The Philippines is arguably the most unique country in the world.
Where else in the world can you find people who are so accommodating to foreigners (dumugo man ang ilong at maubos na lahat ng naitatagong ingles maituro lang kung saan ang Cubao sa naliligaw na turista); more behaved and law abiding drivers when in abroad; and never fails to ask “kumain ka na?” when you visit their homes or “San' ka galing?” when meeting an acquaintance outside.
Where else in the world can you find people who can turn notorious thugs and convicted felons to well-choreographed dancers; can survive a day with only 20 pesos ($0.50) and a tabo; and still finds time to smile in the midst of every tragedy.
Where else in the world can you find people who can create big celebrations or feasts on just about anything (carabao, tsinelas, lechon, mudpack festivals and etc.); play basketball in just about any place (mountain, flooded gym, and even in the middle of a busy street); and never get tired of watching the same old variety show during lunch time for more than three decades.
These are just few of the many reasons that make this country so unique. This is also the home of the some of the greatest men who ever lived: Manny Pacquaio (Boxing); Paeng Nepomuceno (Bowling) and Efren “Bata” Reyes (Billards) are considered the best-ever in their respective fields. Incidentally, all fields starts with the letter B (Other B’s where Pinoys excel are in boat race, basketball, and our world-class beaches).
I am proud to be a Filipino and I am grateful that I was born in the land of the longest Christmas celebration, closer family ties and adobo, sinigang and lechon. I am in my mid-30’s now and I have spent all my years of existence (except for two years of working abroad) in this wonderful country. Sometimes, I ask myself how I can give back to my motherland aside from being a good citizen with no criminal records and questionable tax returns.
If there is one thing I can give to the Philippines, I’d say I’ll leave a good legacy that will be of good use to many people in future. I read before that there are three legacies you can give to the world and I am proud to say that I have accomplished them all (and would still continue to do them for as long I am able).
Plant a tree. Since my grade school years, I’ve planted trees during different events like camping, jamborees, hiking trips with friends and company activities. I even have one tree somewhere in the mountains of Bataan named after me. I just hope it will grow with longer bangs and firmer trunk than me. Trees give food, shelter, and other use and it helps saves lives and maintain the balance of nature. If only I have the resources and enough support, I would like to organize a tree planting event with my family, friends and other nature advocates. Tress are sure fool-proof gifts the Philippines need today.
One at a time, my dream is to fulfill each wish of gifts for my beloved country. My gift of legacy is not only a personal milestone but also to those who will be touched and reached out along the way.
How about you, what is your gift to the Philippines?
Leave a comment below and you might win an Apple gadget. If this blog post wins in the #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014 promotion, one lucky commenter will take home an iPad mini 2.
You can also help create a wonderful Philippines. Visit www.projectwonderful.ph if you’d like to volunteer or make a donation.
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11 comments:
I totally agree with you Raise a Child that will be a great citizen someday.That is my legacy to the Philippines too
Both ways: If ever my country gets entangled in a war, I would gladly give my life for it, if that is what it takes to defend it from oppressors. During peace time, I would teach my kids and others, too, to take care of their country by being good and responsible citizens (help the sick, elderly, victims of calamities, be good taxpayers)and be a role model to other kids.
With those legacies, I can relate to only one; plant a tree. Trees can help our country in preventing flood and strong typhoons. I noticed that most of our forest were turned now into subdivisions, parks. Most are being urbanized (wala nang pamigil sa floods.)
ang tanging regalo ko lan na maibabahagi sa ating bansa ay ang pagiging responsable ko lan sa akng sariling mga desisyon at gawain bilang isang mamamayan... =)
If I had the ability to help the Philippines by giving gift I would give them a Advanced Military equipment - The military served as the protection of a country, it protects not only the higher-ups people but also the overall citizen of the country. To prevent annihilation of our people and country of the possible war that could occur we couldn't afford to be possibly defenseless and just let the invaders take advantage of us without putting much a fight. And its also help and served our people at time of crisis.
Come and visit mine too~ http://miaamorilag.blogspot.com/2014/01/globeprojectwonderful2014-contest.html
If there’s one thing that I can give my dear country that would be …. The gift of Health.
I want to do a medical mission with the help of Nuffnang Philippines and Globe thru #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014
Health is wealth. No amount of money, time and effort can ever, ever, bring the best of your health back, once it’s gone.
In my 6 years of practice as a nurse, I have seen how our healthcare system struggles to provide quality care for our countrymen, may it be in manpower, medicines, or equipments both in the community and hospital.
I’ve seen people deteriorating day by day because they can’t afford to go to a doctor. I’ve seen patients die because their families didn’t have enough money to buy basic medicines. I’ve also seen families giving up their sick loved ones and literally, waited for their last breathes, since they cannot afford another day for the life support of the deteriorating loved one.
I am believing that we can do something about this. One of those needy, ailing, indigent patients could be your mom, dad, grandparent, relative, dear friend, loved one…
In short, we are all CONNECTED, one way or another. So it is not just a matter of “about them” because it is ABOUT US — ALL OF US.
I feel that the best gift to give the Philippines is to lay my life down for another.
Just my opinion.
Kuya Randy
The only I can give to my country is me being responsible as a citizen. There is so many ways you can be of help to others and to your country but all that will come only when you are a responsible person. That too can be your child's motivation in life when they see their parents as a responsible people. That will be their greatest molding factor until they grow up. #GlobeProjectWonderful2014
If there is one gift that I can give to the Philippines, it would be my family. I am very proud to say that my family has been an active member of activities in our barangay like damayan, clean and green program and fund -raising drive. My husband and I vote wisely every election, raise our kids to obey all rules and law in and out of school, and always make ourselves available to help in the betterment of our community.
- Connie Mejilla
My gift to the Philippines is raising my son to be a good and respectful citizen of the land, and help develop the young minds of hundred others to be productive and proud of our country as I continue to serve in an educational institution.
I am a rider and uses my motorcycle everyday for work. I think I can consider it a gift to the Philippines if I can maintain my clean record of not having a traffic violation and continue to follow traffic rules. I also see to it that I avoid using my bike every weekend and just commute as my way to lessen pollution in the environment. My name is Gems Madura of Pasig City
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