Australians are cavemen... Look what they did to their poor aboriginies. Boycott the Australian Embassy!

Australian Aboriginal culture is one of the world's longest surviving cultures, which dates back at least 50,000 years and there are many who think it could be closer to 150,000 years.Settlers also brought venereal disease and introduced alcohol to the indigenous Aborigine and to which the Aborigine had no tolerance and the Aboriginal community had no prior experience in dealing with such issues. Substance abuse has remained a chronic problem for indigenous communities ever since. The combination of disease, loss of land and direct violence culled the Aboriginal population by an estimated 90%.

geeez ...how about australians walking in the streets of Malate badly needing a shower. The wight gorrillas STINK!

hahaha. i even prefer using tabo than the shower!

Reminds me of a similar news in Canada. The Filipino kid who was humiliated for using spoon and fork for eating.

It's sad that there are intolerances and ignorance issues in many progressive countries.

Thanks Mojo for this...

Historically Australians are not very smart people. They are mostly prisoners from the West. What can can you expect with such a country.

Do not ISOLATE ourselves from other RACES. That is BIGOTRY.

Do not HATE.

Well Done Mojo!

You know it's funny but what has gotten into that certain Aussie's mind to meddle in the toilet habit of our kababayan?

Probably he is just curious if us Pinoys crap like the way they crap. I wonder if this certain mate knows that certain tribes in Africa are more ashamed being seen eating than defecating.

Ignorance and intolerance are truly appalling at times.

.

batuhin ng etchas ag awstralian embassy!

Guys... can we stop with the racist/discriminatory comments?
It only shows how ignorance is everywhere...
Let's not go down to that level
Thank you

France’s minister of human rights and foreign affairs confirmed thel appeal for the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality. More than 80 countries outlaw same-sex relations in all circumstances.In nine countries, or regions of countries, the mandatory punishment for homosexuality is death by execution. AUSTRALIA HAS NOT SIGNED IN TO SUPPORT FRANCE's initiative. Australians are BIGOTS!

""MIGRANTE-Australia, an organisation of Filipinos in Australia does not tolerate Pauline Hanson nor the Australian government's racist bent. Filipinos are Asians and we believe - contrary to the claims of Hanson and other racists - that we are contributing our collective strength and spirit to the enrichment of Australia. We do not enjoy special privileges and in fact, we lack social security and genuine government protection. ""

""Neither the Asians nor the Aborigines should be blamed for what the Australian government could not provide to the whole of Australia. We are not the thieves who steal away jobs from Australians. It is the government whose policies of economic irrationalism policy has destroyed employment opportunities. We do not take special privileges from the government. It is the government who uses us as an excuse to cover-up its inability to provide social welfare and social security to everyone. ""

""The Howard government is an immoral government. It cannot deal decisively with the current rise of racism in Australia. This is proof of its pro-racist bias. Howard's reluctance to deal with the issue of racism and his total lack of leadership has added to the misery of Indigenous Australians, Asian migrants and refugees in Australia. Asians will never forget Howard's infamous anti-Asian immigration statements of 1988. Neither will Aborigines forget a leader who cannot apologise for a racist, inhumane government policy that has left a legacy of hurt and trauma on thousands of indigenous people. The country has certainly gone backwards with him and his redneck colleagues in power. "...

""We must not allow ourselves to lose sight of the real issue. Our real enemy is an enemy that is artfully using economic globalisation as a tool to corner the human and natural resources of the world. Our enemy uses racism in its many mutated forms to break the unity of the oppressed and exploited. Black or white or yellow, Asian, non-Asian immigrants and indigenous peoples in Australia are not spared from the economic backlash of Australia's not-so-stable economy. Racist or not - if we belong to the working class, the toiling class, working women, etc. - we all are on the same boat which the Howard's government is not managing well. ""

""We must fight against racism. And more so, we should fight - together - for social justice and economic equality. ""

""Stop racism in Australia! No to economic rationalism! No to privatisation, liberalisation and deregulation! Oppressed peoples of Australia unite! ""

Asians will never forget Howard's infamous anti-Asian immigration statements of 1988. Neither will Aborigines forget a leader who cannot apologise for a racist, inhumane government policy that has left a legacy of hurt and trauma on thousands of indigenous people. The country has certainly gone backwards with him and his redneck colleagues in power...Howard is STOOOOPID!

I now knew why they called their country "LAND DOWN UNDER", it makes sense to me know....HAHAHA

authorities in the small town of Camden on the outskirts of Sydney unanimously voted on against the building of an Islamic school to server nearly 1200 students."We just don't want Muslim people in Camden, we don't want them not only here, but we don't want them in Australia," said one woman, sporting a cowboy hat with an Australian flag wrapped around it, reported Reuters.

That's one of the most stupidest thing I've heard. His boss is just too imposing! Talk about violating the Human Rights. I think they weren't aware of the word "PREFERENCE."

John Howard is a racist. Howard’s racism come out again and again. Howard’s bigotry is no longer under the surface it is present for the WORLD TO SEE. Howard is using race as an EXCUSE to push a WHITE SUPREMACIST AGENDA AGAINST THE ABORIGINIES. I cannot be more blunt then this. Now remember this is the same John Howard that made a disturbing comment about Senator Barrack Obama because Obama is against the war in Iraq a few months ago.

I personally believe that Howard just wants to treat the Aboriginies in Australia as though they are “wild animals” that need the paternalistic “support” of the white man. The Aboriginies in Australia have serious problems but banning porn and alcohol will NOT SOLVE the problem and Howard knows this! I say read the article and take ACTION. Do not allow Howard to get away with this racist bullshit!!!!!
I also DO NOT believe Howards gives a fuck about the Aborigines in Austalia or about their problems. The LACK of cultural insensitivity and the racism of Howard here is abhorrent!
Anyone that believes in human rights for ALL PEOPLE will take a stand.

Up till now Howard has got away with this xenophobia because it resonates with the old demon of Australian history, racism, defined simply in colour terms. Many white Australians came to fear and then feel guilty about their abuse of Aboriginals, and racism as a defence against black and yellow labour was built into the new national industrial fabric. So the ongoing ignorance of the plight of Aboriginal Australians and the hostility to (often brown skinned) refugees has a strong historical basis. As with the monarchy issue, sometimes John Howard just seems very old.

