How do we define ourselves as Filipinos? Who are the real Filipinos? In my honest opinion, these questions are hard to answer. There is no definite answer yet because I think that we are still in the process of knowing who we really are as Filipinos. There may be distinctive characteristics that the Filipinos exhibit which are known in the whole world, but I suppose they are enough for us to be called as real Filipinos. We may be hospitable and happy people but if we are not proud of our culture and our country, everything will be worthless. As a matter of fact, we find our local products baduy, as we are becoming more attracted to the western culture. We are slowly moving away from our own identity, from our culture. We are becoming someone whom we are not.
Identity is important because it gives us a clear picture of our own self. It enables us to learn more about our nationality, ethnicity, race, class, gender and religion. It makes us different from the others. Our ancestors risked their lives and fought for our freedom because they want the Philippines to have its own identity. They believe that this is a great country and we have the potential to become as competitive as the other great nations in the world. Hahayaan nalang ba natin na mawalan ng saysay ang lahat ng pinagpaguran at pinaglaban nila?
I’m not saying that it is bad to be influenced by the western culture. However, I think that even if we support it, I hope that we will not forget our own beliefs and practices as well because they are part of who we are. I think that I’m a transformationalist because I believe that the intermingling of cultures can widen our horizons and help us become more open to the world. Perhaps, this can also give us an opportunity to let the others know about the wonders of the Filipino culture. It’s time for them to recognize the greatness of the Philippines--- that boxing is not the only thing that our country is truly proud of. And maybe, through this, we would be able to find the answers to our questions (on who we really are as Filipinos).
Identity is important because it gives us a clear picture of our own self. It enables us to learn more about our nationality, ethnicity, race, class, gender and religion. It makes us different from the others. Our ancestors risked their lives and fought for our freedom because they want the Philippines to have its own identity. They believe that this is a great country and we have the potential to become as competitive as the other great nations in the world. Hahayaan nalang ba natin na mawalan ng saysay ang lahat ng pinagpaguran at pinaglaban nila?
I’m not saying that it is bad to be influenced by the western culture. However, I think that even if we support it, I hope that we will not forget our own beliefs and practices as well because they are part of who we are. I think that I’m a transformationalist because I believe that the intermingling of cultures can widen our horizons and help us become more open to the world. Perhaps, this can also give us an opportunity to let the others know about the wonders of the Filipino culture. It’s time for them to recognize the greatness of the Philippines--- that boxing is not the only thing that our country is truly proud of. And maybe, through this, we would be able to find the answers to our questions (on who we really are as Filipinos).
(for February 1 master lecture)
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