I’m sure by now, you’ve heard, seen, read, and reacted to Teri Hatcher’s controversial lines in Desperate Housewives about “some med school in the Philippines.”
If you haven’t, then you have to view the clip for yourself (Thank God for YouTube!)
What do you think?
Before you read and listen to what others think, think for yourself first and form your own opinions.
Sharing my views about the issue
Now, let me guess. Like me and a million other Filipinos, you felt hurt when Susan Meyer (played by Teri Hatcher) said the following lines:
“Okay, before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? Cause I would just like to make sure they are not from some med school in the Philippines.”
Like me and a few other proud Pinoys, you’re probably accusing the scriptwriters of being racist for those lines. How could she say those lines?! How insensitive! How rude! How racist! How dare they imply that medical practitioners from Philippine medical colleges are not competent!
Where’s the Hahaha?
But wait… let’s view the clip again and look carefully and ask a couple of questions that might help us find the humor in the scene from Desperate Housewives:
Question 1: Why did she(Teri Hatcher) ask to see the doctor’s diplomas?
Answer: Because she was not too comfortable with what the doctor was telling her. She was a little bit offended with what the doctor was saying that she was menopausal, obviously implying that she was an old woman - an insult to a “desperate housewife”. So as a defense mechanism, she started doubting the doctor’s abilities, his credentials, his qualifications, and his competence. And so she said she wanted to see the doctor’s diplomas.
Question 2: What happened when she checked the doctor’s diploma?
Answer: She found out that the doctor was a graduate of Harvard Medical School.
So what’s the moral of the story? What’s the lesson to be learned by racist patients in the US: If you’re doubting your doctor’s competence, never ever accuse him of being from “some med school in the Philippines.” For all you know, he could be a Harvard graduate. Hahaha-found it!
Still, it has to be said that this might be a lesson that not many viewers will get. In particular, Filipino viewers might be offended by the alleged racist remarks, especially when taken out of context.
Don’t You Dare!
It’s easy to point the finger at the scriptwriters for being racist in implying that Filipino medical practitioners are somewhat incompetent. But do you think the scriptwriters would put something like that in their script if they haven’t picked up on it from the news?
Could it be possible that the scriptwriters read about the nursing exam scandal that rocked the nation last year? The New York Times had a news article about it. The Philippine Nurses Association of America openly expressed their dismay about it.
Could it be possible that the scriptwriters heard from someone that getting a fake diploma in the Philippines is as easy as buying a pack of cigarettes at a convenience store? It was only a couple of months ago when Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered his men to put an end to the “diploma mills” in Recto.
So let’s not be quick to raise hell at the scriptwriters for criticizing us. As I said, there’s a hahaha moment in the scene that could work to the advantage of medical practitioners who graduated from the Philippines.
We Have Yet to Prove Our Selves
On a personal note, I have to say that as an international school teacher, I have met a few people who were more than curious to know more about my educational background. You see, it’s not that often that you meet a Filipino teacher at an international school. Teachers in international schools usually come from the UK, US, Australia, NZ and other native-english speaking countries. So obviously, their curiousity is a normal initial reaction. After telling them about my happy days of schooling in the Philippines and after showing them that I am dedicated to helping them bring out the best in the children, these people become happy customers, so to speak. And at the end of the day, I can say to myself that I have done my job. For I have proven to my self and to the people whom I interact with that the Philippines is a great country and the Filipinos are a great people!
Mabuhay and Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang mga Noypi!
= = =
To know more about what others think about this controversy, I suggest you read,
1) Shari’s blog - the “cool” firestarter
2) Micketymoc’s reasons - 360 views about the issue
3) Sassy Lawyer’s Journal - more Hahaha for you






61 Responses to “RP Medical Schools - Reacting and Over-Reacting to Desperate Housewives Script”
A hypocrisy on the part of Filipinos. How come we get offended my unracist but unflattering comment yet in our own media, we’re racist.
What do you think about this?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=H8qx48SZXj8
Everybody think it’s funny yet it is worse than that line in Desperate Housewives. Magsorry muna tayo sa mga Igorot, Indian nationals, Aetas, Fil-Chi, and other minorities bago tayo magdemand ng apology from Desperate Housewives
Ang plastic ng mga Pilipino, oo!
