By Nathan Allen

Single people ache for marriage

Married people, to be single

Poor people want the luxuries of the rich

The rich, the simplicity of the poor

Light skinned long for dark

Dark skinned long for light

The jobless hurt for work

The working despise the jobs they have

Young people can’t wait to age

While the old wish they could go back

It almost seems

There’s no point in longing

Perhaps the solution

Is to try to be more content

Where you ARE

And somehow

Not let it get in the way

Of where you’re GOING

– Nathan Allen

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By Nathan Allen

Guess where this pic was taken…Vietnam?  Thailand?  Bahamas?  Philippines?  Nope.  It was taken in the U.S.A.!!

No, it’s not April Fool’s Day – it’s July 4th, my home country’s birthday!  I chose this photo to represent how diverse the U.S. really is. 

Some people always had a sense of patriotism growing up, but aside from falling in love with my country’s natural landscapes, I had to get some perspective exploring overseas to truly discover my own patriotism. 

My country and its history are not perfect, especially when it comes to both Native American and foreign policy.  However, I have come to love the innovative and pioneering spirit that I feel the U.S. embodies.  Among other things, I am proud of the original art forms it has given the world – musical stylings such as the blues, jazz, and rock n’ roll.

I am proud of the countless craft breweries in the United States – a tradition going back all the way to the founding fathers, and one that the rest of the world is largely unaware of. 

I love our ethnic diversity.  People from all over the world have come and helped weave the fabric of the United States – we are a melting pot of many vibrant cultures. 

I was fortunate to grow up in the San Francisco Bay Area; there I had access to a multitude of different cultures.  I’m sure this helped inspire me to branch out and discover the rest of the world. 

We are a country of new beginnings.  The U.S. was a hotbed for religious freedom and expression – where fascinating sub-groups such as Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the “Shakers” took root and grew from.  Others such as the “Wild West” cowboys, hippies, beatniks, and the Appalachian “Hill People” further added to the the rich “cast of characters”.

Lastly, I am awe-inspired by our geographic diversity.  In the U.S. you can find marvels such as the Grand Canyon, giant Sequoia trees, arid deserts, lush temperate rain forests, beautiful beaches (such as the one pictured above in Key West, Florida), and even snowy peaks.  Oh, I almost forgot the carved-granite masterpiece of Yosemite National Park! 

I feel truly fortunate to have explored the country a bit before heading overseas.  There is nothing like a road trip through the U.S.  I met a German relief-worker in Manila who got very excited when I told him I was from the U.S.  We don’t always get a warm reception from Europeans, so this was a pleasant surprise.  He was well aware of the beauty of the U.S., and had many friends here.  He had taken an unforgettable cross-country trip with his family a few years prior.

This is certainly not to take away from the beauty and uniquity of other countries; anybody who knows me realizes how much I love and appreciate many other countries around the world…I just felt it was time to show my appreciation for the country that initially inspired me. 

So yes, happy 238th birthday to these United States!! 

May we not lose our founding values – that “all men are created equal”, and that we will always always fight to preserve our “government of the people, by the people, for the people“. 

– Nathan Allen

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By Nathan Allen

“Nathan, why do you like the Philippines so much?”  Scratching their heads, many Filipinos have asked me this question.  Sometimes it seems what they actually mean is how could you love the Philippines so much?  How is it possible for an American to love such a “broken” and corrupt country? 

Well, it is possible, and the latest viral video about foreigners in the Philippines inspired me to write about it (even though I’m offended the producers didn’t ask me to be in it…haha!  Joke lang:)  As the video illustrates, in many crucial ways, your country is not as broken as you might think.

I have to tell you, as a foreigner, I am smitten by the Filipino way of life.  Other Asian countries may share your communal values, but in the Philippines, these values include an open invitation to outsiders.  Yes, the country has been invaded and occupied multiple times in the past – so the argument could be made that Filipinos are “warm and inviting” out of fear…perhaps they feel they must be hospitable to their “guests” (invaders?). 

However, I don’t think it’s that simple.  

While I’m sure the history with foreign invaders plays some kind of part in the Filipino psyche, for the most part, I don’t see any aspect of fear or subordination in Filipino hospitality.  All I see is very genuine wanting to connect and share with another human being.  That saying “strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet”…I wouldn’t be surprised if it was coined by a Filipino! 

I Dreamed Of The Philippines…

What else do foreigners see in the Philippines?  Quite frankly, the country has some of the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever seen.  The rock formations of Halong Bay in Vietnam are world famous, but El Nido in Palawan is just as stunning in my opinion, (even better, when you consider the beaches, snorkeling, and diving as well.)

Related: My Time Exploring El Nido, Palawan

I spent some time exploring the rice terraces of northern Vietnam also.  I thought they were spectacular…that is, until I saw the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Banaue and Batad in the Philippines.  Truly awe-inspiring. 

The list could go on and on…how I prefer the beaches of the Philippines over those in the Caribbean…etc. 

As word spreads, more and more travelers from around the world will arrive on your shores – some will never leave!  They will eagerly soak up the beauty of your culture and country.  They know that sure, the country is not perfect, but it has so many elements that other wealthy and developed nations are sorely lacking. 

Don’t Be Ashamed…

Some Filipinos have emailed me saying that they are embarrassed.  They are embarrassed because as a foreigner living in the country for only 1 year, I have already seen more of the Philippines than they have.  

Well, I want to say please don’t be embarrassed.  First of all, few people are as crazy as I am…crazy enough to sacrifice everything to travel solo all over a new country for a year (on a shoestring budget).  In fact, I sacrificed a lot of comforts and spent less in my travels than many of my Filipino friends do just living their day-to-day lives. 

Second, it’s understandable if you haven’t seen much of your own country.  I believe it is human nature to think the grass is always greener  – and dream about other countries.  For example, I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, in California.  There are many local tourist attractions I didn’t visit until only very recently – and many others that I still haven’t seen!  This is because the country I grew up in was easy to take for granted. 

