Yesterday, I wrote about Filipino values. This write-up is a sort of a continuation. It is not controversial. It’s a personal viewpoint.
I am positive that those who read that article viewed my lines of argument as “subtle”, so they wouldn’t “hold water”, “no effect” – because Filipinos tend to become sensitive about “their adopted way of life abroad”, and issues on cultural background/behaviour become “spiny” items to argue about.
Allow me to give an example, say, Filipinos in theUSA. We can observe that there are lots of Filipinos in the US who have already differentiated themselves from being a Filipino. A total change from who they were back home and how they are in the US. The USA is specially pinpointed at because of the huge Filipino population in that country. But there is a good reason for such a “difference”. It is because a good number of Filipinos in the US have met success in business, in their profession and in their lives. Success lies upon who we are and what we are. And I think that is the point of order. “Sweat, blood and tears” – it could be said. But everyone should admit that we all experienced hardship upon hardships abroad. Some reached the apex of success and it is sad to say that some remain unfortunate. And many are still “suffering” now.
Anyway, my point redounds to what St. Ambrose said, and I quote: “If you are in Rome, live in the Roman way, if you are elsewhere, live as they do there”. Filipinos abroad, whether in Europe, the US and elsewhere, have avowed on that saying and, it is completely comprehensible…..because we want to live in “grandeur” – who doesn’t?….because we want to continue to live in “dreams”, still, very understandable.
What I would like to drive at though is that, profess what is good about our origin and embrace what is good in the destination you have chosen. I rest my case.
Pues, I think that’s about it. Muchas gracias a todos los visitantes de este “blog”. Maraming salamat po sa inyong pag-dalaw sa aking blog.. sa mga taga-probinsya ng Visaya – Daghang salamat; sa mga taga-probinsya ng Ilocos – Agyaman; at sa mga taga-probinsya ng Bicol – Mabalos. Sa mga taga iba pang probinsya na hindi ko nabanggit, eh, salamat din po sa inyong lahat.
Have a wonderful day,
Eric
Such an interesting subject. Your point very well expounded and well taken. Muchas gracias tambien! Hasta luego!!
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