Besides, yung line reflection lang yun. Diba we had a very bad international image regarding the Nursing Exams?
[Reply to this comment]
I understand where you are coming from, but what about the Filipinos who have credibly made the all the correct efforts and made the right steps to earn their status in the medical field? How do you think such a remark would affect their practice? Don’t you think that on some level this would raise a negative reaction say by any person coming into a doctor’s office that happens to be ran by a Filipino?
It would be interesting if the comment was something along the lines of “a med school from Africa.” I’m sure no one would even dare say something like that. But sure, go ahead…let’s rag on those brown people!
[Reply to this comment]
@ Kriska. While I don’t think that this would bring great misfortune to our brilliant doctors, nurses and practicioners abroad…far from it really, I would have to agree that the premise on which that “philippine med school” bit was used in that scene was unnecessary because #1, the scene was funny by itself without having to go to the extent of hurting some national pride #2, In effect, they seemed to generalize all Philippine medical schools which would be unfair for those who did come from very good schools here in the Philippines. I do think that this is just part of the show to make a grand new season opening…in short, gusto nilang mapag-usapan .
[Reply to this comment]
It may be the case that our own media contain racist and admittedly stupid and offensive lines/storylines/messages, all even more hideous than DH’s slur, but still, we should demand an apology.
There are millions and millions of Filipinos working all over the world, and there are millions in the US alone. If we do not cause an outrage about this, we will not be helping our Filipino brothers and sisters whose rights are not being recognized in foreign soil. Simply put, the slur was made because they felt that the Filipino community is not a force to deal with, hence they do not feel any responsibility to think of them and their sensibilities as viewers, or worse, they think that we won’t make noise.
[Reply to this comment]
that youtube video only showed that part of the show. there is another part at the end of the show where the Harvard graduate doctor misdiagnosed Susan. She’s pregnant, not menopausal. Hello, Irony. Susan is worried about some diploma from a Philippines Med School while the Harvard graduate made a mistake.
Some people are all jumping on the bandwagon without trying to understand what the show is all about and what the character Susan is all about. OI VEY!
[Reply to this comment]
thank for the video clip. it gives a better picture of the scene with Susan. Yet I know a few US based Filipino doctors who found it an insult. Call it hysteria, there is like 13,000 plus who signed up on this.
The hahaha depends on the person watching the scene. Yes I felt annoyed but not enough to start a boycott campaign. And I understand that Susan can really be a ditz
[Reply to this comment]
The whole context of the show:
Desperate Housewives, Philippine Medical Schools and How Many of You Got it All Wrong
http://waketrex.com/blog/2007/10/03/desperate-housewives-philippine-medical-schools-and-how-many-of-you-got-it-all-wrong/
[Reply to this comment]
Whatever the discussion is…it is still an insult to us Filipinos. Still.
[Reply to this comment]
Mr. Cavestany, your point is well taken. As I have written in my site this is actually more of a blow to their system if they think that the US will just allow anybody to practice medicine without the adequate credentials. But there is still something to say about the remark about “some medical school in the Philippines”. Given that the character is tactless (I don’t watch the show) and maybe distraught at that time, the remark is still unwarranted as it does create a doubt as to the capability of doctors who graduate from the Philippines. Maybe I’m not giving enough credit to the viewers of the show but do they really know the caliber of our medical schools in the Philippines? I understand that there was a controversy regarding the Nursing Boards but didn’t we do something to rectify it? As I said I am not at all bothered by it, and to borrow your line, “for I have proven to my self and to the people whom I interact with that the Philippines is a great country and the Filipinos are a great people!”
[Reply to this comment]
It’s a drama AND comedy show. Susan Mayer was just in her character when she delivered the line — insensitive, arrogant and stupid. The things they say there should not be taken seriously.
PinoyMoneyTalk.com
Anti-Filipino remark on ‘Desperate Housewives’?
[Reply to this comment]
I am proud to be a Filipino albeit living in a foreign country,most definitely my country of origin. Having lived in various parts of the world,I have been exposed all sorts of comments(both POS and negative).
I believe the Filipinos are at their best standing for themselves and banishing prejudices.
HEAR HEAR:Filipinos are lovely people.Good to be Pinoy.
