Goodbye, Philippines
Goodbye, Philippines
Charles Au Lavoie
Through Facebook conversations, George gets glimpses of Filipino lives in the Philippines and among expatriates and Overseas Foreign Workers.Although he prefers to keep his emotional distance, we gradually see George’s longing for meaningful connections and his ongoing grief for his deceased partner.The interest is both documentary and personal, as he discovers the breadth and uniqueness of the gay community in the Philippines and in North America. He is often reminded of the disparity between the deprivations and emotional angst of his youth and the sufferings of the younger generation.As his health declines, George continues to encounter younger gays, writers, and others with similar interests. Facebook gives him licence to be bolder and more direct with his questions about others’ lives. Stories by Charles Au LavoieRead by Warren CarrieMusic by Angelica DayaoPainting by Detalyii/Jacob BravoAuthor's email: [email protected]
Goodbye message
The author, Charles Au Lavoie, gives his message to the listeners of Goodbye, Philippines.
Aug 23, 2021
2 min
Chapter 17 - Family Reunion
After a health emergency in the Philippines, George flies back to Canada to recover. Lando, who was left worried, waited for news of his situation. After months of silence, George finally responds to Lando. As the two are catching up, Lando asks George about his feelings. Story by Charles Au Lavoie Epilogue music: Ich bin der Welt abhanden Gekkomen by Gustav Mahler Author's email: [email protected]
Aug 23, 2021
19 min
Chapter 16 - George's Fear
George is at risk of going blind because of a history of blindness in his family. As a preventive measure, the doctor prescribes him medicated eye-drops, and tells him that in the event of a violent headache in the middle of the night, he should go to the hospital right away. This happened to George while he was in Iloilo. Lando assists him, but something was odd with George. Story by Charles Au Lavoie Author's email: [email protected]
Aug 9, 2021
21 min
Chapter 15 - Online Economy
After having been contacted by several women whose Facebook accounts have no biographical information or timeline content, George decided to do some investigation before clicking the Accept button. He does exactly that after a guy named Ben Casile contacted him. Ben’s intentions would soon unfold after several chats with George. Over time, George would see a familiar pattern with strangers he interviewed online for his book. Story by Charles Au Lavoie Author's email: [email protected]
Jul 26, 2021
14 min
Chapter 14 - The Starting Point
While in a cafe at a mall in Victoria, Apin asks George about the book he’s working on. George responded that it’s about Filipinos. Apin is puzzled and asks George why write about the Filipinos. Their conversation turns into a reminiscence of their childhood. Story by: Charles Au Lavoie Author's email: [email protected]
Jul 12, 2021
13 min
Chapter 13 - The Purpose of Life
George acquired a new Facebook friend named Jerry Patterson, who he met at a neighbor’s wedding. After he accepts Jerry’s friend request, George scans Jerry’s timeline and finds links to disturbing music videos. George feels Jerry’s unspoken hell, and reminds him of his own pain of living. Story by: Charles Au Lavoie Author's email:[email protected]
Jun 28, 2021
17 min
Chapter 12 - Guilt
Filipinos always remain connected with where they came from. George had learned this, through online and personal exchanges with Filipino expats and overseas workers. It’s a matter of duty.
Jun 14, 2021
13 min
Chapter 11 - All About Love
On Facebook, Joy mentions to George that her husband had left her to live in the Philippines and is now living with another woman. Later, George shares with Annie what he had just learned, and asks her how a relationship survives for an OFW and their spouse.
May 31, 2021
12 min
Chapter 10 - Shackled
Just as their conversation was getting interesting, George’s friend Gilbert logs out without warning. Shortly after, he experiences another abrupt ending to an online exchange. Feeling frustrated, George asks himself: Is social media addictive?
May 17, 2021
10 min
Chapter 9 - Jack of All Trades
One day, George scrolls through Facebook and sees a video of half a dozen men in the middle of a drinking session. Among those men, he recognizes his barber Vince when he visits the Philippines. Vince works many jobs in order to survive while others sell products online.
May 3, 2021
16 min
Load more