Not Proud
Posted September 15th, 2009 at 9:26PM
I am Filipino - just half of it specifically and I'm not proud of it.
I hate being half-Filipino even just half of it. I don't like to be related to any Filipinos even though I'm half of it.
Filipinos have nice beaches, nice food, very friendly people and very hospitable. That's what they always tell other people and that's what they are always proud of.
But, deep inside, Filipinos don't love themselves. They ignore their identity. Filipinos hate their identity; Filipinos don't like being Filipinos. Filipinos if given a chance would be American, Canadians, English, Japanese, Irish, Chinese, Koreans, and all other nationalities except being a Filipino.
Filipinos would also prefer to buy goods from other countries over their own products, because they have very low self-esteem and that they don't believe that their own-made products are also good.
Filipinos are also selfish especially the government officials. They would prioritize themselves more over their jobs even if these jobs are for the Filipino people. Filipinos doesn't know patriotism because they don't believe in themselves. They also lack discipline or self-control.
Look at other Asian countries, they have discipline and they believe in themselves - China, Thailand, Korea have all surpassed the Philippines in terms of economy. The Philippines was just next to Japan in terms of economy before. China doesn't know how to build cars themselves, but now, they now have their own automobile industry that can compete with Toyota, Honda and other popular brands. Where's the Philippines now - the country run by Filipinos? Still poor.
The Japanese people believe in themselves and if they have a chance to be Americans, they would still be Japanese.
Other nationalities look down on Filipinos because Filipinos themselves look down on themselves.
I'm not proud having Filipino blood because the people who have this blood in their veins have very low self-esteem over their capabilities. Government officials who have Filipino blood are selfish - always aiming for wealth-gain.
Well, I'm still Filipino - although just half of it and not proud of it even if I was born and raised in the Philippines.
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Ok, where were you brought up? My understanding is that the Phillipines is a poor country, my uncle....who we all think is gone crazy, ordered a Filipino bride over the internet 10years ago. To me this is unheard of....but over there I guess it must be acceptable.
My uncle lived alone on a large property in the country alone for many years...my uncle mumbles and has bad hearing so it didnt matter too much that the cultures and languages were somewhat different. They lived as a couple for 10years until the boy was 18 and went to the Navy. He would often take her on holidays back to the Phillipines to see her family. Now, he has gone craZy, he goes over there and thinks he is a god by giving them money. He has since seperated the first Phillipino wife and decided to live in the Phillipines, where he re-married a 21year old Phillipino girl. He has decided he hated Australians and wants to live in the Phillipines, he is in his 50's, and all his remaining family thinks he gone mad. He must enjoy being treated like a god, for all the money he has to give, we think it is wrong that he married the young woman as the first wife from the Phillipines was closer to his age. -
I AM SORRY MR. NEO, BUT YOU ARE GENERALIZING US. MAYBE YOU SHOULDN'T BE IN THIS GROUP. PLEASE GET OUT. NOT ALL FILIPINOS FEEL THE WAY YOU DO, NOR FEEL THE WAY YOU THINK WE FEEL. DO NOT STEREOTYPE US!!! IF YOU MUST DISS THE FILIPINO PEOPLE, DO NOT DO IT IN THIS GROUP! GET OUT! YOU ARE NOT WANTED HERE!! MAKE YOUR OWN GROUP!! I FIND YOU VERY OFFENSIVE. IF YOU'RE CITING FREEDOM OF SPEECH OR WHATEVER OTHER BULLSHIT, GO ON AHEAD AND DISS US, BUT NOT HERE IN THIS FORUM! GET OUT OF THIS GROUP!!
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@walkeroo
I'm not dissing people here. I'm still Filipino. I was born and raised in the Philippines. I'm in the Philippines right now and I have a Philippine passport. I know a lot about the Philippines. hahahaha.
That's just my point and has nothing to do about you. If you're proud, be proud. But for me, I'm not proud.
Di ako nakikipag-away sayo. Point ko lang to. -
@ walkeroo
I'm still Pinoy though just half of me. I'm not getting out of this group because I'm still Filipino, but not proud to be one.