Often times we don’t see the unique beauty of our own countries, because living in them just becomes very normal to us.  Sometimes we need foreigners to come in and observe with a “fresh” pair of eyes.  I love seeing the beauty of California and the U.S. through the eyes of visitors.  It gives me a new perspective on a place I’ve known all my life. 

That’s what it’s all about, really.  Perspective. 

Let Your Country Inspire YOU!

Other than this, Filipinos, I know you also might feel discouraged because it’s difficult to travel abroad.  Tough visa requirements and high travel costs might be keeping your feet on Filipino soil, but is that really such a bad place to be?  If getting to other countries is difficult, I hope this might help inspire you to explore and appreciate your own beautiful country.  You have so much unique culture, food, and diversity spread out over your 7,107 islands – there is much to see and explore!  In the process, you might just find that your country inspires you. 

I can tell you that your country certainly inspired me.  I loved it so much that I ended up staying for a year – and I have to say, I still wasn’t ready to leave!  I really miss it, so each day I post Philippine photos and stories on the I Dreamed Of This FB page. 

Instead of feeling hopeless about the government and corruption in the Philippines, I hope this outside perspective will help you see that you have something worth standing up for; something that, if broken, is worth repairing.  So, yes.  Dream about the Philippines.  Dream for the Philippines…and if you feel it’s needed, use your impenetrable spirit and vast numbers to make a change!

I have a good Filipino friend in Manila named Dab.  He has traveled to many, many countries around the world.  I’ll never forget one of his FB status updates during a trip abroad:

“The more I travel out of the Philippines, the more I realize how lucky I am to live IN it.”

– Nathan Allen

Follow along on my main FB page, and also on the page dedicated to the Philippines!

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By Nathan Allen

Remembering Mr. Wilson…

“A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others”

– Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Walking down the empty hall by my niece’s classroom today, I couldn’t help but think back to my own time in school.  I was suddenly hit with the realization that the last 15 years of my life probably wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for one particular teacher.  How had I missed this before?

Mr. Wilson was the brunt of many kid’s jokes in Jr. high school.  A short, slender man with nicotine and coffee-stained teeth, he was quite eccentric – and he never tried to hide that fact.  He almost had an air of snootiness to him, though looking back, I think he was just an older man who had become very particular and set in his ways – not uncommon as we all age, I think. 

What really struck me today was not just the impact he had on me, but also how much he and I actually had in common – even all those years ago.  You see, we both got picked on a great deal at that school.  In his case, it was just done behind his back.  Kids can be monsters, and my entire post-elementary school career could be looked back on as proof. 

However, thankfully, what we also had in common was passion – passion for whatever we chose to do in life.  I can recall seeing and admiring this, even as a young boy.  You see, we’re not the type of people to do something just because we can or should.  We are both a very deliberate and passionate type of person, and will do whatever it is to the best of our abilities – because every atom of us demands that we do.  In fact, I’d venture to say that once an idea takes hold of people like us, it’s almost impossible to not take action.  For the sake of our mental well-being, it simply must be done.

Mr. Wilson was our Geography teacher, and this is where his true passion lied.  He was not one to sit at home and read books about these exotic locations around the world – he actually lived them.  He spoke about his travels with great conviction and unending enthusiasm – it seemed that he knew how to pronounce all of the country capitals of the world…just as a local would!

All this seemed to be lost on most of the kids, but there I was – the shy, awkward 12 year-old with practically no friends.  What I lacked in companionship I made up for with a boundless imagination and thirst for his adventurous stories.  However, I was too reserved to ever tell him how much I appreciated his class each day – the very same class the “cool kids” seemed to despise. 

Mr. Wilson’s Legacy

Here I am all these years later, having had some of my own adventures around the world.  I started a travel / culture website, and it has grown far beyond me.  It is a community of thousands of like-minded individuals-true admirers of beauty and culture-and I just wish Mr. Wilson could see what he helped inspire all those years ago.  That was a time before Internet technology, and I’d love for him to see how this technology has enabled me to travel independently, and full time.  I’d like to think he’d get a kick out of that. 

Teachers: Your Students are the “Silent Appreciators”

90% of the time that I post photos and stories on Facebook, I have the same people “liking” and commenting on them.  This can give me the false impression that these are the only people who are seeing my posts.  However, once every few months, I somehow manage to inspire those “silent appreciators” to visibly “like” something – thereby showing me they are still out there following along.  I must say, it’s a great feeling to know that you haven’t lost this connection with people in your life, especially as you begin to reach many more over time. 

My message to you teachers is this: 

As you know, we students don’t always tell you how important you are to us.  Please know that at least *some* of us, even after all these years, haven’t forgotten the lessons you taught us, the stories you shared, and the good example you showed us at that young, impressionable stage in our lives.  Perhaps we neglected to tell you these things when we had the chance, but we will never forget who you are and what you did for us. 

At the end of the day, children may be our future, but you teachers are the ones shaping that future.

…and to Mr. Wilson specifically, from myself and perhaps thousands of others, I can finally say:

Thank you.  Thank you for sharing your passion with me, for showing me that a life of grand adventure was not out of reach to a painfully awkward kid like me.  Thank you for continuing to fight for our education, even when we didn’t seem to appreciate it…or for that matter, you.

Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

PS…I’m not sure if Mr. Wilson is still around to read this letter, but I hope you’ll share this with the teachers in your life, and even consider writing to thank a teacher that had a big impact on YOU.  Teaching is truly a labor of passion  – and unfortunately one that comes with very little compensation. 

Let’s give a little back, and remind our teachers the difference they are making in the world 

Tag and Thank Your Teachers on Twitter! #thankateacher

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By Nathan Allen

That’s Arnold Schwarzenegger on his very first visit to New York in 1968.  It’s the face of a recent immigrant to the U.S. – one who sees nothing but unlimited possibilities before him…and somebody who fully explored those possibilities as he made the transition from professional athlete, to movie star, to best-selling author, to Governor of California – the eighth largest economy in the world. 

This face is symbolic of the “American Dream”; the potential that America used to hold.  Sure, it’s still attainable, but so many things seem different now.

