Vice President's Message

DISCOVER THE PHILIPPINES

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A tourist was asked, “Did you like the Philippines.” “Oh, yes, they have the most beautiful beaches and ladies.” And that was it for this fellow. Oh, he missed the entire forest for his view of only two trees Poor chap.

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The Philippines is much more than that description. Let us count the ways.

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1. History: The group of islands (later known as the Philippines), even before the colonization of Spain in 1500s, had a long history of relationship with its neighbors in the south (Malaya, Indonesia, Polynesia) and in the north (China, Japan, Korea). Islam was in the islands since the 1300s.

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Eventually, Spain colonized the islands (named it the Philippines) for more than three centuries introducing Christianity, language and culture (songs, dance, fiestas), education, agriculture and the like. Sordid that Spain checked the spread of Islam through its aggressive campaign against the Muslims.

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Note that the Philippines was under Spain at the latter’s height of power in the world, in almost all aspects, similar to the USA in the present. Thus, the Philippines shared such legacy of wealth, trade (ocean-crossing galleons), military, education, culture, arts and the like.

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2. Culture: There are identified eight languages and more than ninety dialects in the country. And with languages/dialects, the island cultures are different and exciting as well. Imagine the pride Filipinos fee for such diversity. For example Bulacan and Pampanga, separated only by a river, have two languages, arts, and attitudes towards the goings-on around them. Ilocanos are different from the Tagalogs, and the Bicolanos, Visayans, and Igorots, and Maranaos, and Tausugs, and many more others. Wow, a lifetime is not enough to immerse in such diversity.  Modesty aside, I have been exposed (and thoroughly loved them) in the many places I have lived in the country.

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Someone asked, “Why is it that almost all Filipinos are fantastic singers and dancers?  Because of our history and arts of having been exposed to European (operas, fandangos, serenatas) and Asian influences. And of course, because of the happy nature of our genes influenced by the beauty of the land, beaches, fauna and flora; and lovely maidens and handsome, romantic caballeros that bloom from intermarriages with Asians, Europeans, and other races.

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3. Religion: The Philippines is the most Christianized country in Asia with some 95% of its population; Islam is 5% is the other religion, along with others. There is mutual respect for each others’ faiths as compared to previous century.

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4. Education: Literacy is high. Great universities abound. The University of the Philippines, Mindanao Stat University, Ateneo de Manila, and others are internationally renowned and recognized as Centers of Excellence.  Filipino families, rich and poor, are obsessed by their children to acquire University education. To them, education is the surest way to advance in life.

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5. Government and Politics: The Philippines is a republic, a democracy, similar in many ways to the USA, including its rough and tumble, nonstop politics, with its faults and successes. Politics and free speech are the lifeblood of activities, and fun and fiery rhetorics. Excitement ex maxima, no respite, makes politics more entertainment than a boring pursuit.

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Come and visit the Philippines and discover how great it is. There is everything  to enjoy and appreciate. And guaranteed, you will exclaim, “Ako ay Filipino na rin!”