your new country. Life’s too short to be in-between identities. 😉
Hi Jim, its Becki Cha. The internet is so hard here in the boondoks. I left everyones contact info at home. I’m sure glad your google-able. Ian saw your article in the paper and pointed it out. I was hoping to wish you bon voyage in person, but with all that stuff going on in Manila, I decided to stay put. Coming from someone who hasn’t lived in Philippines for fortyfive years, I can say with confidence; you can leave the country, but the country never leaves you.
With all that drive, energy, and creative juices that run through your being, you will have a great time finding new adventures to share. And it isn’t so much that you are taking anything away; as you will have so much more to bring back.
Good Luck to you and your family, Jim. Till our paths cross again, have a great life.
Good Luck tito Jim & to your family sa pagpunta sa Australia. I know God will always look after & take care of you & your family saan kayo mapumunta.
God Bless always!
I love your song “Show Me A Smile”. Saan po kaya makakakuha ng copy nun? O kaya kahit MP3 man lang po. Thank you! 🙂
Am sure you’ve heard from everyong: SORRY TO SEE YOU GO. Regards to OZ…pay us visit at Philippine Commentary…
mr. jim paredes,
i feel the same sentiments as you do.my family just recently migrated to the US in hopes of receiving what the philippines has failed to give us, but in my heart, i know im coming back. malungkot po talaga pag malayo sa bansa mo, ibang-iba. nakakamiss ang Pilipinas, kahit gano pa kapangit ang sitwasyon…
anyway,you’re really a talented and creative person po, that’s why you inspire me. both you and your daughter ala. thank you for sharing your lives with us filipinos!!
God speed!
Mr. Paredes, if it isn’t too much to ask, can you make a World 66 Map of all your travels? it would be really interesting to see it. thanks!
Hi Jim,
Felt the same way when I moved to Sydney in 2003. I’ve built my life since then and have learned how to become totally independent (though I cried my eyes out the first few weeks, hahaha).
Kuwento lang… I was able to return to Manila last Christmas en route from a business trip. I bought a couple of your CDs for some officemates. Hindi kasi ako makapag-work without hearing any music so I started playing your CDs in my office. Akala ko pagagalitan nila ako, but it turned out they want me to increase the volume pa. Nung una, nakakatuwa kapag Tagalog na yung song then lalapit sila sa akin to ask what the song is about. Pero nung tumagal nakaka-irita din pala kaya I had to prepare a special playlist of English OPM songs para matigil na sila. Pinaka-favorite nila is “When I Met You” which I even sang on the wedding of 2 of my officemates.
Anyway, welcome to you and your family. I hope you enjoy the good times and learn/smile on the hard times, as much as I have. Just in case you need help on your transition here, you could email me badette@optusnet.com.au.
Regards,
Bernadette
I envy you Jim, exciting and challenging years ahead for you and your wife..what a great way to keep and feel forever young. goodluck.
you are lovely.
your post really echoed most of my sentiments… my husband and i are both looking for jobs abroad, and researching like crazy to migrate…
i’ve always wanted to travel internationally, but i never really wanted to live and raise a family outside of the philippines…
but with what’s happening now, i feel i owe my future kids the option of a more stable environment in order to fluorish
and philippines will always be home… it will always be more beautiful than the rest of the world…
(hopefully, your wife will continue to recover as my nephew conmtinues to fight)
That was a very moving piece. Good luck to you, Lydia, and the kids on your new life in Australia. How exciting it must be to have a fresh start… you can be anything and anyone. After more than 3 years of living abroad myself, I learned to appreciate the Philippines and the Filipinos even more. I think it’s different when you really live abroad rather than just visiting or touring. You get an entirely different perspective of things. No matter how magulo it is back home, you still love the bloody country. I read somewhere or watched somewhere that instead of perceiving the migration of Filipinos as “brain drain,” we should perceive it as “brain gain.” I am positive that all things you will learn, and all the experiences you will have… you will bring them all back when you go back home to the Philippines.
Hi Sir Jim!