In this democratic world,anyone could be a victim of insult and prejudice,whatever your race and colour of skin.It is up to the individual to RISE to the challenge and prove your WORTH in whatever you choose to do.
[Reply to this comment]
I amend my opening line. Iam proud to be Filipino and albeit living in a FOREIGN country which is most definitely NOT my country of origin.
I maintain ALL I said in my comments above.I am a domicilliary support worker,working in the United Kingdom providing care and promoting a healthy,happy life for individuals of all age groups and various disabilities. I would like to think that what I do now,right here away from the Philippines empowers me to be recognized as an individual as well as being a TRUE Filipino. Yun lang po!
[Reply to this comment]
for me its an insult! thats a racist. does she think that filipino’s in america are staying a long year and there, they give a good medications for some american’s theyre? why dont she try to find some filipino nurses and lets see if theyre medications dont work for her! dont judge the book by its cover, thats all i know!
[Reply to this comment]
well for me, its only my comment. Well, majority will tell what could a god comment possibly be!
[Reply to this comment]
no excuses, no rationalizations, those lines were racist remarks, uncalled for and not needed to malign pinoy doctors.
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Janet
Thanks for the link to Michael V’s video. It’s definitely not something we can call “culturally-sensitiveâ€.
I hope someday we can appreciate the microfinancing being done by a number of Indian nationals and Indian-Filipinos in the Philippines. I mean, who else is the common “tao†going to turn to when they need money. In a country where it’s so hard to borrow money from banks, and pawnshops will more than happily suck you dry, only the so-called “5-6 creditors†provide easy loans to the masses.
Cheers
Lester
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Maying,
You’re absolutely right! Gusto lang ng producers na mapag-usapan ang show. And the fact that we are doing all this blogging and media coverage for the so-called “racial slurâ€, it’s already a victory for the show – free publicity! Woohoo! The producers of the show are playing us like a violin.
It’s just not in our nature to take something like this sitting down. Palaban talaga tayo paminsan e, lalo na pag alam nating kayang kaya natin ang kalaban. Yoong mga bigating kalaban, tulad ng mga mapang-abusong pulitiko, hindi natin hinaharap.
Haay buhay… At the end, we need to choose our battles. We need discernment and guidance in which battles to pick so that we can get out of this third-world country mess and raise the standards of our country and of our people. So that we won’t be affected when something like this comes our way. When the time comes that our nation is a respected and formidable player in the global community, we won’t be affected by things like this. As the Aussies would say, “it would be like water off a duck’s back.â€
Regards,
Lester
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Kriska,
You’re right! We shouldn’t tolerate racism and discrimination. As the saying goes, “all that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” I respect the stand taken by those who took offense at Susan’s lines. At the same time, we must recognize that there others who don’t want to make a big deal out of it. That’s the beauty of being in a free country!
Cheers,
Lester
[Reply to this comment]
Dear sonia,
Each one is entitled to their own opinions. I respect yours and I understand what you mean. I’m just thinking now though that Susan’s attitude in the show is very common in the Philippines. Don’t we judge people based on their educational background or more specifically, which school they graduated from. They have to be from the top schools and universities, otherwise we think they’re cheap or not so cool. But when we hear that the person we’re dealing with graduated from La Salle, UP, Ateneo, UST, and all the other top universities, we immediately give respect to that person.
I remember the days whenever I would court a girl and have to meet her parents for the first time. Usually, the first question from the parents to me would be, “Where do you study?†- Who gives a s*&% what I’m studying or which province I’m from, the most important question is, “Hijo, which school do you go to?â€
Regards,
Lester
[Reply to this comment]
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT:
Seeing that there’s a lot of blogging going on these days because of the Desperate Housewives controversy, I’d like to take this opportunity to ask for your support in helping a Pinoy OFW in China who dreams of being chosen as a torchbearer for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. To read more about this, please go to
1) http://spikeithard.com/2007/09/21/expats-for-olympic-torchbearers
2) http://www.bayanihanblogs.com/229/help-a-filipino-become-an-olympic-torchbearer/
3) http://inquirerbloggers.net/sportsaficionado/2007/09/29/suportahan-ta-ka-vote-for-marco-torres-as-torchbearer-in-2008-beijing-olympics
Boto naman kayo at paki-forward naman po sa iba nating mga kababayan.
