To be Deutsch

For many Filipinos, a typical German life is a life of luxury and dreams. Who wouldn't feel that
way if an average German earns around 10 times more than an average Filipino. The
documentary reveals that an average German family is free from the obstacles of poverty as
they have a decent flat, work and education. There is a work life balance existing in Germany as
mandated by the law.

It is very unfortunate that many frown upon and look down on technical/vocational schools here
in the Philippines. Most families seem to be so obsessed with sending their children to a
university. Unlike in the Philippines, Germany has a legitimate and working stratified educational
system that seeks to balance the student demand between universities and technical colleges.
Even if someone graduates from a technical course, he or she will still receive descent wages
and compensation.

Factory workers as seen in the documentary are not classified as extremely poor or poor like in
the Philippines because wages in Germany are livable. It takes into account the high standard
of living, not a fraction of it. Moreover, there is enough government intervention to prevent
exploitation of workers through labor rules that prohibit companies from destroying their
employees' work life balance. Factories in Germany are truly a far cry from the conditions of
Filipinos working in Nutriasia, where there is no job security.

Clubs or organizations seem to be a hallmark of being a European. As seen in the

documentary, the BBC reporter joined a singing club. It reminds me of my time in Prague
because my host dad is also a member of the volleyball club, while my host mom was a
member of a travel/hiking club. It is an after work social event for working age and retired
Europeans. Unlike in the Philippines, where clubs are usually for the upper class, clubs in
Europe are more open and diverse to all people regardless of whether they are rich or not.
Everyone can sing and everyone can dance. Everyone can enjoy life as it is.

Indeed, a decent lifestyle enjoyed by Germans remains elusive in the eyes of many Filipinos.
There may be some progress in ensuring a stratified education system through the K12 and
Tesda programs, but the stigma attached to being a technical or a factory worker remains. We,
Filipinos, should be more vocal in fighting against corporate abuses just like Europeans.
Moreover, social clubs should be more open to all people regardless of their social identity.