Be proud of being a Filipino (even if it’s not easy)

By: 5 years ago

Inquirer Independence Day Essays Marie Gold Vivien Totanes

Editor’s Note: In celebration of the Philippines’ 117th Independence Day, INQUIRER.net is publishing
short essays submitted by our readers.

Gemma Louise Heaton, a teacher at The Lord of Grace Christian School, asked students under her
History and Social Studies classes to answer our question: “What’s the best that you have done for our
country?” Here are their responses.

‘Be proud of being a Filipino’

What is the best the thing I have done for my country? I actually don’t know because at my age, it is
impossible to do something big. Then I realized it isn’t important on how big it is. I think the best thing
I’ve done for my country is to be proud that I am a Filipino.

Being proud that I am a Filipino is not quite easy. Sometimes, I even doubt it because of our
government. The people have to rally on the streets to get what they want. I feel like it is telling me that
we have to go to war first before we can gain peace. When I was in Grade 7, we studied Philippine
history. I then appreciated peace. It was not just about the Filipinos fighting the Spanish but how we
fought for our independence.
Now, if someone will ask me what is the best thing that I have done for our country, I will tell him or her
that I am proud to be a Filipino.

– Jen Denielle R. Hernandez, Grade 9

‘Give respect’

There are many heroes and heroines who have done big things for the Philippines: Andres Bonifacio,
who sacrificed and gave everything for the sake of the Philippines; Melchora Aquino, who risked her life
to help the Katipuneros; Dr. Jose Rizal, who is our national hero, and others who sacrificed their lives.

But what is the best thing a 13-year-old girl has done and can do for her country? I am not a mother who
is a hero for neither her child nor a father who is a hero for his son. I am just a sophomore student, a girl
who knows nothing but to eat, sleep, surf the Internet, watch television and fan-girl over Daniel Padilla.
The things I have done for my country so far are to make my parents proud and to give respect. I study
to make my parents, as well as my teachers, proud. It is not easy to make a person proud and, at the
same time, happy.

I gave relief items to the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” before. Yes, it is a big thing, but for me,
giving respect is bigger. It is the biggest thing a 13-year-old girl can do and give. Giving respect, for me, is
the sister of loving and loving is the root of caring.

Giving respect is the best thing I have done for my country and for the people around me.

– Maureen Omanito, Grade 8

‘Study our history, teach it to others’

What’s the best that I have done for my beautiful, loving country? Even if I can’t die for my country like
Andres Bonifacio and Dr. Jose Rizal, here are best things that I have done for my country and I will
continue to do for my country: In our house, we separate biodegradable, degradable and recyclable
trash. For that, I contribute to saving our environment. I also use “po” and “opo” because it is one of our
Filipino traits well-known by people around the world.

But really, what is the best that I have done for our country? It is to study about its history so that I can
teach it to the future young Filipino kids, that they will never forget where they belong. It doesn’t matter
if what you’ve done for your country is big or small. Small things can become big things.

You don’t have to die for your country; you can simply do small things that will help the future of the
Philippines.

– Marie Gold Vivien M. Totanes, Grade 8

‘Do good in school’

When people ask that question, the answer really depends on who you are asking. When you ask an
adult, he/she would probably answer something like: “I have donated to charity” or “I have beggars on
the street.” But as a sophomore student, and not a financially fortunate one at that, there is only so
much I can do.

A lot of people say it doesn’t matter how old you are and stuff like that, “you can do anything if you put
your mind to it.” But in my perspective, I am just a little girl who is lost in a big world. What is there for a
14-year-old to do that will improve our country? After all the ups and downs in my 14 years of existence,
I guess the best I can do is to do good in school, succeed as a student and be an obedient daughter to
my family.

If I am an honor student, I can graduate with honors, and graduating with a scholarship is my goal. If I
can make to the Dean’s List, I will succeed in the career I want to pursue. If I am going to be a film
director in the future, as an adult I can change or improve the country by directing inspirational or
motivational films.

– Anna Maria Mikaela Almirez, Grade 8

‘Pray for the nation, embrace our culture’

Praying for our nation is the best I can contribute to our country. When we had our field trip at Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas, we were told not to fold the bills. By not folding our monetary bills, I am helping our
economy. Embracing our culture is one of the best things I can do for our country.

– Jean Lalaine F. Rubio, Grade 9

‘Help victims of calamities’

I, with my dad and sister, participated in the “World Wide Walk” fund run to help the people who were
affected by a typhoon in the Visayas, a run that broke the Guinness World Record for having a huge
number of participants. This event helped the victims of the typhoon in Samar and Leyte. If there are
more events like this in the future, I’ll be there to participate and help.

– VJ Bagani R. Villan, Grade 9

‘Save electricity’

I think the best thing I have done for my country is to save electricity since the Philippines has a power
supply problem. By simply turning off appliances when not in use, we are helping the country.

– Aira Joy L. Bercero, Grade 10

‘Pick up litter’

As a student, the simple things I can do for my country will snowball to bigger things. Something as
simple as picking up candy wrappers affects us all. This should not be taken lightly, as throwing small
things can lead to throwing bigger things. By picking up litter, if done little by little, we are also
influencing others to do the same.
– Reimart C. Sarmiento, Grade 10

‘Grow up!’

Being a citizen is a little difficult for the reason that you have to follow the rules implemented by your
country. We know that people hate to follow them; if you don’t you, could be sent to jail or you will
have to pay the price. You have to submit to the authorities. You have to be responsible and you need to
contribute in the simplest way that you can do for your country. Actually, as a citizen, you need to be
aware and remember a few things or rules.