[Reply to this comment]
Dear dexie,
Thanks for showing us the big picture. I agree with you that we need to see the entire episode before we react (and overreact). But wait, isn’t that exactly what the producers and scriptwriters want us to do. To create interest and publicity for their show.. I hate to think we’re being treated like puppets.
We’re definitely caught in it now… hook, line, and sinker.
Cheers,
Lester
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Noemi,
I feel the same way. There’s no need to boycott Desperate Housewives. With scriptwriting like that, it will die on its own
Regards,
Lester
[Reply to this comment]
Dear DR. TUAZON,
When I read your comment, I visualized a cool-headed and even-tempered person, someone perfect for the medical profession. It must be all that training that doctors have in the emergency room. I haven’t seen a doctor panic
This training in the art of being cool is probably why even in the show, the Harvard-trained doctor didn’t even react when Susan questioned his credentials by that unintelligent remark. This training is responsible for your insightful thoughts on the issue.
Best regards,
Lester
[Reply to this comment]
Dear (Mr) Consuelo Bilcliffe,
Yes, living overseas definitely exposes us to racism. Thank heavens that we live in these times when discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin is not tolerated. One of my favorite tagline is “equal opportunity employer”. Luv it!
All the best!
Lester
[Reply to this comment]
Dear warren endino and switi,
As I commented in Ambo’s weblog, it’s insulting and it’s not that easy to find the humor in it. I just hope that when the dust settles from this controversy, I hope we can reflect on our own discriminatory attitudes as well when it comes to schooling. Isn’t it true that in the Philippines, many applicants for executive positions are accepted on the basis of the school they graduated from? Who among us have not felt awkward with questions like, “Which school did you come from?†- usually asked by first-time acquaintances to strike up a conversation.
Oh well, another wake up call for us Pinoys.
Cheers
Lester
[Reply to this comment]
Hi photo sexy woman! Thanks for your kind words.
Hi Wake t-rex! Your positive outlook is definitely helping us look at the issue from all angles. Nice!
Hi Ambo! I see what you mean. We have every right to express our disappointment about the racist and discriminatory remarks. But I think everyone’s “fair game†for Americans. I mean, just watch and listen to how Jay Leno loves to bash George Bush, to how Saturday Night Live enjoys trashing celebrities, and to many other late night shows who love making fun of others.
Hi James, thanks for pointing out that she was in her ditzy and dumb woman character. She may actually be doing the Filipino medical practitioners a form of service. The message to viewers may be that only a dumb woman would say something like that. One can only hope that (all) the viewers get it.
[Reply to this comment]
Had the doctor reacted to Susan’s insult, by saying “of course, not!” or some such reaction, then I would be offended. Seeing as the doctor didn’t even react shows that he took it as an ill-informed comment (from someone he thinks lowly off, and to react would just waste his time).
[Reply to this comment]
I respect your opinions pero think about it guys. What will happen to the medical tourism that the government is promoting? Mas marami sanang natulungang Pinoy na magkatrabaho kung mag work di ba? Hindi na sana kailangang ma demote ng magagaling nating doctors who cure (specially in government hospitals) a little more or less a hundred a day. Hindi na sana nila kailangang mag nurse at iwan ang Pilipinas para kumita ng mas malaki, dahil some of them will work 48 hrs straight for a 20k per month take home, maybe less. Sa tingi nyo, HONESTLY, hindi ba ito titingnan sa international community on its face value? sa kung ano ang mga katagang binigkas… na incompetent nga ang med school from the Philippines? Sana nga tingnan ito ng mas malalim ng ibang tao, specially yung mga foreigners kagaya ng lalim na pagtingin mo Mr. Cavestany. But I’m sure hindi lahat ng tao kasing lalim mo mag isip. Its time for us Filipinos to work together, i boycott ang Desperate Housewife to show that we despise these things. Tandaan nyo mga kababayan nangyari na yan dati sa THE ANIMAL. Sana minsan magpakita tayo na kailangan nating gumawa ng aksyon kung nagagawan ang bayan natin ng mali wag tayong magkibit balikat. Kagaya ng ginagawa na natin sa loob ng maraming taon. Look at the ZTE contract, pagkamatay ng mga estudyante sa hazing, dayaan sa election, ilan bang Pilipino ang nag react. Kailan ba dapat mag react?