What does BOLDSTAR and BRIAN GORRELL have to say?

Isn't it cleaner to use soap and water?

this is not a question of whose right or wrong but the issue of RESPECT!!!! taking care of our body have different ways as long as you are decent, healthy, and odorless (or even has one, like Indians) but we never questioned it because we respect them. If this AUSIE company doesn't learned how to respect others and they have lack of cultural sensitivity/awareness, better their HR Folks should start educating their personnel.

Intolerance, ignorance, and bigotry exists in all parts of the world till this day.

You can find them in America, Europe, Australia, Canada, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and in some parts of this blog.

On the good side, someone like Pres. Obama comes along and shows the world that people are capable of doing the right thing.

FYI..Howard is no longer the PM of Australia...Haven't heard of him since the last election when labour got in and the liberals were voted out. BTW the son in law of the current PM Kevin Rudd is of HK Chinese descent...

The whole thing is preposterous. An outright violation of privacy and sad show of ignorance.
Personally, I'm with 'kulapol'on this one.

Now now... let's not go fighting imaginary enemies around the entire hemisphere for the sake of being contentious...

or digging up sabertooth tigers as the cause for a few paper cuts here and there.

and Andro, you might wanna adjust your POV to get a handle on things, or find yourself muttering "it just doesn't make sense" more often than you'd like...

because for awhile there, i could have sworn you were talking about someone else.

though i am a "beer glass half-full kinda guy", so my take may not be your take...

That i concede

I want to suck Aussie cock... AHHAHA!!!

hey Ed:

stop it all of you'se, eh when you want to speak of someone else's backyard make sure you have current information. That means NOW BRO! fair dinkum.

things al youse must know.
1) Howard is no longer our Prime Minister. MEANS HE GONE! ummm just about 13 months ago

2) Pauline Hanson was just a blip in our landscape, as in she gone too with an occassional presence in dancing with the stars.

3) Our new PM is called Kevin Rudd. A labour stalwart. labour governments have historically spent Australias fortunes. I never voted labour, though he apologised to the aborigines, it was great but it was not my sin, it largely reflect the racist government of the day.

4) Australians by nature are very accepting and based on my experiences they do respect you if you assimilate and god forbade if you try to inforce your belief on them. Australia is not perpect but its better than many countries like the bigot in Brunei and all the countries in the middle East.

5) If I was that worker, I will not be advertising that I use my hand in washing my ass there are just some things in life that must remain private.

6) The aboriginal issue is part of many countries that experienced european colonization. Australia is not alone so please refrain from using history to back your argument. The country has slowly cleansed itself.

What you all have forgotten was that by legal advise any company must adher to the rules of engagement in relation to any possible termination of employees. Before an employee can be terminated Verbal and written warnings will be given to the aforementioned employee and immediate superior with the presence of his line manager and a human resouces personnel. All will outlined to the employee the reason for the warning. You are allowed 3.

The complaint of hygiene was the issue and I will cut and paste here:

Byron Carter, TEI's company manager, confirmed that Bernabe was terminated for his toilet habits because it poses "a serious health risk."

Carter said other company employees had been complaining about Bernabe's unhygienic way of using the toilet. He said the Filipino had also been warned and advised several times before he was sacked from his job.

"Mr Bernabe's technique to cleanse himself with water after his toiletry visits leaves the toilet cubical splashed with water suspected to be contaminated with feces and wet soggy toilet paper lying on the floor," the company manager said in the report.

My question to all of you is ; would you go in after Mr. Bernabe and use the toilet with all of that MESS in the cubicle? Personally I would complain to management too if the toilet is left DISGUSTING and DIRTY. Moreover, he refused many times to clean it. YES! some of the complaints came from ASIANS.

Its the same as when Chinese people SPIT which is acceptable in China but sooo not for me. IT MAKES ME PUKE. Some cultures allow chewing and spitting, do that in Singapore youd get caned.

If I was him I would make sure that I leave the toilet CLEAN and DRY with no faeces all over it. Our toilets here are designed to sit on NOT squat on.

The good news is that we have clear guidelines to terminating employees. Lucky for him he is working in Australia not some Middle Eastern country who will imprison him, impose corporal punishment and deport him. And AUSTRALIANs love their RULES, so it balances both arguments and in the end justice will prevail quickly unlike in Manila where justice can be bought and sold. There are other issues in Mr Bernabe's case that the company is witholding while his complaint is investigated.

And I assure you that their investigation will be thorough and transparent.

So all of you calm down AUSTRALIA is still the LUCKY country. I am glad I'm here free. In all my time here I have never experienced racism and believe me I have been to most of the corners of this country.

"5) If I was that worker, I will not be advertising that I use my hand in washing my ass there are just some things in life that must remain private. "

You must be kidding boldstar. I WILL BRING A TABO if I want to USE A TABO. Who the hell are you to say I should hide a TABO!!!!

Thesame way as I will use TAWAS for BO, use an arinola and use my HANDS when eating BAGOONG.

How dare you!

Australians have LOW IQ.

That's TEI company's word VS. our own MEDIA. MAGIC 89.9 called TEI live ON-AIR but the company supervisor PUT DOWN THE PHONE on Mo Twister!

Batuhin ng atchas ang mga Awtralians

POW!

That's TEI company's word VS. our own MEDIA. MAGIC 89.9 called TEI live ON-AIR but the company supervisor PUT DOWN THE PHONE on Mo Twister...WE DON"T believe the explanation of TEI company!

The company will dig holes and bury the poor OFW... Let us not give-in to TEI's claims.

Pure BIGOTRY!

Thuringowa MP Craig Wallace said the company should re-evaluate their priorities.

"Employers should be worried how their business operates rather than what their employees do in the loo,"

"I know in a number of cultures using paper to clean yourself is considered an offence because of their beliefs.

"If he is being hygienic and not bothering anyone else then good luck to him."

Mr Finch said employers should be more tolerant of their employees, especially in Mr Bernabe's case where he has been brought to the country by TEI on a 457 visa.

"At the end of the day we are a multicultural society and if they want to import workers then they need to be tolerant of other workers and other cultures,"

"They don't own these workers, they are borrowed and hired to carry out a job.

