Integration! (has some drawbacks? )

[Jack Peterson]

 It is no secret that I often make a reference to some ex--pats not wanting to or just not integrating with the Locals and I can sometimes see why but we should. As I often write about my local Sori Sori and my visit there on a somewhat regular basis ( as I have done for more than 5 years) many Friends (from this forum) come and visit with me also and remark how friendly it is and the price is good. (the list is now long so I will just say many) BUT

The reason I write this is because the Current (now updated) Rules (Laws) about having minors in your company is getting to a point that one has to sit and think  Am I still Ok in my Visits. You see the Local kids treat me as an Uncle, Cousin, a teacher and not just as "Sir" (A foreigner) It appears from what people tell me, these kids are no longer frightened or Ashamed when other foreigners come to the store or any others in the vicinity so something is right I feel.

Yesterday Evening my Local Councilor made a comment about my having some good effect on the little ones and older who throw rubbish (candy wrappers etc) on the floor willy nilly, When I am there sat having my beer it does not happen (they use the Bin) nor the pushing and shoving to get to the servery hatch either, Please and Thank you and certainly the excuse me's come in. The kids greet with a bless you. So I said to him it is not hard to get these kids to do what is right if we just talk to them in a nice way BUTI said, these new rules that are now becoming very strong on minors is worrying, OH! said he I don't think it is aimed at you or the friends we see you here with we know you. Hmmmmmmm Yes but it is still worrying especially with the little Girl missing just now. AH! we found here at a locals House,  Family I asked? No just a friend of the fathers, So, Whilst I hate to admit or even say there are two sets of rules are there not. Can you imagine the  Uproar if that had been me or any other foreigner? He said well all I know is that she was spotted in and out of this house and the Captain went to investigate and as it was a Filipino House it was judged OK. I asked and what if that had been my house?  Yes but it wasn't was it so no problem.

 OK so what I am trying to say is be part of what is happening in your own Area but leave things alone  at times and if you find a stray 4 year old take them to a Sori Sori or a nearby Locals House. These Kids (Bless them) Just want to be liked and be part of what is happening but don't understand the Rules yet 

Sorry if this out of order but it does play on my mind about the way Kids latch onto people that are kind, teach them things and treat them as Humans

 Not a rant just me and my thoughts

 

 Jack

 Morning All 

[Jollygoodfellow]

My opinion and thats all it is that interacting in a public place in an appropriate manner will have no problems and here comes the but, but if someone dislikes you or holds a grudge and knows a person is in the company of a minor its not hard to make allegations. If your just staying at the sari store and the kids dont follow you home again my opinion all is OK. Let us know what the jail conditions are if my opinion is completely wrong. 

[Dave Hounddriver]

21 minutes ago, Jack Peterson said:

it does play on my mind about the way Kids latch onto people that are kind

Agreed.  I have felt like the Pied Piper on more than one occasion when I used to go for walks in the hills where kids seldom see a foreigner walking.  I always bought them treats to take their mind off following me and it always worked.  It would be the same in any country these days.  An adult gets liked by friendly kids and he's an automatic perv in some people's eyes.  Oh well.  We do what we must.

[Jack Peterson]

1 minute ago, Dave Hounddriver said:

An adult gets liked by friendly kids and he's an automatic perv in some people's eyes.  Oh well.  We do what we must.

 YEP! but I hope the councilor remembers what he said if anything goes wrong 

[Mike J]

30 minutes ago, Jack Peterson said:

You see the Local kids treat me as an Uncle, Cousin, a teacher and not just as "Sir" (A foreigner)

I had to smile when I read this part of your post.  At the local 360 Pharmacy I am shown in their computer as "Uncle", no last name, just plain old Uncle.    I cannot tell you how often some tourist or another expat will give me a confused look when one of the clerks behind the counter will say to me "Hello Uncle, how can I help you?" 

[sonjack2847]

I can see where you are going with this Jack, but in our cases there are usually an local adult about which takes away the problem of being in the childrens company.I too try to integrate and see the pitfalls which can basically entrap us when we have no bad intentions.

[Jack Peterson]

9 minutes ago, sonjack2847 said:

pitfalls which can basically entrap us when we have no bad intentions.

 Maybe the day will come when we have to hang a notice on our gates at Christmas that says " Carol singers must be over 18" 

 Yes I know you are all laughing But  

[sonjack2847]

1 hour ago, Jack Peterson said:

 Maybe the day will come when we have to hang a notice on our gates at Christmas that says " Carol singers must be over 18" 

 Yes I know you are all laughing But  

I don`t think anybody with an ounce of sense would laugh at that.It may well become true.I think they need to sit down and re-think how the law is written.

[RBM]

I think Jack had the kiddie been found at your place an others present be zero problem. If one in the unfortunatel situation of being alone even if the kiddie was outside the potential is there for problems.

Most well publizied cases involving foreigner with minors involve either terminals , resorts or hotels. One must of course exercise care how ever would be extremely unlikely that a well known  Kindly ex pat like our Jack would arouse any suspicion with the authorities,  unless of course he had made an enemy you with authority.

I personally belive this whole well talked about law is taken far to exremely by most expats. I spend heaps of time walking out dog surrounded by young kids joking and such.

[Jollygoodfellow]

27 minutes ago, RBM said:

I personally belive this whole well talked about law is taken far to exremely by most expats. I spend heaps of time walking out dog surrounded by young kids joking and such.

Theres been two cases in about a month or so where it appears the foreigner is innocent and doing good things for people or the community. One hung himself in detention the other is charged with having minors accompany him bearing in mind an 19 and 18 year old aunt was in the group. But as you say, no harm in talking or joking just dont take anywhere. 

http://philippineslifestyle.com/hollywood-cameraman-hanged-cell-cebu/

http://philippineslifestyle.com/child-trafficking-belgian-family-trip/