Embracing Our Roots in the Face of Modern Challenges
In an era characterized by globalization, rapid westernization, and the increasingly common necessity of working overseas, the Filipino identity stands at a crossroads. Add to this the pervasive issue of political corruption, and it becomes clear that our national spirit is facing unprecedented challenges. Yet, amidst these trials, there lies an opportunity for every Filipino to reaffirm and celebrate the essence of what it means to be part of this vibrant and resilient nation.
The Filipino Spirit: A Legacy Worth Preserving
The Filipino identity is a tapestry woven from centuries of history, culture, and shared experiences. We have the first & oldest “China town” way back in 1594 , same time as the Majapahit kingdom where we were also a part of. For context , Chinatown in San Francisco, USA was enacted only in 1853, that’s 3 generations of amalgamation & evolution of cultural practices. The Bayanihan spirit that embodies communal unity and cooperation, to the deep reverence for family and faith, these values are cornerstones of our identity. Our rich traditions—the colorful festivals, unique cuisine, and the warmth of Filipino hospitality—are treasures that connect us to our roots.
However, the pressures of westernization often promote a perception that foreign influences are superior, leading some to distance themselves from their heritage and this pervasive insecurity to “white supremacy “ which in reality is so far from the truth. The Filipino perspective is so much more wide range than our western brothers & sisters . We have the wealth of passed down knowledge & experiences that a young western nation is lacking. Therefore mine these perspective & shrug off the programmed insecurities brought by the 500 years of colonization.
This colonial attitude can erode the cultural bedrock that binds us as a people. Westernization need not mean the abandonment of tradition. Instead, it can be an avenue to showcase and adapt our identity to the modern world, ensuring that our culture remains vibrant, proactive and relevant.
Overseas Filipinos: Ambassadors of Culture
Millions of Filipinos work overseas, driven by the noble desire to provide better lives for their families. While this diaspora presents challenges to maintaining cultural ties, it also positions overseas workers as ambassadors of Filipino culture. Through their resilience, work ethic, and warmth, Filipinos abroad are often admired and respected.
It is vital for overseas workers to remain rooted in their identity, passing on cultural traditions to their children and fostering a sense of pride in being Filipino. Technology offers tools to stay connected—virtual celebrations of holidays, sharing traditional recipes, and teaching the Filipino language are ways to keep the heritage alive across borders.
Fighting Corruption: A Collective Responsibility
Political corruption has long been a thorn in the nation’s side, undermining trust in institutions and hampering progress. While systemic corruption may feel overwhelming, it is crucial to remember that change begins with individual actions and collective effort. Let us refuse to normalize corrupt practices in our daily lives and demand accountability from leaders. By cultivating integrity and supporting grassroots movements for transparency and reform, the very same reform that our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal is clamouring for in his second book El Filibusterismo. We need to be “system busters “ not through civil war, but through peaceful & progressive reform. Perhaps, this is the era that he has been dreaming about.
With the advent of technology, this dream can manifest into reality.
Filipinos can reclaim the governance that reflects our shared values, what better way to start doing this through a simple way to organize our common desire for positive change and to be heard as well as counted.
The Filipino Now has commissioned a nation building software system to capture the sentiments of anyone & everyone who wants to be actively involved in our collective efforts to manage the nation effectively. Technology has paved the way for big data analytics to give the masses a voice & empirical data of exactly what they want to happen, we will have the numbers to show. It’s like a plebiscite without the cost of a plebiscite that just get corrupted anyway by out of integrity politicians.
Essentially it’s a Digital ID with a QR code system and survey questionnaires plus a one way texting capabilities all over the world. Philippines is the texting capital of the world, when everybody who has an ID can receive text messages directly from their desired leaders and not from corrupted government officials, then the masses can be properly informed and guided to come together and boot out these handful of élite politician- parasites that ruin the lives of millions of Filipinos.
We plan to ask these survey questions to Filipinos:
- Gusto nyo ba na ang justice department at PNP ang mamuno upang aresrutuhin at i kulong ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno na gumagamit ng mga ipinagbabawal na gamot? Yes or No
- Tatlong grupo ang nagsusulong para sa 3 impeachment cases upang tanggalin si VP Sara Duterte; 1. Liberal Party , 2.Bagong Alyansa Makabayan pangatlo ay 3. mga Catholic priests and lawyers. Gusto nyo po bang itigil na ito at panagutin ang mga ito sa kasong pagtataksil sa bayan?
We are calling on advocacy groups such as Sara Z. Duterte Carpio for President and Ms. Krizette Laureta Chu of Second Chances PH to collaborate and send their survey questions to [email protected].
Amidst the challenges of westernization, the overseas diaspora, and political corruption, let us stand firm and honor our heritage. By doing so, we keep our ancestors alive in our hearts , enrich our now, and build a future where the Filipino spirit shines brightly for generations to come.
The Filipino now! Together we can! Bayanihan na! Now na, now na!