do you believe Filipinos choose to be what they are now?

hi caramelized! i agree with you somehow. but i think the lack of education makes them do things that are not necessary. sometimes low class family tend to have more children and middle to upper class family have less children because they want to give them good future and good education. and sometimes they all blame the government. i think oneself must be blamed because of what we are right now. yes, the economy is a factor but not the reason why we are poor. i think and this is when i agree with caramelized. that food, shelter and education must be prioritized.

I think tha's one of the Filipino culture I am not very proud of cause what they have if just enough for them even if its not enough for them and their family. I think our success depends on our choice and if we choose to live a good life then we can always work out for it.

You mean most people lack of Will to fullfill their dreams. i can't really say that corruption is to be blame, but other asian countries have corruption too. the problem is our crab mentality and laziness, not to mention when it comes to tolerating others view,

I think the 2nd home is either an investment, or this is a house where they can go to for vacations or reunions and maybe the 2nd home can be given to their son or daughter who will have a family soon. Houses and lots do increase in their value,it may cost them less now and maybe it might cost a million in the future. It maybe a form of investment and a wise one at that! They can buy P1,000.000.00 worth of house now, then maybe in 3 years or 5 years from now, it may cost P5,000.000.00. We choose what we will be in the future if we plan today. They can sell at at much more bigger money, thus will make them richer more. Ive seen places now that I have never thought that it will boom 6 years ago.

We could not blame other people for their priorities, we have this differences. I think everyone should have a solid list of priorities in life.Most of our problems we create for ourselves are a result of being unable to resolve a conflict between two or more priorities or allowing lower priority things to take over our life. For example, we could not resolve the problem of "hunger" because we are more focused to higher priority that we don't look through the real situation.

Despite the fact that our system is a mess which contributes to a lot of stress, we Filipinos know how to keep our dispositions very well. That's why most of the unfortunate ones would depend on trying their luck in TV programs, or keep themselves entertained in their own shack. I believe that each of us dreamed of becoming rich and prosperous someday. It's just that we still have certain issues that we need to work on. It's best for us to work hand in hand.

We are a a sum total of our decisions. People have different priorities and it can be influenced on what we see everyday. Unfortunately were now living in a materialistic society its not just Pinoys that have this mentality. Now my take on middle class buying properties, its an investment for them or maybe in the future they want to give it to their children we cant really tell. For me as long as they didn't steal the money they're using to buy what they want its fine by me.

Not all the majority I guess. Probably there are a few who prefers living on a shack and has a complete entertainment system. But then people will try everything on their grasp to make their situation more comfortable. By providing themselves a complete entertainment system boost their comfort level and increases their chance of being happy. Rich Filipinos and Middle class ones understands the value of their money. That is why they second homes which on the long run will earn more. Our poor countrymen however uses what is left of their money after all the needs were met to satisfy their hunger for comfort and happiness. At least for the time being they can say they were happy and contented. Some has totally no choice that is why they still live in shanties and shacks.

What you just said is a known fact and I really don not blame these people. The Filipino race is a happy lot. All of us have our own personal priorities. We buy the food that we want, the appliances that we need, the clothes we want to wear, etc. All of us are guilty about this. Even I myself, am guilty as I sometimes buy things which can be put aside and use the money on otherwise more useful things and immediate needs. If those things make them happy and the money that they used came from a legitimate source, then so be it. Also, investing on houses is a good idea. This can be rented out and become another source of income, preparation for the future of children, etc. If you have the money and all were planned well, then go for it.