Tragedy of Aging

Raoul’s Two Cents: October 17, 2025

A Tale of Two Countries

If you don’t want to ponder, move on to the Jokes.

My Singaporean friend sent me a Youtube link to Singapore’s historical rise to success. I was a kid when the legendary Lee Kuan Yu made his decision to transform his minuscule country from a fishing village into an international trading port.

About the same time Ferdinand Marcos started his bid for glory in the neighboring Philippines. He started off as a duly elected democratic leader but he evolved into an abusive dictator. Countless Filipinos suffered under his reign. I believe this era is when corruption took root. Even after Marcos was exiled, the corruption was deep in the bloodline of Philippine politics that criminals were never brought to justice. Ferdinand’s son, Bong Bong, is the current President; Imee, a daughter, is a Senator and Imelda, his wife (finally retired), was elected 4 times in the House of Representatives. Today the Filipinos remain as one of the nicest, intelligent, talented, people but they live in one of the poorest most corrupt countries in South East Asia. Sadly, a common Filipino ambition is simply to leave the country. No wonder Filipinos are the world’s cheerful “helpers” that you see in Cruise Lines, hard-working construction workers in the Middle East, highly skilled doctors and nurses in hospitals.

I watched the video with envy but then I bumped into another video about the drawbacks of Singapore’s success from an expat’s point of view. Apparently, the drive to succeed has shaped the Singaporeans into the poster country of materialism. I guess you can’t win them all.

One country is famous for its luxury while the other for its people. But underneath the surface, what is overlooked (more important yet rarely measured), is the spiritual health of the country.

Even while the apostle Paul was in a miserable dungeon, he expressed his indescribable joy as he wrote to the Philippian church (which was primarily composed of poor slaves). He said “not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only.” (Philippians 4:15) — Paul was so touched that these poor people managed to send gifts to sustain him. In the same letter he wrote:
“I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4: 12-14)

In the end, it isn’t the country with the most toys that wins. Comedians say it is better to cry in a Lamborghini than on a bus. But I say they’re still both crying.

Happy is the man who finds joy and contentment walking on bare feet loving his fellow man and whistling praises to God.

But that’s just me. TGIF people!

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Quotes of the Week

“The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain!” — Dolly Parton, Musician

“To find happiness, look halfway between too little and too much.” — Ruskin Bond, Indian writer

“Not having the best situation, but seeing the best in your situation is the key to happiness.” — Marie Forleo, American entrepreneur

“They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.” — Isaiah 49:10

“For there will never cease to be poor in the land; that is why I am commanding you to open wide your hand to your brother and to the poor and needy in your land.” — Deuteronomy 15:11