As a Filipino, I value my heritage and respect the land I came from. I am proud of our natural resources, wonderful tourist sites, our famous international icons like Manny Pacquiao and Lea Salonga, as well as our natural hospitality to foreigners. It is really nice to live in the Philippines if you seek true fellowship with Filipinos. You will find it meaningful and enjoyable.
Our food is also top class! You should try the specialties of each region, and the "best" will be a small expression. Also, if you are ready for cheap searches, you will enjoy our dry markets and malls. You will definitely enjoy staying in the Philippines.
We also have natural and national character along with our heritage.
Optimists- We are not easily driven by any difflapities even during disasters and other disasters that have claimed many lives. We are the people who know to let go and continue with smiles still on our lips. We are not even a country of suicide cases.
Sustainable - We Filipinos value the importance of friendship, trust and confidence both in foreign and local visitors. In rural areas and some in the city, the master bedroom is offered to a guest who wants or we say we want to spend the night in our home.
Sense of Debt of Gratitude- while we cannot pay for a lifetime the good received from others but we are morally obligated to do good deeds especially in times of need. We do not neglect those who do good to us.
Pity- We have a spirit of brotherhood where we are united to help the least of our brethren. We are a country that loves to visit the sick. We also have a large number at waking up, burial and even at the wedding ceremony to express our sympathy, gratitude, and celebration.
Religious and Cultural- As we differ by local ethnicity, faith; Catholicism, Protestantism, Islam and other indigenous traditions, we are still a nation united against divorce, abortion, same-sex marriage. We are all united in moral values.
And others- We are rich in culture, tradition and customs. We still have pre, post spanish, japanesse, american structures and other remnants of the previous colonization.
Our natural resources are widely distributed in all parts of the country where many locals and foreigners continue to explore and enjoy.
However, there are many things I do not like in my country. I do not like the fact that the Philippines is not like the developed neighbors, like: Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. In comparison to their progress, we are still in the back seat in terms of progressive developments and strict law enforcement. I do not know what some Filipinos have, but together, we do not think like our neighbors in Asia.
It seems to me that many of us are just like our islands - divided, scattered, and distant. That way, I know this is not true for everyone.
Honestly, many of our major cities are not clean, very safe, and stress-free, especially Manila. I wanted to see the Manila coast as well as our rivers without any floating plastic bags, or the roads that do not smell of urine in the heat of the afternoon. In order not to be stressed by the tedious daily road traffic in Manila it seems impossible right now.
Residents have adapted to this kind of life they do not deserve. Filipinos in the city have the right to clean the air.
Meanwhile, a young professional trying to get a good salary needs to be very skilled, physically and mentally fit, experienced, and very frugal in spending money. Unlike in other countries where you can get a pleasant salary without getting unnecessary extra work stress.
If young Filipino professional children are really honest, they will not hesitate to work abroad to earn more to support their family financially. Again, this does not speak for everyone.
I do not want to blame any politician in particular, but I want those in government to break their adherence to the "old-fashioned" way of governing the land - eradicate corruption! Our government is full of controversies and allegations of corruption. But looking at the brighter side, we have never experienced more development in governance and economy than we are currently experiencing.
Finally, it is unfortunate that these things are a reality in our country, and certainly no one wants to be proud of that.
But I will still stand and say, "I am a Filipino, and I am proud of it." Because this is the least I can do to show the world that I love this imperfect but loving identity.