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[CherryWoodFuton]

Speaking of FB, i've seen a lot of statuses propping up Ferdinand Marcos as the greatest Philippine president. From what I learned he was a semi-dictator who put the Philippines under martial law at one point and had a secret police that arrested many people. Are filipinos really that dissolutioned by their current government that they would rather turn to a person like Marcos running the country?

 

[Mieu]

My wife, from Lucban, is elated with their local election. Apparently the previous mayor was corrupt as fuck, which did not surprise me at all when she mentioned it. The new Mayor supposedly is a pretty keen person.

My Facebook "am explode" with all the Aquino and Binay and Poe posting and griping. Again, its no wonder when your people are obsessed with celebrity to a factor that would make Americans cringe. You keep electing people on the basis of fame, you reap what you sow.

Yeah. Unfortunately that is the case here. A lot of the voters are not well-educated. The masses will vote for anyone that will promise them a better life or future and who is famous.

Speaking of FB, i've seen a lot of statuses propping up Ferdinand Marcos as the greatest Philippine president. From what I learned he was a semi-dictator who put the Philippines under martial law at one point and had a secret police that arrested many people. Are filipinos really that dissolutioned by their current government that they would rather turn to a person like Marcos running the country?

That part about Marcos can be true. He even banned Voltes V here according to my uncles LOL!

But I think bringing up Marcos is more of a realization of some people that he did way better than the ones who were elected. Or it can be just a propaganda.

The nation is just split on how to make Philippines a better place. Just like in Suikoden V, the Godwins wanted to make Falena a better country by showing its might and strength to other nations but The Prince's Army thought otherwise and there is a better way (LOL!)

 

[DonMigs85]

Speaking of FB, i've seen a lot of statuses propping up Ferdinand Marcos as the greatest Philippine president. From what I learned he was a semi-dictator who put the Philippines under martial law at one point and had a secret police that arrested many people. Are filipinos really that dissolutioned by their current government that they would rather turn to a person like Marcos running the country?

Well Marcos really was a brilliant man at any rate.
This country could probably use some of the discipline that got Japan and Singapore to where they are (though Japan's economy is pretty rocky right now)

 

[jongkookie]

Hey, how are you guys? Senate Election has ended last Monday and the votes are coming in. Partial results are in :

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/eleksyon2013

Haha some of my family is kinda peeved that their candidate for mayor lost. He's really good friends with a couple of my uncles so that's pretty much been the talk of the fam the last few days. Maybe at the next election they say lol.

Speaking of FB, i've seen a lot of statuses propping up Ferdinand Marcos as the greatest Philippine president. From what I learned he was a semi-dictator who put the Philippines under martial law at one point and had a secret police that arrested many people. Are filipinos really that dissolutioned by their current government that they would rather turn to a person like Marcos running the country?

To be fair to Marcos, the Philippines was improving during the early years of Marcos' regime. The country seemed like it was going somewhere but shit hit the fan during his second term.

The thing is, none of the presidents after him seem to improve the country as a whole and I think that's why they're saying he's the greatest. Ramos, Erap, GMA, and PNoy haven't really made big moves to shake up the country and take it to another level. And Corazon can only be considered decent since she managed to topple Marcos' regime and end martial law. If anything, they should be propping up GMA's dad, Diosdado Macapagal as the greatest for putting the country on the right path. Too bad Marcos had to kill it with his BS.

 

[Quick]

I haven't kept track of politics there, but last I checked, Erap was impeached and left a bad taste in everyone's mouths.

How's he allowed back in politics and how does he have what appears to be support?

 

[Chojin]

I haven't kept track of politics there, but last I checked, Erap was impeached and left a bad taste in everyone's mouths.

How's he allowed back in politics and how does he have what appears to be support?

Again its the fame factor and that Filipinos have a very short term memory. My "totally scientific" viewpoint is that we were oral traditionalists before the Spanish came (which is totally bullshit because Babayin existed at least since the 6th century) so people forgot to write shit down and the Filipinos just concentrate on the present as a habit. Really, just from living there and how my wife and my relatives act is really all I have to base it on, so totally anecdotal. My families, friends and my wife's relatives aside from my brother in law who's a pretty damn awesome artist who's works are based on western encroachment and colonialism could give two shits about history.