[Reply to this comment]
Please read and sign our petition regarding this racism in Desperate Housewives. Thanks! Mabuhay po tayong lahat!!!
Joana Palomar, Spokesperson, Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan, 212-564-6057, ugnayan_nyc@yahoo.com
Statement of Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Linking the Children of the Motherland) on the Racist Comment Made Against Filipinos on Desperate Housewives
Progressive Filipino American youth in New York and New Jersey strongly condemn ABC’s Desperate Housewives’ executive producer and writer Marc Cherry and the other producers, editors and the director of the show for the racist remark made against Filipinos in the Sept. 30, 2007 episode. We join the Filipino community and its allies in demanding from ABC a public apology and recognition of the existence of systemic racism in the corporate media and corporate-driven pop culture.
In the Sept. 30, 2007 episode of Desperate Housewives, Teri Hatcher’s character is told by her gynecologist that she might be hitting menopause, to which she replies, “Can I just check those diplomas because I just want to make sure that they are not from some med school in the Philippines.” The comment reflects systemic racism at its worst. Targeting an entire education system (rather than targeting individuals based on skin color, which is how we have traditionally defined racism), the comment is based on the racist assumption that the products of a western education are far more qualified than the products of a Philippine education.
Filipino youth, conscious and aware of our history, know that it was the US who set up the Philippine education system in the first place when the Philippines was a direct colony of the US in the early 1900s. We understand that the main beneficiary of this crippled Philippine education system IS the US, especially in the medical field. The US opens and closes its doors to immigrants based not on qualifications, but on the need for labor. This was the case at the height of the “Brain Drain” in the 70’s and 80’s when there was an influx of medical professionals migrating from the Philippines into the US, and US immigration laws were relatively lenient. However, once saturated with medical professionals, the US closed its doors by setting up stricter immigration policies.
Filipino youth, conscious and aware of the issues of our community, know that the Filipino medical professionals who migrated in the 70’s and 80’s are becoming replaced by a new generation of service workers, mostly domestic workers, who hold the same degrees from the same colleges as the previous generation, but who are working much less desirable jobs. There is a systemic de-skilling of the Filipino community in which the primary beneficiary is the US, and in which the US corporate media and corporate-driven pop culture are complicit. This large-scale de-skilling of an entire population would never be acceptable to white Americans, but is so palatable that it is a punchline in a TV show. That is racism on a systemic level.
Ugnayan ng mga Anak ng Bayan condemns ABC and the staff of Desperate Housewives for being complicit in the problems that plague our community and for perpetuating systemic racism. We support the initiative of so many in our community who are taking action on this issue and urge all to sign the online petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/FilABC/. We will take action if ABC does not heed the demands of the Filipino community.
Ugnayan vows to continue the struggle of Filipino youth and all Filipinos against systemic racism; and to fight for the genuine development of our community and for the life and liberation of the Filipino people as a whole.
Demand an apology from ABC!
End systemic racism!
[Reply to this comment]
Hi monik lunot and Joana Palomar,
I guess we all believe in democracy so I respect your position. My view of yours, however, I think what you are calling for is a racist struggle against racism.
By calling on all Filipinos or Fil-Americans to react to the matter is in fact racism or, at the very least, sectarianism. And there are certain types of sectarianism that stem from racism as I think your call is.
I am not in active politics. I used to be once upon a time. If were in that business, I will go out in the streets to call everyone - white, black, brown, yellow skins; irregardless of national origin, to protest what I see is an act of racism.
60 million people perished partly due to Racism in WW-II and let’s not forget about that. Why Filipinos are killing one another in southern Philippines is in fact not alien to this matter.
The world should hate racism of any color and shade. I think we are all one and the same on that. And I believe anti racism is very well on top of the world today.
The evil won’t die overnight. I belong to the school of thought that racism and everything that stems from it should be diminished until they become things of the past.
Why not start a movement calling for stiff penalty and for early resolution of the case of those involved in the nursing exam scam instead? I’m sure it will improve the image of Filipinos abroad so we Filipinos won’t be picked on as subject of jokes that, sad to say, had some smack of racism.
I agree, American Televisions had cashed in on some notorious ugly facts that also struck others like you and me.