"The thought these bosses think they can lord it over these workers is insane.

"What it shows is the company's complete arrogance for workers' rights."

"They don't own these workers, they are borrowed and hired to carry out a job."

TOTALLY AGREE! Filipinos all over the world should remain steadfast against BIGOTRY!

And BOLDSTAR isn't Ala Paredes anothe Austalian ? Nakakahalata na ako.

it may be cultural, but the culture of the host country should be given consideration. it is not the tabo but the connotation on what it is used for is what is repelling to other cultures specially if after using the tabo he goes to the mess hall with all other co workers eating lunch. it may be cultural again, but there is another male filipino toilet habit that is very gross, very unsanitary. after pissing, how many wash their hands? i rest my case.

BooooBoldstar! Racist, Bigoted and Anti-Filipino; VERY DONA VICTORINA!

Hoy its true Australians have annihiated an entire race of ABORIGINIES. Just like the Atis who own Boracay

CARLITOZ you need to immerse in Philippine culture. Don't you know our MUSLIM brothers are requied to wash their private parts after pissing. Filipinos are very clean people! Maybe that guy Bernabe had LBM during that time.
SOBRA KAYO MAN-LAIT NG KAPWA!

I AGREE. Boldstar don't put down Filipinos. Ang baho ng mga Australians dito- DI NALILIGO!

Red hindi 'yan pan lalait ng kapwa. Instead take it is a message for peaceful co-existence. In my experience, the Filipinos here in the States feel the least discrimination among Orientals precisely because we have the God given gift to easily assimilate to adoptive foreign ways. Going back to tabo, use it to the hilt, to the heart's content.. but in the privacy of the home. In public, use it but be discreet about it. PEACE!

Carlitoz said "it may be cultural again, but there is another male filipino toilet habit that is very gross, very unsanitary. after pissing, how many wash their hands?"

This is a sweeping generalization Carlitoz. Filipinos are required to be circumsized. We even have maids to wipe our backs and wash it with TABO.

The Australian company made a big issue about "DOING IT THE AUSTRALIAN WAY."

If they claim that fecal matter were scattered that only means the OFW has a sick stomach (probably been eating kangaroos, crocks and ostriches)... LOGICAL DIBA?

What the stooopid TEI company did was wrong! They could have penalized him for not cleaning the restroom but they cannot question his use of the TABO!

Greens spokeswoman Jenny Stirling said "I commend the man for standing up for himself and I encourage the employer to have further talks with the union and the employee and I am sure commonsense will prevail."

BOLDSTAR should retract her pronouncement ASAP!

OOOOOh! I LOVE BRIAN GORRELL for using the TABO... I wish he was straight though...Magic 89.9 DJ Mojo Jojo is having a spinout at Victorina Blog. And before it gets totally out of hand(signs are pointing that way already), I feel I must say something on this issue of the 'tabo scandal'(story below).

I love using my super fabulous pinoy tabo everyday. My dear sweet yaya Rose bought it for me on the island, therefore I cherish it. It's blue and I'm proud to use it, not only because it's Filipino or because it saves a ton of water in the shower but mostly because I think 'washing' is better then 'wiping'. A combination of the two usually leaves me feeling as fresh as a dewy spring bloom.

Brian is a TABO user!

Brian is so sexy!

MABUHAY

Coool Brian is using a TABO. Boldstar as you said AUSTRALIA is still the LUCKY country SO mag-tabo ka na rin and teach the Aussies about the wonderful world of TABO!

tabo

t´abo'

n. a dipper, scoop, usually a coconut shell or an empty can · magtabo', tumabo', tab´uin (mag:-um-:-in) v. to scoop water with a coconut shell or an empty can, to use a dipper or a coconut shell or an empty can.

Tumabo siya ng tubig sa tapayan.
(He scooped out water from the earthen jar.)

MUSLIM and INDIAN CULURE

You have to do it the way Muslim & Indian people do it. Use your LEFT HAND!!!

1) Pour water on your @ss to wet it.
2) Liberally lather up your left hand with soap.
3) Pour water again to clean the soap residue.

Word of Advice: Do not use your left hand to serve food to your Muslim/Indian. Its an insult.

This is why its good to be constipated. Sure, you strain yourself and probably close to have a brain aneurysm, but . . . . you never leave any brown residue on your rear. Compared to eating fiber were its all moist and sticky.

The worst kind is when you have a night of alcohol binging, especially when its spiced rum like Capt Morgan. Its gonna stain everywhere, even the porcelain on your toilet bowl.

As for me I can't adjust still using toilet paper. Tabo is already a part of my life and I can't use bathroom without tabo. When I go back home I will make sure to take tabo with me going back here in the US.

FROM MOJO's SCHOOL:

The McGill Daily


By Jack Sanford

Back when most North Americans were still using newsprint and paper catalogues, people living in the South Asian islands of the Philippines had mastered a cleaner and more environmentally sound method of cleaning up after doing number two. This technique is centered on using a tabo, a bowl kept in the bathroom specifically for the purpose of washing one’s ass.

To use a tabo – any sort of bowl or water container will do – you first fill it with warm water. This can be done before or after doing your business. Next, use soap to lather one hand and, while you wash your bum with the soapy hand, use your other hand to pour water from the tabo, rinsing your mess away. You can pour from the back or the front. Either way, it is important to guide the water with your soapy hand to make sure it gets to all the dirty spots. Now that your bum is clean, dry yourself off with a cotton towel. “It’s your own personal, portable bidet,” said Joey Boayes, member of MUFASA, McGill’s Filipino Association.

For the uninformed, seeing a bowl in the bathroom can be kind of a mystery. “I tell people we use it to water the plants,” said Boayes. “I don’t want to make a big deal out of it.”

Like many Filipinos, Boayes has been using the tabo ever since he got out of diapers. When kids are potty-trained but still too young to wash themselves (as old as eight), they yell for a parent to come and do it for them. As they grow, they begin washing themselves, but a parent or sibling still helps pour the tabo. Even with arm strength, navigating a full bowl of water in and around one’s private area can be challenging....

