I Am Proud to be a Filipina

Filipinos are one of those people settling in almost all parts of the world. They were everywhere, maybe in all countries probably. Filipinos were like bamboos, able to adjust well to any environment they may live and to any people they may meet. Yes, life may take them anywhere but Filipinos used to bring with them their culture, the values and beliefs that were already embedded in their system. This culture made Filipinos to have a unique identity. As quoted by famous Mahatma Gandhi, " A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of it's people, " so with the Philippine culture.

Historically, Filipinos used to be influenced by so many nationalities ever since before. The country has been under the regime of foreign people mostly the colonial reign of Spaniards and Americans. This colonization has affected not just economically but most of all culturally. Some of the influences also were from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The colonization was also the reason why Philippines had an approximately 175 languages spoken with English and Filipino language is the most common up to now. Christianity was also one of the result of this colonization, particularly with the Spaniards. This is the religion of most Filipinos, enough reason why Philippines became one of the predominantly Christian nations in the Asia Pacific.

Despite the flood, everyone still manage to show their smile

Despite of these influences, the daily living of every Filipino still reveals how abundant and blessed the culture was. Culture that made every Filipino out-stands among the other and I'm a part of this for I am a proud Filipino. We are known to live according to the dictates of our culture. Whatever challenges that life may bring to us, we Filipinos remained supple, trying to be flexible and adjusted well to everything. Yes, we are known for our resiliency amidst any dilemma encountered. We always have that smile no matter how hard life may be. A smile suggesting that there’s always hopes for everything.

Our warm hospitality has been the reason why foreigners love to go to the Philippines. We always have that genuine smile and warm welcome to every visitor. Filipinos are also generous and hardworking individuals. This generosity is evident in our "bayanihan system" that shows group of people helping and exerting effort just to carry a certain nipa house. The act symbolizes Filipinos helping each other in all aspects. We just have a helping hand and heart.

In terms of work, we always have the courage and eagerness to really pursue what we are doing despite any hindrances. A Filipino always go to work bringing with him his creative mindset. Along with this generous heart of a Filipino, is a respectful personality. We had that kind of respect that others don't possess especially with our interactions to older people. The behavior of saying "po and opo" and putting elder's hands in our foreheads were some of the ways we show our respect.

Our loving heart as a Filipino is the trait that should be at the summit of our well being. With this love, everything will then follow. Our hearts will then be our weapon for every battle we will be facing. Yes, Filipinos were not perfect. We have our negative traits that should be controlled if not diminished. We just need to free ourselves and be willing to accept change, better changes or even best changes. We should be open enough to determine the good from bad so that we can only preserve those culture and values worth saving for. But above all, we must remember what an author named Cesar Chavez said that “Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures.".

Photos from google