Ipinagmamalaki kong Pinoy Ako!

Disclaimer: I know, I know I should be writing this in Filipino as the article might elicit contradiction against my title. However, since I know that I have "international readers (hanep!) who might not understand what I have to say, I'm writing this in English instead.

I have always had this reverie of representing the country somewhere someday. I don't know how and when but I know in time, I will be able to fulfill that dream. Despite us Pinoys, being deluged in unbridled political assault and poverty, I have never hoped on being born in any another country. I've always been proud to be a Filipino and am still continuing to pray for hope for our countrymen. Yes, I admit that I often find myself disappointed whenever I watch the news and see our country suffer from the same problems again and again.I truly abhor the things I read about politicians arguing endlessly over nonsensical matters. Where does this really lead them, anyway? Their continous bickering and backstabbing does not, in any way,help the country prosper. They merely satisfy their own ulterior motives which make our economy and reputation even worse as though our current situation isn't enough for us to digest. I don't know anyone who will not agree with me when I'll say that Filipino politics is simply crap. If only all our leaders would stop corrupting our government funds and give the kind of service the people really deserve, I think we can still manage to recover. I know, I know my wish is nearly impossible, but still, there's hope, right? =)

I have often wondered of the time when I would be telling the whole world that I am Philippine's pride.I really admire those people who go out of their way representing the country with their heads held up high.Despite all the ridicule we get from demeaning countries (believe me, there are a lot!) ,I am glad that there are Filipinos out there to make Pilipinas proud and somehow manage to elevate our status. Let me tell share with you some of the people I admire most when it comes to giving pride in being a Filipino.

Lea Salonga

Those who have been reading my past blog entries may have already known that I have always been a Lea Salonga fan. I am a theatre and musicale lover so the reason why I idolize her is out of the question. We all know that she's always been exquisite, superb and fantastic on stage. She's one of the best - if not the best - in her field. I admire her a lot, not only because of her extreme talent but also because she's so proud to be Pinoy. Despite the fact that she's already recognized in Europe and in the other parts of the world, Philippines is still the place she calls home.She takes pride in carrying the Filipino name wherever she goes. She's truly a sensational Pinay.

Let me show you a clip of an eighteen year old Lea telling the whold world in a foreign show how proud she is to be a Filipino and how she takes pride in representing the country.

Christine Gambito

Christine Gambito, better known by her screen name "Happy Slip" is a pure Filipina born and raised in America. She maintains one of the most-subscribed-to channels in YouTube, Happy Slip, which showcases her own videos on how she sees life as it is, based on how she grew up. You'll be quite surprised though that even if she was raised in the US, you'll still recognize how truly Filipina she is in her videos. She recently was appointed ambassador for Philippine Tourism by the Department of Tourism as her videos tend to be informative and influential in nature. Christine is one hot talented woman and I will forever admire her acts in making a big difference by introducing and promoting the Filipino ways to the world. =)

Charice Pempengco

How can one not admire Charice for all the recognition she gets from the people all over the world whenever she sings? At a very young age, she has already performed with numerous famous singers in the US e.g. Celine Dion, David Archuleta, Josh Groban & Andrea Bocelli to name a few. Despite all the good things coming her way, I can see that she remains to be the down-to-earth person she always is. And while Charice gives her best whenever she's on stage, she makes all the Filipinos look good everytime the song finishes with a standing ovation. All the Pinoys should be proud of her and her achievements. I'm betting this girl will still go a long long way. =)

Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez

Ok ok, the hunk duo is not as Filipino as we want them to be...BUT I really admired both of them in carrying the Filipino name (and flag) in the The Amazing Race Asia Season2 Series. Watch the whole season and you'll get what I mean. =)

Apl the Ap

"Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan." Apl the Ap (of the Black Eyed Peas), a true Pamapaguenyo at heart, knows the saying so well that he never fails to come back here in the Philippines as often as he can. His songs 'The Apl Song' and 'Bebot' are very visible proofs on how he still recognizes & is proud of his Filipino ancestry. *Clap, clap, clap*

Francis Magalona

I cannot believe I almost missed him on this list. (Thanks Ca for reminding!). Francis M is one of the people I truly admire when it comes to expressing love for the country. I know and am sure that his ferocious passion for nationalism, through his songs (and his blog & his shirts), will contiue to be an inspiration to me and to the rest of the country.

Here's my salute to the master rapper.

Manny Pacquiao

Who would not agree when I'd say that Manny Pacquiao is the country's number 1 pride these days. He continues to be an inspiration to the millions of Filipinos out there boxing bout per bout. He's a living testimony that there's hope where prayer is present. Here's for you MP: Two Thumbs UP!

I really hope someday I would also be able to make the country proud of me. I'm not sure when exactly, but I know that it will come...at the right time. =)