Coconuter Community
The Blog
This used to be the travelogue detailing "The Adventures of the Coconuter." Although this blog still contains many of the classic posts of this journey (meant to preserve the contents and comments), the personal Coconuter blog has transferred over and is currently updated at blog.coconuter.org.
Since then, this blog has been transformed into "Coconuter Community," a blog about the Philippines by the Filipino.
The Vision
I would like to see this blog maintained by a variety of people who are passionate about the Philippines. I want the blog to keep a pulse of Philippine events and interests yet not necessarily focus on a single topic. In fact, I encourage contributors to write or share what they are passionate about or what interests them. From the candy in the sari-sari store, to a conversation with a local standby, to the old memories of traditional Filipino life, to the current trends, to the most captivating photographs, to the latest news... it really does not matter, as long as it affects the Filipino.
Atsaka, pwedeng pwede rin ang Tagalog. Kaya sa mga hindi gaano makasulat sa English o kaya sa mga mahilig lang magsulat sa Tagalog, welcome din kayo mag-contribute.
Also, even those that are not avid article writers are welcome. Contributors are free to express themselves through poetry, short stories, photography, art (drawing, painting, etc.), or some other medium.
Moreover, I would also like the blog to serve as a place of interaction where people can meet to voice opinions and share ideas. And if the blog grows to something significant, I hope to add additional incentives for both readers and contributors alike.
For those interested in contributing, please feel free to contact me directly or leave a message on the forum or shoutbox on the right. Preliminary contributions can be sent via the contact form for review. Serious/regular contributors can request an invitation to have direct blogging rights to the Coconuter Community (this requires a gmail account).
Posts
69 comments:
undeniably, you win the people's heart
wow, you're learning to win the hearts of the people. keep it up! hope to see you soon.
hei, gud day to you!!
im chad from iligan city and i watched your story in nagmamahal kapamilya in abscbn few weeks ago.i was surprised for what you did.you really are, an inspiration to the fellow young people,and im one of them. That is true that most of the Filipinos wants to get out of the Philippines to search for their fortune, especially the youth!But contrary to them, u came over here to the phils to search yourself! you are one of a kind!imagine, you left your rich life in U.S. just to be here! i salute you!!you touched peoples lives, our lives!! Hope you'll find what you are looking for!!
Godbless!!!
chad
very true. goodluck with everything.
Nehvool.
hi david!
thnx for accepting my comments. ü
i will try to resend my email as what u liked. hehehe
have a nice day ü...
-eagle.fareast
Hello there!!! I'm Mavz from Laguna. I've watched your life story in Nagmamahal Kapamilya. Woooh... I really admire you with what you've done. You're such a wonderful being. I hope that we can be friends. Thanks for being an inspiration for all of us! God bless and more power!!! You're my idol!!! Sana magreply ka sa message na 'to!!! Thanks again!!!
hello kuya David!'',
i've seen you in Nagmamahal Kapamilya and I can't help but to admire you...why u choose to leave your comfort zone? your already living in the best side of the globe yet you don't still find urself in there?....i don't know wat to say but I think you need more time to cope in our own soil...ur searching for your real purpose and with that i will just wish you luck...may you become an inspiration to everyone!!!gudluck on your journey!!!hope to get more updates from you...'',and owwh...love all your pic.esp. the one wid a caption "bad things happened"...
Yan2x:)
hey, i' saw you 'n nagmamahal kapamilya, your story were very best good, and hope have many (kabataan) like your story...
http://www.midshipman-emmanuel.blogspot.com
Hi David,
Hope all is well with you...
I saw the episode which featured you in Nagmamahal...that glimpse of your adventure sparked interest which led me to the blogsite.
Right at the onset you said that, " I kind of know [what led to this].... My instinct tells me my birthplace, the Philippines, is my safe haven",
But I still cant fully comprehend why you left a comfortable life for a difficult one (though not necessarily miserable)
Following your adventures I cant help but think that you were probably burned out keeping up with your many achievements hence wanting a respite and a more simpler life [lifestyle].
But whatever the real reason is, you became a hero of sort to many and i hope that at the end of your journey, you will have achieved your goal, become a better person and continue to love your birthplace or perhaps love it even more.
It would be interesting to someday meet you in person, perhaps when you visit Manila. Let us know when you will...ciao!