RLTJ (email: rlt_jardiolin@yahoo.com) (url: http://www.rltjs.wordpress.com)
it’s nice that you try to see the more “positive” side of the scenario but I have to say that I don’t agree with you. I think the statement made on the show isn’t funny at all and it taints the credibility of those who are competent in the medical field who DID happen to finish in accredited medical schools in the Philippines.
[Reply to this comment]
negative image from other people or other countries doesn’t matter. what matters is what you can do to prove to them that they’re wrong, that filipinos are competent, that filipinos are capable of doing great things against great minds. we may have a very low profile, but we’ve always been high in spirit and determination. and these make us, who we are - FILIPINOS!
[Reply to this comment]
OT:
5-6 is usurious lending. Microfinance is not same as 5-6. It is an alternative to 5-6.
[Reply to this comment]
Hey Gitz
Maybe it’s because it’s obvious that Susan has an Asian ancestry so maybe the doctor had to ignore the derogatory remark and just let the Asian dis her own kind. Which leads me to the question, is there any truth to the rumor that Teri Hatcher is half-Filipino?
Hi fe! Maganda yung tanong mo, ‘Kailan ba dapat mag react?’ Ang daming mga bagay ang pwede nating kalabanin at pagtuunan ng pansin. Umpisahan na natin ang korupsyon sa gobyerno at ang pangingialam ng simbahan sa mga programa ng gobyerno. Sabi nga ng matatanda, “We must choose our battles.â€
Dear monik lunot and Peanut, while I agree that the script-in-question “ targets an entire education system†and implies that a medical degree from the Philippines is of poor quality, I think we have to realize that it was said by an actress who was playing the character of a scatterbrained woman. Let’s consider the source and the context of the statement. I would have to disagree with your statement that “the comment reflects systemic racism at its worst.†But hey, it’s a free world – one that allows us to agree or disagree, and sometimes we can even agree to disagree.
Dear covert identity, with that kind of Pinoy pride, you shouldn’t have a “covert identity.†I’m with you in your vision that one day soon, the world will recognize us Filipinos for our competence and achievements.
Hi twinkle! Thanks for pointing out the difference. But the sad reality is, the 5-6 creditors are we’ve got at the moment. They have helped a lot of Filipinos, especially those who are in dire need of money. Of course, they’ve made profits in the process. Now if we can have better microfinancing organizations or individuals who will lend money to poor people at a lower interest and with less requirements, then I’m all for it. That would be really good, especially for our countrymen who come are in the low-income,no-savings bracket.
[Reply to this comment]
I think the intention of the scriptwriters was plain and simple humor. I don’t think at all that they intended to insult Filipinos. And you’re so right Lester to imply that the “humorous idea” was probably gotten from the news. Scriptwriters have made their research in that way. Again, the whole point was to us laugh, and not really to insult.
Sometimes, we Filipinos are really over-reacting. Just heard on the news that some groups are calling out a campaign to boycott the program “Desperate Housewives”. What the hell are they thinking!! I find this funny and an exaggeration.
The company already issues their “sincere apology”. And that should be the end of this all. Time to move on with our lives. And watch TV!! Let’s not become “Desperate Filipinos”.
But then again, this is my opinion.
[Reply to this comment]
Could it be because of the perceived stereotype of American medical students who could not get into medical school in America—because their test scores and grades weren’t good enough– that they get their medical degrees overseas?
Could it be that pinoys are overreacting by this just like how they reacted over Malu Fernandez without understanding the context of the situation?
[Reply to this comment]
Over-reactions on this issue are indeed funny, all to often, people just join the bandwagon, without forming their own opinion first. At sana hindi ‘preaching to the converted,’ kundi building consciousness and awareness sa kapwa-pinoy.
Kaya nakakatuwa, sabay nakakatawa, ang mga umiikot na Inday jokes ngayon. Hopefully, soon we’ll see improvements on how the world sees us Filipinos. Kung ang perception natin kay Inday, from klutz to intellectual, sana ganun din sa maraming bagay na Pinoy. Kahit magsimula sa mga SMS at emails muna, basta magsimula, at magsimula sa atin.
