TRIP TO CHILE

I did not go to Chile, but i did go to the Chilean Embassy in Makati, and i had an in-my-mind picture of what Chile is like. It was the 7th embassy Ive visited, so far. So we interviewed Mr. Felipe Diaz, a Chilean diplomat. The major point or question that we had to ask was basically about the key elements of economic development. The basic assumption here is that, the opinion of the interviewee, in this case, Mr. Diaz, wouldnt reflect the opinion or the stand of the country as a whole, which is Chile. So the diplomat speaks Spanish, it is the major language of every South American country, except Brazil which is Portuguese. Good thing he can also speak in English, though at the beggining of his every sentence, he would say "I do not know how to say it in English.."

In his opinion, Chile continues to develop because of these things:

• open economy
• tight fiscal policies
• an annual saving of 1% from the national budget
• political and social stability

Likewise, these are some of the things we should apply here in the Philippines, but i have doubts on an "open economy". It may lead to privatization of government institutions, and that isnt okay. So to discuss about these things is boring. Aside from economic facts, i learned these random things from the diplomat.

THE MARCOS OF CHILE

Pinochet ruled Chile as a dictator, he killed around 3000 people and stayed in position longer than what was enough. Very much like Marcos, was he not?

LOVE, CHILEAN STYLE

"Do not take love seriously, for love is like a flower, it doesnt last long." - Mr. Felipe Diaz

I saw a picture frame of his family in his desk, his wife is pretty, and so is their child, then he continued..

"Love lasts only for months, you know, my wife and I were friends, we married because we tolerate each other. Love fades away so easily, after the first months of kisses and hugs, after all those flings and stuff, love would fade."

- Im sorry sir, but definitely, that is not how we view love here in the Philippines. -

CAREER. SUCCESS. STUDIES.

"Focus more on your career, after all, you are young, you can have many boyfriends, you can change them every month. Always do your best in everything, when you do, life would be easier. Study hard, when you do, you wouldnt need to look for a job, the job will look for you."

THE UP PRESIDENTS

"The former UP president Nemenzo is a friend of mine, Roman is a low-profile one.." and I replied.."Yes sir, and i so hate Roman." He knew what i was talking about.

"I ALSO SMOKE, BUT NOT NOW, THANKS SIR"

During the middle of the interview, he pulled a pack of Marlboro lights from his pocket. "Im sorry but i have to smoke and smoke and smoke, for my resolution, i will not smoke next year, or else, Ill lose my wife and my family (hoo you dont even love your wife), do you want to smoke?"

ARTS AND LITERATURE

I asked him something about Pablo Neruda (one of my favorites and a Chilean poet) and he mentioned an exhibit in Intramuros, lots of Chilean poetries and paintings, wow.

ENGLISH and FILIPINOS

"Its good that here in the Philippines, though not all can speak in English, many still can understand it. It's different in Chile, Chileans only know Spanish. It's very different. But Spanish is very easy to learn "

"Yes sir, i was studying Spanish last night.." - Arianne

"Oh really? Let us speak in Spanish now.." - Mr. Diaz

"No sir, she was just preparing to meet you..=)" - Vina

"Haha i appreciate it." -Mr. Diaz

"Funny thing, whenever i ask for directions to Filipinos, you know, the vendors and those poeple in the streets, they would only answer and say "Yes!" Haha, well at least they know what "yes" means." - Mr. Diaz

See, cute talaga ang Pinoy.