You're proud and I'm happy for you. But, for me, I'm really not proud, because of the reasons I stated above. -
I'm sorry to hear this...hopefully, you'll get used to it. Even if this is offensive to myself (you did state that they'll find a chance to have some other nationality, right? I find this true within myself, but of course, I still love my country).
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Good for you Blythiana. But, a lot of Filipinos in other countries don't recognize their birthplace anymore. That's a sad fact and they don't wanna be related to other Filipinos as well there.
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if you are proud to be filipino, filipino dapat ang pagreply mo. SEE! that's what I'm talking about. In my opinion, for you English is a better language to use to comment here.
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maybe so that others would understand? isnt that the logic? -
somehow you may be right about Filipinos preferring to be japansese or americans (etc) if given the chance..and that we are looked down upon because it is actually us who'd look down on ourselves in the first place.
But tell me, are you one of those people? i can understand if you aren't that proud to be one, and im not gonna tell you to bear with being a Filipino because you are stuck with that bloodline and there's nothing you can do..
it's not in the race that makes us Filipinos..it's in what's in your heart..well, in my case it's specifically in my blood. that's why may agimat ang dugo ko...
hope ya slip away to happiness and realize that it's great to be a Filipino..c'mon, don't be so pessimistic.
this is a great country, there are LOTS of great people..
*ahem* my lola,lolo,retarded but still awesome classmates, the strict but caring teachers, the know-it-all titas, our overprotective,conservative,and lovable parents, our irritating but can't-live-without-em siblings...and many many others...
we have our downsides but we are great people..hope you realize it soon.. -
I am half phillipino as well , i wasent born and raised in the phillipines but i recently stayed there for 2 months and i loved it , people where funny and good , places where beautiful and the food was great fun, except 4 dat raw egg thingy hehe i 4got the name .... but seriously i loved the simplicity and all , im looking forward to spend the rest of my life there , i really hope so and mmm proud to be at least half :)
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good to hear..nagustuhan mo dito sa pilipinas... -
@sukoshi. I guess you are right about that. People really are loving and very hospitable. That's what's good about being Filipino. But, I really can't stand how Filipinos run the government and the economy. I just hate Filipinos doing stupid things in the government and the economy. Come on! Stupid GLORIA. pabagsak na ng pabagsak ang Pilipinas!! Wala kang KWENTA!!!
@johncooper. Yeah, a lot of Filipinos who was born and raised in other countries really enjoyed a lot here in the Philippines. -
Aww. Sad to hear you feel that way. But you are entitled to your own opinion and we all have our own ideas and feelings toward our heritage. I agree with some points, although many arguments can be raised against them too. I won't list them here because we would all be debating forever. But my point is, pride does not have to come from outside, it has to come from within. I realize the faults that we Filipinos have, but I balance it out with everything else that is good inside of us...and what's good inside of me.
Though our economic and political status is in dire straits, and had been for a long time, I'd like to mention that it is entirely unfair to compare ourselves to other countries. Why? Because our history, values, upbringing, and ideals are different from them. I am a Canadian citizen now, and I am not ashamed to say that I am Filipino. And I am not ashamed to admit that I love being in Canada, too...
...but I am proud of being Filipino because it means that I am part of a heritage where family ties are of utmost importance; where education is a gift, not an option; where respect for elders (saying "ate", "kuya", "po" and "opo"!) is taken to heart; where the greatest happiness is found not in how many material possessions one has but in the richness in relationships with friends, relatives, and family; kasi, sa atin, kahit na maghirap man ang buong bayan, meron at meron tayong nakikitang kasiyahan sa maliliit na bagay.
I don't deny that we have many flaws, but I can't turn a blind eye to the best things within ourselves that make us proud to be Pinoy or Pinay. Siguro yung iba, they really want to denounce their heritage. But like a popular saying goes: Ang di marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, ay di makararating sa paruruonan.
Be the best that you can be. Filipino or not, what matters is what you make of yourself and how you contribute to making the world a better place for everyone :) -
sorry to hear that, but im on the fence with your statement. i do see filipinos sometimes not as patriotic and would want to be a different nationality and I also see some of the most patriotic filipinos in america. But its true some filipinos forget their homeland and is really sad to see. What happens to the teen/kid filipino generations now? Do they still live in America or do they go back to their homeland? And for the filipinos born in america do you want to still live in america?I personally would want to live my adultlife back in the philippines.