Erap bilked billions from the Filipinos, and had to start a second people's power revolution just to get his stupid ass out. 12 years later he's already back and ready for more. Why? Dude was in movies man, movies! Imelda came back to run in politics only six years after being ousted. She's STILL in the government. She's gotten in trouble AGAIN for corruption scandals after returning to the Philippines. It's not any surprise. If you're famous enough, and as long as you didn't get a divorce or an abortion, the country will forgive you if you crawl hands a knees a few miles to a church. It stinks.

 

[kevo_huevo]

totally derailing the current conversation, but we visited my gf's family in san jose last weekend and i got to try some bangus sisig. holy crap it exceeded all of my expectations.

 

[donkey show]

totally derailing the current conversation, but we visited my gf's family in san jose last weekend and i got to try some bangus sisig. holy crap it exceeded all of my expectations.

That sounds amazing. I have to find a place that sells bangus in the UK and try that out.

 

[Termbomber]

Been observing this for months and just got the courage to post here. Was born in Manila, grew up in Quezon City, migrated to Canada when I was 16. Haven't gone home since.

totally derailing the current conversation, but we visited my gf's family in san jose last weekend and i got to try some bangus sisig. holy crap it exceeded all of my expectations.

Sisig anything is really good. Pair this with some kalamansi for some really good eating. Pair also with sinangag (fried rice) for some good lunch.

Erap bilked billions from the Filipinos, and had to start a second people's power revolution just to get his stupid ass out. 12 years later he's already back and ready for more. Why? Dude was in movies man, movies! Imelda came back to run in politics only six years after being ousted. She's STILL in the government. She's gotten in trouble AGAIN for corruption scandals after returning to the Philippines. It's not any surprise. If you're famous enough, and as long as you didn't get a divorce or an abortion, the country will forgive you if you crawl hands a knees a few miles to a church. It stinks.

Erap is absolutely "pang-masa" and yeah, the country still suffers because of him. However, it's the psyche of Filipinos I tend to blame the most; a little sob story and you're suddenly forgiven in the eyes of the general populace, you get involved in some scandal, play another heart-wrenching ballad and yet again, all is forgiven.

 

[Chojin]

Sisig anything is really good. Pair this with some kalamansi for some really good eating. Pair also with sinangag (fried rice) for some good lunch.

Don't forget the bottle of Red Horse Or San Mig. Just no ice in my glass please.

Erap is absolutely "pang-masa" and yeah, the country still suffers because of him. However, it's the psyche of Filipinos I tend to blame the most; a little sob story and you're suddenly forgiven in the eyes of the general populace, you get involved in some scandal, play another heart-wrenching ballad and yet again, all is forgiven.

Yet my relatives will never let me live down the fact I got lost in Angeles for 10 hours when I was 11 and my folks thought I was kidnapped and my uncle who was drinking buddies with the then mayor sent out the police to look for me all over the city.

 

[Loofy]

Speaking of FB, i've seen a lot of statuses propping up Ferdinand Marcos as the greatest Philippine president. From what I learned he was a semi-dictator who put the Philippines under martial law at one point and had a secret police that arrested many people. Are filipinos really that dissolutioned by their current government that they would rather turn to a person like Marcos running the country?

Something about 1 peso = 1 US dollar when he was president.

 

[reddmyst]

My uncle was wanted for trying to assassinate Marcos (I believe the statue of limitations has lifted a while back).

 

[Raiden]

My best friend from high school is from Manilla, can i join the thread now?

 

[isual]

I'm Filipino , but I think Marcos , if he still lived and his administration still went through, the Philippines would be a very much different country than it is now .

disciplined, streamlined, a powerhouse .

 

[Quick]

I'm Filipino , but I think Marcos , if he still lived and his administration still went through, the Philippines would be a very much different country than it is now .

disciplined, streamlined, a powerhouse .

