For Those Who Hate Us

I write today as a vigilant Filipino who loves her country as well as her fellow-Filipinos. I'm writing for all Filipinos, as well as for those who hate us for some reasons. I'm jotting down my statements in enumeration as well as my thoughts about "an open hate letter" from a certain American, by the name Art Bell. Thought #1. Filipinos are not perfect. So are you. Thought #2. Filipinos are known to be of the Malay-Indo race. This makes us Asian at some point or another. However, our ancestors were from the Aetas, whose ethnic group live in the province of Pampanga. Thought #3. Filipinos are hospitable. Thought #4. Filipinos are not defined by their race. We are defined by the ways we show respect to our elders by saying "opo" and the "pagmamano" (or blessing) tradition. We have kept that for a very long time. Thought #5. Though we have diverse cultures, races, dialects, customs, norms, literature and even music, yet, these diversity is our own uniqueness as Filipinos. Thought #6. Identity? The first 5 statements I gave is our IDENTITY as Filipinos. In addition, Filipinos are more patient, more diligent, hardworking, industrious, family-oriented, and above all, loves and fears God above all else. Aren't these the very reasons why countries like yours depend on us for domestic help? Go figure! Some of us may have been into other kinds of work (this includes becoming a prostitute). But, what pushes these people to become what they are is the fact that they strive to give their families better lives. Thought #7. Philippines is a Third World country indeed. But, aren't the best inventors and performers come from us? We give pride to our nation in our lowliness. This gives us pride in ourselves. No human being, not even YOU who hate us can steal that pride away from us. We may fall over and over again. Our feet are more grounded than yours. This makes the fall a bit hurting. This makes us stand up again and again and become better people. Thought #8. Find our identity you say? Read our poems! Read our literature! Read and sing our songs! Our identity as Filipinos are written all over it! Thought #9. We 'puke' you say... At least we don't hide from the truth. In the end, let's see who will smell filthier....??? Thought #10. Take a look at our youngest and most celebrated International Star, Charice Pempengco... She made big waves roar all over the world because of her strong and forceful voice. Charlie Green, the young British-American Star. Charice is 16 years old. Charlie is around 11 years old. Gabby Dela Merced, our lady in the Racing camp...she has been number one in racing and is up to drive for Formula 1. Armando Balite, the Filipino who invented the Armalite which you guys use today for war. A Filipino computer science student was the one who invented the most dreaded "ILOVEU" virus and is praised by other countries. We invented the engine that uses water or hydrogen instead of gas. Those are a few of what we can be proud of because other men from other countries including yours who also have been proud of us. I wrote these things to defend my countrymen. Your insults will be a challenge for us. It hurts how much you hate us and yet we have given ourselves so freely and with whom we have accepted though your eyes see the "shadows" in us. I guess, somehow, I hope, I have given light to you that you may see the brightness of who we really are. WE ARE FILIPINOS! Nations may have come to conquer us but we have protected it with our lives and we will continue to protect it until the end.