The Heroes in Each of Us

I think it's a very interesting sociological phenomenon that the Philippines is holding its breath during these few days for Manny Pacquiao. And I can understand. I mean, you have all the men united -- and talking. They're not just appearing bored or drunk, or bearing up with what's happening. They are animatedly talking. In fact, they are actually lining up and betting. But then, it's not only the men. The women too. Well, everyone actually. Everyone is rooting for Pacquiao. And I find this really interesting. It's not just that the guy can box, because he can. His footwork and boxing certainly looks fancy enough for a boxing nitwit like me. And it's not just that he has x-factor because the guy has it. It's that the Filipinos are rooting for him as one. It makes me think that our country must be so in need of heroes that nowadays, as long as it's at least legal, the people will root for you. There were the athletes for example who won the latest ASEAN Games. Of recent past, there was Ms International Laura (is that correct?) Quigama.

I do not belittle this people because what they did or are doing are admirable. But that we as a nation is looking at the feat of Manny Pacquiao as something of national pride makes me wonder if our need for heroes have become so bereft in the usual places we should be looking for them that nowadays, we have to look for them in sports or entertainment. Are we so short of a Ninoy Aquino, or a Rizal, or a Mabini? Do we not have heroes in business or literature or in the church? If we have in any of those fields and they are not being recognized, are we as a people redefining what is admirable? Are we now looking up to people who are excelling in a field where individualism or personality are important? Where personal discipline are musts? And are we then now embracing it as a nation, as something admirable?

I don't know if Manny will win. I sure hope and pray he does. Still, I also hope that whatever the outcome may be, our people will find our sense of oneness and pride not so much in someone winning a boxing fight, or any other sports event, or a beauty pageant, but that we as a nation are really putting our act together and working for a better Philippines: finding the heroes in each of us.

My Beloved Philippines

I read about an interesting site from my Google Peyups Samahan and checked the link. Coconuter's blog site is refreshing mainly because, for all the bad rep the Philippines continues to receive, this guy wants to return here from the US and live in a place where others have been falling all over themselves to leave. I think I love the guy. I wish there were more Filipinos like him. I know, I know. All those doctors who have become nurses will tell me, "You don't understand. Good for you to say because you're not in my situation. We must live, too. You cannot live on ideals alone." I understand. My brother, after all is there in the US and he provides us with all sorts of financial support. Actually, he provides so many families with financial help because he's there. Still, a part of me continues to hold on to that idealistic and nationalistic person who graduated high school and college with a firm commitment to stay in the Philippines and help it out in my little way. I have some very strong emotions about certain things. My love for this country is one of them. It leaves me with a pain in my stomach and a catch in my throat. It's that real.

I don't hate those who go out of the Philippines. I just believe we make some choices and I have made my choice. Perhaps, in actual fact, my contribution to this country doesn't even make a blip in the horizon. That doesn't matter. I still love this country and, God willing, will give the best of myself for the good of this country.

In case you want to check out the coconuter's site, here's the link: http://coconuter.blogspot.com/

Back Again: Nature

If not for juicyfruiter, I wouldn't be writing this blog. I have totally forgotten this site. My life has changed in the past few months and this one little writing spot was just one of many that I litter my life with that I totally forgot this one. But this is cool too.

I'd like to recall something today. I was walking past the city park at just barely past 6 pm. It was a cool evening and just a little rustle of wind was making the leaves move. Looking at the remnant of Christmas decors surrounding the small park, I noticed the huge tree at the far corner almost towering the other trees around. You can see the tree "flowering" with black moving and twitting birds who rest there for the night. It's a noisy and awesome sight to behold. The birds know they are safe in that tree and they rest there. And the tree finds its being perhaps made complete in its old age -- barren and almost sunken even in its huge frame -- by the usefulness it gives to those needy little birds.

Yesterday, coming back to the city from the province, I rode the bus for more than three hours. We passed one of the towns on our way to the city where white clouds covered a backdrop of green hills. In the foreground stood bamboo trees swaying with the wind and rice stalks just newly grown standing like young adolescents straight and fresh. The all-around green color mixed with the white cloud was a calm and gentle scene.

Then we passed further on a "city" of moving lights -- bancas slowly going out to sea for the night. Fishermen were starting their night office. In the growing darkness, the slowly moving lights were like huge fireflies.

Nature speaks its own language and it's beautiful to hear.