 

[peaceiscloser]

The Philippines needs an industry it can really be at the top at in the international world, other than textiles.

Unless you guys feel like it already has a service/product it provides already. I'm not as knowledgeable about the Philippines as I would like to be.

 

[Rubenov]

Going to Corregidor (sp?) Island on my next work trip there in August.. anything specific I should do there? Is riding a four wheeler around the island worth it (they rent those I guess)?

We're probably getting in one of those guided tours with buffet lunch.

 

[chadderbox77]

I work with a bunch of Filipinos. Great workers. Terrible music taste though. They are always blasting Bon Jovi, Scorpions, hair metal, etc... Went to a birthday party that one guy was having and they made me sing Karaoke. They said every Filipino family has one of these machines hooked up to their t.v. Is this true?

 

[Pachimari]

I work with a bunch of Filipinos. Great workers. Terrible music taste though. They are always blasting Bon Jovi, Scorpions, hair metal, etc... Went to a birthday party that one guy was having and they made me sing Karaoke. They said every Filipino family has one of these machines hooked up to their t.v. Is this true?

Filipinos LOVE karaoke and if you're foreign they 100% want you to sing. My gf made me sing karaoke at a bar having never sung in front of anyone before. And I suck by the way.

 

[contagious]

I work with a bunch of Filipinos. Great workers. Terrible music taste though. They are always blasting Bon Jovi, Scorpions, hair metal, etc... Went to a birthday party that one guy was having and they made me sing Karaoke. They said every Filipino family has one of these machines hooked up to their t.v. Is this true?

Yep. My folks bought a Laserdisc player back in the day just for the karaoke.

 

[chadderbox77]

Haha, I was terrible too. I knew I would be, I kept trying to tell them that, but they were having none of it. So I went with the hardest song I could find in the book. Bohemian Rhapsody. They were ready to snatch that mic back by the end.

 

[rhophiehalul78]

I'm Filipino , but I think Marcos , if he still lived and his administration still went through, the Philippines would be a very much different country than it is now .

disciplined, streamlined, a powerhouse .

Dont hate me gaf but I agree with this. 90% of the Filipinos are not disciplined. Marcos did more than any other president and would have at least made Philippines more disciplined than what we are now. Killing/Opressing civilians is just extreme though so I'm not too sad that he was ousted. I just feel like it was a missed opportunity for us to prosper.

This is coming from someone who is born in the 1987 so I haven't experienced martial law and might change my views if I experienced it firsthand..

 

[kagete]

The Philippines needs an industry it can really be at the top at in the international world, other than textiles.

Unless you guys feel like it already has a service/product it provides already. I'm not as knowledgeable about the Philippines as I would like to be.

That industry is business process outsourcing. The growth for this right now is HUGE in Manila. It covers everything from phone support to filling up prescriptions, taking stock market orders, accounting, software design (not just line development), and inventory management for the largest companies around the globe.

 

[Quick]

I flew back not too long ago, and according to a friend, the Philippines' economy is booming. What's been happening?

 

[rhophiehalul78]

I think we are attracting more foreign investors. However, the positive outcome from this cannot be felt on an individual scale and I think its too early to say it's really booming.

 

[Chojin]

Dont hate me gaf but I agree with this. 90% of the Filipinos are not disciplined. Marcos did more than any other president and would have at least made Philippines more disciplined than what we are now. Killing/Opressing civilians is just extreme though so I'm not too sad that he was ousted. I just feel like it was a missed opportunity for us to prosper.

This is coming from someone who is born in the 1987 so I haven't experienced martial law and might change my views if I experienced it firsthand..

Yeah, disciplined, try telling that to my family and my wife's family that lived in fear throughout the 70s and 80s.

He allowed murder, he put a hit on Aquino, he extorted, he blocked justice and ran a fascist government in the name of fighting "communism". He colluded with the Reagan administration and sold the Filipino people out in the name of money. His wife ordered injured workers to be buried in cement to finish the Cultural Pavillion so she could show it off to the Americans.

He also banned video games.

Yeah no.

