This post is just a repost from my other Blog just want to share it with you
Yesterday I posted about our “kababayan” in the Middle East entitled; "Ang Pinoy sa Likod ng Kurtina!
Paraisong Kurtina.” Now let’s go to Singapore!
Today’s issue of Inquirer (Lifestyle section) talks about Singapore-based Filipino artists.
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Philippine-Singapore diplomatic relations in 2009, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore and art group Siningapor mount an 11-man art and photo exhibit inspired by the Filipino diaspora.
What is life like as an overseas professional worker? And what is it like to live in Singapore—what are the things that you choose to see as a tourist, and those that you are forced to deal with as a resident?
In an art exhibit titled “Siningapor,” Singapore-based Filipino artists tackle issues such as migration, cultural identity and the resilience of Filipinos who have left their country to work abroad. They delve into the reality of living away from their home country.
Eleven artists, all full-time employees in the creative field, use painting, mixed media and photographs to express their own take on the Philippine diaspora and how the confluence of different cultures affect their identity as Filipinos
A well-known Tsinoy scholar, who was in Singapore a few weeks ago for an important academic convention on Oversees Chinese population, lamented how all the good editors had left the country.
She agreed the Philippines was becoming unconducive to work in, especially for writers because the industry didn’t pay well and had so little respect for the writer and the journalist. That’s just some of the reasons-albeit compelling ones.
The exhibit is curated by journalist-editor James P. Ong. Who also said that;
“Filipinos, more than anyone, have become global citizens. In this day and age—especially for Filipinos who work overseas—there’s not just one home. We work abroad, we assimilate into the culture of our host country, but we retain our Filipino identity.
That Filipino diaspora and issue of self-identity is what we are tackling in an art exhibit on Aug. 17.”
He also talks about the “Brain Drain” that’s happening in our country.
“Another question I am asked often is if Singapore has changed since the last time I lived here. A lot, I say. It’s like an entire generation has grown up and taken over.
Singapore has become a hub not just for the techies but also for the creatives. When I was here seven years ago, many of the Filipinos I knew were either working in the architectural/interior design industry or IT.Nowadays, with the S-Pass visa for mid-level skilled workers, there are a lot of Pinoys working in the hospitality industry (and this number is expected to increase sharply when Singapore opens its first-ever casino and a Universal Studios on Sentosa Island in 2010). There are also several Pinoys holding influential positions in magazines.
The inevitable question, I guess, is, Why the brain drain? A well-known Tsinoy scholar, who was here a few weeks ago for an important academic convention on Overseas Chinese population, lamented how all the good editors had left the country.
She agreed the Philippines was becoming unconducive to work in, especially for writers because the industry didn’t pay well and had so little respect for the writer and the journalist. That’s just some of the reasons—albeit compelling ones.
Top liveable cityBut it’s not just Filipinos going to Singapore for a better job. The 21st century is all about Asia and China. Even foreigners from First World countries are moving here to work and resettle their families in the region.
The influential Monocle magazine, for the second year running, has named Singapore as one of the world’s Top 25 Liveable Cities and praised it for having “leapfrogged to First World status in barely two generations.”
First-World payOther Asians who work here like the idea of getting first-world pay. According to the Ministry of Manpower, the average monthly wage for a proofreader alone is S$1,500 and S$8,500 for an advertising creative director.Those who hold permanent resident status can send their children to a local school for as low as S$15 a year, and enjoy around 65-percent subsidy on health care. These are the benefits being given by a government that is sincere in wanting to take care of its nation’s population.
RP needs directionSingapore is intent on becoming a major power, and it is doing something concrete to achieve that. Singapore has a master plan, and it is following it. That’s one thing we ourselves need to do as a nation and as a people: Acquire foresight and discipline. Filipinos already have the talent and skill, we just need a good leader to give us direction.”
Source:
www.inquirer.net
“Siningapor” will run Aug. 18-23, 12 noon-6 p.m., at the Photographic Society of Singapore Gallery (30 Selegie Road; Selegie Arts Centre, 180030. Tel. no. 65-6334 3361)
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