Sabi nga ni Inday: I believe that my trained skills and expertise in management with the use of standard tools, and my discipline and experience will contribute significantly to the value of the work that you want, my creativity, productivity and work-efficiency and the high quality of outcomes I can offer will boost the work progress.
Inday rules!

[Reply to this comment]
Lester, thanks
I just thought that one should be objective about this.
So in case you have not seen it:
http://waketrex.com/blog/2007/10/04/questions-questions-questions/
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Marcvill! Well said bro. I’m sure that those who didn’t find the humor in the “joke†would be fuming at what you wrote. But as you said, it’s your opinion. You’re entitled to have one, just as they’re entitled to have theirs.
Hi Mike! It could very well be that some of us have reacted without understanding the context of the joke. In fact, in many of the blogs I visited, they had the mindy-TV clip which only lasted for 20sec and only showed the part where Susan(Hatcher) says “…some med school in the Philippinesâ€. It doesn’t go on to the part where she finds out he’s a Harvard graduate. In short, the punchline was missing and so naturally, a lot of Filipinos were infuriated by the (incomplete) script given to them.
Hey Gitz (or is it Inday?).. I googled Inday and found some of her deep thoughts about life in this site, http://rainwitched.multiply.com/journal/item/83 .. You’re right, Inday’s awesome.. I’m a fan!
Hi Wake T-Rex, interesting name for the Philippines… “A Sleeping T-Rex†… I wonder how you came up with the name.
[Reply to this comment]
I don’t mind it at all. Hatcher’s character, as far as I can research about it, is not a beacon of intelligence. Her prejudice tells us more about her stupidity than about Filipino doctors.
[Reply to this comment]
Easiest explanation…
http://waketrex.com/blog/oldwaketrex-logo.jpg
If you lay an outline of T-Rex on top of the Philippines it looks like T-Rex.
I guess I’ll put an explanation about that later on
[Reply to this comment]
we complained because we are Filipino Doctors in the U.S. who were offended. It questioned our credibility and pride. If the producers/writers of the show did think it was referring to the NURSING exam fiasco last year then they are mistaken. Not Doctors. Hence the need to Correct it, lest we further propagate it (not based on facts or even fiction). I am happy with the ABC apology. Thats it. No further. Other issues and racial slurs regarding the Philippines…might have some historical context…But MD is a noble profession, for it to be tainted by careless remarks..needs to be challenged and corrected. I am for free speech…but this was clearly a mistake on the writer. Now if you guys think that the petition was wrong. Then you do not understand us. If its regarding what was requested afterwards ex Donation…then i agree with you that it sounds too much. I praise all the Doctors who supported us. Also the non-doctors who helped. But let us keep it regarding Filipino MD and their schools. The rest(non-MD - who are opposed to the petition) cannot understand us anyway, so whats the use convincing them.
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Heathen Dan! I guess it just hit too close to home for the Philippine-trained doctors in the US. Well at least everyone’s happy now with the apology.
Dear MDUSA, perhaps one thing we can all agree on is that Teri Hatcher’s character is definitely depriving another suburban village of its idiot.
Hi Wake T-Rex, please email me when you’ve written more about this T-Rex metaphor.
[Reply to this comment]
Ang advice ko lang sa mga kababayan kong Pilipino ay ‘wag lang sana tayong maging super-reactionary. Halimbawa noong tinira si Cory ng isang satirical (something) ay todo react react ang ilang mga tao.
OK lang na magprotesta tayo sa mga diskriminasyon laban sa atin basta wag lang sosbra. Ang dapat tandaan na sa mundong ito ay we can’t please anybody. Kahit maging super-yaman ng bansa natin, kahit maging super-bait natin, kahit maging super-galing ng mga professionals natin ay may titira at titira pa rin sa atin. Ganoon talaga ang mundo. We must live with that harsh reality.
Let’s just do the best for ourselves and our country. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
[Reply to this comment]
I watched the clip and read some of the on-line updates. My only reaction is, why the Philippines medical schools? They are one of the highest professions in the country or even in th world, I believe.
Why not American or British med schools/universities? Is it because Filipino/Filipino Americans are minority in the American workforce, despite the highest migrants working in the hospitals and nursing homes. Maybe, yes Pinoys always over-reacting and to some extent it is exaggerating! I think it is right to have an apology from the network, but please dont be carried away from this little problem and publicity.