A Changing World

By now, most of us are aware that China’s economy has surpassed that of the U.S.  Most recently, the “Father of Singapore”, Lee Kuan Yew passed away, and my Facebook news feed has been completely saturated with praise for both him and the country of Singapore.  Did you know that last year Singapore officially became the most expensive country in the world?  Even China has taken notes as this tiny country has risen to prominence.  

It’s hard to imagine, because Singapore pulled this off in the span of just 50 years.  So what’s the point of all this?  

The point is yes, America is a great country, but it seems like Asia is leaving us in the dust.  

A month ago I was in Cebu City, Philippines.  I met a young American guy who told me that he now lives in Asia.  When asked why, he looked at me as if it was a no-brainer.  His answer was straight to the point:

“Asia is the future.”

I have another American friend who speaks fluent Mandarin and has made a fortune doing business in China.

Myself, I have spent the last few years traveling all over India and SE Asia.  With this, of course, has come some interesting perspective on the world…but also on my own country, the U.S.  I’m particularly proud of our innovative and pioneering spirit, because I feel that’s what sets us apart more than any other country in the world.  

Improving On Our Success

Yes, in the past, that innovation defined us and propelled us to success…but Asia has been taking notes during our time in the spotlight, and it has carefully monitored what works and what doesn’t.  Among other things, Asia (and by that I mostly mean Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and increasingly, China) has mastered the art of making our innovations cheaper and more accessible.  Couple that with massive work forces (that, in some countries like the Philippines, Americans would describe as “paid slave labor”), and you see why Asia is running circles around us.  It’s not just Asia, either.  Dubai is another good example.  

In a throwback to ancient Rome, there are modern-day empires being built on the backs of armies of barely-paid workers.  

What’s hard for Americans to understand is this:  To these workers, any money is better than no money.  They are happy to have any job. 

These countries don’t always have the same concepts of equality and “fair” business practices…and they certainly haven’t always had the same opportunities.  They may be operating from a history of poverty.  Look at the Philippines.  Downtown Makati in Metro Manila is exploding with growth.  I came back after just one year and didn’t even recognize the skyline anymore.  

Yes, in the Philippines, shiny new skyscrapers are being built at an almost unimaginable rate.  We’re talking about a country about 2% of the size of the U.S., but with 33% of the population.  It is easy to exploit the workforce in overpopulated countries like this, but it’s ironic, because in many cases, the workers don’t even feel exploited!  Again, they are just happy to be working.

So how are we, a country which has worked so hard to fight for the rights of all workers (and in turn, made it prohibitively expensive to create and run businesses) to compete with THAT?

Should we?

These are difficult questions to ask, but of course, they are worth asking.  The U.S. may not be perfect, but when I look at the big picture in terms of global-leadership, it still seems to be the best viable option the world currently has. 

America, it might be time to face the music.  Perhaps other countries are no longer learning from us.  Perhaps it’s time for us to start learning from them.  

I only hope we won’t be too proud or arrogant to listen.

-Nathan Allen

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By Nathan Allen

Being an American who has lived all around the country for 3 years, I’ve heard “Hey Joe” hundreds of times.  More recently, I noticed that tourism has started picking up. I began to see more and more white expats and travelers in the Philippines – most of which are actually not American. Let me tell you, they don’t always like being mistaken for Americans.

They’re Not All Americans

When I explained this to a taxi driver I befriended in Legazpi, he told me a story about Honda motorbikes. He said that back in the 70s and 80s, everybody in the Philippines wanted to have a Honda, because the quality was so good. A bit like “Xerox” becoming synonymous with “copy machine”, soon, “Honda” became the slang word for “motorbike”. Everybody just started calling their motorbike their Honda, regardless of if it was actually the brand Honda or not.

I was a bit confused by this story, because it almost seemed like he was saying that Americans were the “best brand” of white people. Haha…well, I don’t think British, Australians, and Dutch people would appreciate that much. Essentially, I guess he was saying that “Joe” is just a friendly term used to address any white guy.

I’m wondering if perhaps it shouldn’t be.

To me, it’s hard to argue that the word “Joe” should be used for all white guys. Given its roots, it is in fact a very American word. Personally, I don’t mind it at all…but then again, I’m from the U.S. If I was British, German, or Russian, honestly, I might take offense to it. I love my country, but it is not perfect, and does not always have the best reputation out in the world. That’s what I want my Filipino friends to realize. I know that some foreigners are bothered by the expression, because they’ve told me firsthand.

Imagine if Filipinos went to Russia, and everywhere they went, Russians yelled out some nickname that’s specifically used for Chinese people. Russians might not mean it in a bad way, but I don’t think that Filipinos would like being constantly mistaken for Chinese people.

Yes, I understand that throughout the last century, when Filipinos would see a very light-skinned foreigner, 99% of the time it was an American. However, due to globalization and a rapid boost in tourist arrivals, there are now light-skinned foreigners visiting the Philippines from many parts of the globe. I would guess that now, these “Joes” are only American 50% of the time–or less.

American = White? Not So Much…

One other thing. I noticed that some Filipinos seem to equate being American with being white. Quite a few even mentioned how I am part of the American race. It’s no wonder “Hey Joe” has persisted so long, if people believe that “American” is an actual race.

This is something I would like to clear up. These days, America is massively diverse. That is one of my favorite things about America, actually. In California, I grew up with kids from every part of the globe, including the Philippines. We are all very much American.

(continued below)

I know that Filipinos are generally a very warm and welcoming bunch. There is a lot of social etiquette, with emphasis on manners and politeness. That’s why I thought it would be good to give some perspective on how “Hey Joe” may no longer be socially relevant. In fact, in the future (and especially if Trump becomes President), some people might be downright offended by it.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

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By Nathan Allen

The latest news (this was written 5 years ago) about President Duterte severing military and economic ties with the U.S. has taken a toll on me. Actually, it’s been a gradual process.

I first heard of Duterte a few years ago, when he made headlines for deporting a misbehaving foreigner. I actually admired him for that. I had written about the entitlement and preferential treatment that many foreigners in the Philippines receive. It always bothered me. I was also deeply saddened by the hopelessness and lack of pride that seemed to permeate life in the Philippines.

