10 Ways To Express Filipino Nationalism

You already know why I love being a Filipino (if you haven't read about it here's the link: http://bervilettetesoro.blogspot.com/2014/06/10-reasons-why-i-love-being-filipino.html ). So now we should probably establish ways on how we can show this love and reverence.

1. Singing the Philippine National Anthem

     This isn't a regular song wherein you can change it up and make it your own, it's the Philippine National Anthem which means you need to follow the rules in singing it and never change it, it's perfect the way it is. Posture and all, we must show respect and reverence just as we should respect and admire our God.

2. Respect the Philippine Flag

     It is our symbol, our representation therefore we should respect it and care for it properly according to our Flag Law. It's one of the numerous symbols our country has and I feel it's the best and most accurate of our symbols. It symbolizes our country, our people and our history.

3. Speak Filipino Correctly

     I'm not asking for fluency or perfection. I'm just asking for no taglish, no own versions and no "jejemon" or the like. Our language is unique, quite deep yet beautiful. I'm not expecting your words to be Jose Rizal-like but I do expect proper FILIPINO or TAGALOG, not taglish.

4. Buy Our Products

     I can't stop you from buying foreign products and I won't for it is something I, myself, cannot commit to but I am asking everyone to at least consider our local products. They can't be THAT different from the foreign ones so why not give it a try, you might learn to love it. Some of our products are one of a kind and absolutely unique and great, also delicious for the food. 

5. Support Our Artists, Celebrities and Athletes

     We have our own representatives in different fields like Science, Arts, Sports and pretty much in all of the many many fields. To be realistic, there many Filipinos who are well-known in their respective fields. Take Lea Salonga for example, aside from her being the idol of many of us including me, she is internationally known for her marvelous theatrics.

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings or Current Events

     A lot goes on in this little part of our world. We, as a part of this community, should be aware of these. Listening, understanding, and speaking about topics concerning us. Not just that but if necessary we should also take action to help solve our problems as one country.

7. Dream (Grow Up) to Represent and Contribute to the Growth of Our Country

     I believe we, as proud Filipinos, should have a plan, a dream, and a goal to make our family and our country proud. We can become a successful community if we will be a united, proud and cooperative one. So dream big, dream good, dream for yourself, your family and for your country and with your dream, you should work..and work hard.

8. Be a Proactive Citizen

     Be ready to reach out to your fellow Filipinos in need. To the victims of natural disasters and unnatural disasters, the malnourished and dying and anyone else in dire need of help but is unfortunately helpless. Being a proactive citizen pretty much means caring about your fellow countrymen. Care about them and you'll be unconsciously and whole-heartedly helping out.

9. Preserve Our Culture and Traditions

     Our country is a happy community and we have many traditions that show this such as our folk dances which used to be practiced in everyday activities for prayers or blessings for things such as good harvest and good fortune. We also have music, fiestas, and different traditions I appreciate a lot especially the ones on respect. Blessing, saying "po" and "opo", and respecting those older than us by calling them Tita, Tito, Ate and Kuya. 

10. Love Your "Kababayans"

     In the previous 9 ways to express our Filipino nationalism, I mentioned the words community, united and the like numerous times. I used these words because I truly believe that we are a group of united people who should be bounded by love and care or at the very least respect. In short, we are one so treat each other as yourself. As I've experienced with respect comes love and from there buds unity and peace.

    So there we have it. Ten ways on how we can express our Filipino Nationalism. Do you practice these? Well, there are so much more other practices so you may have your own way. No matter what practices they may be, only one thing matters, YOU SHOULD BE PROUD TO SHOW YOUR FILIPINO PRIDE.

~Sincerely, Bervilette Tesoro~

10 Reasons Why I Love Being A Filipino

There is absolutely no doubt about it, I LOVE BEING A FILIPINO in my heart and in my blood. Why, might you ask? Well, here are ten among the many reasons why I love being PINOY!

1. People

     The Filipino people have many good qualities that would cause you to feel at home or at least very welcomed. Filipinos are always happy. In times of joy, they dance and sing and eat and laugh. In times of anger, they still joke around (even though they're quite serious, they do joke around). Even in times of destruction and despair, you can count on Filipinos to laugh and smile and think of the positive things in life and try to forget the rest.

2. Being Family-Oriented

     It's not just the traditions we have but also how family-oriented we are. For example (1) we don't send our grandparents to the home for the aged, we prefer they live wit us in our homes, (2) unlike in some other countries such as America we don't want or let the 18 year olds to move out just yet, and (3) all generations from the grandparents, parents, children and grandchildren get together and get along.

3. Being Religious

     I personally believe that Filipinos are extremely religious. I mean that's why we have all those fiestas. There are numerous religious activities we practice here in the Philippines, so much that I can't even enumerate them.

4. Language

     As I learned from my Filipino teachers, our country has more than a hundred languages and lets not forget the non-verbal language we do. Examples of these are pointing with our mouth or our "nguso" and raising our eyebrows to indicate approval. With all the languages we just had to decide on the national language and it has been decided upon years ago that it will be the Filipino or Tagalog language.

5. Culture & History

     We, Filipinos, have a very rich, diverse and colorful culture and history which gives us a sense of pride to know that we made that and we built this country. Our history shows many things about us, two of which is that we are strong and resilient people.

6. Talents

     With icons such as Lea Salonga and Manny Pacquiao to represent our country, it's evident that our nation is composed of talented individuals. You can see for yourself just how talented Filipinos are when you pass by the karaoke bars and watch tv game shows in the Philippines. Not to mention all the international stars with Filipino blood, Bruno Mars, Apl.De.Ap., Jessica Sanchez and much more.

7. Topography

     Majestic beaches, breath-taking mountains, eye-catching views, lovely sunset and a lot more scenic vacation sites. Where can you find all of those and more? You got it! In the Philippines. From Boracay to the Chocolate Hills and to the beautiful Davao, it's hard to ask for more when you already have so much.

8. Weather

     Yes, I won't lie, it is very hot here in the Philippines but the up side is that we don't go through the struggle of snow. I think I can safely say I would rather have humid, rainy weather than being stuck who-knows-where due to snow all around you.

9. Fiestas

     No matter where in the Philippines, we Filipinos celebrate fiestas or as we call it "pista". The reason, you might ask, why we have these is because it is a way for us to commemorate our saints' feast days. It's colorful, loud, full of energy, and just all-around FUN!

10. Food

     Lechon, sinigang, adobo, nilaga, inihaw, halo-halo...there's just too much to mention. Let's just say Filipino's have a very wide variety of food that bursts with flavors from salty to sour, spicy to sweet, even bitter and not to mention UMAMI.

For all the Filipinos reading, now you know why I love being Filipino. Now, it's your turn. DO YOU LOVE BEING A FILIPINO? AND WHY DO YOU SAY SO?

And for the non-Filipino readers, why not come here to the Philippines and experience for yourself what made me love my country and hopefully you'll tell yourself "THIS GIRL WAS RIGHT!"

~Yours truly, Bervilette Tesoro~