Fortunate Pinay and proud ^_^

It's the middle part of the year and when I look at this month on the calendar, I know there's are red mark on the 12th day...For most of us, we look at it as a mere ordinary holiday...But for those who lived 111 years ago, this was an emotional and victorious day for them being able to finally have a taste of independence...

We are fortunate, present peeps, that we did not go thru that ordeal. Fortunate, that we are just savoring the fruits of our ancestors' sacrifices. I remember years back, my grandfather -- who was a Philippine veteran of WWII -- and my grandmother would keep telling stories on how they were living and surviving during World War II. They kept saying that they just hope me and my children won't experience what they had just to get a taste of freedom...

Today, myself included, we fail sometimes to realize the essence of this very important day for all of us Filipinos. We wouldn't experience freedom if it wasn't for the people of the past who gave up everything even their own lives. I don't want to be a hypocrite and say let's get out in the streets on June 12 and participate in the events, because I for one would most likely just stay at home. What I could say though is that the way to celebrate our independence doesn't start and end on June 12. I don't think it is necessary for me to elaborate what are the ways to be nationalistic and patriotic, because the ways I'm sure are endless.

We are fortunate that now there are a lot of concerned Filipinos who share their time, talents and treasures to make a difference in our country. There are advocates and organizations where one can join and as they say, pay it forward. From the bloods and tears shed by our ancestors in the past, it is just but right that we give something back to make the Philippines a better place and Filipinos live better. Well, I guess it's high time that I should be involved too and not just a mere spectator...

During my teens, I was so pessimistic about what our country is ending up to be but I never saw it coming that years ahead positive changes can still prevail. Now, I am thankful and blessed to be living in the Pearl of the Orient -- a place where it only has two seasons, a place that has lots of beaches to go to, within a city where most foreign [old and current] acts have their concerts and enjoy their stay, a place where texting is a necessity besides food and clothes, a place where I could freely exercise my faith and my freedom...

Above all, I am fortunate for three reasons: this country gave me a heritage, a nationality and a place I can proudly call HOME...just so proud now to be Pinay =)



Happy 111th Philippine Independence Day to all of us!!! Cheers and enjoy the long weekend [for those who are working that is =)]