I read your article at INQ and was able to read it again here…
My husband and i also plans to migrate in Oz but just like you, we’re still giving our country and ourselves some hope that someday (if not sooner)we can still live us a proud and contented citizen of this republic. We would often discuss wether to live there permanently or be there until we realized that it’d be the proper time to comeback home.
For me, i honestly can not live my motherland but reality bites that i cannot offer this patriotism to my starving son nor to my jobless husband. Leaving our country does’nt mean forgetting our roots…Sometimes it helps being away from home ‘coz it’s then we realized how we love it and how we need to help it and the people living there.
If ever we leave this place we’re sure that we’ll come back home to help our country and our fellowmen in our own little way.
Wherever we may be, wherever this thinking might lead us…we will always be a PROUD FILIPINO!
btw, Iam 31 yrs old and i was in malacanang the day the marcoses left the palace and i was also there in Edsa 2 watching APO and other Pinoy who wants to change our country for a more better future.
Good Luck and God bless you and your family and our mother land.
You’re in my prayers. MABUHAY KA!
Hi Sir Jim!
I read your article at INQ and was able to read it again here…
My husband and i also plans to migrate in Oz but just like you, we’re still giving our country and ourselves some hope that someday (if not sooner)we can still live us a proud and contented citizen of this republic. We would often discuss wether to live there permanently or be there until we realized that it’d be the proper time to comeback home.
For me, i honestly can not live my motherland but reality bites that i cannot offer this patriotism to my starving son nor to my jobless husband. Leaving our country does’nt mean forgetting our roots…Sometimes it helps being away from home ‘coz it’s then we realized how we love it and how we need to help it and the people living there.
If ever we leave this place we’re sure that we’ll come back home to help our country and our fellowmen in our own little way.
Wherever we may be, wherever this thinking might lead us…we will always be a PROUD FILIPINO!
btw, Iam 31 yrs old and i was in malacanang the day the marcoses left the palace and i was also there in Edsa 2 watching APO and other Pinoy who wants to change our country for a more better future.
Good Luck and God bless you and your family and our mother land.
You’re in my prayers. MABUHAY KA!
sir, i hope you don’t mind me using a quote from your book humming in my universe.
home is the silence and the darkness.
Hi Jim
Benigni articulated what I am trying to say. Maybe it is a bit of a radical an idea when I say I just find it contradictory professing an undying love for a country thet one is leaving or have left. when I left the country, i was really sad about my family and my friends but I thought the country sucked, that is why I was leaving.
Life is too short to be in between identities. How true. I have maintained my ties to my old country but Australia is my country now. It has given me and my family a future, a very good one. It treats me and my ability with respect and by and large, our leaders are fighting each other on how to best serve the Australian people.
Whenever I feel homesick, and think of the happy times with my friends over there, I also think about the those times how hard it was for my parents to bring up kids. I think about the times that people a lot less smarter than me get ahead in life because of their padrino. I think about the times that some people treated me with disrespect simply because they are wealthier than me. I think about the times when my family’s life and future was being decided by the idiots in the police, hospital and the government. Then I look at my world now and I just feel very grateful to my new country.
I live here, my kids were born here. This country love and respect me and I am not going anywhere. So how can I say that my heart still belongs to my old country. It is not a good life to live anywhere always thinking that there is a better place somewhere.
If I really love the Philippines so much, I would not have left.
First of all , Good Luck Mr. Jim on your big move to OZ . May you find the peace that you seek in this country.
Secondly , forgive me for making a comment against “Manding” who so blatantly belittle the Philippines . “Country that Sucks..
Why can’t you FOLKS just keep those thoughts to yourself ?
Mate if you have switched your citizenship then Good For You …but YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY RIGHT TO BELITTLE THE PHILIPPINES ? WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE??
“Country that sucks” ..so what ???
Do you think God judges people based on where you live ..based on your citizenship ???
If you found your fortune here in Australia ..then be thankful….BUT YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY RIGHT TO BELITTLE THE PHILIPPINES !!!
Yes you are an Australian …and YES you have your BLUE PASSPORT…
SO WHAT ???? Does that make you a better person than the farmers , the teachers , the ordinary filipino workers back home ?