Nag tataka ako kung bakit wala man lang mag react sa iyo ng masama. kung iisipsin naman talaga you deserves a rate of 10. I salute you for being a nice person holistically. thank you for giving each and everyone inspirations. salamat naipasa ko ang exams ko. i wish magkikita rin tayo in person
ur cute.. inside, out.. ;p
-khrise castro
when i first read a couloumn about you from a newspaper i cant help but look for your webbie, i mean cmon 2 out of ten perhaps will do what you're doin' and your such an inspiration to all of us! i am now spreading to all my friends, work, collegues,gym, about your blog i hope i could help in my own simple way...if youre planning of doing some outreach program please do inform, id love to give a hand. SALAM!
im impressed. and practically overwhelmed by what you did and your courage to let go all of all that you have for all this. many of us were truly inspired by your story,i9 hope that someday you'll find what you're looking for.. just remember that everyone of us has a reason and purpose in this world, and all we need to do is to trust God to help us understand it..i hope that in whatever you do, don't forget to give it all to God's glory. will be praying for you. goodluck!
ei david... ur story is really inspirational..
i'll be praying for you...
jaz have fun and enjoy life here in philippines
good luck in your journey. hope you can find your golden coconut.
I love your blog but I wish you could update it more often.
ei,good day... i like your story... in some ways i can relate... i hope that you will find what your looking for... always seek God's purpose! God bless you...
looking forward to see your next post within 36 hours... I see you have Google Adsense now, that will add to your $. But i wish you have included it in your blog months ago.
i wish you all the luck! God Bless You!
hello...youre such an inspiration...keep up the good work....
monch alegre
mendez cavite
love u man
hello david..dropping by again to say hi! Sana maka-visit ka rin here sa CDO City soon.. More Power sa iyo! ^_*
'Ey Dave! You're a dad now? Anong naging baby nyo, boy or girl? Congratulations! Keep the faith!
Jo S.
San Jose, CA.
well... what can i say?.. your story is so heartwarming... and it really strums my heartstrings...as we will be leaving for the states this january... and I think I will face the same thing as you did(wondering if the US is where my future lies).. I do however..believe that my destiny is still here in the Philippines.. :)
anyhoo..just read your manila post... WELCOME TO POLLUTED(yet I cannot imagine myself away from it) MANILA!!..hehehe.. :)
Hope you're enjoying your adventures! Keep it up.
one of my close friends told me about your story and your website. when she told me that you left school to go back to pinas, my first reaction was........ why? is he stupid?
so curiousity set in, i checked your website....
after looking at your resume and your previous posts...you are indeed an Over "achiever". i know for a fact that you can do anything that you set your mind to. i am sure that your friends/family are having a hard time accepting your decision but in the end, its your destiny. i am sure you have a perfect reason for doing so. 20, 30, 40 or 50 years from now, i am sure you will not be asking yourself.. i should have.. i wish i did... etc. Life is too short, you have to enjoy the moment that takes your breath away.
i was born in the philippines but i moved to canada when i was 10. i had so many regrets wishing/ wanting that i could have done this and that.
my plan is to launch my consulting company in manila..... i am sure i will need an IT/ Web Master Geek... As soon as I launch it, i would hire you in a heartbeat.
here's my email: mell12345@hotmail.com
Later!
Hi David - I know that a lot of people have told you how they were affected by yur story-one way or another. As I was watching your video, my thought turned to my partner in the U.S. right now, pursuing his dream and I suddenly missed him. In the months that he's been gone, I've often thought about making him choose between me and dream-to be honest, I've told him a few times that I wish that I had never let him go but then again, I do not have the heart to make him give up his dreams and I will not do so.My dream is that someday he will return to tell me that he has come full circle and and the end-point was here, where we we began.
I am happy for you that you've found your love here and I hope that you will always be together.
