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Too
many Filipinos dream of coming to America in search of that so-called
“American Dream.” What is so special about it? And, what is the
“American Dream?” We have seen for over two decades a large
group of Filipinos leaving to work abroad;
the Middle East, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and many other
destinations. But somehow very few, if any, mention a “Saudi Arabian
Dream,” “Japanese Dream,” or any other dream for that matter. It
still comes down to the “American Dream.”
Wherever
it may be, the common reason that I have heard over and over about why
so many of us leave and continue to leave the country is the
“opportunity.” Is it really the opportunity or just an escape from
one’s social condition? (I am taking a risk here of alienating
myself.) If leaving to work abroad is the solution to our personal and economic misery, how come many of those who spent years and years away
from home ended up with almost the same as they had when they first
left the country? I believe the Philippine government has labeled them
the new breed of heroes. Are they?
The
United States of America is the best country in which to live and
raise your children. (That’s me talking.) I know because we live in
the US. Success stories and failures happen. It doesn’t matter if you
are in California... I really admire Filipinos who dream and strive to
set foot in America...
I
left Manila in 1978; I was 21 years old; full of hope, dreams and
aspirations. Like you, I was in search for that elusive American
Dream. I started at the bottom of the totem pole in the hospitality
industry and worked my way up. My wife was in the medical field. I was
dedicated to my career. Promotion was always forthcoming. I was good.
Life could never have been better. Happily married with two beautiful
children; a four-bedroom house, two-car garage, a family van for me
and a car for my wife; a live-in nanny from Mexico (believe me, our
American and Filipino friends raise their brows whenever they find out
that we could afford a live-in nanny); children enrolled in a private
school; two to three vacations a year; expense account; we were making
in one month more than a bank manager in Manila makes in a year. We
had it made! Or so we thought.
The
purpose of this book is to give you information, tools, and guidance
that will prepare you to your road to success. It will allow you to
convert your weaknesses into your strengths. I will share with you our
over 40 years of experience in America (that's between me and my
wife). I have painted some pictures contrary to what most Filipinos
believed about America to illustrate our point. Most Filipinos in the
United States are living a mediocre lifestyle. They would love to soar
higher but they cannot. Or should I say, they don’t know any better.
We
have our own share of highlights and pitfalls. It is my intention not
to sugarcoat this writing in order that you may learn from our
valuable experiences. Success is inevitable in this land of
opportunity. If you are planning to come to America or already are in
America, my suggestion is to take this information to heart.
As the saying goes, which would you rather do, venture in the
mine field on your own or follow the footsteps of those who have gone
before you? Of course, follow those who have gone before you. We made
and kept a lot of friends who are “well-meaning” company. But
somehow, nobody dared warn us of the impending doom. How could they?
They didn’t know themselves. As a matter of fact, a lot of them are
now experiencing the same struggles we went through. What’s the
difference? We were willing to admit our faults and reorganize our
knowledge. We learned from our mistakes and are now on our way to
reclaim what is rightfully ours. And more. We bounced back from our
defeat.
We know what the American Dream is. We’ve been there.
Allow
us to help you.
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