Who gives you the right to comment against the philippines ???
I’m sorry but I am disgusted with EX-FILIPINOS who after managing to buy (“MORTGAGE??”) their mansions here, after buying (“borrowing…Oh YES..Home loan Top Up”) their dream car ..after the endless rounds of STEAK ….have this tendency of just outspokenly humiliating the Philippines ?
Saan ba kayo galing in the first place ??
With regards also to your comment Mr. Manding about being passionate about Australia, about developing love for this country ?
What exactly do you mean by that ?
Loving their cricket and their rugby ????Shouting “OZ..OZ..OI..OI”
or “PICKING UP THE OZ ACCENT ?”
Give something back to this country ? Mate …this country ought to be thankful for the amount of taxes we pay…that helps pay for the bludgers out in the street….
Mr. Jim, even though I don’t know you personally ..
..Please do not be like the rest of the EX-FILIPINOS here…who after making their fortune …DI NA MARUNONG LUMINGON SA PINANGGALINGAN !!
I still believe that there are still folks out there just like me
who are PROUD TO BE CALLED PINOYS..
who are never ASHAMED OF CARRYING A GREEN FILIPINO PASSPORT….AND WHO ALWAYS DREAM OF GOING BACK HOME..!!!
Again Mr. Jim , Good Luck and God Bless !
MABUHAY ANG PINOY !!!!
Blackmoon
See, that is exactly my point. Why do you What is stopping you. If you like the Philippines so much, just go back.
If you are eternally proud to be a Pinoy, then waht are you doing in Oz, shouldn’t you be in the Philippines fighting for your principles? What kind of the so called “love” and “pride” you have for the Philippines when you cannot even stand to live over there. don’t dream, just go back “home”, what is stopping you?
Your problem is you are more of a romantic than a realist.
Don’t you realise how utterly silly you are. Oh, oh, I love my country so much, I am a proud Pinoy, but i don’t want to live there!
Don’t be a hypocrite and a mercenary. You love the Philiippines and a proud Pinoy, then why did you have to leave? what kind of a love and pride is that that you gave it up for money.
As long as you are enjoying Oz, it is hypocritical and just plain stupid to say that the Philippine is a better country, because if it is, you should be there. One obvious thing that people like you don’t want to accept is that Pinoys can make it anywhere in the world, except in the Philippines, and that is a terrible indictment of the country you love so much.
Yes, I am an ex Pinoy and proud of what I have achieved. And it is very clear in my mind what I am.
How about you. What are you? A proud Pinoy who don’t have the guts to live and fight for the country you profess to love.
Be a man, just go back to the country you love.
Mandinng and blackmoon–please refrain from using my comment box for an argument.
I don’t think any of you are entirely correct–or wrong. Both of you are correct, and wrong but only partially.
Does it mean that every time a person lives outside his country, acquires another citizenship, he has lost his love for it? Go tell that to the Jews in NY!
Does it also mean that just because you do not live at home, you are being a hypocrite when you profess love for it? Not at all. Rizal, Ninoy, Luna, and a million other OFWs I have met felt (and continue to feel) otherwise. And so did Picasso, and Einstein, and so many others who opted to live elsewhere outside their own countries.
There is no place like home. At the moment, for many Pinoys, Sri Lankans, Indians, and Third World peoples, Serbians, etc. there are no jobs like the ones they have abroad. Is it unpatriotic to want to live abroad and acquire another citizenship? Beyond patriotism, beyond all borders and artficial divisions there is such a thing as finding one’s place however one can feel true and comfortable.
And I use the word artificial because those divisions are man-made. The Bigger Truth is whether one is aussie, kano, pinoy, chinese o kahit ano pa, we all have eyes, we all cry, laugh, yearn for bigger dreams, love, and all that.
Let’s not fight over who is more right. Often fierce judment over others is our way of wanting to feel superior by pointing out thet ‘we’ or ‘they’ are different.
There is nothing to condemn or trash. People are allowed to live where they want. What’s important is where it works out for you.
peace, mates!