Best regards - Homer
Why would anybody purposely want to work in Manila? I was in Manila not too long ago. It was my second time there and I don’t think I will ever go back. The first time was a shock and the second time confirmed my initial shock. The place is just too stressful and unhealthy for anyone. I was scheduled to be there for a week on business but I had to get out after three days - the place was just too much for me. Manila streets are dirty and not well constructed, and when you look up, the skyline is full of these ugly giant billboards. The buildings and everything else seem to have a layer of grey or soot (no doubt due to high air pollution) and the people are living on top of each other due to over population. The whole place is crowded, noisy, and chaotic and there are lots of people with not much to do. The traffic congestion was very frustrating and the air was hot, thick and steamy. The smell of smog, smoke and diesel fuel was everywhere and it was very nauseating. The life expectancy of the people there must be at least fifteen years lower than average. There is not even anything exotic about Manila, it is like a third world version of the USA.To me, living in Manila is like being a caged bird placed in a hot, crowded, smoky, smelly and noisy bar.
To the last anonymous comment, obviously, you went to the wrong places. Not every place in the Philippines is like that. It's very wrong for you to make a generalization when you've only been there for three days. Why do some foreigners visit the Philippines and decide to stay if they don't find the country attractive enough? We may not have the best roads and best amenities in this country but we are more relaxed and less stressed in life because we have our maids to do house chores for us and chauffers to drive us around - so where's our stress? We actually have a better life in the Philippines!!!
i don't know if you're Filipino but there's a Filipino saying "Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa pinaroroonan."
Indeed i kinda agree. filipinos do have a better life...to some extent. i was born and raised in the philippines till moved to london in 2000. I was lucky enough to be born in a pretty well off family. We had a maid and went to a v good private school in makati. During my time at that school, we would go on outreach programs helping the less fortunate and orphans...through this i felt sooo lucky. which is why i think Manila is not that bad. when i moved to london..i was in such a culture shock but eventually i was bale to adjust. However theres still that part of me longing for that life in manila. Here I learned how to do chores and be independent. But due to the high standard of living here...but being exposed to this for quite a while i do wanna go back to Philippines, not because of the pleasures of having maids and everything but the relaxed approach to life by the people. Take for example whenever i go to my mum's province, I could sit in the middle of nowhere and breath fresh air...i miss that feeling.
Go for it..this is what you want!! Im proud.
I agree with the last anonymous and Mushu's comment. We indeed have a better life in the Philippines!
Betty
there's nothing place like home...
Leigh:-D
are you coming in Davao someday?
….it is sad that some of our young people have no concept of the grinding poverty in the Philippines. Obviously, the person who wrote about Manila is a foreigner, most likely from a first world country. Given that the Philippines is a third world country, I can see his or her point. The person was actually being fair because he or she was only writing about his or her experiences in Manila and not about the Philippines or its people as a whole. I have worked both in Europe and North America so I can understand “his shock”. Coming from a first world environment is totally different from what we experience on a daily basis is Manila. To be angry at someone who tells the truth about Manila is in denial – I know because I live in Manila. All you have to do is open your eyes and not be so defensive about someone else’s opinion about this place. And please don’t accuse me of being unpatriotic. Accepting the truth and doing something about it is more patriotic than pretending that everything is fine. The government sees me as a hero for working abroad but I don’t feel like a hero. I work in other countries because despite having a degree, my family and I were still living just above the poverty level with not much hope for the future. I was simply tired of watching my parents working so hard with nothing to show for them. I also want to make sure that my younger siblings can afford to go to University. Obviously I’m one of the vast majority of Filipinos who can’t afford to have maids and chauffeurs. Oh wait, what will I do with a chauffer with no car. It is sad that having a maid and chauffer is source of pride for some young people. If anything, it is a remnant of the colonial mentality that obviously still exists. Are your maids and chauffeurs paid enough so that they can at least afford a decent home for their families and send their children to University so that they may break the cycle of poverty? I don’t think so. It is not a source of pride to hire poor people and pay them next to nothing so that you may have a “stress-free life”. What it shows is the huge economic gap between the rich and the poor people of our country. And the poor people are all around us. Look at the shanty houses just outside the tall, gleaming buildings of Makati. Just look at the shanty houses around our garbage dumps, along the Pasig river or along the railway lines. Please open your eyes, see the truth around you and be an instrument for change. If you continue to be detached from the reality of most Filipinos, nothing will change. Our country exports Filipinos (third in the world) as workers overseas, and just like the relatives of these workers, look upon them as their savior. But I think we all know that what it really shows is the desperation of more that 10 percent of the country’s population (close to 9 million) to get themselves out of poverty. Given that more that 60 percent of the population is living under the poverty level, it is understandable that more are clamoring to do the same everyday. Sadly, poverty is just one of the many problems that our country faces. There is corruption, killings of media people and over-population, just to name a few. I will remain anonymous because I’m sure some of you will vent their frustrations on me instead of focusing on the problems around you……
hi kuya!!
can i ask something?how much is the t-shirt?i would like to buy.
please reply so that i know how much including the transportation cost.and kanino babayaran?
