108 Reasons to Stand Proud, Filipino

by Cathy Paras; Images by Jay Lara
posted on Saturday, June 10, 2006

The list is long - as it should be. 

We’re a tough, beautiful, ethnically rich breed of people. We are Filipinos. 

To coincide with our nation’s 108th Independence Day celebration, our users, friends and family have given us 108 reasons to stand tall(er) and proud. 

Mabuhay Ang Pilipinas!

  1. I’m proud to be Filipino because we always rise to the occasion!Hinding hindi ko pagpapalit ang Pilipinas at yung kultura natin. - Sitti Navarro, Singer

  2. We are a race of champions. - Dred David, 21, Team Surf Shop & CTC

  3. I’m proud to be Filipino because no matter how bad things get we always seem to find something positive or something to smile about to keep themselves going. - Martin Warren, 26, Marketing Maverick

  4. Filipinos work hard for their families and value education and success in the profession. - Dr. Marj Evasco, Poet, DLSU Professor and Palanca winner

  5. Filipinos are peace loving and talented - Yves, Physician and Graduate Student in Creative Writing
  6. Dahil tayong mga Pilipino, pili na, pino pa. The best talaga and you better believe it!” - JM Lim, 20, architecture student 

  7. I’m proud to be Pinoy because of our partiality towards the extreme, odd and awkward. But all beautiful. - Maite Salazar, 26, writer
  8. Filipinos are willing to go the extra mile, even with hardship, to help someone out - Dette Quizon, 27, entrepreneur

  9. Because only in Manila can I go through 2-3 extreme emotions within a span of a minute. - Tamtam Lara
  10. I love being Filipino because of all the unique cultural diversity you can find in our tiny little archipelago. I think all of our rich backgrounds play a big part in making us Filipino. - Cat Juan, model and writer        
    1. We are amazingly sympathetic and cariñoso —that’s why Pinoys make such great nurses and caregivers. - Ana Reyes Abano, 28, proud mommy and J&J Brand Manager

    2. We pinoys have very diverse ethnic & regional ways. - Manuel Quizon
    3. Whenever we have visitors we go an extra mile to make their stay worth it. - D David 

    4. I work hard, I give my best, I give everybody that I deal with a fair chance, I give a chance to all to have the best in life, I am a PINOY in doing all of these, and I am proud when I see my fellow Pinoys do the same. - Ben Castillo, Father and Business Executive
    5. We have have freedom. - Ninong Mani

    6. We are intelligent and talented people - the best at what we do. - Gabriel Coronel, First Year HS
    7. We are compassionate. - Raphael Coronel, Grade 7

    8. How can we not be proud of our pan de sal, kapeng barako, Vigan empanada, and the delicious Visayan and Batangenyo dishes? - Mr. Q
    9. Pinoys are Jacks of All Trades. - Eunice

    10. I’m proud to be Pinoy because we’re a culture of smiles, corny jokes and fiestas. - Yogi Collado

    11. We are the happiest people in Asia — even if times are rough — according to a Time magazine poll. - Ana Via

    12. I am proud of our world class service, one that’s evident at our world class hotels, like the Manila Peninsula. - Roger Cua
    13. I am proud to be Pinoy because it is the land of my birth. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! - Venus

    14. Ibang mag mahal ang Pinoy! - Obet and Bot, Florists
    15. Pinoys can sing! - Andrew Duckworth, Australian 

    16. Matulungin tayo sa pamilya. Pagka meron ang isa, meron ang lahat.- Ms. Dary 
    17. We value relationships over material things. - Marissa Quinio

    18. Where else can you find teenagers and young ones hanging-out with their Lolos and Lolas, not just on weekends but daily? - Noemi Concepcion

    19. Our hospitality is second to none! - Marisol Franklin

    20. We are patient and forgiving. Because despite the chaos in this world… we still believe in GOD. - Juliet Genio                  
      1. Pinoys have the perfect combination of street smarts, intellect, compassion, and adaptability. - Ditas Lara, Homemaker

      2. I am proud to be Pinoy because…we are fashion victims. We eat with our hands. Our hearts are genuine. Don’t we stand out? - Pinky Yang
      3. I am proud of my Maranaw heritage, which contributes greatly to the rich, ethnic diversity of the Filipino culture. - Apipa Paras, homemaker and proud mom of 3

      4. My strong foundation and appreciation for family (of course that means extended uncles, aunts & cousins), is the only thing that really makes sense.” - Douglas Canlas, 29, MD, from San Jose, CA
      5. What makes me proud to be a Filipino? That I know how to value things that need to be valued… being Pinoy enables me to respect people without looking down on their heritage. - Jefferson De Leon, 27, MD (currently based in California)

      6. A Filipino will instantly have that sense of camaraderie when they meet on a sidewalk in a foreign land. The subtle pride and patriotic attitude of the Filipino is something to look up to. - Genevieve Collado, MD, 27, QC
      7. There is no place like the filipino’s (home) table! Not only the food, but the entertaining chatter! Risee, 19

      8. Unique ang Pinoy kasi kahit saan mo tayo dalhin, we will thrive. - Morris Rocha, Team Surf Shop & CTC
      9. I’m proud of the food that I myself make for my family, all of which is distinctly Pinoy, like adobo, sinigang, pancit palabok… sure, they can replicate this in the States but saan galing ang original? Dito sa Pilipinas. - Chris Riel, Team Surf Shop & CTC

      10. We have the best landscapes in the world. You can watch the best sunrise and sunset atop Tarak Ridge in Bataan. There’s the unique Taal crater and the most gorgeous islands in my home province, Bicol. All are unmatched. - Tope Claveria, Team Surf Shop & CTC
      Go to http://www.clickthecity.com/metro/?p=1148 to read the continuation, it’s really long but it gave me many more things to be proud of my own country! Mabuhay ang mga Pilipino, ang Pilipinas :)
      Joyce http://angelsdocry.tumblr.com/