As a student, I believe the things that I can do for my country are limitless, as long as I believe in myself.
Honestly, when I’m at home, I dislike following the house rules; sometimes, even when I am in school.
When I’m outside, I throw garbage anywhere. But when I entered high school, I realized I have to stop
these practices because it is childish. I need to grow up in order to contribute to my country. So, I
started following the rules, regardless of where I am.

Therefore, I conclude that our society has a lot of problems right now and I’m aware there will be a lot
more as time goes by. So stop being a burden in our society: Follow rules and submit to our authorities.
Our society has a lot to face they may not be able to help you right now. Grow up!

– Lois Corliss Q. Rivera, Grade 9

‘Make the right decisions’

Choosing what course to take up in college and which school to apply for are the main thoughts of a
Grade 10 student like me, taking up exams in the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila
University, De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas. Once we make the right decisions,
we are doing the best we can do for our country.

– Joan Ellaine F. Rubio, Grade 10

All of us love our country and every day is the best time we can show our love for country through
action. No matter what political beliefs we have, maybe now is the best time to start focusing on what
each of us can do for the Philippines so that we can move forward to achieve progress faster. Our
country is blessed because whatever problems and calamities we encounter, we always manage to
stand up and move forward.

Director Maria V. Montelibano

Love of country is an invitation to all citizens. Everyone, therefore, must be capable of it, of showing it
and doing it. I take it to mean that my time, talent and treasure are used not only for myself and my
family, but to contribute to my country as well. In my case, I had served several years in public service
with my experience and knowledge in broadcast media. Most exciting, too, is my learning from and
working with millennials — and offering new ways to approach a brighter future to decision makers in
the Philippines.

Marco Lobregat, Synergy Media Specialist

Be conscious of your environment and help lift everyone around you up when you can. Love your home,
love your people, and celebrate the culture that bonds you together as a nation.

QC Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte

One can show love for country by sacrificing personal interest for the good of the majority. That’s how
progress is achieved, when people unite to put country above self.

Director Joey Javier Reyes

You do not need to be in government wielding power or belong to a platform foisting influence to give
something back to your country: you only have to do the best with what you can do with the greatest
proficiency and dedication. The collective effort of people performing their duties as committed citizens,
focused on a national vision for the greater good and not individual vested interests, will certainly yield a
far brighter future for the nation.

In my case, it is through education, not only in the classroom but hopefully through what I say in my
writing and films. I do my best to challenge the next generation to be far better than what we have done
in the past. With proper learning and wisdom, the educator — more than the politician — can help
shape the minds of future leaders and thus the generations to follow.

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Tina Legarda, chef/owner of Bamba Bistro

By making sure we never forget our roots no matter where we go. The place where one grows up always
plays an important role in finding yourself and showing the rest of the world what it is to be a Filipino.

Mary Ann “Baby” M. Montemayor, hotelier & MSME Mindanao private sector representative

I have made my love for our country a “lifestyle,” manifested through the clothes I wear (KAAYO
Modern Mindanao), the Filipino-themed restaurants we ventured into (HABI at KAPE; Mangkok), the
Philippine-made products I patronize, and the advocacies I support (Davao Ecocrafts; Go Negosyo).
Ultimately, what counts most is for us to pray fervently for our country, and speak positively about it at
all times.

KC Concepcion, model, entrepreneur

All eyes are on the Philippines these days globally, so there is no better time than now to be proud of
what we can offer. Supporting local Filipino businesses and using Philippine products are ways of
showing love for country. There are Filipino artisans, coffee shops, restaurants, chocolatiers, fashion,
bag, jewelry and furniture designers that produce amazing quality products that are already appreciated
in other parts of the world. Patronize Philippine products here, in the country where they are from! Love
local.

Matt Torres, board member, Leyte province

We can show our love for our country in so many ways. One is by patronizing local products, for there
are many beautiful things we have to offer. Second is by not losing our sense of national pride: we
should be proud of our origins, no matter what. And lastly, by supporting the projects and programs of
our government that are beneficial to all. In these simple acts we can show our love, respect and
support for our beloved Philippines.

Aiko Melendrez, actress

Be an active citizen, and be part of your country’s political process. And teach your children the
importance of loving your own country by teaching them someday the importance of voting for leaders
so that they can exercise their rights to be heard someday.

Rachel Felicia, entrepreneur/fashion stylist

I think the number one way of showing love for one’s country is by recognizing the difference between
loyalty to national thought and blind nationalism. The former allows us to identify the problems and
correct them, while the latter makes us believe there are no problems at all. One should always
endeavor to better oneself and, by extension, better one’s country.

Alex Alikpala, correspondent, ABS-CBN European Bureau

As an overseas Filipino, I’ve thought of myself as a sort of informal ambassador of our country (like all
Filipinos overseas are) in the sense that I am aware that our actions always reflect our Filipino-ness. I
believe that one way to show our love for country is to always represent the Philippines in a positive
manner. You don’t have to win accolades or do something extraordinary to achieve this. It’s more having
a mindfulness that everything you do shows other people what kind of humans we are. That means
bringing to the fore our love for family, our social and happy nature, our warm and welcoming ways.
That means not being ashamed of our roots in the face of other cultures. That means always
demonstrating decency, because that is a trait that we Filipinos value.

Dr. Luisa Ticzon Puyat, dermatologist, anchor, ABS-CBN DZMM TeleRadyo

We can show love of country by sharing with our countrymen what God has blessed us with so they may
see His love through our generosity. In giving, we find true joy and love, and a greater reward awaits us
in heaven.