Dear Jim,
heard that your leaving, BUT before you leave can you please talk to your friend DANNY JAVIER?
Why? Heard of what had happened to several parents holding PACIFIC EDUCATIONAL PLANS? All of them had paid good money to ensure that their kids will get good education from good schools in the future. Pacific Plan had decided NOT TO GIVE THE TUITION because of reasons na sila lang ang nakakaalam. accdg to SEC, they think mali ang mga YUCHENGCO (owner ng Pacific Plans).
Now, ano ang relation nito with DANNY JAVIER? well, DANNY JAVIER, known to be a FIGHTER against dictators like Marcos and fights any corrupt government officials,etc is part of the YUCHENGCO IMAGE BUILDER. He talks without thinking and is saying tama daw ang ginagawa ng PACIFIC PLANS!
NAKAKAGULAT ano? Yan ba ang nagagawa ng PERA? I hope NOT kasi I can’t imagine any member of the APO HIKINGS na TALIWAS sa KABUTIHAN!
Please, pakiusapan mo na lang siya na UMALIS na sa team ng IMAGE BUILDERS for YUCHENGCO & Co. Masisira lamang siya sa mata ng PUBLIKO!
maraming salamat Po!
The concept of “nation” and therefore “nationalism” is a man-made concept. It is a masterpiece of marketing so much so that not only has this concept been a catalyst for so much progress, it has also been an instrument for so much needless suffering and death.
Therefore to fight over the concept of one’s allegiance to whatever nation is pointless and downright stupid. The whole premise behind the creation of a nation is for the creation of a home to all who adhere to the principles embodied by said nation to lead fulfilling lives.
Unfortunately, the Philippines had failed to deliver that promise to MOST Filipinos. And the fact that even an A-Lister like Mr. Jim Paredes here is leaving the Philippines is a testament to this dismal failure of the Philippines to live up to the whole point of its very existence.
Whilst there will ALWAYS be Filipinos, whether we are scattered all over the world or crammed together to scrounge around for breadcrumps in a bunch of islands named after a 16th Century Spanish king, the whole question as to whether there should be a Philippine NATION is a completely separate argument all together.
So wag na kayong mag-talo about who has the right to call himself “Filipino”. As I said earlier, you CANNOT shake off the identity (and all the stigma associated with said identity) EVEN IF YOU WANTED TO. 😉
as julia said, follow your heart jim. i’m sure it will lead you back to our homeland. I’ve been living in the US for the past 9 years and I can truly relate to your pothole situation. I just don’t belong here, no matter how much material blessings I have nor how convenient and safe everything is around me. I just yearn to live and be where I grew up. During my vacations in Manila, I grumble when I get to NAIA and the customs officer asks me for some ‘lagay’ – pero at least “I’m home”.
12 years old pa lang ako nung 1986 and I still remember clearly the events that took place. My parents took me to EDSA to march with them, and I am proud to be Filipino then and now. It’s just so sad that everything we worked for in EDSA I is slowly being destroyed.
Is the price of vigiliance truly boredom? Who will continue the fight? I truly believe it’s more than just one person, we all need to change our mindsets as a people. We seem to accept mediocrity and essentially corruption as part of life. At one of the pinoy gatherings here in the US, I met a middle aged Pinoy for the first time. We got to talk, and he told me about his vacation in the Philippines. He told me that he was lucky because all his expenses were paid. I asked him why, he said it’s because his highschool classmate just got elected Mayor of their hometown and paid for all his expenses. He added “alam mo naman ang Mayor sa atin, malaki ang kickback”. I was shocked. Has it come to this, that we as a people openly talk about and accept corruption? It’s truly tragic. How do we fix this mindset? I don’t know.
Mr. Jim ..such wise words.. if I have offended this site.. please accept my sincerest apologies ..
However ,I must (although regret to a certain degree) provide a much deserved rebuttal. You have a lot of readers so forgive me , but I think this needs to be read.
