The Philippines from the eyes of the filthy rich

When you go to Makati, Ayala in particular, or in Alabang’s famous Filinvest, you’ll begin to wonder if you’re suddenly transported to another country. Everywhere you look is scenery worth a thousand flattering words. No flaws, no dirty street canals, no vandalisms and “bawal umihi dito”, no litters and pesky MMDA’s (for political or logical reasons, I cannot say) to impede your stroll on the greener pastures of urban life. The surroundings are well kept and streetlights are not shattered. Buildings as tall as the sky abound and the floors are as shiny as mirrors. Who wouldn’t wonder? This is the crib of the rich and the famous…the filthy rich.

Chief Executive Officers of giant corporations, General Managers of multinational companies, talents of big networks, these are just some who enjoy the daily pampering of the city of Makati. With A-class restaurants and 5 star hotels on e every corner, it’s not so surprising that it also homes foreigners from all parts of the globe.

But isn’t it bothering that these invaders enjoy the better qualities of living in the country than most Filipinos do? Because let’s face it, how many average Filipinos go to this place? Maybe, occasionally, to stroll or for business purposes, but how many Pinoys actually live in this place? Very few, one might say. For when compared with those who dwell there with foreign blood, it glares in our eyes that we are overpowered and outnumbered in our own country. Our own country seems to home better other people from foreign races than nurture its own inhabitants. True enough, it is just business as usual for them, since these are the people who can pay, but shouldn’t the government be doing something about this? Or are its hands too full of blood to notice a tiny speck of muck on its face?