Well, as a westerner from one of the most liberal places in the world (California), people might be surprised to learn about the ways I appreciate a “strong arm” character like Duterte. The great irony is that in the west, people look at Duterte in horror…but in my experience, most of the westerners who love (and live in) the Philippines…ones who really know the Philippines…actually appreciate him.

The same can be said for many OFWs (overseas Filipino workers). They are out in the world…they see how safe and functional other countries are, and desperately want that kind of change at home for their families.

All of them know how bad the situation is in the Philippines…that the poverty and corruption knows no end, and that the wheels of justice turn verrrry slow (if they turn at all). I very much thought of the Philippines like the wild west, and Duterte as the sheriff who was appointed to get things under control (I also had a chance to experience Davao, the city he was mayor of for 20 years. Being there, and seeing the genuine love the people had for this man was powerful.)

On top of all this, these foreigners and OFWs just realize that Filipino culture is quite unique – and that what works in the west isn’t always going to work in the Philippines.

“Hey Joe, Vote For Duterte!”

Duterte’s landslide victory came as no surprise to me – I love the country dearly and have spent the last 3 years documenting and exploring much of it. I interviewed and listened to Filipinos at all socioeconomic levels – from Governors on down to to the humble fishermen. When I looked at the people as a whole…not just the elites and educated people at the top, but ALL the people…it became clear that the vast majority were ready for change. He was the only candidate really offering that.

To be fair, this happens all the time with world leaders…it’s a tough job. In the U.S., people were ready for change and tired of Clinton when Bush came into office, then tired of Bush when Obama came into office…and now guess what millions of Trump supporters are foaming at the mouth for (and the trend continues now, just after the 2020 election)?

Anyhow, I’ll never forget the time I was walking along the road in the southern Philippines…it was election season, and Duterte stickers were plastered all over the place.  A huge work truck drove by with some young Filipinos riding on the top. One smiled, waved, and yelled out “Hey Joe, vote for Duterte!!” His enthusiasm was unmistakable. There was hope in the air.

So Why Am I Heartbroken?

Good question. Even though Duterte has only been in office a short time, there really seems to be a massive shift in the country. Hope and morale (from the majority of the people) are high. Of course that makes me happy. I like that, through Duterte, the people of the Philippines (people I care deeply about) finally feel like they have a voice. I like Duterte’s spirit of independence, and that he stood up to the U.S…I think it was probably needed to help my country, the world, and Filipinos themselves start to see the Philippines in a new, more independent light.

…But then he kept hammering away at the U.S. and other world leaders. It went on and on…and eventually I couldn’t help but feel like it was just a media stunt. People like to call Duterte the “Trump of the East”, but as was previously pointed out, that’s unfair. In the world of politics, Trump is untested. In my opinion, Duterte has already proven that he can make things happen.

However, I do believe that they are both masters of publicity…their crude and shocking behavior keeps both of them at the top of worldwide headlines. After all, it is true what they say…any publicity is good publicity. They are both making a name for themselves in the history books…every single day. The genius is that they’ve done it with little or no marketing budget at all. I think both of them thrive on people believing that they are far less intelligent than they actually are.

Eventually, I did feel that the anti-U.S. rhetoric was taken too far. I feared it could turn Filipinos against actual American citizens, and vice versa. To me that is both unfortunate and unnecessary.

Look, I’m the first one to admit that the U.S. is not perfect. However, when I think about the possible ramifications from a move like this, well…that worries me. Of course I don’t want to be vilified in the Philippines, a country I love (just because I happen to be born in the U.S.), but I would also hate to see how much of the world might start to view the Philippines as a result of decisions like this.

For better or worse, the U.S. still has a lot of global presence, and Hollywood movies and propaganda have ripples of influence that are far reaching. It pains me to think how the Philippines might  start to be demonized like North Korea has…eventually becoming mocked and ridiculed in movies and on television. To some degree, with the Philippines, this is already happening now.

Our Shared History

Again, our relationship may not always have been perfect, but the last few years have showed me just how deep and profound the Philippine/U.S. connection is. 

I was fortunate to be invited to the Bataan Death March Memorial by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office this year. I had the opportunity to meet the last remaining survivors of this tragic, historic event. These Filipino and American soldiers fought and died side by side, for an ultimate victory to make the world a better place. I took most of the pictures on this page at this event.

I was just a few feet away as the Philippine President, U.S. and Japanese ambassadors stood and saluted the fallen heroes of this war. Allies and enemies standing together 74 years later – this was intense. A military helicopter roared by overhead and dropped thousands of rose petals from the sky. Along with many others, I shed a tear on that day.

Sure, some could argue that Japan only invaded the Philippines because of its connection to the U.S., but let’s face it. The Philippines is clearly a strategic piece of the so called “South China Sea” puzzle. Japan would have likely come for it eventually. On top of the added security, the U.S. provided much needed infrastructure and supplies to the Philippines.

To this day, the Philippines is the most pro-American country in the world. I read somewhere (supposedly reputable) that in the Philippines, the U.S. has an approval rating of over 90%. It might seem unlikely, but after all my personal experiences in the country, I actually believe it! I know Duterte’s approval ratings are equally as high, but I’m still shocked that a valuable, long-standing economic and military alliance could be so quickly tossed aside – without the support of the majority of the Filipino people.

What happened to all the campaign talk about riding a jet ski out the Spratlys to plant the Philippine flag?

I Get It…the U.S. Isn’t Perfect…But China?

I wrote a post denouncing anti-Chinese sentiment in the Philippines during the Spratly Islands conflict, so I definitely wouldn’t call myself anti-Chinese, but something has been bothering me. Duterte keeps hinting that the U.S. does not respect Filipinos or the Philippines, but I wonder…does he think that the Chinese people or government will respect Filipinos more?

From my experience in the Philippines, many Chinese people have been downright nasty to Filipinos in a way that I have virtually never seen from Americans. In fact, part of me wonders what Chinese leaders are saying about Duterte behind his back as he walks away from these high profile meetings.

