20 reasons I dislike the Philippines viral video: I am just saying…
I am a Filipino. And I love my country the Philippines. No doubt. But I am aware of the unlovable things my country has to offer.
James Sieczka, an American expat, recently posted his video entitled “20 Reasons I Dislike _____. (the Philippines)” on ChannelFix website and that went viral. (go to this link to watch the video) The video was shot in Cebu City and he discussed things he disliked about my country. To mention a few of his complaints: loitering beggars, the garbage on the streets, heavy traffic, filthy rest rooms, giant hole in the street covered by a metal drum etc. I agree with James and I believe that whatever he said on the video is just an honest opinion. Everyone is entitled to air out their own opinion. Right?
Now, this Cebu City councilor Sisinio Andales wants to declare James Sieczka as persona non grata in Cebu City. According to the councilor, James has embarrassed the country especially Cebu City and he opposed the Department of Tourism slogan “It is more fun in the Philippines.” (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2012/03/19/video-embarrasses-cebu-country-211941)
Having heard that, James Sieczka released a statement that he is willing to apologize over his offensive video. (http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=788831)
That sucks! A foreigner who just aired his 20 dislikes about my country is going to be considered a persona non grata. Are we really offended? I do not know with you but I am not. I am actually offended with the councilor. James I believe just exercised hi freedom of expression. Yes, FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION just like what I am doing on my blog. Do we have that here in our country? If not, I would have to shut off my blog then.
In fact, the video did not say that he totally dislike the whole Philippines but he just mentioned 20 things he dislike. Just because the American said 20 ugly things on the video does not make the whole Philippines an ugly country. We Filipinos know that.
The councilor is just lame. Andales said that the American could have contacted the government first before making the video. Why? Would the government listen to him if he did that? Why not make the video a challenge to do better and spark changes? Take for instance the NAIA terminal. Did the government really plan to improve the terminal before it was tagged as one of the worst airports? Well, thanks to the netizens and now the government is planning to improve the services of the terminal.
On behalf of the Filipinos, I say thank you to James for creating the video. My country needs honest opinion like this to be better. I hope they won’t tagged you as persona non grata.
Philippines is a beautiful country. Yet all the things we see in this country are not perfect. All the good and the bad, I acknowledge them because they exist.
You do not have to agree with me. LOL You can watch 20 Reason I Love the Philippines if you want to hear how Americans appreciate the country. For sure, we have a lot tell how we love our country than how we dislike it.
Having seen this situation. Indeed, it is more fun in the Philippines. Just saying. 
The picture you posted is Mampopongko ( not sure) in Siargao. right? I’ve been there. Nice. hehehe…
Yep sa magpupungko siargao na. Nice place.
Hi there Macky!
The aforementioned article captured my attention. It’s great knowing your perspective on matters concerning our very own nation is realistic. I agree with you on most points and disagree on few. Hehehehe..Anyways, I just want to commend you for a write up well done. I could sense your nationalism is undying. Keep it that way. Hoping to read more of this type of articles moving forward! Long live monkey resus!! This is the best statement I love in your article.
” I am a Filipino. And I love my country the Philippines. No doubt. But I am aware of the unlovable things my country has to offer.”
Perfect!
hahaha mariaccnv jed? haha thanks eleyna. haha i know you could do better than my write-up! lols. anyway, thanks for reading! ikaw na jed.
You’re 100% right. I support James for having the balls to spark a light of change. Sad to say not all people are open minded and rational enough to accept the truth. Politicians should be busy doing their job to serve the people and not riding with other’s popularity!
the video just showed that there are 20 things that the government leaders should address if we want our country specially cebu to be comfrortable with. Actually it is not only him that is pissed off with the scenarios he showed.
I totally agree with you. The councilor (just like our celebity Senators) is just riding with the issue and is trying to get media traction.
thanks for agreeing.
You have a point. I also share the same thought with that councilor declaring the American as persona non grata as totally hilarious. That councilor has a lot to do for Cebu rather than just riding with the popularity of the American.
correct. dghan pa xa mabuhat kaysa magpa apekto adto nga video.
thanks for dropping. 