Nationalism-secret to progress

                           Right now, I’m sharing my thoughts to  my great Filipino fellows. But, have you ever thought, is being a Filipino really worth being one? Why is the Philippines still considered a third world country? What is it that we don’t have that progressive countries have?

 We have lived all our lives here in the Philippines doing some Filipino stuff. Various people, dating back to this country’s previous colonizers’ rule, have become formidable enough to be hailed heroes for the sake of the country. These heroes fought for the country which led to this freedom we are experiencing right now. Nationalism, indeed, was deeply rooted in their hearts. In addition, nationalism is also what I think that can be the secret key to open the door for the country’s progress. Along with this key, must be our belief that in all aspects, we are great, thus having the pride to make us leave the illusion that we are inferior to others.

                Sadly, this character we should attain is becoming a diminishing thought today. Yet, with my strong efforts, I would like to put it back to life. It is true that dying for the country is a form of nationalism but, it doesn’t always end there. All of us can actually become heroes. For me, doing simple things, even small, can be big enough to be called as an act of heroism for the country. You can do it by the mere act of supporting what is truly Filipino. Love the country by preserving its mesmerizing treasures; become vigilant followers of the government; love our language; support the greatest music we have called the OPM; and support all Filipino products. To share my feelings, I was delighted with the birth of Philippine branded mobile phones, giving me the thought that we can actually compete with other country’s brands by simply buying what is ours. Why would you think we should buy over-rated foreign products if doing such means we are helping their country instead of ours?

Another thought I would want to share is about our love for our language. In fact, I was inspired by a short story I have read. The story goes like this. There was an old Filipino requesting for his visa to be approved by an American employee. The man, unknown to speaking in English, brought his granddaughter as his interpreter. The employee asked for the reason why he wants to go to the United States. The old man spoke in Filipino that he just wants to see his children living there at least before he dies. However, his request was still rejected for the reason that he knows nothing in speaking English. The old man became furious and forced her granddaughter to say how the hell did he get here in the Philippines if he knows nothing in speaking Filipino?

With these thoughts that I’ve mentioned, I hope by now you know already what it is that we must learn in order for this country to move forward. With nationalism, pride and most of all love for the Philippines, it’s possible.  Now, if you already love the Philippines, there is still a bigger question that entails, "Does the Philippines love you?" Think of it.