Also, what about the millions of Filipinos who live in the U.S. and countries closely allied with it? What kind of strain could that put on Filipino families and/or the 30 billion dollars sent home each year as remittances (if you’re counting, that’s one trillion, four-hundred forty-five million pesos)?

Duterte may have more in common with China personally, but the Filipino people have far more religious and cultural values in common with the U.S. in my opinion. Basically, I just wish things hadn’t progressed this far. With Hillary Clinton heightening fears about Russia, the timing couldn’t be worse.

Duterte could have made some waves by standing up to the U.S, distanced himself from them, then continued playing both superpowers in order to get the best deal for his country. It’s risky, but he still could have maintained his country’s independence and sovereignty while holding on to, what in my humble opinion is, the alliance that just makes more sense. He could (and should) make it clear that the U.S. is not to meddle in Philippine affairs.

Still though, in my heart of hearts, I want to believe that Duterte is operating from a place of deep love and concern for his people and his country. Perhaps he knows something that we don’t, and we’ll just have to trust in the process. After all, Singapore was hit with a lot of international criticism over the years, and it’s now one of the most safe and functional cities in the world.

At this point, I think it’s clear that President Duterte knows he will be in the history books. Let’s just hope it’s for the right reasons.

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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By Nathan Allen

I must admit, this video of U2’s “Bono” talking about how “America Is An Idea” has me brimming with patriotism.

Well, I didn’t always feel this way.

To be honest, when I first left the U.S. and ventured out into the world, I avoided other Americans like the plague. Growing up in California, I kind of absorbed the idea that my country was some sort of scourge on the face of the earth. I assumed that others around the globe would share this view (some do), but the reality turned out to be quite a bit more nuanced.

As much as I didn’t want to admit it, over time I realized that I definitely had been living in a bubble. The new friends I made in various countries helped me adjust the lens through which I saw not only myself, but also my OWN country.

Red, White, and…Bánh mì?

For example, I never imagined that I would see north Vietnamese youth plastering American flags all over their motorbike helmets, but indeed I saw just that.

Speaking of which, on one return trip to California I was invited to the beautiful home of a Vietnamese refugee family. As I looked around I couldn’t keep my eyes from welling up with pride. For now, not only did I have an understanding of the challenges they faced to get here, but also a deep appreciation for the opportunities afforded to them in the United States.

(Not only for them, but anybody with the determination to keep reaching for it.)

Immigrant Eyes

In fact, one of the greatest gifts I have been given is being able to view my country through the eyes of an immigrant. My wife is from the Philippines, and it was eye opening to hear her say “if we have kids, I want them to have what you have”. She was talking about freedom…not just having freedom, as many great countries of course do, but actually being free.

She sees it as a state of mind, something deep within the psyche of many Americans.

We are raised to think that anything is possible; that the sky is the limit. This of course could be seen as overconfidence, but I believe that real innovation and success comes from the ability to dust yourself off after repeated failure.

“You’ve got to learn how to fall before you learn how to fly.”

This is where the “plucky confidence” of Americans really comes into play (despite the fact that on paper, we clearly lag behind many other nations).

Honest Abe’s Prediction

Many years ago, Abraham Lincoln warned that the real threat to America would come from within America herself. Never has been this been more apparent to me. After all, before I began to see my country from the outside (and through the eyes of others), I was on the inside, constantly criticizing and apologizing for it.

Well, No more.

Years of living abroad (coupled with me advancing in age, I suppose) have given me a totally new perspective on things. There is no doubt that my country is flawed, just like many others. However, there is also no doubt that, overall, America has been a force for good in the world. Certainly a great, stabilizing force.

As Americans of all colors and backgrounds, we must stay vigilant and united. We should be wary of those who try to misrepresent who and what we are. Yes, we are struggling through an incredibly polarizing time right now, especially during another contentious election year. However, we’re tough and tested…we have a classic western expression: “this ain’t our first rodeo!”

(continued below)

A Distorted Sense Of Reality

It was a European friend that reminded me how American media often seems wildly out of touch with reality. “If it bleeds it leads”, isn’t that how the old saying goes? Well, in my humble opinion it seems to be true. I’ve spent over 20 years documenting life in the U.S. and other countries, and I barely recognize the world portrayed in our media.

The “State Of Jefferson”

In order to capture the incredible scenery in California’s Sierra Nevada, my wife and I moved to a sparsely populated rural county near Yosemite National Park. This area is over 90% white, and deeply Republican. In other words, “Trump Country”. In fact, this county is so “red” that most people here want to secede from California, creating a conservative new 51st state – “The State Of Jefferson”!

Given the hate and vitriol we’re led to believe that white America has for non-white people, we should be terrified, right? Even her friends in Asia sent concerned emails, worried that “Billy Bob” was going to try and hunt her down…all because they saw something scary on CNN.

Well not so fast.

Keep in mind that my wife is a morena (darker skinned) Filipina. To me, she’s as beautiful as can be. To them…well, she may be the same, but I can guarantee you they’re well aware she’s not white.

However, to our shock, they have been nothing but absolutely wonderful to her. Even the staff at her hospital checkups (which I can’t join, due to Covid) have been incredibly kind and helpful to her.

Does this mean that racism in America no longer exists? Certainly not. Does it mean that it’s purposely exaggerated for political / monetary gain? Well, you’re going to have to be the judge of that.

Sifting Through The B.S.

As asinine as it sounds, one trick I’ve learned is to simply use my own real-world experience to gauge whether or not something is true. I realized that every time I get online or turn on the news, I’m led to believe my country is this way or that.

If your real-world experience (or those closest to you) truly reflects what you see on the news, then by all means…continue believing it!

On the other hand, if it doesn’t…be skeptical. I think we owe that much to our country and fellow citizens. Whenever possible, I listen to the speeches of politicians (on the right and left) uncut and in full. I will never trust a media outlet to accurately deliver their message through tiny sound bites. I’ve given them way too many chances.

An Immigrant Success Story

Despite what it may seem, the America I see today is a decent and incredibly diverse nation. After all those years in Asia, I’m particularly proud of the accomplishments of Asian Americans. For example, for quite some time now, they have the highest median household income in the U.S., and are most likely to receive the best loans from banks. In my view, that is opportunity and hard work in action.

