Ma. Lucille Trina R. Santos 4th yr High School St.

Marys College of Baliuag

To foretell the destiny of a nation, it is necessary to open the book that tells of her past. This line is inscribed in Fort Santiago which was quoted by our famous national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Rizal was the embodiment of what a true, noble Filipino is. We commemorate him not only to showcase his legacy but also to reaffirm our pride as Filipinos. At present, if you would ask people if what they are proud of being a Filipino, most of them would mention TV personalities like Charice Pempengco and Manny Pacquiao. But are they the only ones that we Filipinos should make a big deal in our country? Being a Filipino does not only mean taking pride in the people that can make us known worldwide. There are a lot of ways to describe what it means to be a Filipino. Philippines have several languages which let them interact with different people. Although this is not a unique characteristic of Filipinos, being with other people conveys a different approach. The hospitality of Filipinos is also splendid. It may be the natural spirit of the people or the breeze of love that seems to endlessly blow in Filipino windows, but they are generally an extremely generous and warm community. Being Filipino means understanding the spirit of giving to others. Now, the Filipinos compose the worlds largest population of overseas workers I feel proud of seeing them at their best adjusting and managing to feel at home. Filipinos work hard and strive for the best. When calamities especially Ondoy hit our country, you could see how strong the Filipinos are unlike any other. They are still optimistic in the midst of problems and struggles they face. They never lose hope and giving up is out of the equation. A Filipino steps up and gives a helping hand to the most that are in need. Being a Filipino is being respectful of our own culture and traditions. Part of the Filipino culture is how the younger ones address the elders. The kissing of hands and the use of po and opo are extraordinary. With the Filipino family, they have something that you never see in other nations. That is the close family ties which is the common reason why there are extended families. I speak in general of what I mean of being a Filipino today. Some values may have changed nowadays but that does not mean any less of a Filipino. Some trends might have emerged and we might have marked the map of the world because of some intrigues in politics and in social issues. But to be a Filipino is to bear many burdens upon our shoulders - like poverty, corruption, poor security, unfair judgment, and others. To be a Filipino is to work for change. We Filipinos also made a mark through goodness that we can truly be proud of. We must be proud of those who work for a better future for our country. Those struggling to end poverty, corruption, and all the burdens we have to carry. We must all get rid of the misconception that we have to be famous. We must not work to impress, but to express. We must join hands and work to progress. And this is the quality that makes us true Filipinos.