Thursday, June 12, 2008 Talk back: About foreigners By T.A. Caraballo
(The following are reactions to Bobby Nalzaro’s June 11, 2008 column titled, “Erring foreigners.”)
I have only been to the Philippines (Cebu) twice, in October 2007 and again for two weeks in January. I was treated unbelievably well. I was made to feel like family, especially by people at Parklane Cebu Hotel.
I found all Cebuanos to be the kindest, nicest people I have ever met. Several of my friends even jokingly call me Kano-Pinoy.
I apologize on behalf of all Americans for those who act so foolish while they are guests in your country. Maybe they should take a side trip to the American Military Cemetery in Manila and see the largest American military cemetery outside of the United States. I have an uncle buried there.
People like those you wrote about must be ignorant of the long relationship between our countries and the sacrifices made by those, like my uncle, who died for the Filipino people.--Kevin Atchison of Glendale, Arizona, USA
I am sorry that some foreigners create such a poor impression with their egregious behavior. When my wife (who is from Cebu), my kids and I were in Cebu in 2004 we were surprised at the number of foreigners now living there.
Based on my reading, and occasional participation in several expatriate groups, I say some foreigners can be immature, boorish and rude. I pray your experience with them is the exception rather than the rule.
In a few years I will retire and my wife and I hope to stay in the Philippines, in an area where Cebuano is spoken. Given time, my own ability to speak Cebuano will be sufficient.
Aside from those who are immature, I know of many expatriates who live their lives in the Philippines with honor and dignity. Others actively seek to help their Filipino community.
These are the people I aspire to imitate, and I hope that you welcome these people as friends and neighbors into your community, whether their stay is short or for a lifetime.--Gary Borba of Martinez, Georgia
Last Sunday, during Holy Mass at the City Sports Club, a foreigner who apparently did not like what the Monsignor was saying in his sermon (he must have felt alluded to?) stood up in the middle of the homily, arrogantly shouted at the Monsignor, then walked out of mass, with his wife and child dutifully following him out.
Who was this man? He should be told that in this country, we take our faith seriously and it would be best that he remembers this!
He not only acted crudely by shouting at the Monsignor and offended others attending the mass, he also attacked our faith and our freedom of speech.--T.A. Caraballo