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hello neo. i linked this up well in my website. good job on the article. check the post here:
http://www.myfilipinokitchen.com/filipinas-for-sale/ -
@kitchenero. Thank you very much. I've read through your post and yeah, that's the reality of Filipinos. They aren't really proud to be one. But, when you put Pacquaio in the conversation, they would start loving to be Filipinos, but other than that, they don't. And what does BOXING have to do with being a Filipino anyway? Well, that's one reality Filipinos have to really think over.
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nigga yo *** is just hating blood lol **** you if you dont wanna be filipino bith get yo *** too africa ********** im proud to be filipino we dont need yo ****** opinion blood its pinoy pride
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alll these nicKuhs is just hating blood fukk yall foo's ya'll dont know **** bout my country blood
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Well look whose talking here? Looks like you're just another American wannabee, sick-minded brat with that stupid identity crisis & can't do anything for his country except trash talks. While I agree with you in most of the things you say about us but isn't it good if you can just do something to contribute & make the Philippines a better nation than just sitting on the computer & type something ridiculous like this? Moreover not all Filipinos are like that so please don't generalize everything. I'm a Filipino myself & I prefer more our local brand than imported brands. I may have naturally brown hair, brown eyes, slightly Caucasian looks & slightly lighter skin than the average Filipinos but frankly I don't use any whitening products nor contact lenses nor I use an umbrella whenever I'm out on a sunny day. And I hate wannabee people like you who has no patriotism to his mother land. I know you are free to post anything because that is your opinion but please do it with responsibility. I suggest that its better for sick people like you to just abandon this group & create a group called "I'm a Wannabee". That suits you & other white wannabees very well.
Sorry for these words but its just that you're statements are very offensive & made me angry. Imbes na makatulong kang pagandahin ang imagen ng Pinoy eh lalo mo lang pinabababa ang tingin sa atin ng mga dayuhan ng dahil jan sa mga sinabi mo & sa attitude mo na "I'm not proud to be Filipino". -
@jmdortega. Whatever my opinion is has nothing to do with you, it's my opinion. You are free to your opinions too. I'm not a wannabee; I'm just telling the truth that Filipinos don't like to be Filipinos; I have seen it in my eyes. If an white Caucasian comes, they would all giggle especially Filipinas. You can also see it in the malls too. When a Caucasian guy passes through the guard checkpoints in the mall, they would just let him pass through because he's a Caucasian while they would check all other people because they are Filipinos. It's what I see through my eyes. Whatever your opinion is what you have experienced. My opinion has nothing to do with you.
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To neo, I felt so sorry for you. Being filipino to you is so superficial. Philippines may not be a rich country like USA, but don't look far away because this land is so bless with natural resources. Sad that we Filipinos don't see the beauty of this country. Also, we filipinos value family, friendship sometimes in life it's not all material that matters. It's how we treasure relationship, the people around us. The true character of a person is seen on how he faces life despite poverty, that is how we are filipinos, we find simple joy in small things. It doesn't take much for us to be happy, unlike in first country...suicidal cla doon.
What else can you think of Philippines don't have, we have the best beach that you can't find in other country. Pls stop trash talking of our country, coz this country is paradise. We can make it through if change start within you. Kaya imbes na magreklamo ka, be the solution that our country needs. God bless the Filipinos God bless the Philippines -
it's quite interesting/entertaining to read the reactions to your post, and your reactions to them.
if we were cousins, and i posted on the net that i don't like being related to you, what would you feel? because that's practically what you said to your fellow Filipinos (whether half or otherwise) when you wrote and i quote "I don't like to be related to any Filipinos even though I'm half of it."
that said, you might want to reconsider defending yourself with, "whatever my opinion is has nothing to do with you."
in the politically correct world of "free speech", faulty reasoning (in this case, overgeneralization) cannot be taken lightly, even when under the guise of "opinion". -
There is truth in this. Before I go on, let me say that I was raised in the Ph so I know where I'm coming from.