Scott Paper saturated the American market, and needed a further outlet for its product. Why not the masses of Filipinos who didn’t use anything to wipe with? Luckily, Filipinos resisted American imperialism and we still have today an example of a clean and eco-friendly way of doing something we all need to do.

“Filipinos are very neat, very clean people in terms of hygiene,” says Boayes. Most everyone else would like to think that about themselves, too. It is in that spirit that Scott Paper Canada recently introduced a line of “designer” toilet paper called Cashmere. To launch the new line last fall, they threw a huge party in Toronto where models strutted down a runway wearing all white cashmere wool.

Yes, even the rich and famous like to have clean, soft bums. It’s just unfortunate that, as with so many other luxury consumer products, satisfying the demand destroys our valuable natural resources. The tabo on the other hand makes use of water, a resource very abundant in Canada. And it gets every behind much fresher and cleaner than your everyday TP wipe.

However, the rewards are worth the effort. “Honestly, it gives me a refreshing feeling,” said Boayes. “I feel a lot more clean [using the tabo].”

“Filipinos are very neat, very clean people in terms of hygiene,” says Boayes. Most everyone else would like to think that about themselves, too. It is in that spirit that Scott Paper Canada recently introduced a line of “designer” toilet paper called Cashmere. To launch the new line last fall, they threw a huge party in Toronto where models strutted down a runway wearing all white cashmere wool.

Tabo and Balde?

Sounds really foreign Boldstar!

Is that a forbidden act or sumthin!?

- well, it is foreign because it is Tagalog which roughly means in English, Tabo - "water scooper" and Balde - "water bucket" . It is not Tabooooo or forbidden.

Actually, their main functions are very viable in conserving precious H2O if incorporated in your daily chores.

Mind ya, when we had those water restrictions down here south, the Tabo & Balde options were award-winners in drought stricken lands!

WE GO WERE MOJO JOJO GOES!

WIKIPEDIA

In rural areas of the country, some Filipino children resort to bathing naked in public.[11] Those who live near rivers take baths there, and natives will use river stones as washcloths to scrub themselves. Since water pressure is lacking in many areas of the country, many people resort to using buckets (timba at tabo) for bathing. People are so used to the routine of using the bucket bath method that they will continue to use it even when water pressure is more than adequate for shower use. Places that have adequate water pressure like hotels do have running shower heads.

oh my gas grabe na kayo noh!

JUN: maybe you need to take your own advice Donot put down anyone else. And for your info I am not kidding!! I am serious there are some things that are private because in reality nobody really cares what you do.

I dont have to know you are using tawas, a bedpan instead of going straight to the toilet or whatever you think belongs to a filipino culture. All I would care if i'm working with you is if youve made a mess in the toilet AGAIN and have faeces evrywhere and tissue and get all the cubicles wet.

its called:

Viral gastroenteritis – viruses are found in human faeces. Infection is caused by person-to-person contact such as touching contaminated hands, faeces or vomit, or by drinking contaminated water or food.

In case you haven't noticed my patriotism for the Philippines in unquestionable.

All I'm saying is take out culture and him being a Filipino lets just say for arguments sake that a co-worker goes into the toilet and make a mess in there. You know faeces tissue paper and the whole cublicle wet and dirty. WOULD YOU GO IN? and perhaps imagine it happens all the time what would you do? Clean it yourself?

So a few people complain about that to management. What do you think would a company do in that case? just let it go without having to deal with animosity in the workplace?

May mali ba sa paghuhugas ng wetpaks na gamit ay tubig? Dapat sinagot ni Bernabe ... Marines eh!

Australians should be more bothered if someone uses sand to finish it off. What say you guys?

BOLDSTAR says : "Australia is not perpect but its better than many countries like the bigot in Brunei and all the countries in the middle East. "

VICTORINA COUNCIL,

The statement made by Boldstar is bigoted and has maligned the Muslims all over the world.

We demand you apologize lest we proclaim jihad on you.


Moro

because someone is so curious as to whether I am TABO or Coconut hehehe

by the way regarding cleaning my bottom:

I use recycled tissue paper but because its a little bit rougher than the usual tissue I spray the tissue with Evian water spray or rose water and wipe myself from my vagigie outwards to my back to avoid contamination.

so there... hehehehehe. so wheres the love just because i'm not jumping up and down with the Bernabes bandwagon, you guys are crucifying me, please you also must look at it from my point of view.

Rizal has already had to consider the topic of how to keep its own identity alive in the melting pot of foreign influences... Communication is important. Not all communication is verbal, persons and objects can singled out with "pointing lips". It's also possible to greet someone by lifting the eye-brows. Why shout in a restaurant for the bill, when you can draw a square in the air with the same result.

A right Filipino can convey more than 30 messages by facial expressions alone, but he may only prefer to smile. A "true" Pinoy covers his mouth when he audibly laughs. It is common to greet the elderly by putting your hands on your forehead. It is shameful not to have the correct answer. Therefore our "real" Filipino is in search of an answer, which fits on each question - or he may leave the question by pensive scraping of the head. Our Pinoy doesn't like to say "No". Is it under social aspects not better to say "I'll try" or "may be"? Communication between Filipinos has something of a Chinese puzzle. It is said that it works on the following principle:

"You're perfectly understood by fellow Filipinos, although you seldom mean what you say and say what you mean. "

At least once a day a shower is taken by help of a "tabo" (plastic-box). A stone serves for scrubbing the skin and a certain kind of tree bark creates the shampoo.

kulapol said...

batuhin ng etchas ag awstralian embassy!

yup batuhin ng etchas !

BOLDSTAR you maybe WRONG!

If the issue was cleaning the toilet after use, then they could have just told him to clean his filth!

But NO! They followed him and told him to drop his TABO. BTW he also used toilet paper.

ITS RACIAL. Any LAWYER (except John Resado) can figure this out!

Pls appologize for saying MUSLIM countries are BIGOTS!

"Australia is not perpect but its better than many countries like the bigot in Brunei and all the countries in the middle East. "

Bigots in Brunei: When I was in Brunei International Airport there was a group of young female OFW's waiting on on departure hall. They were excited and very vocal about themselves sharing stories. It was a source of amusement for my friend and I considering that travel is such a chore for us. They were just exstatic about their future employment and hoping that their new "AMOs" are nice to them and not abuse them. I was only a few seats away.