My point being ,no one in this world has the right to insult or carelessly ridicule the Philippines. To all the folks out there , no matter where you have made your fortune , be it in the US , Canada ,Australia or in Timbuktu, PLEASE….just be thankful… and avoid saying negative things about the Philippines , it doesn’t achieve anything .
So OK , you guys did the right choice of leaving the country . But DOES that give you the right to condemn the PLACE WHERE YOU WERE ORIGINALLY BORN ?
I mean,somebody even used the word “STIGMA” (ASSOCIATED WITH SAID IDENTITY?) Stigma of what? of being referred to as a FILIPINO ?
STIGMA OF FILIPINO BEING WHAT ?
A CORRUPT POLITICIAN OR BEING A “DOMESTIC HELPER” ?
STIGMA is such a strong word , if you don’t want to be associated with the word FILIPINO…SHUT UP…or IF YOU INSIST…PUBLICLY CONVEY THIS TO THE WHOLE OF THE PHILIPPINES …I DARE YOU …DON’T DO IT HERE…..HECK I’LL EVEN PAY FOR AN AD IN THE INQUIRER WITH YOUR NAME …SAYING HOW ASHAMED YOU ARE BEING ASSOCIATED TO THE WORD FILIPINO ….
I work in a global company , I work with Americans, British , Australians, Chinese , Indians, Irish ….. every possible race there is … One thing I can say…
I CARRY A FILIPINO PASSPORT …I FINISHED A DEGREE FROM A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY .. I AM AT PAR WITH THEIR SKILLS…AND I FEEL PRIVILIDGED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE CHANCE TO SHOWCASE THE FILIPINO TALENT……
Why am I here ? Am I being a hypocrite for living here and earning lots of money ?
Yeah right,lots of money…you still spend it HERE NOT BACK HOME..!
Didn’t you ever consider that SHOWCASING the Filipino talent ENTAILS generating jobs back home ? Ever heard of CALL CENTRES ????
If it wasn’t for the first batch of PINOY IT workers in the US ,every IT outsourcing job would be in INDIA. REMEMBER THAT!
So don’t go and tell me what I need to do with my life OR anyone’s life ..You do not have the right ..! Be thankful , if you don’t want to be associated with the word Pinoy or anything near it,
go find some other NON-PINOY blog out there. If you are that persistent ..then I implore you to EXPLICITLY broadcast how proud you are of being an Ex-Pinoy. You might want to consider sending that to all Filipinos in the world .
Lastly for Mr. Jim, for the sake of those folks planning to migrate and for yours as well…it is not necessary to acquire the Australian Citizenship to stay here..for good (or indefinitely) .I don’t believe that it’s a requirement , you have the option of just aquiring a permanent residentship. I’ve been here for more than 5 years and I’m still under the permanent residentship visa. Only difference between the two , you carry a BLUE PASSPORT and you get to VOTE.
Regarding the JEWS in New York , I don’t think they have a choice , either they get their US citizenship or OFF they go…
At least here ..just get your PR ..no need to give up your citizenship…
As a closing note, I remember watching a TV interview of someone from Amsterdam. A foreigner who has lived for sometime in the Philippines…(not sure whether you’ve seen that interview) I was trying to remember what his exact words were but I know he said ” Mga Kababayan Ko ,…” in PURE TAGALOG ..I think he was addressing the pinoys regarding the current state of the country (around a year or two years ago) about us NOT BEING PROUD OF BEING PINOYS anymore. Just think , a foreigner referring to us as his KABABAYAN !!
How can someone not born in the Philippines even say those words ?
I wouldn’t be suprised if someone from a “THIRD WORLD COUNTRY” would say how proud he is living in the US , or in Canada…etc….
but a foreigner referring to the PINOYS as his KABABAYAN ???
