Philippines in the eyes of a Korean

[dbears 1]

As you know, we have plenty of Koreans currently

studying in the Philippines to take advantage of

our cheaper tuition fees and learn English at the

same time.

This is an essay written by a Korean student i

want to share with you. (Never mind the grammar;

it's the CONTENT that counts) Maybe it is timely to

think about this in the midst of all the confusion

at present.

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES

Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in

the Philippines . Do you really think the corruption

is the problem of the Philippines ? I do not

think so. I strongly believe that the problem is

the lack of love for the Philippines

Let me first talk about my country, Korea .

It might help you understand my point.

After the Korean War, South Korea was one

of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans

had to start from scratch because entire country was

destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no

natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines , for

Filipinos were very rich in Asia . We envy Filipinos.

Koreans really wanted to be well off like

Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine.

My father & brother also died because of famine.

Korean government was very corrupt and is still very

corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was

able to develop dramatically because Koreans really

did their best for the common good with their heart

burning with patriotism.

Koreans did not work just for themselves but also

for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired

young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the

government to reform Korea . He tried to borrow money

from other countries, but it was not possible to get a

loan and attract a foreign investment because the

economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had

only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine

workers and nurses to Germany so that

they could send money to Korea to build a factory.

They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow

money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the

airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw

the President Park . They asked to him, "President,

when can we be well off?" That was the only question

everyone asked to him. President Park cried with

them and promised them that Korea would be well

off if everyone works hard for Korea , and the President

of Germany got the strong impression on them

and lent money to Korea . So, President Park was

able to build many factories in Korea . He always

asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA

came back to Korea to help developing country

because they wanted their country to be well off.

Though they received very small salary, they did their

best for Korea . They always hoped that their children

would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where

poor and physically handicapped people live. They

wanted me to understand their life and help them.

I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army.

The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we

have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my

neighborhood. Have you cried for the

Philippines? I have cried for my country several

times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many

poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid

prison. What made me sad in the prison were the

prisoners who do not have any love for their country.

They go to mass and work for Church. They pray

everyday.

However, they do not love the Philippines . I

talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound,

and both of them said that they would leave the

Philippines right after they are released from the

prison. They said that they would start a new life in other

countries and never come back to the Philippines

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that

we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood.

The owners of factory and company were distributed their

profit to their employees fairly so that employees could

buy what they needed and saved money for the

future and their children.

When I was in Korea , I had a very strong faith and

wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines ,

I completely lost my faith.

I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable

situations in the Philippines . Street kids always make me sad,

and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic

country in Asia , but there are too many poor people here.

People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has

been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and

saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer

than the present Philippines when they

were young. They are so sorry that there are so

many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan,

I forced my parents to take a boat because

it would fun. However, they were not happy after

taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat

again because they were sympathized the

boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a

small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it.

But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love

for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church

since I was very young told me that if we just go to

mass without changing ourselves, we are not

Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action.

She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things

for them because all of us are same and have received a great

love from God. I want Filipinos to love their

neighborhood and country as much as they love God

so that the Philippines will be well off..

I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos

should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once.

It should start from person. Love must start in everybody,

in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of

things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away

our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.

I discover that every person is worthy to be

loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible.

Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and

relationships. It changes the world. Please love your

neighborhood and country.

Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we

do to Him. In the Philippines , there is God for people who

are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love.

If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines .

Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country.

You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

[Completely 3]

Someone posted this article in VJ last month.. But its good to post it again...

[STEPHnRIA 2]

Someone posted this article in VJ last month.. But its good to post it again...

Hi GAYE! Nice to hear from you!

Hello completely!!! Nice pic! Seriously, yep! You are pretty! Smile naman dyan!

[Completely 3]

Someone posted this article in VJ last month.. But its good to post it again...

Hi GAYE! Nice to hear from you!

Hello completely!!! Nice pic! Seriously, yep! You are pretty! Smile naman dyan!

kaw talaga Rhia, na aliw tuloy ako mag post ng pic.

Photoshop lang yan, di tunay

[STEPHnRIA 2]

HAHAHA! Kaaliw nga e! Ako din!!!