I noticed that they were going to a counter asking for something but they were being spoken to STERNLY by the counter ladies and based on their attire one would assume they were Muslim. I heard one lady said" GO AWAY" like shooing a stray dog.

So I asked one girl and she said that they were suppose to have food vouchers included in their tickets but the counter girls refuse to even talk to them or entertain their complain.

now to cut the long story I went up to the counter and I also got that "dagger look" desdain more like it. Obviously I spoke English and as soon as she saw my passport (which by the way is not Australian) Her demeanor towards me changed and most specially when she realised I am travelling first/business class. I heard one customer service girl said "oh she's not domestic?"

And its the first of many in that small country. I have stayed in and lived in Australia off and on for a very long time and I've never been treated that way by anybody specially people who works in the frontline. NEVER not in Thailand, Not Singapore Not Switzerland not in germany not in London and not in Paris not in new york only in Brunei and Riyadh Saudi Arabia and an awful experience in Dubai for the simplest reason that I AM A YOUNG FILIPINA WOMAN.

So curse me from here to eternity I will gladly meet you and defend myself for saying bigots in Brunei. I live in a democratic country and I can say how I experienced life. Indeed Australia is way better to live than the bigoted Brunei and all the countries in the Middle East combine.

Dont be a victim stop using your religion to threat people. Believe it you will but my sentiments are echoed by my childhood friend who is a proud MARANAO from Marawi Lanao.

I agree with JUN !

A bigot is a person who is intolerant of opinions, lifestyles or identities differing from his or her own, and bigotry is the corresponding attitude or mindset. Bigot is often used as a pejorative term to describe a person who is obstinately devoted to prejudices, especially when these views are either challenged, or proven to be false or not universally applicable or acceptable.

hi maroon, not washing hands and being gross and unsanitary may have sounded a sweeping statement, a generalization. but honestly, it was not the intention that's why i premised it as "it may be cultural" to be within the context of the topic/issue at bar. however the reality is it is a fact (the practice of not washing hands) because most bathrooms specially in the country do not have wash bins. going to another extreme, people in rural areas do not even go to bathrooms to answer the call of nature because there is no bathroom to go to. hahahaha.. another reality, i am actually poking fun at myself. when i was in my teen years i worked in the deparment of highways to earn extra money for school. worked paving roads in the interior. in the heat of the sun.. every time nature called, i answered it behind the talahib or big tree.... i felt nothing wrong with it. it felt practical, natural! it was only when i came here to 'tates that i was forced to be conscious about washing my hands because it didn't seem right insisting doing the same behavior when everyone else automatically washed their hands after coming from the urinal. also following the practice in my new invironment ceased calling attention to myself aside from the inherent aesthetic sense derived from it. still i apologize maroon, if my opinion hurt your sensitivities.

Jun as I said there's an investigation going on which would be thorough and transparent. I will wait and see.

regarding the muslim comment heres what I said:

"Australia is not perpect but its better than many countries like the bigot in Brunei and all the countries in the middle East. "

this sentence has two points it means

Australia is not perfect but its better than many acountries like the bigot in Brunei (in reference to my bad experience being treated horribly at the airport and witnessing open hostility towards OFW's)

Second component:

...its better than all the countries in the middle east

its true theres nothing bigoted about that nor maligning the religion of Islam. I am referring to the COUNTRY not its religion. The people who served me in all of these countries happened to be Muslims.

Read it again before you start threatening me.

The paradox of the toilet and a person's actions is something that no boss can even think about interfering with and the thought that bosses think they have the control to get involved in the toiletry is a gross invasion of an employee's privacy. If it wasn't so disgusting it would almost be laughable.

what does Rain, Amiel and Trixie have to say?

Boldstar your generalizations are sweeping and based on personal experiences.

Have you done a survey? How many Muslims did you encounter? Have you read and internalized the Koran? Your acting out in anger.

Your pronouncements may cause civil war. I've been to Brunei and I love the country and its people- much wealthier than Awstrelya!



Put a lid on


Tnx

I AGREE!
If the issue was cleaning the toilet after use, then they could have just told him to clean his filth!But NO! They followed him and told him to drop his TABO. BTW he also used toilet paper.

ITS RACIAL. Any LAWYER (except John Resado) can figure this out!

Trixie can you please clarify?

Second component:

...its (Australia) better than all the countries in the middle east
its true theres nothing bigoted about that nor maligning the religion of Islam.

Hahaha parang my chemical imbalance nagsabi nito?

Brian Gorrell says: "The ironic thing is that an Australian will use a fucking potato chip bag to wipe their ass if there is nothing else around. And this is the reason this smacks of racism. Plain and simple. Agreed.
I just do not understand how some can dispute the rights of others to live well within their own cultural identities. And wait a minute, this guy was followed into the CR?"

WE LOVE BRIAN!

The company will dig holes and bury the poor OFW... Let us not give-in to TEI's claims.

Pure BIGOTRY!

Oo nga wala naman pambayad g abogado yan noh!

Had it not been about an issue of Crap, Tabo and Invasion of Privacy, I would've easily said "When in Rome, do what Romans do".

"the foreman followed him in the bathroom" - geezuz what a freaky foreman that is! Question is, did he look while Amador was doing the deed? Gross!

FACT:
More Filipinos will be compelled to find jobs overseas due to rising prices of commodities, but they will also face abuses because of the lack of a strong migrant rights protection program, the overseas workers’.

SOLUTION (fast remedy):

Rally Filipinos to protect OFW's vis internet!

OFW inabuso na nga sa Pilipinas inaabuso pa abroad. Maawa naman kayong mayayaman.

Rain, Trixie and Amiel iwas-pusoy na naman!

Rain, Trixie and Amiel iwas-pusoy na naman!

ONE way to ease the plight of overseas Filipino workers is to investigate the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency and Overseas Workers Welfare Administrationregarding the anomalies unearthed by the Commission on Audit.Prosecute POEA and OWWA employees involved in the corruption unearthed by COA. Refund to OFWs or start a Foundation for OFW Benefits with whatever money that can be recovered. Make OWWA membership voluntary instead of compulsory.