 

[agentofatlas]

Yeah, disciplined, try telling that to my family and my wife's family that lived in fear throughout the 70s and 80s.

He allowed murder, he put a hit on Aquino, he extorted, he blocked justice and ran a fascist government in the name of fighting "communism". He colluded with the Reagan administration and sold the Filipino people out in the name of money. His wife ordered injured workers to be buried in cement to finish the Cultural Pavillion so she could show it off to the Americans.

He also banned video games.

Yeah no.

Yeah, Marcos is a charismatic character and most people especially his supporters tend to romanticize his reign. The truth was he did more bad than good things for the country and generally left the Philippines poorer for it.

 

[Chojin]

Yeah, Marcos is a charismatic character and most people especially his supporters tend to romanticize his reign. The truth was he did more bad than good things for the country and generally left the Philippines poorer for it.

I hate generalizing here, but God. The more I see this Marcos praise come from Filipinos it makes me feel like the Spanish/Catholicisim and US handling of the Philippines after the Spanish American war have traumatized Filipinos into worship for the Patriarchy.

The Spanish broke up the formally exclusively female shamans during colonialization to which this day majority of males are witch doctors. US treated the Philippines as a toddler and outright said they didn't deserve to run a country and you get shitty ass pictures like McKinley bathing a "savage" filipino to "civilize" them.

Its like Stockholm syndrome. Its the reason why Filipino men while unable to get divorced to run off and find mistresses. Women are expected to stay home and take care of the family. I've spent the last 7 months trying to deprogram my wife and allowing her to make her own choices in life. She's constantly asking me for permission to do things. I keep reminding her I'm not her father.

Of course I'm being patient with that, and as for Filpinos I've known and dated, she's a bit more how do I say... Independant than others, but she still has some of that thinking and while its a small concern doesn't worry me all the time.

But I honestly feel like a lot of Filipinos put faith in a "leader" or "higher power" way more than taking responsability in their own hands. You can counter with EDSA I and II and the People's power revolution, but how many times do you have to impeach people to realize the choices that led to them were poor? We constantly tout how Rizal was this great man, yet I don't think anyone has ever read his works, or his words or fully understood what he was trying to do.

Take the reproductive rights bill that is even now still being challenged. It's been near impossible to even communicate and explain how important this is to the Philippines in terms of overpopulation and poverty and overall wellbeing for the People. The Church says, nay, people step in line. Hey I love being a Catholic but holy crap, its so short sighted and disgusting.

It's almost as if Filipinos as a culture do not have memories of the past. I don't think they should be strong armed and led by the nose on what to do, but its this eternal lack of curiosity of "Why?" that really irks me. My family says I question things too much, I say they don't question enough.

 

[Boss Doggie]

I consider Marcos to be the other extreme stupidity.

 

[Emperor Bohe]

I'm half filipino, good enough?

 

[jsnepo]

Yeah, disciplined, try telling that to my family and my wife's family that lived in fear throughout the 70s and 80s.

He allowed murder, he put a hit on Aquino, he extorted, he blocked justice and ran a fascist government in the name of fighting "communism". He colluded with the Reagan administration and sold the Filipino people out in the name of money. His wife ordered injured workers to be buried in cement to finish the Cultural Pavillion so she could show it off to the Americans.

He also banned video games.

Yeah no.

This. You read things like this now often from young people who did not go through the fear of having martial law during the 70s and 80s. These young people have it easy.

 

[darkwing]

This. You read things like this now often from young people who did not go through the fear of having martial law during the 70s and 80s. These young people have it easy.

so true, I get riled up hearing about how good Marcos was, if only these young people lived through it

 

[Chojin]

Okay Filipino Gaf born after 1986: Here's some homework. This is a crappy movie but its kinda awesome but crappy called A Dangerous LIfe. It's on youtube but I don't now what the copyright status is so go on Youtube, its there. It's got Gary Busey, nuff said, its heavily dramatized and totally white washed but it will give you at least some small bit of what the hell was going on at the time.