It’s especially impressive coming from the only race that at one point had an oppresive law on the books prohibiting them from even entering the U.S.

I Love Your Country – & Now I Love Mine, Too

To the Americans I met while living abroad, I’m sorry if I avoided you at first. To those I encountered after my “Great American Awakening”, you have no idea how much our interaction meant to me. I became incredibly homesick near the end there, and am over the moon to be back home with my wife now – especially after such an arduous wait for her immigration processing.

To my friends in the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Britain, Germany, and Netherlands, thanks for sharing nostalgic stories of your visits to my home country. Thanks for continuing to see America in a positive light – as a beacon of hope, even when I (and countless others) have neglected to.

I loved exploring and getting to know YOUR countries very much, thank you for helping me learn to appreciate my own unique culture and history. I’m honestly a bit embarrassed that it took me this long.

America, absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I took you for granted for oh so many years…I promise it will never happen again.

Happy birthday!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

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The post My 4th of July Love Letter To America appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Follow-Up: My “Open Letter” Explained

– By Nathan Allen

“The Truth Hurts…But Less if it’s Coming From YOU”

Here is the link to the original letter, as a young Filipino on Twitter shared it:

“When truth feels better told by somebody else – A FOREIGN BLOGGER’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPINES“

Why do many people accept these observations if they are coming from a foreigner, and not so much from their own kababayan?  That is a question that many Pinoys seem to be asking after reading the responses to my “open letter”.  The response was mostly positive, resulting in 60,000 “likes” and thousands of shares  – all in just 5 days.  Quite overwhelming – I would like to thank all of you that wrote and posted such kind words about the letter!  However, there were definitely a few who were critical of what I had to say. 

After reading it, these individuals wanted to know who I was to write such things.  Well, that’s fair.  Many of them assumed I came to the country as a typical tourist “on vacation“, and likely spent all my time in Manila, Cebu, and Boracay.

In actuality, my ideas and observations came from all over the country, and in large part from speaking with Filipinos themselves. In some cases it may not have made a difference, but it’s worth mentioning that many user comments were added to my post before people knew what my experience in the country actually was. I should have made it clear sooner. 

On a Cultural “Mission”

Here’s more about me, from an article I’ve written previously:

 

“I have spent an entire year exploring and living in this beautiful 
country – and all on a very modest budget.  I have done my best to try and learn 3 distinct languages. I sampled local and street foods all over the country – on 
multiple occasions I have actually even enjoyed balut:)  I became “part of the family” at my favorite local 
carinderia in Cebu City, I slept in a candle-lit nipa hut in the lush 
green mountains of Luzon. I had my fill of delicious food in Bicol (maharang!).

I swam with giant sea turtles off of Apo Island. I found “my voice” while exploring countless videoke bars deep in the provinces…I have been known to try and sing “Pusong Bato” and “My Way” when I get the chance.  In Manila I crossed Edsa on foot and learned the complex jeepney routes.

I went fishing in Bacuit 
Bay (Palawan), rode “top load” on one of the world’s most dangerous 
roads in Ifugao, explored and documented many poor neighborhoods, took a motorbike deep into the mountains of Negros 
Oriental, went to a “witchdoctor’s” festival on the island of 
Siquijor, barricaded myself indoors with a family in the path of typhoon Yolanda, and then volunteered a bit with relief efforts afterward.”

You can think of me like a missionary, except I wasn’t trying to spread my gospel to you.  I was hoping you would teach the “Filipino gospel” to me.

“I Love My Country, But Hate The Way Things ARE”

Of course these experiences do not make me any kind of expert, and there is so much more to explore and learn.  All I can say is that I 
did make the most of the time I had in the country, and I put honest effort into connecting with the people and culture.  I made friends in Manila and Cebu that were very successful, educated, and worldly.  I made friends deep in the provinces and villages who were educated in different ways – friends who showed me a thing or two about generosity, religious devotion, and hospitality (these can also be said for my “city friends”, by the way). 

Over the course of that year I observed a lot, and asked a lot of questions. I had many in-depth conversations with Filipinos from all socio-economic 
levels, and I really listened to them.  From scholars, governors, and Supreme 
Court employees in the big cities, to trike and taxi drivers, to poor 
fisherman in Palawan and Siquijor…they were all saying the same thing: 


They love their country, but they hate the way things are (I’ll admit, the 
government workers were less open to acknowledge how “things are”, 
but they hinted at it.) 



Heartbreak Hotel

You know what?  It’s heartbreaking to see so many people you care for so 
deeply-people that welcomed you into their hearts and homes-seem so 
frustrated and hopeless about the situation in their country.  

I observed it for an entire year, and I thought long 
and hard about it. “What’s missing?”, I asked myself.

Again, I wondered if perhaps 
it’s the voice – the ability to stand up, achieve, and move the country forward without the fear of friends and family trying to pull you back down to “reality” for being too proud or ambitious. 

During my travels around the islands, one thing was quite clear: the “crab mentality” is very much alive and well in the country. I saw it in practice just about everywhere I went – and even felt the effects of it personally in some cases.  It’s certainly not unique to the Philippines, but although it’s getting there, this country has clearly had a hard finding its way out of corruption and poverty. For some reason, other “crab mentality” plagued countries seem to have navigated these waters more successfully.

I’m just asking how much this mentality might have to do with the country’s slowed progress.  If it’s not already clear, I’m a big fan of Filipino culture.  However, if “the crab mentality” is possibly manifesting itself in the form of cultural modesty, and that modesty might be keeping people from standing up and achieving, then it could be holding the country back, and isn’t that worth a closer look?  This is why, in the letter I mentioned: 

“I know you prefer to be modest, but I don’t believe pride and modesty have to be enemies.  I believe you can be proud without thinking or acting like you are better than others.  Be proud of your culture; your heritage.”

Easier To See From the Outside?