I think we should refrain from generalization. There are ignorant people everywhere. But I must say that if you must use water, always use soap and as Boldstar said, clean up your mess. Actually I found a perfect compromise - moist baby wipes. I always have a package of it with me when I travel. It has aloe in it so it is very soothing.

Thighswin said... <---- naku po, si Nightwish, nakalusot ng comment. Kung sino man ang kinakalaban mo dito, I wish you peace. I think it's more comfortable to express yourself on the subject rather than picking other commenters. Being mad and restless is a very bad combination.

I would have to agree to Boldstar's point, it's right and logical to be worried (or even offended) when you work with somebody who has poor hygiene practise in a shared environment.

However, I'm still unsure who's at fault: Is it the 'BIGOT AUSSIE EMPLOYER' or the 'FILIPINO EMPLOYEE WITH POOR TOILET TRAINING'? I see this subject with great interest... We'll never know who wins by now.

Yes, I'm backing Boldstar again on other bigot countries like Brunei and Middle East. A lot of people there are really full of themselves -- thinking that they are God's gift to the entire humanity for they provide the energy that the world needs, employing (enslaving) people who are in great need or willing to go to great compromises. Many of these people from the said countries feels like they're a notch higher than us (or even more).

Believe me, I was there, it's a sad reality.

Bottom line.

If our government really care for its constituents as they say during campaign period (I'm waiting for Miriam to blow her top again regarding this), which unofficially has started (check the ads and remember these people and research about them). Then we won't have any OFW's, if any, a very small percentage. They would all be working here and with their families during quitting time and not abroad.

We can't remove the fact that there are still people in the world, irregardless of nationality, who think that their way of life is the model everyone has to live up to. Sad fact but true. And our OFW's are victims of these. And what is our government doing about it? NADA. Ladrones.

Dear Johnonymous,

"Brunei and Middle East"...Singling out these countires are dangerous because its cultures have deeply rooted religious traditions.

It's theseam as saying that Koreans are violent people and that the Australian Aboriginies are lazy drunks.

This is not how you scrutinize a culture or a country. This is what MEDIA fed you or your personal expirience with 3 ormore people from that race.

Thanks for listening

ANALYSIS :

According to boldstar's research "wet soggy toilet paper lying on the floor".

This means the OFW uses BOTH TOILET PAPER and WATER.

Boldstar adds that filth was splattered around the cubicle means the OFW has a bad stomach.

PLUS "The foreman followed Mr Bernabe into the toilet despite his protests." IS A CLEAR VIOLATION OF A PERSONS INTRISIC RIGHTS.

Australian Manufacturing Worker's Union state organiser Rick Finch said the incident was shocking.
"I think it is atrocious, an invasion of a person's rights and cultural beliefs," he said.

SO ANU PA BA ANG CASE. ISN'T THIS CRYSTAL CLEAR ALREADY?

Where did you get the idea that he didn't wash his hands?

The OFW uses both toilet paper and water and was followed by the manager because of the WATER he was carrying!

Thomas Jefferson said the right to "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" were inalienable. Poooing is a "puruit of hapiness"- Will you give the poor OFW a break. Dogs are treated better in Australia!

Shane Jacobson, who is better known as the port-a-loo plumber Kenny Smyth in Australia, described the unequal access to toilets situation in the world as a human rights violation. Jacobson starred in the documentary, "Kenny." He is now filming a show discovering the toilet culture in India, Japan, Sweden and the U.S., only to discover that so many people, particularly women in India, have poor access to a sanitary toilet.
He said, "Women have to hold on till 2:00 to 5:00 am so they can do it in the darkness and go in groups to make sure they are safe and nobody comes. That's not dignity. That's not an equal right." Jacobson said people make a big deal about their right to vote being violated, but not as much as the right to a sanitary toilet in privacy. He said, "You only vote once in four years. But you go to the toilet everyday."
He added, "If you don't vote you're missing out every three to four years. In the same time you've missed out more than 1,200 times on the right to go the toilet in privacy."

The current Rudd government has committed to conduct a national public inquiry about how best to recognise and protect human rights and freedoms. Some recent examples of Human Rights violations:

1 Children held in refugee detention centres

2 Asylum seekers detained indefinitely

3 Australians illegally detained or deported

4 The introduction of 40 new anti-terrorism laws over a period of 5 years, which have stripped fundamental rights without adequate transparency and explanation

5 Mandatory sentencing in the Northern Territory which had a severe and disproportionate impact on the Aboriginal people
Undue censorship and sedition laws limiting our freedom of speech; and

6 An acute lack of safety, health and adequate living conditions of Indigenous Australians.

The “system” has failed Australians in these examples. Left behind are deep scars on both the victims and AUSTRALIA's international human rights reputation.

Foreign workers 'treated like SLAVES' in Australia

Ms Katelyn Allen (Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) ), whose union is representing three members sacked from the company said welders were being forced to each pay $175 a week for housing and transport, despite living eight to a four-bedroom house and having to manufacture their own beds.

"We submit it's a form of indentured servitude (SLAVERY) - it's very disturbing," Ms Allen said.

She said the welders also reported "constant threats of termination and deportation and constant surveillance by Dartbridge, even when they are not at work".

At one stage the driver of a bus used to get the men to work took photographs of the men's activities at one of the houses, she said.

Ms Allen said the incident showed foreign workers were being exploited under federal laws.

"The federal migration laws would not be able to operate in such an exploitative manner without the federal industrial relations laws (Work Choices)," she said.

Queensland Council of Unions representative Deborah Ralston told the inquiry she understood the company was planning to bring in a further 30 workers under a similar scheme of SLAVERY!

$175 a week pagtsatsagaan parin ng pobreng OFW kasi thats around 35t pesos a month!

wag na nyo apihin ang OFW kasi mahirap ang buhay nila. PEACE!

AGREE with all of my heart: Thomas Jefferson said the right to "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness" were inalienable. Poooing is a "puruit of hapiness"- Will you give the poor OFW a break. Dogs are treated better in Australia!

Hi Lito,

I understand where you're coming from... but it won't change my stance. I have been there and spent years of experience. It's not the media or the handful of people you presume.

