What makes a Filipino "A FILIPINO"? by Jasmine Angela Maranan

     What  makes a Filipino, A FILIPINO? What does make a Filipino? The only thing we know is that Filipino is our kind, our blood and pride and that it is a proud race and nationality we belong in. But the real question is, "Is this really the definitive standard of being Filipino?". Each person is unique in every way hence the term "individual", but if this was true how can we differentiate which person is Filipino? Filipinos are known as very hospitable and always welcomes people with very whole-heartedly.

      We Filipinos are one of the only countries where extended families exist. To us, family is of utmost importance and we treat them as such. We Filipinos are also a very strong race of people, we may be very kind, that does not define us as weak people but rather we fight very hard. We have immeasurable courage as proof were storms and other disasters we faced. Instead of rebellion to each other and the law we chose to stand together and withstand such disasters. Current society however is mostly led by technology following mindless actions, but does this really apply to every individual like for example ourselves? Can we admit that our brains are not working anymore but rather, replaced with our cellphones? Of course not, "Man is greater than machine". Now does this relate to the question at hand? Again of course, if one would read the newspaper this affects everyone as such this does concern us.

       Now then, "WHO IS FILIPINO?". Nothing really much has changed in Filipino but not society. But being courageous people, not even the general society has changed the classic traditions such as saying "po" and "opo". This is definitive proof of the uniqueness of Filipinos. After all the countries that decided to colonize in our country we decided to fight for freedom with which our traditions stood its grounds up until now. Much of civilization has already been affected by foreign countries. But this does not deter or change the three reasons in which Filipinos can be recognized. "Kindness", "Hospitality" and "Courage" are three main ingredients to being proudly FILIPINO.