I just arrived from a short trip to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. In my brief stay there I realized how much we depend on the service industry and the pleasantness of people. The hospitality of people is a big reassurance when you are out of your comfort zone.
As my friend Jenny Franco of Travel Vision briefed me, the people in both countries are pleasant and helpful. Even if the way they do things are so much different. In the neat disciplined way the Singaporeans live, one who is from a country of so many diverse cultures tends to envy the security that one gains when walking in the streets. Not much fear of pick pockets or poachers or belligerent taxi drivers who would give you a spin for your money. The police and service personnel who we had to ask for directions now and then were trustworthy and people followed street signs and lights with utter respect for authority.
In Kuala Lumpur, we experienced a little slack. But it was still a beautiful country. Rich, lush vegetation, their conservation of their natural forests again made we wish we did not give ours up too soon to what we then thought was development. Our island has a lot of tree growing to do to keep the island which we once called “emerald” afloat.
The vast land of KL opened so many opportunities for more development and planning. What caught our attention here was the strength in which structures were made. The fine and detailed finishing; the intricate art that showed the passion of a Moorish decent; and the classic gentleness of Asians. It also had lots of buildings that showed Western presence in their history. The strength of the infrastructure we saw made me realize how it could mirror the way money is spent by government. The Petronas Towers stamped its own claim to magnificence in architecture and engineering. The roads were mainly smooth in most areas, and highways well lit. The drainage system was good in the parts we visited.
KL reminded me so much of our own Mindanao, rich in natural resources, where agriculture is still in regime and sources of oil still untapped. It also reminded me of the old Manila or Cebu’s Colon in certain sections with all the dealings that occur therein.
Singapore denoted good urban planning. The precise way the buildings were designed wowed us. The awe and amazement at the way the edifices stood close to each other without covering the other. The grouping of steel and art. The clean surroundings, and again the good drainage system – as we walked the streets in the rain without floods. Our guide told us albeit jokingly how boring it was to live in Singapore, “No floods, no typhoons, no earthquakes, no terrorists threats, no corruption”. Whew! And no overpopulation I might add. Although now the Singaporeans are encouraged to have more children to replace their aging population, the influx of migrants, has so far sufficed.
In the Philippines, we still battle of the bill on reproductive health and responsible parenthood. This demonstrates the beginning of opening choices. We continue to try the corruption cases to show the world that we are doing something and that not all Filipinos are corrupt. We prepare for the floods that continue to threaten our nation and strengthen our disaster preparedness. We have slowly taken responsibility for our country and its future. We are moving. Business is getting more and more involved and actively influences policy. We are still a people of character and strength. We are still the most hospitable and warm people I should say.
In spite of the lure of these two beautiful countries, when my feet touched our Philippine soil, boy, was I glad I was home!