So there you go !!!! Someone from a first world country falling in love with a third world country…
MABUHAY ANG PINOY !!!!
hi mr. Jim.
i saw just this afternoon sa unionbank ortigas. hehe. di mo siguro kilala kung sino ako dun sa dami ng mga nakakasalubong mo.
now i know bakit sabi ng nanay ko crush na crush ka niya dati. gwapings pala hehe.
sa march 11 may concert kayo. we’ll support you, and the rest of the APO.
more power.
blackmoon said:
===============
it is not necessary to acquire the Australian Citizenship to stay here..for good (or indefinitely) .I don’t believe that it’s a requirement , you have the option of just aquiring a permanent residentship. I’ve been here for more than 5 years and I’m still under the permanent residentship visa. Only difference between the two , you carry a BLUE PASSPORT and you get to VOTE.
===============
So basically you are recommending that we esimply live off the fairness of an excellent society like Australia as a Permanent Resident?
Read some Australian papers dude. Aussies take offense — and rightly so — at migrants who live in Australia “indefinitely” (including schooling and raising their kids there) without even caring to acquire Australian citizenship.
I’d like to know what you think of THAT, if you please.
Just recently a 30-something Serbian guy who has been living in Australia SINCE THE AGE OF TWO but has not acquired citizenship was DEPORTED to Serbia for bad behaviour. Fortunately for him, he managed to work out a deal with the Aussie government to be repatriated back. He is now practically kissing Australian soil and has made public his appreciation of how great a country Australia is. He even promised to start the process of applying for citizenship and re-building his life.
As a wise man once said — “you either take a dump or get off the can”
Life’s too short to be investing half a heart on any endeavour. What is really pathetic is someone VOLUNTARILY living in a place whilst lamenting that he belongs somewhere else. What a waste of precious emotional energy.
you are about to do what my parents did 3 years ago. for me as their kid it was hard for me to leave the phil after all I’m just a high schooler but as time progresses I’m learning to adjust. sometimes it will be hard for all of you but you will learn how to apreciate your family more
godbless
AMEN !
Good luck to you and your family…
a couple of websites to check sir ..sorry for intruding..
1. ww.realestate.com.au ..to
check out suburbs where you want
to establish your base..
2. http://www.rta.gov.au –license..
God Bless!
Please please please. Enough righteousness and condemnation. If anyone wants to remain a permament resident, let him be. If he contributes to the society and economy as well and is a good neighbor to people, then what’s wrong with that? By the same token, someone can be a citizen and be a burden or worse, an asshole to society, and that’s not much help, is it?
As an example, I would welcome the Dalai Lama in my country even if he remains just a permamnent resident and retain Tibetan citizenship, while I will not be too crazy about say, a migrant who takes on citizenship but is a drug lord! A person’s ‘value’ goes beyond a piece of paper.
Enough judging of people’s motives. What do we REALLY know anyway to judge based on a mere blog comment? Let’s be bigger and allow people the goodwill they deserve.
Let us allow people to be what they want to be.
This is NOT the forum for accusations and counter accusations. I will delete further comments of this nature.
Nuff said!
On another topic:
To everyone who has commented, I normally answer each one but alas, there’s too many of them now.
Thanks for the visit and the interest.
I myself left the Philippines 2 years ago and it’s one of the best decision i’ve done in my life. It’s really hard at first but then this is the time that your family will bond together.Good luck to you and to all the filipinos around the world!!God Bless us all
i think as a father, and plainly as a Filipino, you have showcased to all of us true courage. you’ve made a tough decision but i guess even if a filipino leaves the philippines, the philippines lives in the heart of the filipino. 😀
i left the philippines and came back. i found patch of green pasture in my backyard.
i can relate with moving abroad.
god bless and good luck. 🙂
Someday, I dream of seeing, hearing you again w/ Buboy and Danny singing Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo. A day when you will return and be proud of our country Philippines. Good luck!!!