Leigh:-D
hi Leigh,
e-mail mo sa akin yung address mo para ma-estimate ko yung buong presyo niya. thanks.
hi david,
I've watched your story in nagmamahal kapamilya and really I was overwhelmed by your decision of staying here. You really inspired alot of Filipinos with your story. I, for one, am. I wish you Goodluck in your search and I hope you can find what you are looking for. Happiness to you and your family!!!
Yeah, the Philippines is where Life is! :->
I think the people and especially businesses should sponsor this part of our heritage. Our government is burdened with so much debt already that funding is always a problem when it comes to maintaing these places. Fundraisings should be part of a program in order to generate funds for our heritage sites.
Kudos to the wise OFW for writing about poverty in Manila –very well said. I’m from the Visayan region and a few years ago, as part of our school trip, we visited Tondo, the biggest slum area in metro Manila (there are many others scattered around metro). Before that day I’ve only seen pictures of Tondo and it didn’t really register on me. But when I was standing there in the middle of the slum, I just started crying. I cried for days after that day. We are not rich, but I have never seen people in such desperate situation before. The dilapidated, tiny houses made of tarps and scraps (if you can call them houses) went for miles all around. The heat, stench, mud and garbage made the place very oppressive, even for the skeletal stray dogs with open sores that were running around. The sight of unsupervised, skinny, naked children (who should have been in school) broke my heart. I think every Pinoy (if given a chance) should see Tondo slums. It will break your heart but hopefully, it will move you to do something. If not for Tondo, do it for your own towns and cities. You can Google “Tondo slums” and it will give you dozens of pictures of the slums, mostly from foreign media (the government will never show you the truth), but pictures can’t replace the sensory reality of the place (if you are not there to feel, smell and see it). Tondo has been in existence for more than 50 years and instead of shrinking it has grown to one of the most densely populated areas of land in the world (about 2 million people, which is ~65,000 persons/km2). This means that successive governments since fifty years ago failed or ignored to find solutions to this problem.
Gea
hi david,
ur d man! keep it up!
hi david. im from dinalupihan, bataan and im always visiting your site. anyways do u have ladies fit in your t-shirts? i wanna know so that i can buy a few.
yours,
angel
hi angel,
the shirts come in standard small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. however, i can print onto spaghetti strap ladies shirts if you like. if you are interested, please e-mail me, coconuter@gmail.com
thanks.
you're a jewel. your blog's really interesting. i'll link. keep up the good work. i'm a fan:)
hey David I just visited you other blogs. I must say you really admire the Philippines. I could tell by the other blogs that I've visited. Well Good luck to your adventure. I hope even if you find you golden coconut you wouldn't abandon this site. Many of our youth look up to you. I know this because I'm one of them. More power to you
death_of_gabriel@yahoo.com
hey, i just discovered this site today and i find very enlightening :) you're really smart and very humble. my gawd, it seems like you waste a lot of things, i mean your life in the u.s and chose a very humbling life. woaaaaaaaaahhh. anyway, you look so gorgeous!
Ei Dave, Happy New Year! Keep up your spririts...
hi david, san mo ba nakukuha yung tapang mo to face all the challenges? kasi ako hindi ko na alam gagawin ko, i can't say the reason why kahit hindi naman tayo magkakilala,may problem kasi ako na hindi ganun ka simple, i need a advice sa taong di ko kilala at tingin ko kaw lang makaka2long sa akin....
Dr. Soul
hi dr soul, e-mail mo na lang sa akin kung gusto mong pagusapan
hi!!! Just linked your site on my blog. Hope it can help. I'll linked it to my other accounts and sites. I'll ask also my sister to linked it her website too. and pass it on. She's a webdesigner and maybe can help in spreading your site. God bless always!!!
Olá sou do Brasil e estou fazendo uma visita ao blog Coconuter.
