The Philippines is an island blessed with rich natural resources, beautiful landscapes, scenic views, oceans and seas teeming with life, and populated by smiling happy people who are called “Filipinos”. No matter our station in life, smiling is inherent to us Filipinos.
Filipinos were the proponents of peaceful revolution that were copied around the world. The original EDSA revolution in 1986 served as the prototype of other countries towards a peaceful overthrowing of a dictator. That was the first time the world experienced and saw people, including nuns and priests, holding rosaries and flowers instead of guns, praying and lining themselves to form a wall against incoming tanks and soldiers. I am also proud of the soldiers who were sent to do harm to people because they did not have the heart to follow a barbaric order. I am also proud of Jovito Salonga who put down his aspiration for the presidency and agreed to run instead as the running mate of Cory Aquino just so their political party will be united in their fight against then president Ferdinand Marcos. Cory Aquino, known as Tita Cory, has become the icon of democracy.
Our overseas Filipino workers are also the pride of the Filipinos. They are said to be the modern unknown heroes as they sacrifice themselves, braving loneliness, prejudice, and inconveniences just so their families can have better lives and their children can go to school. In general, they are the preferred choice of foreign employers because of their education, demeanor, and decency. They are also helping the country indirectly through their remittances.
I am proud of the Filipino’s continued respect for the sanctity of marriage. They have adopted Western cultures but are still conservative at heart especially when it involves the family. Values on family life are still high.
I am proud of the way the senior citizens are treated in their respective families and in the Philippines. We still treat them with respect. They are still included in our family life despite having our own family already. We still bring them to places where we think they would like to see even if we have to suffer some inconveniences along the way and sometimes throughout the journey.
Filipino hospitality and friendliness is a joy to experience, especially in the provinces. Just attend a town fiesta in one of the provinces and you will feel it. A stranger will feel that he is really a part of the celebration. When one is introduced to a family, he or she will be treated as a long lost friend. Everything will be done to make the visit enjoyable even at the expense of the hosts’ comfort.
I am proud of our world talents. Among them are Monique Lhuillier, Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, and who have not heard of Manny Pacquiao?
I am proud of the way Manny Pacquiao always include his boxing nemesis in his prayers. I am proud of the way he kneels to pray before fighting. I am proud of the way he gives thanks to God after every fight. I am proud of the way he built a church in his hometown, helped his families and friends, and is now helping Gawad Kalinga. I am proud of the way Filipinos become united as one whenever he has a fight. It just shows that we can be united; we can transcend our religious, cultural and language barriers, as long as there is a Pied Piper to lead us.
I am proud of our Guimaras mangoes, Paete woodcraft, Davao lanzones, our monkey-eating eagle, our tarsier, Cebu lechon de leche, dried mangoes, the Banawe Rice terraces, the hundred islands, pristine Palawan, Boracay shores, crystal caves, first class resorts and world class hotels and malls.
Despite calamities, hardships and poverties, Filipinos still cling to God. Their faith is unshaken because they know God is just there. This is the reason why Filipinos can still smile.
I just wish Filipinos can be totally proud of the Philippines and embrace a Filipino identity. By then, who knows where we can be?
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