Filipinas Kong Mahal (Philippines, My Love)
a social commentary

Colonial mentality has taken the best from many Filipinos.
Of course, many will deny it. We'll blame the government, God, karma, luck, poverty, their neighbor, our dog, our great great great grandparents' faults --- just about anything or anyone we can put the blame on. We would never admit to ourselves -even just a little that colonial mentality has devoured us and so we look for greener pasture. Statistics show and economists say that there's no hope for our country. And we're dumb enough to believe it.

We turn to America, our so-called "promise land." Where we end up wiping their asses - literally and figuratively. I don't hate America and there's nothing wrong with a job like this but I've seen great people who could be somebody, if given the chance, yet left the country. Of course there's always the easy way out to greener pasture and the hard perilous journey to do something for the good of the country.

When they leave, they'll find a job and would be able to provide for their family. Give them a bright future, and who knows --- maybe bring them to the promise land. And then what? What happens to the homeland?

Maybe I'm wrong about this. After all, it's just one opinion. Could I honestly believe that I can change this country just by myself? Maybe not, but with others yes. What if there's never really hope for the Philippines and maybe I'm just fooling myself. Well at least my conscience is clear. I'd rather suffer and die in this godforsaken country and do something to help her than knowing that I left it and did nothing about it.
--- what the hell am I saying? I would probably fall victim to this mentality sooner or later.
Before I would like my burgers well done, and be thankful for Pilgrims, I would want to savor my homeland. All that is good and bad about her. Because I know she would lose me and many others.

During Christmas as I walk down the streets of New York, or sitting by the fireplace with my family, I would forget the parols, the simbanggabi, the noche buena, that I used to love and I would say to myself God bless America. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here... ?

Who knew that the great Filipino dream is to be American? Of course, American products are better than local products because it comes from America and therefore it is better.