All the time people say, "I'm proud to be Filipino!" but you always get the sense that it is said just for the sake of saying it. "I was born Filipino so I am proud to be one" which is not necessarily bad, but it is sad that we don't have better reasons for saying so. The rest say they're proud of what, physical beauty? Beaches? Nature? The famed, extremely skewed, Filipino hospitality? TBH, that's crap and only serves to expose what we DON'T have to be proud of.
Here's an example of something Filipinos can be proud of: Manny Pacquiao. Sure, people make fun sometimes and he's made some ridiculous appearances in the media but what makes him different is that he EARNED his distinction with his own blood, sweat, and tears. Literally. Skill, effort, discipline, determination. That is what makes him admirable and that is what makes me proud of him. People who have honed and developed their talents like Lea Salonga, Charice Pempengco, etc, them we should be proud of.
But then it stops short because after the prowess of certain individuals, what have we got left? Almost nothing. Wealth and beauty are created regularly, but they are so concentrated and sparse that it is not worth mentioning. A few of our cities are beautiful and rich but what about everywhere else? Culture? I'm not going to get into this but more and more we are looking at other countries for culture. Just look at all those Filipinos who pretend to be Japanese or Korean and go around saying, "kawaii!" or "ohayo gozaimasu!" or "anyung haseo!". We don't celebrate it as much. Holidays are just an excuse to skip work or school. Cultural celebration is getting lazy.
I'll tell you something, when I loudly proclaim that I am proud to be Filipino it will be for reasons similar to these: economic growth and increase in living standards and wealth, less unemployment and income distribution inequality, a highly skilled, educated work force, movement into industrialization and finance, richness and variety in music and the arts, etc. When we, Filipinos, finally grit our teeth and all WORK together and earn recognition, wealth, prestige, power, and unity, then I will shout it from the rooftops. I am not saying I am not proud to be Filipino, but for now I will just sit back, hang out with my fellow Filipinos, listen to OPM, eat halo-halo, etc. But I will not sit here and claim that we are the best and that we have much to be proud of. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we can get out of our current mess and stop living in mediocrity. Denial of this will toll the death knell for our country. -
WOW , You have no idea about your own culture , only what you are told
I have a filipina fiancee , and yes i am american , but she is proud to be filipina , and she wouldnt change for any reason .
The Philippines as a country are relativley poor , you have no right to say your fellow country men are not proud just because they would desire to have more in their lives.
My fiancee is 28 and lives in her parents home ..a total of 13 people live in the house .
During my stay there i witnessed something i had longed for in my own life ............ A TRUE FAMILY!!
The father woke up a 4:30am everymorning to drive his motorcycle taxi, the mom was up before then to make sure his coffee (cape) was made and the pandesal was ready for him.
Once he was out the door she would start breakfast for everyone who would be awake around 5:30.
Everyone in the family did their part to contribute to the household , there was no one sitting idle watching tv until about 8 pm after dinner , then everyone was in bed by 10:30 or 11pm
You are too hard on your self for no real reason , i think you need to talk to some REAL filipinos to get a more accurate perspective of you heritage.
Being filipino is nothing to be ashamed of.
I am a white american but even I have seen the memorial for the war at Mt. Samat , and the death march trail.
If you really want a sense of pride i suggest you read up on the battling bastard of battaan -
mustangguy, you are in over your head. You think that during your short stay in our country that you've uncovered the beliefs, traditions, mentality and troubles of our country? You think that because you have a Filipina wife, met her family, and seen how they live that you can speak as if you're an authority and reject criticism of our practices? We've lived here for years and years. We've seen the good and the bad, the hearts and minds of our politicians, and the subtleties and nuances of our people. You have the audacity to think that you can lecture us?
"not proud just because they would desire to have more in their lives."
What is this? You have no idea of the corruption many officials possess do you? Having desire to increase the quality of your life is one thing. Putting yourself before others, to the extent that it is counterproductive to society is another.
Oh, so reading up on the actions and accomplishments of our ancestors is supposed to make us proud? Why, did our generation do anything? The past is the past. This is the present. The actions of our forefathers are to be admired, but is our current state so bankrupt of progress that we must turn to the actions of the dead? "OH! We're in a big mess now, but look, once a upon a time we were great!"
