The Filipino Youth of Today

By: Ellaiza Mae T. Gravanza

We are now existing in a modern world – a world where morals are slowly
decaying. I agree that this generation is somehow proud of being “Pinoy”,
however their nationalism had been gone. Gone are the days when Filipinos
admire the locals. Gone are the good old days when the youth cherishes their
homeland. This! Historical period is truly affecting the individuals.

People either rise or fall from who they are. People either expand or balance the civilization of
others.

People either adapt or attack the ways they outgrown.

Perhaps from generation to generation, learning has not been

People either expand or balance the civilization of others.

People either adapt or attack the ways they outgrown.

Perhaps from generation to generation, learning has not been such a big deal
which made them look back on the past.

Years ago, when I always watch my neighborhood, I could see kids playing
Filipino games such as tumbang preso, luksong tinik, patintero, Chinese garter
and so much more with smiles plastered on their faces. Even though how
envious I was of the thing called fun they had, atleast they had lived the
Filipino’s way.

Nowadays, what do kids do? From cellphones to laptops, Xbox to iPods; the
system of technology is slowly eating their senses! If too much love can kill,
then too much technology can wreak havoc! And just like any form of influence,
it made them sit all day, worshipping the virtual world, where Twitter, Facebook
and Instagram are a must.

It is not always about the everyday trends. It is about how our spirit is burning
to resist the impact of modernization. We are not just Filipinos by blood – we
are Filipinos carrying the value of our forefathers’ land, Pearl of the Orient Seas,
to always make a difference to prove other nations that their judgements are
wrong. So instead of disputing, we should rather widen their narrow minds that
we are not only good in abrasive ways but we do have intelligence, abilities,
and skills which are better than the yesteryears. This modernized and competitive
world has failed to instill confidence – a confidence that might be a key to success and a preparation
of how Filipinos face the hurdles of life.

According to Adrian Pantonial, our now is the product of our past choices and the process of our
future. Individuals have a significant role. Some even wondered why the youth must be prioritized.
But out of curiosity, we can attest that if we are to be put first, one knows that in the midst of a
better country, inculcating character counts and must not only be taught but also be applied.
You, you and you do know that some of the Filipino youth has not been nurtured – an opportunity
that was not grabbed that could have changed lives. Many were not given the privilege to
experience how to be in school that results for teenagers to remain ignorant and oblivious to what
living with education looks like.
Every Filipino youth generation often complain to other generations on how much they are contrast
yet they even criticize their own – such a shame. How ironic it is that even with their personal
bundle, to judge is their weapon. Instead of recognizing their faults, they happen to credit others.
Each generation do have its identity. However, one should not be a hindrance to individuals for
they originate from different worlds and evolution of sole somehow develops. Wake up! Bad deeds
are worthless; changes should occur with the actions we do and with the mindset of older
generations.
It is important to remember that we are allies of making this nation as a strong foundation. Let us
join hands together, so that we don’t look back into our juvenescence with regret. We may have
lost some people of the yesteryears, but we have gained many.
As a youth of this land, we should aim high and strive for the improvement because no matter what
happens, the future lies in our hands. With all our heart, mind and soul, we must be able to serve
our country and be a good role model to the upcoming generations for we are the backbone of this
nation. Because life’s essence is not always about complying; it is about how our spirit is burning
with all our wills and efforts.
Challenges are not simply just challenges; it is about how we handle those challenges. We must
not fail the hard work of our heroes and resolve the broken roads to raise again the pride of our
nation. Now is the time to stop the competition and replace it with equality – always accept the
differences of individuals.
Live and imprint in your minds that he who does not look back from where he came will never
reach his destination. I am even one of them that cries for; the greatest glory in rising every time
we fall, the balance of what we can control and cannot, and adapt the changes so that learning
would still be a process without end.
Face to face, heart to heart, and soul to soul. We, the filipino youth of today, are the backbone of
this land I call, Philippines