No to Racial Profiling!!!

Imagine traveling to a foreign land hoping to have a relaxing getaway

Only to be “greeted” with allegations that you are carrying drugs

I haven’t heard it until today as I was busy hosting my sister and her family. I specifically read it from www.chuvaness.com and the “victim” was very familiar. Chyng Reyes and a female friend were on their way to Bali for some fun vacation but it turned out to be a nightmare when they were harassed by Indonesian police thinking they have drugs just because they are Filipinas.

Unfortunately for those guys, Chyng is a blogger and of course she narrated their unforgettable experience in her blog. Read the full story here. I know Chyng from a forum and I follow her blog. She also left some comments here. I love her writing styles – very witty. And her travel stories- perfect mixture of off-the-beaten paths and adventure. Hence my heart goes out to her and her friend for some traumatic experience.

Racial discrimination against Filipinos is one of the reasons why I would opt to explore the Philippines rather than going out.  Based on my own experience, it is a struggle whenever I visit Japan.  They always think that just because you are a Filipina, you will be an entertainer ( no offense to them). With a visiting relative tourist visa, I’m nervous that I would be suspected as an illegal worker or  a Japayuki ( again, no offense). I specifically hate it when immigration officers ( in the Pinas, ironically) would say ” anong gagawin mo sa Japan/ anong ginawa mo sa Japan?“.

How much more if you are suspected as a drug mule! Punishment is not just deportation but death! As I was reading Chyng’s ordeal from her blog, my hair was rising with my heart pumping. I was expecting that they would be framed up and authorities would “plant” evidence. But Chyng and her friend Dyan are two courageous women. If I were them,  I would be crying inside that room!! Or would book the next flight back to Manila!

I am writing this post here in support of Dyan and Chyng. These girls simply want to pursue their passion – traveling. And even though I am a freelance writer, I am an avid reader of various blogs like Chyng’s own blog.

Chyng and Dyan, I hope that traumatic experience won’t stop you from traveling. With more than 500 comments  (and counting ) of full support to your ordeal, you are not alone We may not know each other personally but I am so proud of you! You go girls!!