Rediscovering Filipino Values - I See, I Act, I Advocate

Rediscovering Filipino Values: I see, I act, I advocate Many say that we live in a world of Change.
Constancy is a taboo and change is inevitable. Look around you and see how fast changes happened in every corner of our society. 'Pilapils' have become highways, 'karteros' have been phased out by the Worldwide Web, 'kalesas' have been replaced by motor vehicles, and 'bahay kubos' have been refurbished into high-rise condo units. Even the names of people changed! Pepe is now Pete, Juan is John, Pedro is called Peter, and even some 'Jun-Jun's' have turned into 'JenJen's'! Kidding aside, many facets of our society have changed. Even I have changed through these years. You probably did not recognize me, but I was once the demure, self-effacing, Maria Clara. But now, I am the new-age Marie Claire! I have replaced that constricting panuelo with this cotton bolero. My heat-stroking barot saya have all been replaced by fashionable blouses and skirts. And my bakyas have been replaced by these high-heeled shoes. I was once restricted to household chores, but today, I work in high-rise buildings and multinational corporations. I used to be deprived of scholastic and economic endeavors, but I rose up to demand the same educational and employment benefit as that of my male counterparts. I am even capable of doing once alpha-male jobs and lead a male-dominated profession. But many questioned and even hindered my becoming the selfempowered Marie Claire. They say its an offense to the cultural norms of our country! That I am destroying the delicate balance of genders! That I am dishonoring Filipino values! But then again, is stereotyping women to household work a cultural norm? Is giving educational and employment preference for males a balance of genders? Is female oppression honorable and a value of Filipinos? Filipino values are not mandated by dress codes, or the overpowering of the weak, or the limitation of capacities and benefits. Rather, Filipino values are centered upon maintaining social harmony. In the myriad of changes, I remain to uphold the core values of being a Filipino. My clothes changed, but I have not disrobed myself of my beliefs as I stand firm upon my faith toward God. My roles and responsibilities have evolved, but my principles have not wavered as I uphold the good and abhor evils. My capacities were altered, but I still practice the Filipino respect and hospitality as I warmly welcome guests at home and continue to use po and opo in addressing my elders.
Despite the years of oppression, I practiced the Philippine optimism as I had not lost hope for a better and brighter tomorrow. Despite the times of calamities, I took an active part in Bayanihan as I built homes through Gawad Kalinga, planted trees in environmental conservation projects, and even spearhead social programs to benefit our citizenry. Despite the sinking economy, the resiliency of the modern-day Filipina is manifested as I juggle the responsibility of being a provider, a wife, and a mother, all at the same time! Many Filipinas also worked abroad as domestic helpers, nurses, and skilled laborers to support their familys budget, but as palabra de honor to our nation, they help in sending money to our country to help increase the value of our peso! In this, we render utmost gratitude to the good that others have given us by doing well to return the same good to them. And at the end of the day, the ilaw ng tahanan remains to provide love and care to the home solidifying the family as the basic unit of our society. All of these values, I have practiced all these years whether I be the soft-spoken Maria Clara, or the out-spoken Marie Claire. I still upheld the values of being a Filipino. And today, I ask you to raise the banner of our nation through our practice of these Filipino values. In the midst of this world of change, will you adapt to the demands but never forget our principles? Though scholars refute the existence of God, will you constantly look up and seek His guidance everyday? Though other countries have perverted their moral and social standards, will you still look toward doing good and benefit the majority? Though our currency depreciates, will our character devaluate? Though other cultures put their elders to nursing homes, will you render utmost care, respect, and affection to them until their dying breaths? Though other races promote the concept of nuclear families, will you find time to treasure going to church as a whole clan, a regular Sunday pot-luck lunch with your uncles and aunts, kneeling at the feet of lolo and lola to listen to their timeless stories, or even keep up with our Holiday family traditions? Though circumstances lead to divorce and separation, will you still stay true to the promise of I Do? In a world of broken families, will you continue to nurture that blood bond that binds even all aspects of our society? In a world of indifference, will you reach out your hand to help those who are in need? In a world of sorrow and strife, will you have enough optimism to flash a genuine smile? Let this be a challenge to us, new-age Filipnos. Uphold our cultural heritage in our daily lives. Stand firm and true upon or values and principles. Pass on the fire of these Philippine legacies from generation to generation. And let us all take pride of being a Filipino.

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Rediscovering Filipino Values: I see, I act, I advocate Many say that we live in a world of Change.

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