Philippines was colonized by various countries such as Spain, Japan, and America. This proves that Filipino cultures and identity are unique in its own as their colonization shaped what we are embracing right now. As such, the system of education which is so pervasive and far-reaching as well as the widespread of English language in the Philippines was influenced by Americans. Christianity became the dominant religion, and western and social organizations were established because of the Spaniards while the improvement of infrastructure by building major highways, buildings, bridges, airports, railways, and ports are some influence of Japanese people.

Being a Filipino citizen is something spectacular to be proud of. From how brave we were in the history, the values, products, up to priceless role of destinations make me brag that I am a real Filipina. It is the poverty and corruption that forced some to do things that are unpleasure and immoral. Despite turmoil, we are naturally unbeatable as joy, humor, flexibility, adaptability, creativity, hard work and industry, faith, religiosity, and the ability to survive are what made us 'us'.

However, we have the characteristics that also made us 'us' in various alarming ways such as extreme personalism, extreme family-centeredness, lack of discipline, passivity and lack of initiative, colonial mentality, kanya-kanya syndrome, lack of self-analysis and self-reflection. We are usually devoured by this alarming characteristics that we forgot the true meaning of being a Filipino. These are also evident in me honestly given that I am a teenager who's still have a lot to learn about life.

As a Filipino, we can't deny the fact that we also have our duties and responsibilities. Doing them makes us a good a Filipino. How are you these past days? Are you a good one? Check these out!

Speaking Filipino Language

It is understandable when we don't speak Filipino language everyday given that we also have numerous of dialects. What matters is we forget to value it. Dr. Jose Rizal said, "Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika ay mas mabaho pa sa malansang isda."

Loving Filipino language is a way of showing love to our country. Speaking it enables other people to identify your real identity.

Supporting Local Products

Were you? Nowadays, most of us have been buying foreign products showing how fond we are to them. It's fine though. However, we must not forget to support ours because buying our own local products also strengthen such local economy.

Active Citizen

Always participate and be aware on programs or current events that are happening around you which seek to develop our country may it be for our environment, the people, culture, and a lot more.

A Role Model

Rather than always learning from other people, try to be someone that others can lean on too. Show them how to value and respect every aspect which is related to our country in simple ways most especially to the children.

Well, I've been out of fulfilling some of my duties and responsibilities. I was so full of myself and my own dreams that I don't usually involve myself in government programs that are aiming for the progress and development of our country. Thanks to the system of education that we have because I was able to study the Philippine History and learn more about our language which is the 'Filipino'.

As of today, I will try to encourage myself back in responding with those responsibilities while I am in the process of achieving my dreams such as supporting our local products. How about you?

Share some of your thoughts. Comment below.

Owe you big time!