Marcos was an ugly tyrant that just so happened to be buddy buddy with the Reagan administration, it doesn't excuse the horrible shit he did to his own people. It doesn't excuse that he fled to hawaii with most of the Philippines money. He didn't bring order and discipline, he brought fear, death and poverty to the Filipino people.

Also it gives Ramos a pretty good role. He wasn't bad for a protestant Actually it probably because he was a protestant that he did a fairly good job after Aquino. Though my only gripe with him was the death penalty, but they took that away back in 2006 so its better.

 

[rhophiehalul78]

Yeah, disciplined, try telling that to my family and my wife's family that lived in fear throughout the 70s and 80s.

He allowed murder, he put a hit on Aquino, he extorted, he blocked justice and ran a fascist government in the name of fighting "communism". He colluded with the Reagan administration and sold the Filipino people out in the name of money. His wife ordered injured workers to be buried in cement to finish the Cultural Pavillion so she could show it off to the Americans.

He also banned video games.

Yeah no.

Shows how much I dont know. Like I said, I was born in 1987 and have no clue on the severity of Marcos' wrongdoings.

 

[Chojin]

Shows how much I dont know. Like I said, I was born in 1987 and have no clue on the severity of Marcos' wrongdoings.

Watch the movie when you get a chance But really, find someone who was there and just ask about it. The curfews, not going down the wrong street, worrying whatever you would do would piss off the cops or military, wondering who was in the secret police and who would rat you out. It was really effed up.

 

[addik]

Shows how much I dont know. Like I said, I was born in 1987 and have no clue on the severity of Marcos' wrongdoings.

Just curious... Did you grow up in the States? From Grade School, we were pretty much taught that Marcos was a bad president who violated many human rights.

I really REALLY cringe on the thought of Filipinos who think Marcos did good for the country. Our country was actually booming before he came. When he extended his term, that was when we stagnated and never have yet to get out (but I think Aquino is doing really really good). I have met several people who are supporters of Marcos. One in particular is a Politics student who has plans to "fix" the country. Cringe.

This reminds me that PNoy's (President Noynoy) SONA is going to happen in a few days. Can't wait! I am actually happy for what this administration have achieved. (Sin Tax Law, Reproductive Health Law, PPP)

I work with a bunch of Filipinos. Great workers. Terrible music taste though.?

This brought me back to my High School when this really annoying girl went on about her favorite songs (which were corny sappy love songs you typically hear on the radio around midnight on weekdays). I told her I wasn't a fan and I found the songs corny. She ranted on and even asked me why I thought highly of myself.

 

[Pachimari]

I have been to Marcos' personal mansion myself, seen his supposedly dead body and all and some years ago I were led to believe Marcos were a real good guy because the people of Ilocos adore him and says he's the greatest to have stepped foot on Philippine soil. I guess I know better these years and actually makes me want to read a biography of the guy - any good one?

Actually, I wanna ask all of my cousins what they think of Marcos.

 

[Pachimari]

I have already gotten some impressions and apparently they are being taught in school that he is the best and greatest leader in the Philippines ever. One of my cousins says:

"As far as I know, hes the best and great leader to our country. HES BEEN the best among them all.
I was not able to reach his politics ways but weve learn a lot about him in school but they said hes really the best. Every Filipinos has work before and the economy is very good. Hes the one who puts up electricity, make roads and hospitals and a lot more."

And another said that Marcos' priority were the poor people, while a third one I asked said he was a good president. Mind you none of these were living throughout Marcos' years. Gonna be interesting if I can find a Filipino who have an opinion against him.

I find it interesting with all these opinions.

 

[Chojin]

Pfft Filipinos have the BEST taste in music. We love the Carpenters. Nuff said. Even 12 year old girls can sing carpenters songs to this day.

 

[Pachimari]

And now my girl says this about Marcos:

Ferdinand Marcos, as we consider, is a Genius. - yet misunderstood by many.

I just wonder, why is there such a diverse amount of opinions?

 

[Chojin]

And now my girl says this about Marcos:



I just wonder, why is there such a diverse amount of opinions?