We have more problems to think about in our country that need more attention!
[Reply to this comment]
I will end my commentary on the whole issue by simply asking why we think it is perfectly alright for us to do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QusLouQhEfo
and this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDQJGIFzV1Q&mode=related&search=
and even for one of our most respected politicans to say this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBEuhLlNYTY
but when anyone dares to poke fun at a segment of our population like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYB4H0Po0A0
everyone immediately cries racism and discrimination?
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Ishmael Ahab and Reymos! I know what you mean about over-reacting. Remember when Louie Beltran said that Madam President Aquino hid under her bed during the coup attempt. She took him to court for libel and she won. I guess we can see ourselves, our countrymen and our nation-state as an adolescent who’s still trying to find their identity. Every adolescent goes through the phase when they’re insecure about who they are and how others see them. A day will come when we will be more secure and confident about who we are and what we are capable of and when that day comes, we can ignore or easily brush off silly scripts said by scatterbrained characters in desperate-for-attention TV shows.
Hi Ben Brillantes!, Thanks for the links. The third one has Sen Miriam Santiago talking about China. I wonder what the context was and what her basis was in saying that “China invented corruption for all human civilizations” I’ve read a number of history books saying that the Spaniards were the ones who modeled corruption in government for us Filipinos.
[Reply to this comment]
Hi Lester,
Anticipated this, try:
http://orly28.blogspot.com/2007/10/desperate-patients-filipino-americans.html
[Reply to this comment]
this subject is terribly over taked about- and i myself have three posts on the issue! read my take on it. there’s alwasy two sides to a story.
on a lighter note, i enjoyed my stay in your blog, lester. good job!
http://sinigang-dmeemai.blogspot.com/2007/10/update-desperate-housewives-remark.html
[Reply to this comment]
greatings…
wonderful post…
Hi dmeemai, I’m glad you enjoyed viewing my blog and thanks for your kind words. With regard to the issue, I guess some of us were left with no choice but to over-react. Could it be because we come from a developing country. World, be warned: Any “insults†or “out-of-line jokes†against the Filipinos will not be taken lightly.
Hi neonate, thanks for the link.
Hi link, thanks for your kind words.
[Reply to this comment]
[...] Humor for some, pero hindi sa atin. Not when a lot of our health workers are rendering efficient services in their country. Aba’y pwedeng pwede magsagawa ng sariling protesta ang mga nandun out of rage. Kaya siguro nanghingi agad ng paumanhin. [...]
[Reply to this comment]
[...] aspired to be politically correct: Pinoyblogero, Ivan, Shari, Doc Martin, Kengkay, Sassy Lawyer, Lester and [...]
I didnt read anymore the over a thousand comments ahead of mine. Many I think is the sound of Filipino and FILAM warriors ekking for a fight. I think the desperate housewife has all the reason to be wary. They might put a bottle of conditioner not only in her ass. And get a box office hit competing with deepthroat. And the grin on the doctors faces as wide as a wide screen panorama.
[Reply to this comment]
hi mga guys….
alam nio bah nbasa koh mga comments niyo at nkatulong toh sa paggawa ko ng debate ko about racism….
is there anyone who can give reasons why we should ignore racist lines about Filipinos in foreign media?
thanks….
need your reply….
-jhaz
or just email me
jhen69_monggol@yahoo.com
[Reply to this comment]
Hi jhaz, mabuti naman at nakatulong kami sa iyo. I’m not sure if we should ignore racist remarks about Filipinos. I would go on a case by case basis. Thanks, Lester
[...] Reacting and Over Reacting to DH Script? [...]
In my view I don’t think that this would bring great misfortune to brilliant doctors, nurses,its really embarrassing.
[Reply to this comment]
Great post! Pretty good breakdown of the line.
My mom is a doctor and she was taken aback by the line, but she didn’t really take it with her, just an initial reaction as well.
It’s great to know that some people have the brains to go beyond their initial reaction and understand the situation from a bird’s eyeview.
[Reply to this comment]
thanks dago. i’ll check out your blog soon. cheers
i think verification of documents not a bad thing but race factor not a good thing should be equal behavior.I found Medical schools sacramento best thanks for sharing
[Reply to this comment]
Feel free to express your self