Have you ever thought of being a true Filipino? Manny Pacquiao changed our views about Nationalism. He’s the most admirable boxer in the whole world. Our flag waved through all nations. The national anthem has always been heard whenever a fight arises.
Fortunately, he’s our Filipino symbol for now. His gloves will always be a sign of unity whenever a bout may happen in Las Vegas. But look at the other side of it, most Filipinos are intelligent.
Our country has been stricken by many disasters, economic crisis (a classical problem) and deteriorating values. It is called the Philippines. This is a country similar to India due to its cultural and religious diversities. A country with different roots and genes from Chinese, Spanish, American and Japanese, go outside and see different faces and skin color.
Be proud of our nation for being top in Graft and Corruption. It’s a tremendous record that we may talk about all day but will not resolve without political will. Why not? We tend to be religious and set the destiny through divine intervention but not true actions. Prayers are good but acting willfully makes a better change.
Be amazed with the prowess of great writers. We have Jose Rizal, Nick Joaquin, Lualhati Bautista and many more. Great Directors like Lino Brocka, Mike De Leon and Ishmael Bernal. But try to open your eyes; most Filipinos are great writers and directors, too. They are not published or exposed through tri-media. Hence, they are our Congressmen who write laws and do not implement them strictly. Observe those great directors in our nation. Be critical and seek the light.
This is a place with great foods like Kwek-kwek, Inihaw, Sisig, Dugo and Pagpag. These delicacies made us unique and creative. These are great records for our great chefs. They are so authentic and unique.
Try to be in the white sands of Boracay, the perfect cone shape of Mount Mayon in Bicol and the summer capital in Baguio. Feel the venture of fresh air. Everyone will say the country with God’s grace in nature. But open your eyes and cover your nose with hanky. Visit the polluted Manila, street scavengers all places and a perfect square of poverty all around the metropolis.
Family first! It’s natural for Filipinos. Foreigners admire us for loving our family members. It’s really inspirational. But look at the other drama, a mom who tolerated and loved her son who has a murder case. Look at the family dynasties in our Philippine politics. And most of all the failure to launch for most young adults and even married couples who are still living in their parent’s roof.
Most Filipinos are highly educated. They got college degree to a Master’s degree. And even a PhD in reputable universities. However, the unemployment and underemployment is vastly observed. The higher the tuition fee, the lower the salary you may get. It’s reality.
A degree in any field can lead to a high paying Thank you for calling and Goodbye using the telephone of a company. Are we really educated or faking ourselves through real knowledge?
We Filipinos are one of the happiest creatures living on Earth. We can make jokes even if there’s a big problem. Fair enough, even the political arena is a comedy bar. They entertain us everyday. And the media is their producer.
If the United States of America is so aware of their healthcare system, the Philippines as well. Go to the hotel like accommodation of our public hospitals. We have the high paying salary of our health workers who tend to go abroad and seek greener pastures.
Freedom is highly valuable in this country. Get a placard and walk through Mendiola. Make sure you secure a permit. Every shouts and voice can be heard. But would they understand. If you would like to be the voice of the utilitarian advocacy of every people, then prepare to be dumped using a backhoe.
Welcome to the religious country. Where people tend to pray and wait for their destiny. They just sit and wait for the guava to fall from a branch of tree. It is a place where miracle counts and actors are Gods. Everything is a mystical, fictional drama all the way.
No matter what happens, it is our country. How negative or positive the issues are, learn on how to be realistic and be proud to be a Filipino. “The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it”, a motivational quote from Allan Saporta.
I write because it's a medicine. It nurses my craft.