So yes, the blog post was shared a lot, and many people thanked me for writing it.  Again, I was curious why some people are more willing to accept this point-of-view from a foreigner, but perhaps not from their own countrymen?  As “chrissunner” points out in the comments, this is not the first time that many of these points have been brought up (previously by prominent Pinoy authors such as Jose Rizal and Nick Joaquin). 

One thought was that these are perspectives coming from somebody with 
no direct connection to the country, and therefor possibly no internal biases. 

In essence, perhaps it’s easier to see the certain things from the outside?

Another idea is that people may have listened to their countrymen in the past, but have felt betrayed by them once they gained power. On a consistent basis, that’s enough to build considerable distrust, I suppose. 

An Impassioned Plea

I realize that my passions may have gotten the better of me while writing that letter, and hopefully after reading about my experiences in the country, people will treat it more as a “plea” than a sermon (that is certainly how I intended it). You see, I come from a country that has already gone down a road that the Philippines appears to be going down now. I want to warn these people that I’ve grown so close to…warn them about too much U.S. and “western” influence. 

If you notice, each year more and more American, Aussie, and European ex-pats are showing up on Philippine beaches looking for “the good life”.  There is a reason for this.  Of course it has to do with economics, but I suspect that in some cases they may also be fleeing from their own chaotic “western” worlds – perhaps in favor of your wonderful family-oriented culture.  

Yes, Filipinos, in many ways your “quality of life” is far superior to ours. 

I don’t want it to seem like I’m not proud of my own country at all…I’m proud of its cultural diversity and innovation, at least in terms of technology, and musical contributions such jazz and blues (to name just a few)…I’m just not proud of our fast food culture, eroding family values, consumerism, foreign policy, and bloody history.

An “Outsider’s Perspective”

Aside from this “warning”, I also hope to provide outside perspective on your own culture, because if there’s one theme that keeps repeating in most of the emails I receive at “I Dreamed Of This“, it’s just how appreciative people are to see their own culture reflected through the eyes of someone else. Of course, everybody loves to be flattered, but I have specifically and continuously been thanked by Filipinos for my “honest and fair” look at the country “as it is“. Just so you know, these are their words, not mine.

I appreciate having the freedom to express ideas like this, and I can only imagine 
how much worse off the world would be if nobody asked questions or voiced their ideas and opinions in the past. People around the world have been very critical of my own country (U.S.) in blogs and editorials, and for good reason. I do feel that the free exchange of ideas is very important…this was kind of the point of the letter – we all have a voice, and we should all use it! 

Still, though, if I hadn’t felt a certain level of acceptance by (and deep admiration for) Filipino culture, I certainly would have thought twice about writing that letter.  The people of this country have become like family to me, and I write such words out of deep concern for my adopted “family”.

Speaking of which, it’s also worth mentioning that I wrote that letter for my readers, and they already know all about me and my connection to the country.  When it went viral and was picked up by GMA News, I knew thousands of new readers would be confused as to who I am, so I felt the need to write this follow-up. 

“I Dreamed Of This”

I started The “I Dreamed Of This” FB page ( www.facebook.com/idreamedofthis ) while I stayed in the Bicol region, and it is entirely dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Filipino culture and countryside. It is a growing community of over 22,000 Filipinos who, as I said, have really taken me in as family.

I am so grateful for all the new friends I have made throughout this process.  The photos and stories shared within the “I Dreamed Of This” community have proven to be a daily source of pride for Filipinos inside the country, as well as a much-needed link “home” for Pinoys and OFWs around the world. Now that I am back in the U.S, I find that it’s an important link back to my  “adopted home” for me, too!

Yes, I do think the Philippines has a lot to offer the world.  I am optimistic, and look forward to watching the country succeed – in its own unique way. 

Salamat sa inyong lahat!

–Nathan Allen

Lost In Translation?

* Some parts of my letter may have been “lost in translation” due to words and expressions not common (or with different meanings) in the Philippines. For example, some people thought I was saying that Filipinos don’t know what therapists are.  It was a joke, implying that your culture isn’t broken to the point where you have a need for them. 

* The point of 
the letter was certainly not to say that Filipinos are not capable or are not contributing 
anything of value to the world. On the contrary, the point was actually to a shine light 
on the wide variety of skills and talent the country possesses. Talent that may be 
lacking the “push”, and addressing this “lack of a push” is what I was really getting at. 

For example, knowing how soulful and talented Philippine-based musicians are, why aren’t there more of them making big moves out in the world?  As “abcruc2310” puts it in his comment:  “…but for a nation of 90 million people many of whom are proficient musicians, you’d think that the world ought to be covering more Filipino songs. So you need to ask yourself: why isn’t that happening?”   I loved reading that, it was exactly the point I was trying to make!


* Not aimed at all Filipinos, this letter was directed at “the masses” I referred to, 
and within the Philippines specifically (note: GMA News published it, and changed it from “Letter to the Philippines” to “Letter To Pinoys”, so it became even more confusing Also, just in case people are taking it more literally, I defined “small-minds” as those “being kept from potential and discouraged from being ambitious“. As I use
 the expression in the U.S.: “people being small-minded” means they 
are not thinking things through or taking initiative. 

In this case, I wasn’t pointing the finger at Filipinos themselves, but perhaps instead at their oppressive colonial past.

* On another note, in my haste to make a bigger point, I neglected to mention many more English-speaking nations in my original letter…Canada and Australia, to name a few.  I apologize for this oversight. 

* For the record, I am uncomfortable with the word “truth” used in the Twitter post I mentioned before – people are free decide what’s true for them, but these are just my observations and ideas.



Also, it has been pointed out that “small minds” discuss people, and that I have in fact written a whole piece about what?  Yes, people. I find this bit of irony quite amusing as well! 

By the way, if you made it this far and still don’t know what “letter” I’m talking about, where have you been?  Under a rock?  Haha.  Here you go:

A Foreign Blogger’s “Letter To The Philippines

The post NATHAN RESPONDS – Re: A FOREIGN BLOGGER’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPINES appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

Filipinos: Think, Think, THINK!!

