Trip to see grandchild opens up world of Philippines

By LOIS DAVIDSON, Sentinel Staff Writer
Published: Friday, September 1, 2006 2:50 PM CDT
http://www.mcphersonsentinel.com/

How far would you travel to see your first grandchild?

Grandmother Judy Hageman and her son, Aaron Badge, left Kansas Aug. 1, to fly to the Philippines. Hageman’s eldest son, Kurt Cooper, lives in the Philippines with his wife, Grace, and their newborn son.

“The first week I was there, I tried to find anything familiar… there was nothing familiar,” Hageman said.

Many differences exist between American culture and the Filipino culture. What’s so fascinating is the manner of the culture.

“Everyone I met was so happy-go-lucky,” Hageman said.

Friendly, yes. But, why all the guns and security?

As Hageman entered a mall, security guards would be carrying pistols — one even had a shotgun.

When she purchased an item at the mall, she had to go through three different people in order to leave the shopping area. At the first station, she paid for the items. The second person double checked her bag to make sure she didn’t sneak anything else into the bag. The third person checked the bag one final time and sealed the bag.

Hageman believes there must be a problem with shoplifting.

According to Hageman, the Philippine government is thought to be a democracy, but is horribly corrupt. In Davao, Philippines, it’s been reported that the mayor has enough money that he cannot be bought out, nor bribed. Therefore, the city is run his way.

Hageman said if anyone is caught in the act of a serious crime, the mayor will eliminate the problem in an old Western style. He authorizes killing whoever committed a serious crimes.

Hageman said that there weren’t any restrictions on where her or her son could travel. She didn’t witness any violence, but observed a high level of security.

At the Marco Polo Hotel, where the Filipino president stays, the employees check vehicles before allowing them to proceed to the next checkpoint.

Although there was much security, Hageman reported she, “was worried at first, but after a while didn’t feel threatened.”

Hageman toured many sites, including Pearl Farm Beach Resort.

“It was wonderful, just how you would picture a tropical paradise to be,” she said.

There was not a language barrier most of the time for Hageman since most people spoke English.

The roads were two lanes wide, but extremely busy. To make a left-hand turn, drivers would edge their vehicles into the ongoing traffic very slowly.

A driver would make it across traffic by creeping along without disrupting the traffic flow.

“I could never drive in it!” a wide-eyed Hageman said.

With the heavy stream of traffic, pollution levels are increasingly out of control and will need to be addressed in the near future.

Hageman came into contact with poverty issues every day. She saw beggar children, tin-roofed huts used as houses and offices and a lack of efficiency.

“It’s so poor it’s depressing,” she said.

Even nicer homes have flaws. Her son lives in a duplex with a ceiling and roof that leaks. The kitchen is extremely small with a refrigerator that doesn’t keep food cold, a portable one burner stove and no hot water.

But the duplex is a nice place, according to the Filipino standard for homes.

There are many instances and examples of the deprivation levels in the Philippines.

There’s crime, murder, poverty, pollution and injustices.

Despite the problems, what Hageman will remember is the friendliness, acceptance and overall manner of the people.

Hageman reported that everyone she met was friendly and respectful. The women dressed appropriately, modestly and respectfully. It was a change from the United States.

Food was another matter. She tasted extremely sweet butter, banana ketchup, 15 different varieties of bananas and fruit that was out-of-this-world.

“I just wanted a pepperoni pizza!” Hageman said. “Their taste is just different from ours.”

Schools are run similar to those in the United States. The difference is that once the young people graduate, the country encourages them to leave. If they can make a bigger salary, then they can send money home. It’s a short-term solution to the country’s poverty problems.

On Aug. 21, Hageman and Badge made the trip back to the United States. Landing in San Francisco and making their way through security, a sense of normalcy returned.

“I could already feel the efficiency as soon as I stepped off the plane,” Hageman said.

She said the Filipinos may have their disadvantages, but it is still worthwhile to see the country.

She thinks it’s a great place to lose yourself in the people in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

“I am absolutely convinced that the USA is the best country to live in,” she said.

“I know we have our problems, but we overcome them and are able to do so much. I have a new appreciation for our country and what we have.”