By: Jeryme T. Cordero
There are so many Filipinos around the world most especially those who work. It is not only in the Philippines or in the locality. Why is this so? Are they afraid to be here in the country? No, they just want to have stable jobs and earn a living for their families. Is the government not doing something to help them to have work here? Because of this, some of us Filipinos opt to migrate to other countries who can offer us what we need and even wants. Our identity is at stake.
Sometimes when we are asked by foreigners, “Are you a Filipino”? Knowing the issues that the country is suffering, we say, “Uh, uh, I’m not, but honestly yes.” This is one of the characteristics that we as Filipinos do especially when we are in danger. We are clever enough to say this which has an impact on our being a Filipino. We are too emotional and I hate it. When we are embarrassed most especially of what our government is doing, we can accept that we still claim we are Filipinos. It is not that I am belittling my being a Filipino but it is the thought that we should not allow ourselves to be swayed by our emotions. We need to use our minds too. There must be a balance between the two. We are too focused on our emotions that we failed to think better solutions especially when we have problems. Some of us resort to drugs, alcoholic drinks, and the like that seem to ease the pain that we have. However, we Filipinos are very resilient and that’s what I love. We can still joke even we are in danger.
Another one, I hate Filipinos who are too bias to relatives and family members may it be in work, leisure, games, opportunities, privileges and the like. At this moment it does not matter what we know but whom we know. It is funny to think of. However, it is part of our being family-oriented persons. With this we do not see the capacity of a person to do a thing especially when we don’t know him/her yet. Instead of knowing him/her, we tend to seek people who are close to us. This is really our bias. It is not that easy to let go. It is as if we have no trust when we don’t know the person without knowing that when time goes by we can be close. Sadly, we don’t see it sometimes. We often prefer whom we knew or approximate as good co-worker that made other people mad at us. In this case, we should practice equality. We provide equal opportunity to all who meddle with us. We should avoid being “choosey” for it will bring danger to us. We need to do justice as well. We give others what is their due.
Lastly, it hate the way we say “bahala na.” It is good that we depend on God about our future but it doesn’t mean that we will just stay there and do nothing. It teaches us to be lazy. With this, how can God help us since we ourselves don’t do something to make life worth living? This is one of the dangers we often do when we think there are no other possible solutions to our problems. Sometimes we have to do our part. We rely for God’s help but don’t be too much that we will just wait there like “Juan Tamad” who doesn’t do something even if he has the capacity to do a thing. We have to maximize what God has given us. We are creative as Filipinos and avenues for growth in talents and everything is opening for us. We just have to grab it and give our best. As we do our part, God will supply what is lacking in us.
Despite the negative values that Filipinos have, I am proud to say that I am a Filipino. What can we do with the things being done? We just have to watch ourselves and rectify our intentions. We just have to believe that we are the good ones. We are special. It is natural that we have imperfections but it is worth to try to be perfect. We have a lot of capacities to maximize. Sometimes we failed to discover it. We still have time. Let us love who we are and hate what is bad. Let us do our part and God will bless us.
Philo Notes 