Filipino Expats Community of Thailand Online - WHICH IS WHICH: Is it U FT or A FT?

WHICH IS WHICH: Is it U FT or A FT?

Friday, 21 March 2008

We really cannot escape “Philippine politics” in Thailand, can we?

Reading political news in the Philippines is very depressing. We know how chaotic the political atmosphere our country is facing today. Oftentimes, the best therapeutic medicine of such disturbance is to think of our self, our job, our family and our future. Ignoring is indeed one of the best attitude we should have when confronted with too much politics. Then again that doesn’t make us aware of and question what is happening around us.

And so I personally do not blame those Filipinos who go abroad and “isolate” themselves from being identified as a Filipino. Being a Filipino alone is sometimes stressful. Yet despite of staying “invincible” among the other Filipinos in Thailand, there comes a point in our time when we have to break our silence and speak up.

And so I am breaking my silence on the on-going “political” story of our so-called “Filipino community” in Thailand. I am aware that there are two recognized “mother” Filipino organizations: the “senior” ASSOCIATION of Filipinos in Thailand and the “newbie” UNITED Filipinos in Thailand. And just anybody else, I too have the right to ask this: WHICH IS WHICH?? Is it the A or the U?

I read the AFT-BALITA issue January 2008 and a part of the news wrote

“The AFT is the first duly registered Filipino association in the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Thailand which aims to promote unity, friendship and camaraderie among Filipinos living and working in Thailand. The association has already formalized AFT chapters in Chiang Mai, Pattaya City, Phuket City and Korat in Isan Province. ”

Meanwhile, I checked the UFT’s website and I was welcomed by these words:

“UFT is a non-profit organization created and run by members supporting one likely goal, unite the Filipinos.

UFT is dedicated in bringing Filipinos closer, expand their knowledge about the growing organizations who are willing to help in times of crisis and share a smile when they need a friend, to laugh with and lend a helping hand when needed. Members of UFT share opportunities for learning events, socialization, family activities and a lot more.

UFT hosts a number of activities for the whole family to enjoy throughout the year in order to support membership needs.”

I reread AFT’s newsletter and tried to find out if there was a story that would specifically talk about what role it has now that there is another organization recognized by the Philippine Embassy? Unfortunately, I did not get any answer.

I browsed UFT’s website again to satisfy my curiosity, the UFT seemed very suggestive when part of its news wrote:

“It was history in the making when finally a group of highly driven, honest and capable individuals were inducted by the Philippine Ambassador to Thailand H.E. Antonio V. Rodriguez recently. These men and women are now the leaders of United Filipinos in Thailand, the umbrella organization of various Filipino groups in the country. With its main objectives of impartiality, transparency, honesty and service to the Filipinos our country can be proud again.”

Honestly and frankly speaking, I can’t help but be depressingly amazed and ironically hilarious of this situation.

And while we wait of the next chapter of this “political escapade”, I wonder if anyone who got involved in this “historic accomplishments” reflected on these questions:

1. Am I really helping in uniting all Filipinos in Thailand?
2. What consequences are expected when I just have to play along in this given situation?
3. What should have I done best to avoid future conflicts of interest?
4. Who gets more of the benefits?
5. Who and what gets affected of this situation?

Seven questions that needed to be answered including this: What say you?

Abel Morales Cadias
MA-ESL
ESL teacher - Damrong High School (EEP)
Guest Lecturer ( Chiangrai Rajabhat University - Graduate School)

Abel has been in the field of education for 9 years. He has earned his Master's degree and is currently on his way to his Doctorate degree. He now lives and works in the north of Thailand, in Chiang Rai.

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