I wrote something on this nature years ago, but I was not thinking then of the
possibility of an expat community. It's widely known however that increasing
trend of Butuanons from far away places want to go home to retire. Some are
already in Butuan living comfortably and enjoying retirement life away from the
hustle of crowded cities.
The truth was, we really didn't leave Butuan behind. It was a belonging
entrenched deeply in us wherever. We talked and dreamt of her and when things
were difficult, we even wished that we didn't leave. We strived hard for worth
and merit while always in our thoughts was that little town by the river we
called home.
Years gone by and work is finished. Finally, we are free from obliging chore.
We go home occasionally to realize that the place is not really bad as we often
heard of it. It's a good place to spend retirement; more so when friends and
kinship are around. Besides, it's kind of an inner calling to go back to our
roots when gray hair and wrinkles come to dominate.
Yes, Butuan is always there. We may not be young anymore, but the city still
derives sufficient gain. Our significance by just being around does have impact
on the economy and on its social structure. It also enhances the image of
Butuan as dynamic and prosperous. Furthermore, it promotes the city as a good
place to live.
The city is gracious to welcome us in all our visits. Local people too are
generously kind to make our stay as comfortable as can be. It suffices to
reason that many Butuanons abroad are making yearly homecoming holidays. Some
are even seriously thinking of staying for good. Those that are already settled
are alluring others to join in. It is indeed a promising outlook to consider.
However, to visit and to stay are two different things. Moving back permanently
carries certain sense of responsibility. Expats are focal attraction. They are
always under the observant eyes of the local inhabitants. Their customary ways
in behavior and lifestyle is easily misunderstood as being different. In the
barrios, the old feudal system between tenants and landlords is eventually
remembered. It's again a syndrome of rich and poor where both sectors hardly
come together.
Normal as water seeks its own level; the expats too find its way around. They
are the envy in the neighborhood. In a place where social distinction is well
defined, they could rank well in high society. They are on par with high
calibre people where the poor and the average perceive with disdain.
We live and travel worldwide and in some instances fall prey to prejudice.
There are times when we swallow in bitter tastes our pride, rancour and hate
from injustices. We know how it hurts and the resentment it takes to just
absorb it. We are aware what it's liked to dwell in a convoluted segregated
society and least we forget.
Then we are hearing the possible existence of an expat community in the very
bosom of the city we adore. It is also class division by any means. We already
have stiff-neck enclave in high society and to add another tier from the expats
is simply putting another rung on a ladder up high to hypocrisy. This is not
the proper direction to go. It is wise therefore to denounce it by simply
cutting off this notion from the bud itself.
Let us instead discourage elitism. We know that it can not be avoided as it is
innately ingrained deeply in our character. But to inspire creating another
segment to cater similar feature is unwarranted. The hint of an expat
community, regardless if it is only to promote businesses is divisive. It
should not even be thought about. Let us just be a caring and understanding
community. There's none better.
The expats do have important role. Their presence is noticeable thus becoming
living example
to encourage enhancement on social and ethical posture in the city. It is
therefore paramount that conduct in behaving and manners in abiding is
essentially observed.
Expats are not privileged people. They should not expect special treatment to
go around standard process. They should avoid using materials that are not
permissible. They should tame their fancy in acquiring things from improper
sources. They should stand as pattern to correctness towards productive and
righteous living.
Retirement is still best spent in a place where it all started. It may not be
the same as what was then, but the sweetness of home makes it a happy place to
live. We seek consolation and tranquility in our late years and Butuan has long
been waiting for us to come.
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