How incredibly presumptuous. Real Filipinos my ***. The real Filipinos are the ones that see the problems and want to fix them not those who try to sweep them under the rug and pretend everything is just cheery. -
No actually I have read and learned our alot of corruption in the philipines, maybe I should have made my stand more clearly.
I have many many filipino family memebers that have been apart of my family for over 30 years now.
My sister in law's father was there during the war , I have spent alot of time listening to him and his wife , tell stories from the philipines.
They are actually why I chose to go to the philippines to choose a wife , I have NEVER met a self depricating filipino,
What your countries leaders do should have no direct bearing on your personal pride for being a filipino its just a lame excuse.
Yes there is current corruption, but its not limited to the philippines.
correct my time in the philippines was rather brief but my dealings with filipino span my ENTIRE life , and i never have met a filipino / filipina like you describe in your post. -
does anyone else find it funny that a white guy from the USA is defending the philippines to filipinos?
I mean sure every country has its problems but it doesnt mean you have to hate your culture, -
If you knew what you were talking about you would know that it's not just our leaders that are the problem. Filipinos are fine as individuals, but working together and for the good of all is not something that comes easily. Politicians are the most commonly used examples because they are the most visible. If you read my post on the 2nd page, you will understand what the problem is.
You think what my country's leaders do should have no effect on my pride? Well who do you think elected them in the first place? Who do you think voted for an ex-convict, gambling, stealing, disgrace of an ex-president 2ND in the last election!? Would you be proud of an aristocratic society with massive income inequality? Proud of such a large gap between the lower classes and the rest in terms of culture, education quality, access to technology and the like? Looks like the Filipinos you spend time with don't tell you everything.
Ask your wife what "matapobre" means. Ask her about the divide between the rich and the poor. How the upper and middle class look at the poor and vice-versa. (edited: felt it was a little harsh)
You've never met a self-deprecating Filipino? Of course. That's the problem. We are afraid of looking at ourselves. I don't hate the Ph. In fact, I love our people, as individuals. But we are regressing and our denial of this is what merits criticism.
Be proud when you have something to be proud of, not just for the sake of being proud. -
ok well we agree on one thing .......we both love the Philippines, other than that we have different views.
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why do u hate yourself so much? you should not lump filipinos in your self hatred.
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I am not posting to diss you,but you might want to deeper your investigation about things that are going on in the Philippines. Find out what are the root causes of the problems and the Philippines and why the routine of going out the country for work is becoming very normal. Why farmers can't afford the rice that their planting, why light skin is prettier than dark skin, why raw materials comes from the Philippines and made products are sold back to the country as "imported" products. Their is a lot to consider and you must not in anyway generalize and group of people.
This is one of my tracks you can listen to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDeSjz5defc -
I am not posting to diss you,but you might want to deeper your investigation about things that are going on in the Philippines. Find out what are the root causes of the problems and the Philippines and why the routine of going out the country for work is becoming very normal. Why farmers can't afford the rice that their planting, why light skin is prettier than dark skin, why raw materials comes from the Philippines and made products are sold back to the country as "imported" products. Their is a lot to consider and you must not in anyway generalize and group of people.
This is one of my tracks you can listen to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDeSjz5defc -
Philippines is just a lovely place to live! I am a Filipina and I dont want to be at any other race. I love my features, my self, and so as my family. I found it lonely knowing that corruption is prevailing here in the country but I will be the loneliest if I would not help my fellowmen overcome these challenges and chose to migrate.
I am happy born as a Filipino! We may have negative trairs but we are much more looking on the positive we have. It is only in the Philippines that everyone will experience surviving and living happily despite poverty and simplicity. As I had ;earned from one of my great mentors: There are only three ways to be happy: SIMPLIFY! SIMPLIFY! SIMPLIFY!
Being a proud Filipino does not speak only of culture, economy status, traits. Hanapin mo yan deep inside your heart at mkikita mo. It is rather felt!
MABUHAY TAYONG MGA PILIPINO! MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!
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