Pinoy Pride

Pinoy ako, pinoy tayo. Ipakita sa mundo, kung ano ang kaya mo.

In the cyber world, you would usually see people saying "I'm proud to be a Filipino", to a video showing a Filipino showing great talent, or on some posts that shows Filipino goodness. However, some will be annoyed with what they say, and will try to bash these people with negative comments. Then, the clash begins. Same old story.

I think that every one of us are proud of our nationality and our country. Who wouldn't? Filipinos are just the same. We are proud being one, but some are just verbal enough to say that they are. I don't think that there's a problem with that.

Honestly, I have some rants and some complaints about the country (well, especially the rulers), however, I can still say that I am proud being a Filipino. Our country might be one of the slowest growing in the world, but always keep in mind that a slow pace is always the surest, right? The country might have several imperfections at present, though I think that little by little, Filipinos are countering these imperfections to achieve what we wanted to achieve a very long time ago - development.

The Philippines - a very small country,
but has a very rich culture.

There are several things that can say makes me proud being a Filipino, not just talent (that I don't understand why they are just discovered outside the Philippines), the success of Filipinos overseas, and the natural resources that we have. We also have values and customs that does make me proud being one.

1. Courtesy. Just like Koreans, we Filipinos have some language modifications too, when it comes to talking to people in different levels of the society. We Filipinos have "po" and "opo" when it comes to speech. These words show respect to someone older than you, or to people that you respect. We also have name prefixes when calling other people. We use "Kuya" for older brothers, and "Ate" for older sisters, and so on. We also have a counterpart for the "bow" of other Asian countries. We have the "mano", where you usually take the older person's hand, and the put it in your forehead. That gesture signifies respect for someone older than you.

2. Generosity. As Filipinos, we have some unique sense of generosity. When someone cooks some "new" or "experimental" food, and it turns out well, he/she usually share the food with other people, especially our neighbors, who serve as critics for the experimental dish.

When it comes to meals, the words "Tara, kain." ("Let's eat"), with an intention of sharing the food, is always present. Others may think that food sharing is uncomfortable, but food is best enjoyed when it's shared, right?

Another thing is when we ride the most famous form of transportation here, the jeepney. For example, whenever you ride the jeepney, and someone you know is already inside, then the person inside will probably pay for your fare. Sometimes, you will fight on who will pay for both of you, and the one faster to get money will win. :D

3. Hospitality. Whenever we have visitors, we will definitely welcome them to our homes, and if they are to stay for a longer time, Filipinos would usually give them the best that they could offer, from food (even though some don't have the money, they will borrow), to the most comfortable bed that the family has (and are ready to sleep in the floor just to give comfort to the visitor). Some will also get their "displays" (plates, spoon and fork that they don't usually use) for the visitor to use.

4. Resiliency. The Philippines is located in a place which is usually a pathway for typhoons, low-pressure areas, and some earthquakes. The country experienced disasters for years - great floods which destroyed several properties and crops, earthquakes which destroyed several buildings, winds that destroyed many makeshift houses, diseases that are deadly, and poverty. But still, we are able to endure them all. Everything might be taken from a Filipino, but after the disaster, he/she will definitely stand up and rebuild. Filipinos are pliant like the bamboo.

5. Jolly personality. As mentioned above, the Philippines is not safe to physical, emotional, and economical disasters. We might have lost all of our properties, lost our job, and our ego stepped on, but they cannot take our smiles away. We will definitely find a way to make the atmosphere positive. We may frown for a while, but we will definitely smile forever.

6. Strong family ties. We Filipinos have very strong family ties, and we love our family very much. Some even go abroad, and work there, just to have food in their family's table, and to provide for their basic needs. Siblings supporting their family members whenever needed, and children taking care of their parents when they become old - that's definitely Filipino.

I might be fond of other cultures and other countries, I am still proud of being a Filipino. I still hope for a day where every Filipino (local or international), will definitely acknowledge and become proud of their nationality. We have imperfections, I know, but there are still very precious things that can make up for these, and that makes being one perfect. Cheers for Pinoy Pride!