Reverse Culture Shock
Do you know that there is something even more shocking than culture shock? It is known as reverse culture shock.
Upon my return home to the Philippines, particularly to Cebu City, after living in Dubai UAE for six straight years, I faced with the overwhelming phenomenon of reversed culture shock. Having had cross-cultural experiences, I knew that I might encounter challenges in adapting to my own native land again. This unique and unexpected encounter of mine, where I had immersed myself in a foreign culture for an extended period and then returned here in Cebu, left me feeling depressed and anxious due to the sense of disorientation and psychological unease.
First, the internet connection was a major source of shock of me. In the modern culture, Filipinos are known to be avid users of Facebook, Messenger, and YouTube, all of which require a reliable internet connection. However, I observed that our country has the slowest and most expensive internet. This not only shocked me but also left me feeling irritated to the point where I wanted to discard some of my gadgets altogether. It is hard to imagine having to pay for each internet data when, in my previous country, the UAE, WIFI was almost free and accessible even in the deepest subway stations.
Second reverse shocking experience is the issue regarding the mode of transportation. I am aware that I have previously utilized the public utility jeepney, which has undergone modernization. However, despite these changes, the overall experience remains unchanged. The jeepneys continue to be cramped, overcrowded, and overloaded, with drivers still trying to find additional passengers. The vehicles, even small buses, are often hot and humid, even though some may now have air-conditioning.
Additionally, there is a prevalent sense of suspicion due to the alarming prevalence of pickpocketing incidents. It appears that the presence of CCTV cameras serves more as props rather than a genuinely effective security measure; they seem to serve as a mere scare tactic for individuals with malicious intentions. It is quite shocking to learn that while there are CCTV cameras installed in public places, including public transportation, they do not actually record any footage, as revealed by police investigations.
Third, the water usage and electricity. It is astonishing to hear that I am now being advised against drinking tap water, even though I used to drink directly from the kitchen faucet without any concerns here in Cebu a long, long time ago. It appears that the previous statement made by the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) stating that tap water is safe and healthy, containing crucial minerals beneficial for the body, has been revised over the past years. Consequently, it seems that individuals, including those who are homeless and living on the streets, are now required to purchase expensive bottled mineral water.
Fourth one, I encountered a reverse culture shock upon entering the grocery store, no matter how massive the mall is like SM. The ceiling was noticeably low and the temperature inside was not very cold. I refer to old malls in Colon St. Most of the groceries were packaged in small sachets or bundled in tiny units, unlike the bulk items in large bottles and big shampoo containers that I was used to.
Although some essential commodities were cheaper in price, their quality and quantity were lacking compared to those in first-world countries. Additionally, I observed that there were no giant trolleys being pushed by local grocers, which I found to be different from what I was accustomed to seeing.
Lastly, the policy requiring multiple forms of identification was quite surprising and unsettling when I attempted to open a new bank account. It took me four banks to inquire how to open it until I succeeded at SM BDO Branch. But they have one thing in common, all the local banks insisted on two forms of ID and proof of billing for my new residence. I felt frustrated as I only possessed my passport and was unsure of how to approach my landlord for a document authenticating my tenancy, especially since we had just met. Nevertheless, I will make an attempt.
The abundance of bureaucratic processes and the requirement to present an old government ID in order to obtain a new one, as if we acquire IDs because we don't already have one, is a common frustration in my country. At this point, I am no longer shocked by such procedures. In foreign countries, just present one residence ID or just passport, you can transact everything regardless of where you stay within their own soil.
In conclusion, the experience of reverse culture shock has brought about a complex mixture of emotions and challenges as I am suddenly confronted with familiar yet altered surroundings in my own home country. This can be both surprising and overwhelming for individuals like myself, as we navigate the nuances and changes that have taken place during our absence.
It is important to note that the causes of reverse culture shock may vary from person to person, and what may shock me may not have the same impact on others. However, we cannot deny the fact that this extraordinary experience can and does occur.
After three days of readjusting to life in Cebu, I am slowly getting back to my normal routine and reestablishing my cultural relationships. However, I have encountered a rather uncomfortable situation where every relative of an ex-Overseas Filipino Worker seems to ask for money, disguising it as borrowing.
They often assume that OFWs are wealthy. In response to this inevitable aspect of Pinoy culture, I find myself having to confront my relatives and explain that I am no longer as affluent as they believe. My finances are currently allocated towards my Law school tuition fees and legal books.
It is quite more shocking than the reverse one having relatives who do not believe not all OFW going for good are rich!