Cognative dissonance. Historically Filipinos are pretty conservative as well. There's always blame on the present and that the past was better. Its easier to feel that it was better during Marcos if you really didn't experience it. I don't know how old she is but I doubt she remembers what it was like if she was alive during that time. It's like idiots who say how great it was during Reagan's time and completely forgetting crap like Nicuragua, Grenada, Iran-Contra, deconstruction of Mental Health facilities forcing people with mental health issues, start of the quagmire we know as the War on Drugs, blaming the economy on "Black Welfare Queens", you get the picture.

Not that its all rosy farts of flowers now, but its not as bad as it was during the Erap years. But look, Erap is BACK! And people never learn their lesson, he took BILLIONS from the people and people never learn. We love the Patriarchy. We may have had women presidents, something that the US can't ever do, but boy we do love our Big Tatays.

 

[Boss Doggie]

Man, all this budol budol "hypnotism" is a farce, and I wonder why ABS CBN wastes a slot for Fridays in this shitty "Hiwaga" segment.

Really, this hypnotism crap reeks of the victims not wanting to sound like idiots. The victims also strike me as those who are easy to sweet talk/con if you say the right words.

 

[Termbomber]

I have been to Marcos' personal mansion myself, seen his supposedly dead body and all and some years ago I were led to believe Marcos were a real good guy because the people of Ilocos adore him and says he's the greatest to have stepped foot on Philippine soil. I guess I know better these years and actually makes me want to read a biography of the guy - any good one?

Actually, I wanna ask all of my cousins what they think of Marcos.

Heard he went on a trial without his own lawyer and won. Also writes his own speeches for the state of the nation address without use of the teleprompt.

 

[Winterfang]

I'm just coming here to say that Filipinos are the hottest Asians.

 

[mikeBlack]

Marcos was a murderer and looted billions from the Philippines economy. Blows my mind that any Filipinos would look fondly upon him.

 

[latinlikeaviolin]

My dad was part of the People Power Revolution while attending school in Manila so I've always been in a household that remembers him with hatred. Schooling in the Philippines also taught me he was the worst president ever and stuff. I also watched this documentary, "The Sugar Bowl," in an Asian film festival about the Filipino sugar cane industry, blaming him for favouring his friends in industry instead. Honestly, I'm not very knowledgeable on Filipino history post-colonization (lol)

But, on that note, anyone have any good film and music recs? I've been trying to be more aware of my culture lately

I love Apo Hiking Society's American Junk. It's hilarious and feels righteous at the same time.

Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag (English: Manila: In the Claws of Neon; I think this sounds better actually) is in my watch list

 

[Wings 嫩翼翻せ]

?????
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???oh god I'm drowning in them????
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But seriously, we haven't heard from that side of GAF yet; there's everything else, even North Korea GAF (somehow).

Thank you for this post, I died.

 

[Termbomber]

Maynila: Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag (English: Manila: In the Claws of Neon; I think this sounds better actually) is in my watch list

I always thought it was "In the Claws of Light" but neon suits it fine, setting in a city after all.

Have you tried ASIN and Florante? Both Manila Sound, sure, but really pleasant to listen to.

I was also taught that Marcos was evil and all that. But isn't most of his infamous reputation from his second term? Just goes to show that too much power will eventually corrupt.

Besides, I hold suspicion for the Aquinos too. Sure, saviours from Marcos, but those guys are rich and everything. So pretty much while the current president is (did he?) introduce some progress, the country is ruled by the rich yet again.

 

[Pachimari]

Broke up with my filipina gf after 15 months. That was my 7th relationship with a filipina and I just can't get along with them apparently. It's just so annoying when my culture is getting judged and when drama is constantly created out of nothing.

 

[ULTROS!]

Broke up with my filipina gf after 15 months. That was my 7th relationship with a filipina and I just can't get along with them apparently. It's just so annoying when my culture is getting judged and when drama is constantly created out of nothing.

Hmm... Just wondering, what are your girlfriends interests?

I dunno, if I'd recommend looking for a decent Filipina, you could try spotting the clubs at Fort Bonifacio, although their common age range is from 19 to late 20s.