Who loves the Philippines?

"This group embodies the common values of unity amidst diversity, progressive mentality, love for country, cultural understanding, information sharing and showcases the beauty and warmth of Filipino hospitality."


This is the rationale of a Facebook Group, that a friend and former colleague added me to, as the 6,428th member.  It is not the first, and definitely not going to be the last group that is going to be formed in support of the Philippines.  But what is surprising about this one is that more than half of its members are not from the Philippines.  Read: NOT FILIPINOS.  Please, humor me and go back to the first paragraph and read again.


I was humbled, and I have to admit, a little bit shamed that people of other nationalities, with their own cultures and value systems to call their own, can show appreciation and support for a country that is not even theirs -- and this saddens me, for some of our own cannot do the same.


Our country is not perfect, and its not ever going to be.  And the exodus of Filipinos going out of the country for economic reasons is not stopping anytime soon, defnitely not in our lifetime, nor in the lifetime of the next generation.  But it does not take one person to be in the correct geographic location to show pride and appreciation for the Philippines; and as the non-Filipino members of My Paradise Philippines attest -- you don't even have to be a Filipino to see that we have a great country, a great culture, and a great people.


So it saddens and angers me when there are individuals who claim to be Filipino but do not behave, nor speak like one.  It is not my intention to malign this person but I would just like to cite him as an example, he being a celebrity and thus, a public figure who wields a considerable influence.


He who does not know Martin Nievera is not a Filipino.  Who has not heard of his powerful voice and glib tongue?  Unfortunately, though he has practically matured before our eyes, he still speaks with an American twang and is unapologetic about his inability to carry on a conversation in Filipino without getting bulol.  Sad. And frustrating.


On a happy note, there is an Anne Curtis (I am not a fan, by the way) who has transformed from a pretty teenager whose attempt to use Tagalog is a punchline by itself, to a mature woman who speaks perfect Tagalog with confidence and sense.


Going back to the group, should you be interested in joining, simply go to your Facebook and search My Paradise Philippines.  It is an open group so all you have to do is request to be added.  See you there!