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Publisher’s Note
by CK This morning when I woke up, I noticed that some leaves in our tree in the backyard are starting to turn yellow and I told myself, what an early sign. For sure we have our nice days numbered as Fall is soon approaching. I love the color of Fall because it feels so refreshing [...]
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Home Sweet Home

By: Tigs Tidalgo

I wrote something on this nature sometime ago, but I was not thinking then of the possibility of an expat community. It’s widely known however that increasing trend of Filipinos from far away places want to go home to retire. Some are already in their home town living comfortably and enjoying retirement life away from the hustle of cities abroad.

We didn’t really leave behind the land that gave us first light. It is a belonging entrenched deeply in us wherever. We always talk and dream of her and when things are difficult, we even wish that we didn’t leave. We strive hard for worth and merit while always in our thoughts is that little town we still call home.

Years gone by and work is finished. Finally, we are free from obliging chores. We go home occasionally to realize that the place is not really bad as we often heard. It’s a good place to spend retirement; more so when friends and kinship are still around. Besides, it’s kind of an inner calling to go back to our roots when wrinkles and grey hair comes to dominate.

Yes, the town is always there. We may not be young anymore, but the place still derives sufficient gain. Our significance by just being around does have impact on the economy and on social status. It also enhances its image as dynamic and prosperous. Furthermore, it promotes the town as a good place to live.

The town is gracious to welcome us in all our visits. Local people too are generously kind to make our stay as comfortable as can be. It suffices to reason that many expats are making yearly homecoming holidays. Some are even seriously thinking of staying for good. Those that are already settled are alluring others to join in. It is indeed a promising outlook to think about.

However, to visit and to stay are two different things. Moving back permanently carries certain sense of responsibility. Expats are focal attraction. They are always under the observant eyes of the local inhabitants. Their customary ways in behavior and lifestyle is easily misunderstood as being different. In the barrios, the old feudal system between tenants and landlords is eventually remembered. It’s again a syndrome of rich and poor where both sectors hardly come together.

Normal as water seeks its own level; the expats too find its way around. They are the envy in the neighborhood. In a place where social distinction is well defined, they could rank well in high society. They are on par with high calibre people where the poor and the average perceive with disdain.

We live and travel worldwide and in some instances fall prey to prejudice. There are times when we swallow in bitter tastes our pride, rancour and hate from injustices. We know how it hurts and the resentment it takes to just absorb it. We are aware of what it’s like to dwell in a convoluted segregated society.

Then we are hearing the possible existence of gated expat community in the very bosom of the place we adore. It is also class division by any means. We already have stiff-neck enclave in high society and to add another tier from the expats is simply putting another rung on a ladder up high to hypocrisy. This is not the proper direction to go. It is wise therefore to denounce it by simply cutting off this notion from the bud itself.

Let us instead discourage elitism. We know that it can not be avoided as it is innately ingrained deeply in our character. But to inspire creating another segment to cater similar feature is unwarranted. The hint of an expat community, regardless if it is only to promote businesses is divisive. It should not even be thought about. Let us just be a caring and understanding community. There’s none better.

The expats do have important role. Their presence is noticeable thus becoming living example to encourage enhancement on social and ethical posture. It is therefore paramount that conduct in behaving and manners in abiding is essentially observed.

Expats are not privileged people. They should not expect special treatment to go around standard process. They should avoid using materials that are not permissible. They should tame their fancy in acquiring things from improper sources. They should stand as pattern to correctness towards productive and righteous living.

Retirement is still best spent in a place where it all began. It may not be the same as what was then, but the sweetness of home makes it a happy place to live. We seek consolation and tranquility in our late years and our home town has long been waiting for us to return. It is a home sweet home.

Home Sweet Home

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