I have my homework done and a lot of people from various background can attest to my opinion. I can't just throw opinions without deep knowledge. I am immensely backed with this knowledge.

What you expressed to me is totally right, nothing to be disagreed. But we're different individuals here and had gone through unique experiences. So, in this subject of racism, I am not a stranger to this -- I had been belittled and disrespected in few occasions (because of my nationality).

There are good and there are bad people in every country. But the highly-biased system they impose is what I'm calling out such as: PAYSCALE (westerners are usually paid 5 folds with the same efficiency of 3rd world people), MANAGEMENT PREFERENCES (they usually go for whites for a manager), DISPLACEMENT AND DIVIDES OF RESIDENTS (greedy housing costs and pushing singles, unattached male individuals to the far flung areas of the city), UNJUST JUSTICE SYSTEMS, LAWFUL PRESENCE OF AN ALIEN (alien resident policies has a great bias to most poor nations), GENDER INEQUALITIES. These are just few subjects.

So Lito, in short, it takes one to know one. In my case I know 2, I am a person of 2 race -- half of it is a Middle Easterner and a sound person in that aspect who dislikes elitism, corruptions, go-betweens, racism and inhumane treatment of people. Pasensya na po, hindi ko iibahin ang pananaw sa mga nasabi ko sa una. Just returning the bias.

Peace na!

New article please. haha...

Well companies should install bidet ;)

That's all.

The whole thing stinks!
hehehehe.

Discrimination in the work place in a foreign country based on economics: pay scale and management preferences, is not always true. There are situations wherein a pay scale and career promotion is not as important as maintaining one's professional principles and values. i still believe that the playing field is on the level but it is how you play the game and what kind of satisfaction you want to get from your job is most important. of course earning more money is sweet. however, if in attaining it, i have to kowtow with my superior even if i know she's not in the right, won't fly with me. i rather be satisfied with what i am paid than feel used. i say discrimination is not always true economics wise in the work arena because my youngest daughter who is pure pinay and born in pinas earns over $100,000.00 fresh from college with a pharmacy degree. i will never earn that much, but hey i am happy. i can act the same way i did when i was a regional accounting supervisor of metrobank prior to coming here to the states even if i am just a mere accounting clerk here.

Hope your having a nice day John. Appreciate the “mad and restless” characterization, though it’s usually a response when others are attacked. Understand that the relative strengths of peoples opinions are at play and they often affect the feelings of others. Peruse the topics, John and you see that some utterly daft views are stated so stalwartly, and absurd, perplexing statements are made so sincerely that we need to get it off our chest. Principled people feel compelled to respond. They often try, and these are the type of people who provide the brutal honesty so invaluable in life. I find I need close companions to provide brutal honesty. Here’s my solution for those with no dear friends to provide it- Start a blog, or comment frequently on a busy one. Soon you’ll have hoardes of folks trying to keep you in line.

I have no bad feelings for Bold but love to skew her somewhat because she’s smart and should now better. She’s occasionally right but for all the wrong reasons. Now she’s assailed on her own blog and in this case, and in my opinion, for personal plugs found in every facet of her defense; the miss bigshot talk, the first class talk, the world traveler talk; the ‘I’m the one in Australia’ talk which invariably leaves me aloof and unsympathetic to her cause. It completely unravels her defense. Thus far, she has spectacularly failed to draw me toward her POV. Hopefully she won’t go unmaking her own mind along the way lest it break, or for her sake, catch a break. Either way this topic has become a carnival, and sadly its all about a guy who makes others feel uncomfortable over his hygene… because his coworkers have to use the same tools he touches, knowing his hand just came from his own ass; but if he worked for Dominoes and made pizzas, you wouldn’t hear a word of opposition about this. Think about it, the same principle applies. It’s all about hygiene and consideration of others. Were he American, they would treat him the same way. Now this ridiculous issue has international far reaching implications, aborigine rights and Thomas Jefferson? Tilting at windmills. As for Gorrell- He would shove the whole tabo up his ass to get a plug out of you guys.

No malice, just opinions and a little humor. Shoot one back John, or Bold.

I have deleted the comment of Mojo because Mojo did not post that comment.

Well companies should install bidet ;)...

The first intelligent comment. Don't they have Bidets in Australia. My, my even Luneta restrooms have bidets.

Yup if Australia is ALL CLEAN and FIRST WORLD they should have bidets, hand soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and a mop!

a lurker here for some time.

I agree with Johnonymous.

I have read- re-read boldstars comment as I actually follow her post since she joined Victorina last year.

You have to admit nightwish that she provides a very different refreshing perspective. Very western asianise. She's not the sort of person who will jump on a bandwagon without any sort of thinking.

I can understand when she drops travel first class, world travel etc and all that because I have to accept that in certain countries if you are Filipina your status in life counts. Thats what she tried to state.

I don't think she meant it in a bad way. She actually reminds me of my daughter who is very forceful and will stand her ground unless of course you can present a valid argument. And like my daughter who work for companies who pay business class tickets if travel takes more than 2 hours. Its a common practice for multinationals like BHP etc.

Boldstar I am a fan keep it up. Someone just got confuse with their jihad from their fatwah. I ask my Lebanese Husband he started to laugh. I was the one who cut and pasted the other comment. I apologise please dont send the sentinels on me heheheh

love your work ANd Thanks Amiel for posting this

I totally agree with boldstar.

From Townsville Bulletin, Jan. 27th, 2009 by Leonie Johnson.

Mr Carter said health and hygiene issues had been raised by other staff members.

"The issue concerning Mr Bernabe is not about toilet etiquette, it is about hygiene and the health of other employees," he said.

"Mr Bernabe's technique to cleanse himself with water after his toiletry visits leaves the toilet cubical splashed with water suspected to be contaminated with faeces and wet soggy toilet paper lying on the floor.

"Other employees complain about the mess and the possible spread of disease and will not use the cubicles until they are cleaned and disinfected."

******

Mr Carter denied Mr Bernabe was sacked.

"Mr Bernabe was given the opportunity to clean up his toiletry habits or he would be terminated. He was told the choice was his," he said.

************

Mr Carter said the problem was an ongoing issue.

"Contrary to Mr Bernabe's statement that he had no problems until yesterday (Friday), he had been counselled a number of times about his toiletry habits," he said.

