What makes Filipinos special? || 4/12/2023 || @kharlynn

What makes Filipinos special? Is it because we have multiple talents? Is it because we mix well with other races? Is it because we have good personalities? Or maybe it's because we can adapt well. Actually, if you put a pinch of every single thing I just mentioned, odds are it would end up being a Filipino. We are all of them.

Let's start with talent. We have talent that could match anyone from across the globe. Lea Salonga for example, is a true icon of Philippine music, known around the world for her stunning vocal talents and her powerful performances on stage and screen. But Salonga's influence extends far beyond her impressive resume. As a Filipina artist, she has been a trailblazer for generations of performers, showing the world that Filipino talent is second to none. Let's set that aside for a while. There are many Filipinos that are waiting for their chance of spotlight. Some even, doesn't get that opportunity. You see people across the street on karaoke's singing their hearts out. Or even just doing simple things like washing the dishes or washing the clothes. Filipinos sing and they have astonishing vocals that would make you wonder; Why is this person not famous yet? I have cousins that sing and sound like a popstar. I believe many more of them are just waiting around the corner for their big break. Thing is, I was only focusing on singing. If I had gone through every single talent Filipinos possess. Then chances are, you would be here all day. Singing, dancing, painting, sculpture, animation, art in general, literature, and the list goes on and on. Sports, cuisine, you get the point.

Shifting gears, let's move on to mixing well with race. Studies have shown that Filipinos have a mix of East Asian, Southeast Asian, and Polynesian ancestry, with varying degrees of admixture depending on the region. In addition, some Filipinos may have Spanish or American ancestry due to intermarriage with colonial rulers and settlers. Filipinos are known for their warm and friendly nature, which can make it easier for them to mix and interact with people from different races and cultures. This sociable nature may be partly due to the country's history of colonization and immigration, which has exposed Filipinos to different cultures and customs. Beauty wise, we Filipinos have a vast history on the Miss Universe stage. Gloria Diaz, who impressed the judges with her wit and beauty in 1969, became the first Filipina to win the Miss Universe title. The victory of Diaz gave the Filipino people, who at the time were going through political and social upheavals, a sense of pride and encouragement. Inspiring generations of young women to pursue their aspirations and feel secure in their own skin, the success of Filipinas in the Miss Universe pageant has had a significant impact on the nation. The pageant has additionally assisted in promoting the Philippines to a global audience by showcasing the nation's natural beauty, culture, and hospitality. I can't be speaking beauty and not be mentioning my lovely girlfriend. She is a stunning human being that makes my jaw drop every time see her. And that doesn't change even though I see her every day.

But what impresses me the most about Filipinos, is that we adapt so incredibly well with circumstances. I think that is the hidden gem inside each Filipino. Recently, we were hit by a strong Typhoon called "Bagyong Odette". Tropical cyclone Bagyong Odette made landfall in the Philippines in December 2021, wreaking havoc and flooding numerous locations. One of the locations impacted by the storm was Cebu, a province in the Philippines' central Visayas region. A province I call, home. But despite all this, we were still able to find a way to survive. No electricity? No problem. No water? No problem! As I was strolling around the city looking for goods, I saw people smiling, laughing. I asked myself; Why are they so happy? Then it came back to me, I remember my dad telling me something. He said, "What's the point of being sad nak?" Then he followed it up with, "Just think of it as a challenge. God doesn't put challenges we can't overcome." It speaks volumes. He also told me that everything happens for a reason. Maybe the reason wasn't so clear that time. Till now I still don't know. But one thing is for sure, I didn't see a single person giving up. Based on my experience, we made it a reason to socialize. Everyone was outside talking to each other. Finally, phones are gone, people see people. I even met the girl I love during those harsh times. Maybe that was the reason. We Filipinos have a weird way of facing adversities. We turn it into a joke and laugh in the face of barriers. We claw our way back one way or another.

In conclusion, we Filipinos have a lot to be proud of. We may not be as rich as other countries or other people. But we are special. Talent that could rival anyone, personalities that could blend with everyone, and a heart that never lets its fire slow down.