A Love Letter to Filipinos: Appreciation and Understanding Beyond the Surface

I was touched by the letter of Dr David H. Harwell to the Filipinos in the article published in inquirer last week. For those who haven’t read it yet, here’s the link: http://opinion.inquirer.net/47047/love-letter-to-filipinos#close

It's incredibly kind of him to express his appreciation, or perhaps a deeper understanding, of us. After all, true appreciation often stems from genuine understanding. Understanding, however, is no easy feat. It requires time, effort, and a willingness to look beyond surface appearances. As Filipinos, we may have our flaws, but we often mask them with smiles, tireless work, and unwavering perseverance. This is especially true for overseas Filipino workers, who sacrifice so much to support their families back home. We toil tirelessly, not just for financial gain, but to provide our loved ones with a better life—a life filled with smiles, comfort, quality education, and brighter prospects. Indeed, family is at the heart of our culture. Our strong family ties and values are what truly define us as Filipinos.

Filipinos, wherever they may be, are known for their vibrant celebrations. Whether it's a birthday, a wedding, or any other special occasion, we gather to share joy, laughter, and delicious food. Unlike many other cultures, we often incorporate elaborate programs, heartfelt tributes, and lively karaoke sessions into our celebrations. While some may view our enthusiasm as excessive noise, it's important to understand the deeper meaning behind these gatherings. These events are opportunities to strengthen family bonds, reminisce with loved ones, and escape the stresses of daily life. For many Filipinos, especially overseas workers, these celebrations provide much-needed respite from the challenges of living and working abroad.

As Dr Harwell pointed out, many Americans are burdened by debt. Unfortunately, this is a growing concern for Filipinos as well. In our pursuit of a better life, we often sacrifice our well-being and financial stability. It's crucial to find a balance between work and personal life, and to prioritize our mental and emotional health. By cherishing our relationships, embracing our cultural traditions, and practicing gratitude, we can find joy and fulfilment, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

Thank you, Dr Harwell, for your thoughtful letter. Your time with us allowed you to see beyond the surface and gain a deeper understanding of our culture. We appreciate your insightful perspective. We hope that your letter will be widely read by people of all nationalities, fostering greater understanding and appreciation. Perhaps then, they too will see us through your eyes.

Thanks again.

Last Spring

Entering the iron gates of Pedralbes Palace Gardens, you will be welcomed by Mediterrània, a marble female nude at the centre of an elegant oval pond. A slight grassy slope with laurels and orange trees behind and a small waterfall complete a set of great beauty in its simplicity.

A fortunate twist of fate took us there last spring or primavera. Though it wasn't our initial plan, we couldn't have asked for a more exciting family day. The park's breath-taking scenery left us in awe.

Inside, we follow up the main path leading us to the Royal Palace, located at the back of the park. In front of the palace, in the centre square presides a sculpture of a woman holding her son in her arms. It happened to be Queen Isabel II presenting her son, Alfons XII, to Barcelona. There, we stopped a bit and I took some pictures.

Aside from the numerous sculptures, in these gardens you will also see different variety of plants and trees, flowers, shrubs and bushes. I really like the shots I took my wife and kids inside the bamboo groves. For some time, I thought they felt like models of a perfume ad shown in the television. Anyway, it was another good family day.