7/28/2019 Rediscovering Filipino Values - I See, I Act, I Advocate[1]

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Rediscovering Filipino Values: I see, I act, I advocate

Many say that we live in a world of Change. Constancy is a taboo and

change is inevitable. Look around you and see how fast changes happened in

every corner of our society. 'Pilapils' have become highways, 'karteros' have

been phased out by the Worldwide Web, 'kalesas' have been replaced bymotor vehicles, and 'bahay kubos' have been refurbished into high-rise

condo units. Even the names of people changed! Pepe is now Pete, Juan is

John, Pedro is called Peter, and even some 'Jun-Jun's' have turned into 'Jen-

Jen's'!

Kidding aside, many facets of our society have changed. Even I have

changed through these years. You probably did not recognize me, but I was

once the demure, self-effacing, Maria Clara. But now, I am the new-age Marie

Claire! I have replaced that constricting panuelo with this cotton bolero.

My heat-stroking barot saya have all been replaced by fashionable blousesand skirts. And my bakyas have been replaced by these high-heeled shoes.

I was once restricted to household chores, but today, I work in high-rise

buildings and multinational corporations. I used to be deprived of scholastic

and economic endeavors, but I rose up to demand the same educational and

employment benefit as that of my male counterparts. I am even capable of

doing once alpha-male jobs and lead a male-dominated profession.

But many questioned and even hindered my becoming the self-

empowered Marie Claire. They say its an offense to the cultural norms of our

country! That I am destroying the delicate balance of genders! That I am

dishonoring Filipino values! But then again, is stereotyping women to

household work a cultural norm? Is giving educational and employment

preference for males a balance of genders? Is female oppression honorable

and a value of Filipinos?

Filipino values are not mandated by dress codes, or the overpowering

of the weak, or the limitation of capacities and benefits. Rather, Filipino

values are centered upon maintaining social harmony. In the myriad of

changes, I remain to uphold the core values of being a Filipino. My clothes

changed, but I have not disrobed myself of my beliefs as I stand firm upon

my faith toward God. My roles and responsibilities have evolved, but my

principles have not wavered as I uphold the good and abhor evils. My

capacities were altered, but I still practice the Filipino respect and hospitality

as I warmly welcome guests at home and continue to use po and opo in

addressing my elders.

7/28/2019 Rediscovering Filipino Values - I See, I Act, I Advocate[1]

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Despite the years of oppression, I practiced the Philippine optimism as

I had not lost hope for a better and brighter tomorrow. Despite the times of

calamities, I took an active part in Bayanihan as I built homes through

Gawad Kalinga, planted trees in environmental conservation projects, and

even spearhead social programs to benefit our citizenry. Despite the sinking

economy, the resiliency of the modern-day Filipina is manifested as I juggle

the responsibility of being a provider, a wife, and a mother, all at the same

time! Many Filipinas also worked abroad as domestic helpers, nurses, and

skilled laborers to support their familys budget, but as palabra de honor to

our nation, they help in sending money to our country to help increase the

value of our peso! In this, we render utmost gratitude to the good that others

have given us by doing well to return the same good to them. And at the end

of the day, the ilaw ng tahanan remains to provide love and care to the

home solidifying the family as the basic unit of our society. All of these

values, I have practiced all these years whether I be the soft-spoken MariaClara, or the out-spoken Marie Claire. I still upheld the values of being a

Filipino.

And today, I ask you to raise the banner of our nation through our

practice of these Filipino values. In the midst of this world of change, will you

adapt to the demands but never forget our principles? Though scholars

refute the existence of God, will you constantly look up and seek His

guidance everyday? Though other countries have perverted their moral and

social standards, will you still look toward doing good and benefit the

majority? Though our currency depreciates, will our character devaluate?Though other cultures put their elders to nursing homes, will you render

utmost care, respect, and affection to them until their dying breaths? Though

other races promote the concept of nuclear families, will you find time to

treasure going to church as a whole clan, a regular Sunday pot-luck lunch

with your uncles and aunts, kneeling at the feet of lolo and lola to listen to

their timeless stories, or even keep up with our Holiday family traditions?

Though circumstances lead to divorce and separation, will you still stay true

to the promise of I Do? In a world of broken families, will you continue to

nurture that blood bond that binds even all aspects of our society? In a world

of indifference, will you reach out your hand to help those who are in need?

In a world of sorrow and strife, will you have enough optimism to flash a

genuine smile? Let this be a challenge to us, new-age Filipnos. Uphold our

cultural heritage in our daily lives. Stand firm and true upon or values and

principles. Pass on the fire of these Philippine legacies from generation to

generation. And let us all take pride of being a Filipino.