Recession Proof

Image courtesy of http://filipinolifeinpictures.wordpress.com

Despite the relatively “poor” conditions in the Philippines, I am still happy to be here even just for the time being.

I put the word poor in quotation marks because the term is debatable, and again, relative. It’s true, countrymen are struggling, if not more than ever. And when one takes photos or videos around town, it’s not 100 percent picturesque because of the gritty truth of people living in the slums, child beggars weaving through traffic, and so forth. But Manila at this time is uncannily refreshing and truly uplifting simply because life seems… normal, for lack of a better word.

The first thing I noticed (and enjoyed) was seeing the malls and coffeeshops (and yes, also Starbucks) brimming with people working with the Wi-fi connection on their zippy laptops; high-rise residential buildings with construction in full swing; and pricey hotel breakfast buffets filled up, lines long. I will go far as to say that Manila these days is more bustling than Las Vegas, compared to the last time I was there.

In the words of a friend, the Philippines doesn’t seem as hardly hit by the recession as its neighboring super-countries like Singapore or Japan, since it never really took off in terms of vast economic development. So the dip feels a bit slighter, and the people seem as jolly as ever.

The last couple of weeks leading to this vacation was a bit depressing: Who would’ve thought a country like the United States would face the day when big retail stores like CompUsa and Linens ‘n Things would experience an untimely demise? Even worse, driving through main thoroughfares, one is met with quaint stores closing at a mouth-clucking rate. Turning on the tv, one is greeted with that widget-like broadcast of the latest unemployment statistic, plus disturbing news on people who will now work for food. I just had to escape, hoping that the rays of the Third World sun, its glorious beaches, jolly fellowmen, and belly-busting cuisine will help me recharge for America once again.

On another note, I’ve always had a soft spot for people who peddled their wares on their bikes. I just find it so heartwarming how much honor and pride these grown men have, toiling the day away, making a living, peso by peso, piece by piece of whatever’s for sale. Yesterday, we bought a few pieces of sweet corn from a guy on a bicycle along Congressional Avenue. Each steaming-hot mais was Php 12—that’s one dollar for four pieces! I get misty-eyed realizing this, and thinking about how many of those he has to sell in one day, in order to make a decent living. I wondered, How many kids does he have? Are they in school? How does that huge basket of corn stay steaming hot throughout the day?

Cue: Jaiho!


Original version by A.R. Rahman


Version by the Pussycat Dolls