Hey man!! its me jogi! i was just looking at youtube and i saw your story!! i couldnt understand what they were saying but i was amazed. all the power to u man!! i just wanted to say hi..so keep in touch man! take care and be safe!
Hi David,
I'm totally clueless of what made you decide to do all these "COCONUTER" thing. For 23 years of existing here on earth, I still don't know my purpose in life. I envied the courage that you have. Wish I could also have that. To posses that kind of strength within you. Hope you can give some advice perhaps! I'm thinking of a lot of things but I don't know where to start. I think you're the one who can enlighten my spirit. I'm totally lost! Looking forward for your response.
God Bless you and your family!
HMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMpss
I LOVE YOUR HOMETOWN!!!
sooo loved the pictures uve taken. really nice.. :)
Hi..i had just watch your story from a website.. Good luck
Hey man, do you already have a computer at home and does your location support internet connections?
hi, no i don't have a computer at home. yes, the location does support internet connections. please e-mail me if you have more questions. thanks.
David, I read your article at the Philippine star I havent seen the nagmamahal kapamilya show that youve been featured. well all I can say is that sobrang ASTIG ka!! Lumaki ako sa hirap. nasunugan kami ng bahay ng maliit pa ako at ang natira lang sa min eh ang mga damit na suot nmin noon. pero sa awa naman ng Diyos eh nakaraos kami. Ngayon nagaaral ulit ako para makapaghanap ng magandang trabaho. Maybe in the states or somewhere in Asia. Pero napaisip ako. siguro nga tama na mas masaya at hindi ko naman kailangang talagang umalis dito sa pilipinas. Nandun ang mga magulang ko at mga kaibigan. Ang problema lang talaga ay ang araw-araw kong pangangailangan. HIndi naman ako mahilig sa starbucks or gumimik sa mga bar. Manuod ng sine or magshoping. Ang iniisip ko lang ay ang magiging future ng pamilya ko (pero wala pa akong asawa ngayon dahil sa nagaaral pa ako). Pero siguro nga tama ka. MAsaya pa rin dito sa Pilipinas. At Gusto kong maging Pilipino. Siguro nga hindi ko naman talaga kailangang umalis para patunayan sa iba na umasenso ako or mas mayaman at mas maganda na ang buhay ko ngayon. = )
MAbuhay ka DAvid!! INgat kayo lagi ng pamilya mo. Naway mahanap mo ang tunay na kaligayahan dito sa atin.
vin
Hi Coconutter,
I heard that it would be nice to visit philipine..
1 day i hope i'm going to be there..
Enjoyed your blog very much.
Joe
(www.anindianandagypsy.blogspot.com)
Nice concept of your blog design David. i must admit that i have never thought to create a post hierarchy like this. just a static post on the home, and create your other post on older date.
interesting.
thanks
Jack
www.jackbook.com
nice photos!! i like them all :)
Hey, Nutter! What a different life you lead from my sheltered world of Paris fashion. It's good to see there is still an outdoors out there - even if earning a crust is just as hard. Come up and see me some time - berengaria
Nice blog!
Beautiful pictures.
hi david.....
thumbs up to you on your journey's.... take care always.... till then... ciao!!!
Very nice blog!
Please write articles also about our Province of Cebu.
Hey love your blog!
just dropping by to say that your little boy'll be fine. :D
I was born 3 months premature @ 1lb 15 oz.
I'm a narcoleptic [i fall asleep randomly], but that's the only thing wrong with me, and it's not even connected to my premature birth lol..
so good luck!
he'll be fine!
-addictiveashley :D
Got alot to thank for, after knowing you through nagmamahal... and the things you want and dream in life in its simplest form. Carry-on you are inspiration to many. I myself miss my homtetown, my family. want to go back and stay for good and live the life as what God intends it t be. Godbless!
Moinie
David, thou art indeed a most adventurous human unlike moi whose only adventures are those of geographically tiny but unconfined mind ergo moi ‘tis mostly in desserts, swamps or jungles, with a few bright and beautiful oasis, a la the intellect.
Stay on groovin’ safari,
Tor
David, you are still young and so much good things are still ahead of you. Don't lose faith, things happen now for a reason. I believe that if a person has (1) skill/talent (2) good health (3) faith -- you can survive anywhere! (the money will follow) Don't forget to develop these 3 things (I know you have them)
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