The Pride Of Being A Filipino
Are you a Filipino? And, are you proud being a Filipino?
Nature unleashed its fury on several regions in the Philippines with the coming of Typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) into the country. Four hundred people, more or less, were killed in the worst floods and landslides brought by the two destructive typhoons. Damage to agriculture and public and private infrastructures has been extensive. Now tens of thousands are homeless, living in packed temporary shelters, dependent on food donations, and with vague ideas of what their future would be.
Solidarity and united action in a time of disaster of this magnitude is the enduring response. Hence, let’s not forget the Filipino bayanihan spirit which says “I’m here ready to help you when you need me.” Once again, this was demonstrated by our brave town folks who bravely swam through the strong waves and/or utilized all sorts of rafts or life-saving devices, just to save the helpless, particularly the babies and the children, the elderly and the women. Others assisted car/van/truck owners in bringing their vehicles to safety. They did not expect any payment for their services although some generous recepients of their help might have rewarded them. Their help were heartily and voluntarily given. They are real heroes. And in these instances, nothing beats the true essence of the bayanihan spirit.
Filipinos, in their bamboo-like resilience, can still move on even in the face of tragedy; that no amount of calamity — be it an earthquake, volcanic eruption, and in this particular situation today, two super typhoons — can diminish the Filipino spirit. Filipinos will always rise above the ashes, no matter what.
And yes, the Filipinos are possessive of more desirable traits in their ordinary daily life.
They are creative and resourceful. It’s not a surprise that Filipino craftsmen can make beautiful products out of trash or anything. Trust them to make something out of nothing.
Worth mentioning, too, are the talents and intelligence of our co-Filipinos. Just think of the musical prowess of Filipinos who are internationally famous, the numerous choral groups who continue to receive international awards and the various dance troops who, likewise, reap international praise and commendation.
As for generosity, one only needs to go to a Philippine fiesta to experience firsthand how it feels to be served sumptuous food by smiling strangers who open their homes as if it were the most natural thing to do. It is A-1 hospitality among Filipinos.
Furthermore, the Filipinos are generous, helpful, courteous, respectful and resouceful. They also have close family ties and a good sense of humor.
Relative to social fairness issues, the Filipinos are not without blemish. There are those Filipinos who lack civic-spirt and national pride. Some are wanting in personal and national discipline, while still others’ behavior are unbecoming of an upright Filipino citizen.
However, summing up the pros and cons of being a Filipino, the positive far outweighs the negative. While some foreigners regard the Filipinos as mail-order brides, caregivers and/or domestic helpers, these overseas Filipino workers must be admired and respected for their courage, patience and diligence.
With all these good Filipino traits proven, one must be proud to be a Filipino, regardless of how depressing the conditions in our country are. This tragedy should push all of us to seriously commit to the realization of change in our society so that the people can live with trust, respect and dignity.
I hope and pray that every Filipino who reads this will take pride being a Filipino.
MABUHAY ANG MGA FILIPINO ! ! !
A native of Cavinti, Lucila C. Oblena spent all her working years as an educator, beginning as a classroom teacher in 1944, then a Guidance Counselor and retired as a school Principal. She is also the founder of CLOTA (Cavinti Laguna Overseas Teachers Association). She is the Editor of Tipakan.com (Cavinti Diaspora).
