An American businessman, who was visiting the Philippines, was standing on the beach of a small country village about mid morning when a small “Pam” boat with just a father and 2 sons came in from fishing. Inside the nets of the small boat were several pounds of fresh fish.
The American complimented the Filipino on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Filipino replied only a little while. The American then asked why he didn't stay out longer and catch more fish.
The Filipino said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. The American then asked, but what do you do with the rest of your time?
The Filipino fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a nap, with my wife Maria we stroll into the village each evening where I sip Jazz (local cola) and play guitar with my friends and everyday we spend time with our Lord Jesus. I have a full and busy life, my friend.
(CONTINUED BELOW)
2007-09-20 22:35:01 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Philippines
The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat, with the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats.
Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution.
You would need to leave this small barangay and move to Cebu City, then Manila and eventually Los Angeles, California where you will run your expanding enterprise."
2007-09-20 22:35:46 · update #1
The Filipino fisherman asked, "But my friend, how long will this all take?" To which the American replied, "15-20 years."
"Then what would I do?” the fisherman asked.
The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would sell your company stock to the public ad become very rich, you would make millions."
"Millions my friend: then what?"
The American said, "Then you would retire. Move back here to the Philippines, to a small coastal barangay where you would sleep late, fish a little, spend time with God, play with your grand children, take a nap, stroll to the village in the evenings with your wife where you could sip Jazz and play your guitar with your friends."
The Filipino fisherman smiled as he turned and walked away toward a nice big, shade tree.
2007-09-20 22:36:42 · update #2
yeah,.. that's one of the wonders in this world.
people around you are instruments of realization, just like you are to them.
nice story...
2007-09-21 02:51:26 · answer #1 · answered by 'la aLba 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What's the ending of your story? Did the Filipino fisherman took the American's advice or not? Well, I have better give my own version to the story's ending. The fisherman heard but did not listen. He may be poor and will remain poor but, he is satisfied with his lot. Fish a little, play with his children, sleep and spend happy time with his wife and friends.
2007-09-21 08:04:44 · answer #2 · answered by annabelle p 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, good story! Reminds me of how little it takes to be content. A simple life is a wonderful life. The Lord provides everyday! More Americans would do well to lay off the pursuit of material things and focus on the Lord! Looks like the Filipino guy had it all! May the Lord bless you!
2007-09-21 06:37:20 · answer #3 · answered by Marie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i'm american (from missouri), and i definitely think we could learn a thing or two from the filipinos. we let ourselves get so stressed out over money... we're such competitive people that we don't really give ourselves time to LIVE. instead, we try to out-do one another and lose sight of the most important things in life- God and family. not me though, i'm a country boy. lol. great story, preach.
2007-09-21 05:58:07 · answer #4 · answered by That Guy Drew 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nice to hear this story again. Thank you.
Yes, most of the times we're overwhelmed by the pressures in life and forgetting that we're so blessed and there are so many things things to be thankful for.
2007-09-21 06:08:45 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
in deed we are. the fact that we have complete limbs and don't have to beg for food. we have shelter no matter how small, have a loving family then we are blessed. we should stop and appreciate the simple things in life more than just ranting about the things which we wish we had
2007-09-21 12:29:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes...that even our misfortunes can also be blessings.
A ship was marooned on an island with only one survivor. He made a hut for his shelter and day and night he prayed and waited for someone to rescue him but no one came.
But, one day the hut got burned to ashes. He was so angry and said: "God, why have you done this to me?"
The next morning, the rescuers came. He asked: "How do you know I'm here?"
They replied: "We saw a smoke signal."
2007-09-21 11:33:29 · answer #7 · answered by shirley g 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think YA is turning out to be more than questions and answers. Between your story, Shirley's Ghost story and safety tips and Aguadulce's Gasoline tips...I have to say I need to get rid of "MY TV REMOTE CONTROL AND MY TV"
This is entertainment at its best...
Yes, sometimes we don't realize how blessed we are. Good story, God bless!
2007-09-21 12:50:55 · answer #8 · answered by Mark 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A very good story. makes you think. On the other hand, it is nice to have a little bit of money to buy that new laptop when your old one goes to the laptop heaven (or the other place).
2007-09-21 09:11:03 · answer #9 · answered by luosechi 駱士基 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know I sometimes neglect to remember that we who believe in Christ, who are saved, redeemed, rescued and in due time resurrected to life eternal are blessed beyond the curse.
That's me "blessed beyond the curse" and praising God, day by day.
Thank you so much for the reminder!
2007-09-22 06:58:12 · answer #10 · answered by thankyou "iana" 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow....blew me away! sad that some of us seem to equate money to be the answer to everything
bravo to the pinoy fisherman who have realized early enough in his life that what he has now is all that he needs...ah, the simple life
God bless
2007-09-21 14:14:46 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