-By Nathan Allen

When I was in the Philippines, a friend of mine said “Nathan, you think too much”.  Actually, I heard this from a few Filipinos.  Really?  I mean, I know I tend to analyze things, but “thinking too much” is precisely I how I dreamed up a way to (modestly) travel the country for a year – then write an in-depth article on Filipino culture (an article that Filipinos seem to really appreciate). 

Filipinos:  I am asking you to think MORE. 

Eleanor Roosevelt said “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.”  Sadly, perhaps due to colonization and other factors (I’ll get to these later), the Philippines may have established itself as a country full of “small minds” – and by that I mean people that were intentionally discouraged from being ambitious, and kept from their potential.  Those in power wanted to keep it that way, and to some extent I believe it’s still the same today.  The masses (who I’m addressing in this letter) are encouraged to keep consuming products and stay focused on (and distracted by) trashy, mindless TV and gossip.  I’ve seen it happen in the US.  It’s good for the economy, but bad for the culture (it makes things easier for a government to manipulate its people and keep them powerless).

CONSUMERS AND COPYCATS

The Philippines seems to be a country full of consumers and copycats.  What do I mean by that?  Media consumption – TV, radio, and Internet…and it’s all designed to manipulate you one way or the other.  Encouraged through the media is shopping – you’ve got to have the latest shoes, bags, and phones.  Otherwise, your value in society isn’t very high. 

Just like in the US, it’s a very shallow, endless cycle of consumption, but Philippines, what are you producing?  What are you contributing to the world in terms of original literature, art, and music?   From what I’ve seen, I think you have a LOT to offer…

You are widely known to be some of the best cover-artists in the world.  You can recreate almost any song – sometimes even better than the original!  Pinoy vocalist Arnel Pineda becoming the lead singer of the iconic American band “Journey” is a good example of this.  You’re such gifted musicians and vocalists, and your grasp of the English language is impressive – so where are your own musical contributions?  I know you have some classic Filipino songs, but I’m talking about international hits (and Fil-Am artists don’t count). 

Filipinos, perhaps hundreds of years of colonization have left you holding back your talent…and feeling like you don’t have a “voice” to speak up with – that your opinions don’t matter, and have no value.  That is understandable (given your country’s repressive history), but we live in a different world now, and I hope you can begin to take the first few steps away from that oppressive colonial past.  The way I see it, for you, the sky is the limit.

LIFT YOURSELVES UP, BUT DON’T FORGET WHO YOU ARE

Now, with your growing economy, you are heading in the same direction as many wealthy western countries.  You are “modernizing”, and that appears to be a good thing.  Do you know what the irony is, though?  In our countries, the “higher standard of living” is not what you might think.  Most of you have plenty of quality “social time”.  The amount of time we have to reflect and enjoy life with friends and family is shockingly little.  Unlike most of yours, our families are broken and very disconnected.  In the “developed” world, we seem to be losing our humanity – we barely make eye contact when we’re out in public!  Your family-oriented culture and sense of connectedness is something that you REALLY have going for you in the Philippines. 

In our countries we work too much, are completely stressed out, and have countless new diseases and psychological disorders that I believe are popping up because of life in our hectic modern world.  A therapist is practically a requirement for life in any large American city.  Filipinos, do you even know what a therapist is?  No?  Good!    The point is, these disorders (just like therapists) are rare in the Philippines.  This seems to be the price we pay for being “advanced and developed” nations.  The point is, I do hope you can break free from this “colonial” mentality, but aside from that…

Filipinos: Don’t try to be more like us, try to be more like YOU.  I believe what the the world needs now is more you, not more us.

In my last article about Filipino culture, I mentioned how a few people in Manila seemed to be ashamed to speak Filipino with me.  I was saddened by that; I hoped they would be proud of their culture.  I got the impression that they admired me so much – just for being white!  When I would go through security anywhere in Manila, I was the only one who wouldn’t be searched.  I seemed to get a free pass, again, because I was white.  That was something I loved about Cebu and the Visayas…there, the security searched me just like everybody else.  It was fair.  In general, people down there weren’t impressed with my white skin.  If I was going to impress them, I would have to earn it.  They were proud, and I loved that.  I don’t mean to promote regionalism here; I just would love to see all Filipinos develop that sense of cultural pride. 

Truly the “Pearl Of The Orient Seas”

Filipinos (from north to south), please know that your culture and who you are is something unique and special in the world – something precious that’s rapidly disappearing, in fact.  Please don’t be afraid to be proud – I know you prefer to be modest, but I don’t believe pride and modesty have to be enemies.  I believe you can be proud without thinking or acting like you are better than others.  Be proud of your culture; your heritage.

Philippines, I hope soon you will become known for being more than just a friendly country with affordable opportunities for foreign-owned businesses.  My hope is that you will gain a reputation as a nation of innovators and entrepreneurs…as creators.  I have never seen so much talent be so under-utlilized.  With your stunning beaches and lush mountain provinces, you are also poised and ready to take the world’s tourism industry by storm.   However, your ecosystem is delicate, and it needs to be protected and preserved.  I’d love to see your country pave the way for environmentally-friendly tourism. That would be an innovative and much needed contribution to the world!

At the very least, I hope you can share the Filipino way of life with the rest of the world, because we could certainly learn a lot from it.

The “Crab Mentality” – Is It Helpful?

Please put an end to the “crab mentality” – lift each other up, don’t pull each other down.  If your country is ever going to rise up and share its treasures with the world, you will have to foster an environment of praise and support for your countrymen. 

Filipinos:  You are some of the most talented, soulful, and generous people I have ever encountered. Please know that you DO have a voice, that your ideas DO matter, and that your contributions (whether they be musical, artistic, or intellectual) WILL be felt. 

Believe it, and the rest of the world will, too. 

Oh!  One more thing.  If you work in government, do not EVER forget your responsibility to represent the PEOPLE – a people and a culture with a lot to offer the world.  YOU represent them on the world’s stage. Do NOT let them down. 

– Nathan Allen

* UPDATE * – I have explained exactly what I was doing in the PHL and responded to your comments in a follow-up post.  Please click HERE to read it!

The post A FOREIGN BLOGGER’S LETTER TO THE PHILIPPINES appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.