Why I became an anti-Pinoy

Nowadays I always visit this blog called Anti-Pinoy where they talk about how the dysfunctional mind of a Filipino works. Or how Filipinos reacted to the Adam Carolla story that made me (and everyone at the site) ashamed of my fellowmen. Oy, if you think I'm being racist, then you better get your act together and read the website. And I'm not saying I'm perfect either, for if everyone was born perfect, then the world wouldn't be like this today. Try to browse through some posts, ponder for a while, do a reflection that would make you aware of your actions. Just do your research and self-discern before making a refutable comment.

So after a few days of stalking, I pulled up my courage and made my first comment on one post that is completely different from the post that I commented on. But everyone (especially the moderators) welcomed me with open arms, because I threatened them and told them that I wanted to make myself feel at home in that place, which they gladly obliged.

Because I've been inspired by their writing and thoughts, I decided to do a personal post on why and what Filipino people have to change, a thought that must have been heard from a million people as well, and taking advantage of their hospitality while in their house.

Why I became an anti-Pinoy

(Or why Agua Bendita is better than The Last Prince)

  Welcome to the world of fantasies and idealism, where most people spend their time watching shows that seem to not run out of cliched plots. I have no intention of inadvertently mentioning the upcoming Philippine elections this May 2010; it just so happened that my views have changed not just because of my exposure to the internet, but mostly because of reality kicking in. The latter applies best I admit, for I was able to recognize my country's flaws and compare it to one of the most livable countries in the world, the place where I am now. As an anti-Anti-Pinoy would say, "You traitors!", that just because I now live in a better country and I'm away from home gives me the right to look down on my fellow Filipinos. But in fact, it's the other way around. I have learned to understand the archipelago's history, culture, and society looking at them from a thousand miles away. And this is why I became an anti-Pinoy.

  When I first stepped on the snow a few years ago, the air had a refreshing feeling to it. At first I thought it was because of the clean and unpolluted surroundings. But then I realized that there was more to it. Not only is this a new and uncharted country for me, but the people, culture, and laws were different as well. A huge step-up from the typical and Filipino lifestyle that I was used to.

  Jetlag was one thing; but homesickness is worse than that. Despite getting used to living here and an Asian market just two blocks from our house, something is still missing. I can't claim this fact on behalf of every Filipinos who live abroad, but this is what most people feel when they grew up and spend many years and would suddenly undergo a change from their home country to a completely diverse place. Because of this, I learned two things: discipline and responsibility. Two traits that all Filipinos must have nowadays. Without these two, a country wouldn't progress to what it is today. South Korea wouldn't be the world's leading manufacturer of major companies if it wasn't for their discipline, perseverance, and nationalism (A typical example, but I'm just stating reality. I mean, can you imagine that they had a war in the 50's and recovered so soon?). Alright, the remaining two are important as well, but here I can say that Filipinos can do this and take action–if necessary and required (ah, I hope no one gets offended.). But sometimes, Filipino pride goes too far–so far that other Filipinos would blame their actions which results into a a more humiliating act.

  There is nothing wrong practicing nationalism and patriotism. I'm all for it. I do it once in a while, if I feel like it (shame on me), and I try not to overdo it. I sort of understand the Filipino society on why they will continue to patronize foreign products because of our history. But I guess, in little (and improving ways), Filipinos are beginning to appreciate what they have. However, to strive harder to achieve a  universal goal is one thing that they lack. And also, we need a major change that will improve ourselves and our society. And this large change involves the impending elections on May 10th (now you know where I'm getting at.). But don't worry, I'm not going to dictate why you should vote for my preferred candidate. Instead, I will tell you to vote for whom you like not because of their popularity, winnability, or lineage, but because of what they have done and what they can do more. A citizen has the right of suffrage so as much as you can. Go  ahead and practice it because this is not for just you, your families, nor your future generations, but for the entire country as well. 

  I learned that a person can change if he initiates the change within himself. However, in order to change oneself and others, there should be conditions and restrictions implemented so that discipline and responsibility will take effect. And who will enforce these "rules"? It can be oneself, a friend, your parents, the company president, or the leader of your county, as long as these laws are for the person's best interests at heart. 

  In a perfect world, there is no perfect leader who tells you what to do because the reality is, they also think about themselves and how they would reap from their position. There is no perfect person who can change overnight and be all saint-like. It takes practice and an effective authority to carry out these rules that would encourage an individual to succeed, which in turn, will make his dwelling place first-class. So, set aside those overactive imaginations (which should be in our dreams, actually) and pointless shows. Time to wake up and smell the garbage. 

A/N: For the record, I have never seen Agua Bendita. I just saw this ad for this show on a Filipino newspaper my mom picked up from the supermarket. The Last Prince I have, when our tv provider offered a 3-month free preview of the network a while ago. When I saw it, I thought it was so bad, that it's hilariously good to watch (just not everyday though, because I might go insane).

There you have it, my friends. One proof that I have changed after living in another country for two years. Two years. It took me two years and a blog to realize these unacceptable truths about myself as a Filipino and the people. It's quite disappointing in a way, that somehow, I've lost my faith to my fellowmen. But I'm not saying that I hate the Philippines, because I still love it, and it will probably never change. I guess the country and its people need a lot of tweaking to run again.


These are my sole opinions only and I did not intend to use AntiPinoy as my basis for this post. It just so happened that we share the same sentiments.