Where did all of these people come from?

I am currently in Greenbelt 3 and i just took a stroll down greenbelt 4. It is where the rich Filipinos dine and socialized with their P500 cocktail drinks. Dont get me wrong, im not anti-rich nor am i uber-leftist. If they can afford it, if they want it, go ahead.

wait. thats not my point.

So i was there strolling along side the most expensive restaurants in Manila, maybe even the Philippines and I was once again moved to questioning...

Where did all of these people come from? Im pretty sure, just 10minutes ago, i saw a run-down bus with about 5 people standing up looking exhausted and irritated. They have no choice but to pay for their transportation even though they do not have seats. They cant afford to get on a cab cause they will risk their next dinner, or the dinner of their family. for sure, they cant get a car even though their life is dependent on it.

So, what are rich people doing in this country? Why cant i feel their presence? Why are there so many people who work so hard just to be broke every two weeks?

so i thought,

is it because Filipinos dont save? that money is spend on consumer goods. stuff they do need, but greed gets the best of them. people need a mobile phone, but do they need to be the top of the line? people needs clothes, do they need to be designer jeans and "in season" clothing?

But what if you do try to save but being a simple employee just dont pay the bills? Their salary is just not enough. So, i wonder, where are all the money going? taxes? the rich-owner who established the restaurant as a hobby? good job everyone.

is it because our educational system is shot? people cant get the skills they need, eventhough they graduated from HS or maybe even college? but then again, is education a measure of your talent and ability? I mean, to be honest, i learned english mostly through TV growing up. it was definitely honed in school, but i cant remember learning basic english in school. Im lucky that speaking in english was encouraged at home when i was growing up. i did not suffer as much to learn english because i wasnt laughed at when i do.

This brings me to an observation i made couple of months back.

Why cant we see overseas work as opportunities for growth than for it to be detrimental? Why cant filipino domestic helpers, go abroad learned the language and work on their resumes?

I mean, what attracts people to go abroad is not just to look for employment but to look for an employment where they will be compensated. A regular DH abroad earns only as much as a regular working employee here. Maybe even more if he or she can take the night shift. learn english, take a job at a call center. Invest in yourself.

So.. why am i poor?

couple of things...

I am not a trust fund baby. I dont have a bank account. I barely had an allowance that covered my expenses. I cannot afford to bum for a month and be happy about it.

I never had a job, yet, im living a high life. Blame it on my books. lol.

Unlike my other friends... My dad did not teach me to play "stocks".