The question of Filipino identity answered

In order to understand the Filipino identity it is necessary to describe it in terms of the following areas: geographical identity, racial identity and cultural identity. But first and foremost, Filipino is a term used to refer to people living in the Philippines who were born there or acquired their Philippine citizenship. It likewise means someone who can trace in his family tree a “Philippine Connection” – someone who was Filipino or born of Filipino parent/s.

GEOGRAPHICAL IDENTITY: Some people question the Filipinos’ being Asians. Maybe because when people hear the word Asian they always think of Japanese, Chinese and Korean. To settle this, it is essential to know what “Asian” really means. Asian is most commonly used as a term to refer to people coming from or living in Asia. That being said, the Philippines is geographically located in Southeast Asia, thus its inhabitants or people of its origins are ASIANS.

In addition, the Philippine Islands, just like Japan, is located in the western side of the Oceania or the Pacific Ocean. Thus those who think that they are PACIFIC ISLANDERS are likewise correct.

ETHNIC/RACIAL IDENTITY: The Filipino of modern times is a mlange of racial blood. They maybe a combination of the following races: Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, Spanish, American, and British among others.

One of the first inhabitants of the archipelago were the Itas/Agtas/Aetas. They closely resemble the aboriginals in Australia. They are small in stature, have dark skin and kinky hair. Then there are also the Malays and Indons who sailed from nearby islands either for trading or migratory purposes. The Chinese were likewise active traders in this part of Asia even prior to the arrival of the Spaniards.

The finding and naming of the archipelago by Spanish conquistadors and their eventual colonization which lasted for more than 300 years has led to inter-racial marriages. And then the Americans followed suit, and now the modern inter-racial marriages.

This is the primary reasons why non-Filipinos or those who are or were not exposed to Filipinos sometimes find it hard to distinguish them from other races. Some look Chinese, some have western physical characteristics, some closely resemble Indonesians or Malays, and others are just in between. But funny enough, a Filipino knows a fellow Filipino regardless of their physical characteristics. You may look very Chinese, but they will still know if you’re Filipino…..They have FILIDAR – Filipino

Information About Guam

 

The island of Guam, which is called Guahan in the Chamorro language; it is an unincorporated U.S. territory. It is the most southern of the Mariana Islands and is located in the western Pacific Ocean, about three fourths of the way between Hawaii and the Philippines.

It is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States. Geographically speaking, the island is located around 1,500 miles to south of Japan, 1,400 miles to east of the Philippines, 2,000 miles to north of Australia and 3,800 miles to west of Hawaii. It is about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to the Philippine. Guam shares most of the rights of Americans and is one of the five US territories that have an established civilian government.

Guam is the largest of the Mariana Islands. The highest point in Guam is Mount Lamlam. Settlement in the Mariana Islands dates back around three and a half thousand years. It is thought that early migrants to the Marianas, which are known as the Chamarro and it was from Southeast Asia.

The economy depends on US military spending, tourism, and the export of fish and handicrafts. Over the past 20 years, the tourist industry has grown rapidly, creating a construction boom for new hotels and the expansion of older ones. More than 1 million tourists visit Guam each year. The industry has recently suffered setbacks because of the continuing Japanese slowdown; the Japanese normally make up almost 90% of the tourists. Most food and industrial goods are imported.

Wildfires plague the forested areas of Guam every dry season despite the island’s humid climate. Most fires are man-caused with 80 percent resulting from arson. Poachers often start fires to attract deer to the new growth. Invasive grass species that rely on fire as part of their natural life cycle grow in many regularly burned areas.

During the rainy season sediment is carried by the heavy rains into the Fena Lake Reservoir and Ugum River leading to water quality problems for southern Guam. Eroded silt also destroys the marine life in reefs around the island. Soil stabilization efforts by volunteers and forestry workers to plant trees have had little success in preserving natural habitats.

International romance: Online dating around the world

From A US Embassy Contractor -Badge Number 6128654IE, retired

I have had this pent up for some time so as I am back in the SE United States (St. Mary’s Georgia), this cannot be easily traced and I have opted for a casual contractor relationship with, Big Brother, I will offer this unsolicited “way it may be” for the International online dating scene. When if ever will the guys that frequent Asia realize this Region is what it is? Here, it is usually a daily ritual of survival to eat, sleep, relieve oneself often with public transparency the list goes on. It is a love-hate-love environment- many times leaning towards hate, jealousy, and foolish pride getting the better side of logic.

These women (we will get to the men later) thrive on learning from each others Overseas foreign workers, Baligbayans (native tourists), ate’s (sisters), cousins or whoever lectures them into the rules to manipulate whoever crosses their path normally the suspecting middle age retiree simply looking for companionship and a shot of well you know what! I am a multiple business owner (sold) and a multiple property owner from Davao to Manila, whats my point? From working, resting, mongering, site seeing in almost every urban area to the most rural areas of the deserted island of Palawan I have learned the hard way, for those interested this site has a great down-loadable book that details the trust and integrity factor here in the Philippines, although in most all of Asia its the same, there is sadly very little. In the Philippine Islands its just a bit simpler to speak English but for most of us non fluent Tagalog speakers they will say what they wish with any lack of distress as they conjure up their next move-right by your side! So beware, of the dastardly deeds that await the unsuspecting men and tourists who come here looking for the non princess type, high maintenance divorce junkies etc., in this part of Southeast Asia there is just a different set of rules and pot holes to steer clear of.

Here are a few helpful hints published in the best selling book, Romance 101 Asia.

1) Assume the typical living arrangements for the person you are chatting and communicating with. If they directly or indirectly ask for money report them to the site you met them on. Their profile will likely be removed.

2) Thee girls are trying to divorce themselves from their surroundings, poverty, limited opportunity the list goes on and on. Understand and accept you will be supporting much more than one individual its a package deal to be involved with most women in Asia.

3) Consider hiring a good, established private investigation firm. Integrity or the lack thereof is acceptable behavior so you may a s well find out sooner than later. You are the only one who will know this is a business relationship as well as love.

4) Hold your generosity to a minimum in the beginning, you may wish to see the true intentions of your bride as your begin your relationship. There is no end to the supply of girls seeking their fortune through marriage to a foreigner. Move to the next if you have any reluctance.

As with many articles posted on the subject of on line dating this is simply a part of the success many of the now estimated 23 million singles in the United States seek in their journey to love.