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~