“I believed then as I do now that sometimes, one must do what one must, even if others think it’s crazy. The immigration officer was flabbergasted when I showed up at the US Embassy just two days after the coup ended to return our green cards. He could not fathom why we were doing this when so many Filipinos were willing to give anything for the chance to live in the US.”
so much like what i always get from Filipino friends and relatives, “lahat ng tao gusto pumunta dito [the U.S.], ikaw gusto mo bumalik.”
thank you for this post. there is nothing like reading another Filipino who is also engaged in the struggle.
after six years of being away from the country, at [almost] 23, i think i am ready to go home and offer what i have to offer to the Philippines.
it’s a comfort to know that there is some sort of continuance happening in terms of generation after generation fighting for the betterment of the country.
magpahinga muna kayo, at kami muna ang lalaban.
someday, as is always my wish, hopefully all Filipino/as will want to come back to the motherland, and stay.
all the best to you and your family, Mr. Paredes.
nakakaiyak, magiging katulad ka na din nila.
kahit ano pang sabihin mo, katulad ka na rin nila, ipinagkanulo ang pilipinas.
masakit kaibigan.
thank you
Hi Jim. Thanks to my friend, ivan, i found your blog link. It’s really nice to read blogs, moreso if the author is a well-known personality. btw, APO fan here. I even chose to do an MTV project in college featuring your song “Batang-bata Ka Pa.”
Anyway, i am surprised to know (just now) that you actually migrated to OZ. I, for one am thinking over this matter (migrating) for a few hundred times already. long story… i hope we could communicate also, considering your (and mine, too) busy schedule. feel free to drop by my blog.
jon 😉
Hi Jim kahit huli na, WELCOME to OZ and hey if ur planning to visit The Great Barrier Reef do it in summertime, kasi pagpumunta ka ng winter wala kang makikitang stunnning Ozzie ;)God Bless! cheers!
had no idea you were in OZ already. I am aussie living here with my husband and 3 boys in Manila and pretty soon we are going back to OZ (I came to oz at 13 left at 27) and course one of the concerns of my husband is how to fit in the oz way of life. i guess he is pretty lucky since I lived most of my life there and i could give him a hand on how to adjust..
I just wanted to post a comment just to let you know that its nice to have you in oz and when i finally come back — fantastic bump into a guy like you,..
hhaha you know the APO music was instrumental in my family coping up in oz in the early 80s when we migrated there (my parents and siblings),.. hhaha funny my 2 younger siblings sang your songs not knowing the words but now they still understand tagalog well!
good luck inyou new life
Hi Kuya Jim
I live and am taking my law masters here in Japan. A few days ago, an American friend haughtingly declared, “You Got Everything From Us. We owned you”. Another European classmate also retorted, “What have you Filipinos contributed to the world? You Just copy everything.” My other foreign classmates just smirked. I told them about so many of our contributions but I knew it was pointless then.
It is just now, 18 June 2006, that I remembered your song – Handog Ng Filipino sa Mundo. Hoping to refute them, I immediately surfed the net for its lyrics. I inadvertently then found your sad blog saying that you, as with our other well meaning countrymen fed up with the government, are leaving the Philippines.
My last encounter with your song was when we (then law students) from law school, sang it at EDSA 2. We padlocked the UP College of Law and marched to EDSA to join the protest then against corruption. As we were singing Handog Ng Filipino that evening, I saw that a lot of us young law students were crying. Your song was that moving and powerful – even for would be calloused lawyers.
Now, having grown a little older and jaded by the gore of legal life, I listened to your song and again, hard to admit, I was moved. Ok, a few old tears flowed again.
I guess the song never loses its power to respark that love for our country wherever we are – a love that is inch by inch changing to hopeless surrender whenever we see the government and the opposition squandering our country away.
Sad to say, I myself, slowly losing hope, am thinking of living abroad for good. Maybe the promise of a better life in the Philippines is not in this generation of leaders. Maybe that gift is reserved for the Filipino children who will return someday.
Ngunit, ganoon paman, Kuya Jim, kung ang handog ng Filipino sa mundo ay mapayapang pagbabago . . . kayo po ang handog ng Diyos sa aming mga Filipino.
Sa muling pagkikita and to a better Philippines.
God Bless the Filipinos whereever they are.
A.A
Hi – very good site you have established. I enjoyed reading this posting. I did want to issue a comment to tell you that the design of this site is very aesthetically pleasing. I used to be a graphic designer, now I am a copy editor in chief for a merchandising firm. I have always enjoyed playing with computing machines and am trying to learn code in my free time (which there is never enough of lol).