"On one occasion he was instructed to clean out the mess he made in the toilet cubicle as it was not acceptable to leave it in such a state. On a number of occasions Mr Bernabe was urged to carry out his toiletry functions in the Australian way in order to prevent contamination of the toilet cubicle and upsetting other users of the facilities.

"The continuation of Mr Bernabe's toiletry habits poses an unnecessary health risk to other employees and cannot be accepted."

***********

Sometimes, illogical statements come from people who emote before they think...and end-up bringing out the worst in the pinoy.

Rarely does one see arguments about the MORE IMPORTANT issues facing our nation. It's usually about "petty" things that threaten to undermine the goals of Victorina...but that's blogging for you.

Maybe it's time for a new topic (as suggested above).

Mamaya, baka pag-awayan nyo pa ang amoy at kulay ng tae. Hahahaha...

All of you have good points of view. Experience wise the Aussies are a tad racist- but in general their ok.

AGREE!

Tama na!

Mamaya, baka pag-awayan nyo pa ang amoy at kulay ng tae. Hahahaha...

First of all let me tell everyone that I'm a Filipino migrant and I have no intentions of being an apologist for Australia. But I dont think this has something to do with cultural differences but more on company policies.

Kahit ako, I have my own "policies" when my Aussie friends visit me at home. I ask them to always remove their shoes upn entering. someting not practiced in most australian homes. but do I hear them complain that I am being un australian? have they stopped visiting me at home? its really a matter of politeness and consideration. alam nila na i dont want to clean my carpets often thats why i ask them to remove their shoes upon entering.

so what makes my "policies" different from those of TEI? pareho lang naman kami na ayaw madumi ang tinitirhan.

What we witnessed is a simple case of an individual, who happens to be a filipino, insisting on his own set of rules over that of his employer. its not about racism or patriotism but stuborness plain and simple. in Rome do what the Romans do. If you cant handle it, then umuwi ka na lang siguro.

And let me tell everyone that I have never experienced being discrimianted in Australia. I am currently a manager earning a six figure salary supervising 10 aussies in my dpeartment. I was hired for the position over dozens of aussies who applied to the position. if there was indeed racial discrimination in australia then i wouldnt be in my position right now. but yes there is discrimination in australia. australians discriminate on people who act like bogans and yobos. australians discriminate on people who refuse to assimilate within the society. australians discriminate on those who dont give anyone a fair go.

and if i may add, we filipinos tend to become so sensitive when we become "victims" of supposed bigotry. Remember the Desperate Housewives brouhaha? but isnt that comment a reflection of what was really happening in our country? and what about flor contemplacion and other ocw who were proven guilty but treated as martyrs in our eyes?

for some reason we have our own sense of patriotism that turns a blind eye on rationality whenever the offender raises the "ako'y pinoy card".















policies, thebb

after all the comments about OFW exploitation, racist muslim countries, Australian government abuse towards aborigines and finally, the patriotic love for the tabo, one fact remains- the man repeatedly left fecal matter all over the cubicle.

i say sack him.

jonathan

Boldstar said something like, Australia is better than a lot of the other countries in the middle east, and then some people called her bigoted?

Lets be realistic. A lot of the countries in the middle east don't practice gender equality. So yes, a democratic country that does would probably be better than them.

Rank Country
GDP - per capita

1 Luxembourg $ 68,800

2 Equatorial Guinea $ 50,200

3 United Arab Emirates $ 49,700

4 Norway $ 47,800

5 Ireland $ 43,600

Racism in Australia is insidious, unadmitted. They have proud racists. Australia's white supremacist fringe - the 10% of voters represented in the late 1990s by Pauline Hanson but who, in the 2001 election, swung back into step with Howard's dance of Arab-phobia - do not admit to racism. Hanson's platform of cutting non-white immigration and government assistance to Aborigines was coded as a call for "fairness" (no pun intended) from "mainstream Australia". When Howard talks of pre-emptive strikes against terrorists in Asia, and of de-democratising the rights of non-white asylum seekers, his favourite phrasing is "ordinary Australians think...".

All ills can be cured if everybody just stops whingeing and swallows the (white, male, resolutely middle-class and anti-intellectual) panacea of 'mateship'. AUSTRALIANS ARE DUMB!

LETS ALL BE MATES!


All ills can be cured if everybody just stops whingeing and swallows the (white, male, resolutely middle-class and anti-intellectual) panacea of 'mateship'.

oh my even Johnonymous is being attacked...

P E A C E!

CEASEFIRE!

i agree with anon 6:35am.

this guy deserves to be sacked for his messy toilet habits, especially if he's been warned a number of times already. any decent company in any decent part of the world shouldn't tolerate that kind of shit.

a big minus one for the over-sensitive who cried bigotry and racism. worse pa when they have a chip on their shoulder. kayo ang nakakahiya!!!

Pinoy cultural trait ba talaga ito?


http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2009/01/27/35221_hpnews.html

There is a smack of hypocrisy on the part of many Filipinos .

As a Northern Luzon inhabitant , We have been looked down upon by Tagalogs , Visayans and other Filipinos who use water to wash their feces with their hands.

It is truly a matter of choice but , to look down on people because they use tissue paper , it is really ridiculous.

Definitely I would rather have a dry toilet after the next guy . Not wet and water sprayed all over with feces sometimes.

With due respect and FYI most Northerners( North Luzon )use toilet paper and we see nothing wrong with that too.

We leave the washroom dry and clean for the next person as it is a matter of courtesy , whether you use water or paper.

nightwish said:

Principled people feel compelled to respond. They often try, and these are the type of people who provide the brutal honesty so invaluable in life.

sa truth lang I can smell self aggrandisement yong comment mo ma'am.

Self aggrandisement maybe , but it is a very rare chance to speak out where more people can hear.

The message is Pag dumi mo , linisin mo.

If You Are Tired of Wasting All Your Money on Online Advertising for Your Websites… “Discover the Proven and Simple Methods Used By the Pros to Get 100% Free Online Advertising Traffic Your Website!” It does not matter if your looking for just a couple of hundred extra hits a month or to pump your website full of as much traffic as you possibly.

www.onlineuniversalwork.com