I firmly believe that the wealth of our nation is best exemplified by its people. Yes, The Philippines is made up of more than seven thousand spectacular islands that we proudly call our home but it makes it more endearing to showcase the greatness of its people. What is interesting though is the fact that most of these qualities and feats were not taught in schools rather through research and keeping abreast with current events. This is not your typical tidbits of information about our people and our country but try to read between the lines and partake of the essential meaning of what makes us a great people.
Patriotism is the impetus for progressive change in our nation’s economy. The country has numerous living and departed heroes. It is estimated that about 10% of the population or around 9 million people are working overseas on a temporary condition. They help fuel the comprehensive national development through their remittances. They invest in the country, provide support for their families, create businesses and employment opportunities. Regardless whether they are temporary or permanent residents abroad, their contributions are invaluable and priceless.
Racial harmony pervades today where the racial lines disappear and interracial marriages are not frowned upon but openly accepted. We are truly a melting pot of many admixtures that we have a particular look that is easy on the eyes. As early as the 1870s foreigners noted in scholarly books our peaceful racial integration. Unlike other European colonies, Sir John Bowring, Governor General of British Hong Kong, cited the racial harmony as “admirable” when he visited the country and noted that indeed, Religion forms great bonding among individuals. Frederic H. Sawyer, an English Engineer, observed that people of different races lived together in great harmony. The ideals of attractiveness as a result produced women and men placed on pedestals winning over other nationalities.
Bravery and strength of our men and women in uniform is among the best in the world. There is a video on YouTube where the Philippine Scout Rangers are touted as the world’s deadliest special elite forces featured by the Military Documentary Channel. It is no wonder that we participate in the United Nations Peacekeeping forces.
Talent is in great abundance in our people. And it has overflowed. Many international talent competitions were conquered by compatriots. The list is long but to present you examples, The X Factor Israel 2014 was won by Rose Fostanes and The X Factor Australia was won by Marlisa Punzalan in 2014 and by Cyrus Villanueva in 2015. Choral competitions are easy triumphs for our people and the world is our stage when people of other countries watch them perform in concerts all over Europe and other continents. One shining example is the U.P. Madrigal Singers. It is interesting to note that our very own folk songs are being sung by foreign chorale groups from Indonesians, Koreans and to Americans. Paru-parong Bukid comes to mind as one that broke the language barrier. Music knows no language but is comprehensible to the soul no matter what race, religion, creed and nationality. It embraces all of humanity.
Our compassionate respect and love for elders is beyond compare. We take care of our grandparents and parents until their last days. Homes for the aged are not the norm here but rather a rarity. Our caring attitude towards the sick and the elderly makes our medical health professionals a most sought after source of human resources all around the globe.
The amazing reversal of fortune by the teachers between The Philippines and The United States is one for the books. In the American Colonial history of our nation the Americans sent a shipload of teachers called Thomasites to promote public education on our shores. Now, our teachers are in high demand in the United States. They are shaping the young minds of Americans which is life altering and inherently long lasting.
We are a forgiving people by nature. When Saint John Paul II came for his last visit to our land the multitude of people was enormous and probably was one of the biggest flocks the Saint had seen as he traveled the entire planet. This forgiving quality stems from our common Religion. Majority of the population are Christians. Our God is a merciful and forgiving God. Religious acceptance is enjoyed in our country.
Our love for refugees is unwavering. The Philippines saved 1,200 Jews during the Holocaust by the “Filipino Schindler”, President Manuel Quezon. Escaping the communist regime in China about 6,000 White Russians were given sanctuary by President Elpidio Quirino. Until now, the legacy continues.
We are a happy people. Happiness in the face of adversity even managing to smile in worst typhoons and calamities. The Bayanihan spirit or collective driven cause helps us share what we have even if we have so little. It is a deeper happiness rooted in the principle that man is basically good and the pursuit of joy is even more achieved when there is a higher purpose which is going beyond the self and serving others and our Creator.
A high regard for women is ingrained since childhood. It is typical to see on a plane a female pilot emerging out of the cockpit and driving buses, cars and other vehicles are just plain occurrences. You won’t see that on Social Media. Mothers who are left by OCW husbands take care of children dutifully and vice versa.
Contrary to the myth of the indolence of our people this is actually untrue as we are an industrious people. Given the right working conditions our labor force thrives to levels of excellence. Farmers have to wake up really early to finish planting by the time the scorching sun rises in the sky. Similarly with white collar jobs, the management and employees must have a symbiotic relationship to achieve the company’s goals.
In the final analysis, we are heading towards the right direction. We shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves. We are a young nation. Yet, we are developing and reaching targets beyond expectations. A work in progress? A diamond in the rough that needs polishing? Call it whatever you like. But peace and freedom are our core unifying threads. We only need to be reminded every now and then that we a great people, that we have to inculcate this in the next generations’ minds. You have your own part, a pivotal role which only you can fulfill because united we stand, divided we fall. And the bottom line is, the celestial reason that we are a great nation is that we have great faith in God.
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