A life of chasing ships   

The bajau(we spell it as bajau) here have improved tremendiously through the years and are well respected community. Some are holding important posts in the Government and are successful politicians. I don't know whether your bajao is the same as our bajau here in Sabah. Though many are still fishermen living along the coast but the modern bajaus mostly dwell in magnificient bungalows here. Their standard of living are morally high.

I know I am not of your culture! But indeed I found your article very interesting to read. It isa always nice to learn of the many different cultures of the world. Facinating read.

Lynn-Marie

Too many olden and rich cultures pass by the wayside due to
economic growth etc. It's a shame that more can't be done to
preserve these peoples lifestyles etc for the world to see,
learn, and to know more fully.
HAPPY POSTIMNGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~

This is indeed a sad demise for such a colorful and wonderful piece of your countries past. Instead of letting that piece of culture die out, why not help them be who they are? It is sad that the lack of natural resources prevent them from living their lives to the fullest of their history and culture. I am sorry to hear of their troubles. It is very sad. Thank you for sharing this bit of your culture with us. I have learned something new yet again on mylot. I too hope that the Bajao will be able to find a life that they will be able to live proudly on land or sea.

Grandpa Bob suggested we come over and view your discussion.
I am glad he did as you are not on my friends list I would probably missed your discussion.
I found it very interesting and educational.
YOur opinions on the downward spiral of this proud tribe is true and insightful. Susan

We talk about endangered species, and forget, it can be us, it can be humans, and distinctive life styles that can be endangered. Thanks for sharing with us.

hi there, im also from the philippines. i encountered children like that at the pier when we went to boracay. we stopped over at caticlan pier and im not sure but i think that's where i had seen them. they asked us to throw some coins and as you had said, they went diving for it. goodness, they were actually able to get the coins! i was so amazed at the little kids. the kids there range from ages 5-onwards and they were so good at swimming. it's like they have learned to swim first before they even learned how to walk.

i didn't know that they were badjaos. actually, i just learned and heard the word "badjao" first time here in your post! guess i am just not really aware of the environment i live in. poor me...

i'm so glad for this info. keep posting informative entries like this! see yah 'round!

Thanks for this very interesting discussion. I took Grandpa Bob up on his suggestion that some of his 'friends' have a look at it. I've never heard of these people, so find it fascinating to learn something about them. myLot is indeed a place to acquire new knowledge.

I read your fascinating information, via a friend on My LOt who recommended your discussion.
I have visited the Philiipines, but don't believe I saw these people.
I agree that western society destroying a native peoples way of life is devastating.
Are there not any areas left of the ocean near your country where the Badjoe could still fish & live?