Las Islas Filipinas Starts with the Letter “B”
In a job interview, I often find myself speechless when asked by the interviewer to “tell me something about yourself.” It sends shivers down my spine and my brain into overdrive because I know myself so well that it’s difficult to choose which part of me to highlight from the enormous amount of information, and only in a few sentences. I feel the same way about this effort to write about the Philippines.
I’ve heard a beauty queen once describe the Philippines as the country of the three Bs: Basketball, Boxing and Beauty Pageants. And, this isn’t wrong. In fact, it hits the bull’s eye. I would add a few more Bs to that: Billiards, Bowling and Badminton. I enjoyed playing sports growing, up as do many other Filipinos, that we play multiple sports either on a competitive level or on the streets, literally.
But, the Philippines much more than excelling in competitive sports and beauty contests, it is a beautiful country, rich in biodiversity and full of benevolent people. Whew, I still can’t shake off the “B” words. Haha…
That said, words are not enough to describe the country's beauty and biodiversity, though I love how Lonelyplanet's website described my country (hit up their awesome website link here):
“The Philippines is defined by its emerald ricefields, teeming megacities, graffiti-splashed jeepneys, smouldering volcanoes, bug-eyed tarsiers, fuzzy water buffalo and smiling, happy-go-lucky people.”
That description is priceless in itself, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. However, I would argue that in this article, the adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” will be more suitable. I have a few photos that might show what Lonelyplanet is trying to say.
This shot was taken a few years ago in Dumaguete City.
Beach and boat: Dumaguete
Aside from the tarsier and the water buffalo, the terrestrial biodiversity blessed the Philippines with a few awesome creatures: the Philippine Eagle, Dugong, Pilandok (Philippine Mouse Deer), Binturong (Palawan Bearcat) and this Philippine Spotted Deer, which keeps its spots even after they reach adulthood.
The Dumaguete Belfry.
Simbahan ng Pangil
Simbahan ng Pangil (inside)
When Spain colonized the Philippines, they built churches that can be found in almost every town and city up to this day. They are architectural wonders for those interested in historical architecture in the region.
Foodies will not be disappointed when they taste our food. We usually eat pan de sal for breakfast, and any other time of day we feel like it.
Foreigners visiting the country should try out one of the local Tapsilog Carinderias, the local fastfood that can be found anywhere. I haven’t been to a place in the country where carinderias do not sell their own version of a silog (fried rice and egg dish).
So, how do we travel? We modified WWII Jeeps left by the Americans and made it into something truly Filipino.
One can also find countless farms and ricelands…
And resorts to spend warm summer days (and nights) with family where we will party throughout the night, usually with Karaoke and adult beverages. :)
Sometimes, it is better to go to an isolated river-side resort for a quiet day of rest...
and, pass by this rock that caught the ire of the water, it almost sawed it in half…
Everywhere you go, kids will always say hello, and join you in your activity.
Especially because we celebrate the biggest (and longest) fiesta of all, Christmas in the Philippines. Namamasko po!
We love to cook...
and celebrate weddings with family and the best of friends...
And that is who we are, in pictures...
B. Characteristics of Pinoys
I would like to say that we Filipinos have a flair for business, as you can see just looking down the alley and counting the number of sari-sari stores therein. Almost everyone I know speak two or more language so I can confidently say that we are a bilingual race. (Still with the "B" words. LOL.)
We look out for each other wherever that may be and show brotherly love for the kababayan especially when out of the country. Simply put, we depend on each other, but not to only to brothers, our benevolence extends to other races, as well. However, kind as we are, we do not take bulls*@# from anybody, take it from idol Binoe, Robin Padilla.
Filipinos are “sociable”, judging from the number of bingo games you will see while walking around from alley to alley. It is a beautiful game that the women love, while the men congregate with a brew of Pale Pilsen or just kapeng barako.
Career
So, in terms of profession, one may find businesspersons, bureaucrats, and Bible preachers that walk about, but in this day and age I would argue that bloggers and vloggers and social media trolls rank right up there with the best of them.
Interestingly enough, I would like to give a big shoutout to all Filipino nurses, doctors and other frontliners.
Keep up the good work!
Conclusion
There are a few places that effortlessly raise your spirits: sitting at the foot of a mountain with a cool summer breeze rustling on the grass or lying on the floor on top of a skyscraper while watching the constellations in the night sky and, once in a while, a shooting star gives us a glimpse of the end of its journey.
Perhaps we can add to this list, sitting on a serene white beach, the clear blue waters touching your feet as the wave gently washes away memories written on the sand. This describes the idyllic scene Filipinos wake up to every single day.
Ever since Ferdinand Magellan’s galleon docked in Homonhon, Eastern Samar, in 1521, outsiders were enthralled by the natural beauty and enticed by her treasures, unbeknownst to locals with pure and naked eyes.
A few centuries hence and we have arrived, mesmerized by the splendor of our country’s nature; only now do we realize that we live in a God-given land rich in greeneries and natural wonders, gives rise to the Filipino pride.
In the barrios one may find a dashing young man at dusk, serenading a girl pure of heart; both searching for their one true love.
Reflecting on it deeply, I come to realize how lucky I am that the hand of unseen destiny cast its magic spell so I can be born in this special place, a land so green and the perfect place to do your thing, grow old and raise children.
Thanks for reading everyone; I felt a deep joy writing this article. I hope that I have imparted even a small part of that joy to you, dear reader.
Do leave a comment to tell me what you liked (or didn’t like) about the article. I am always open to improvement. An upvote will be inspiring and a reblog, much appreciated.
Keep safe and positive vibes to all!
*I own all of the photos used in this article.
** Las Islas Filipinas is the name given by explorer Ruy López de Villalobos when he set foot on Leyte and Samar.