It’s More Fun in the Philippines

If it’s any manifestation of amusement, the new Department of Tourism’s slogan is indeed living up to its meaning as it is eliciting so much excitement. If the initial intent is to draw awareness, then such advertising campaign is a clever inducement.

However, would it similarly attract its target market – the tourists? And would it generate economic growth? Fact is that it is the key rationale. In view of that though, may we not be accused of false advertising; more so, such “branding” be attributed as merely for the sake of commerce.

How could it not appear as if it’s just business when even among its own people, ridicule is apparent. It is as if there’s no serious truth to it considering the “unflattering reality” behind every mockery comes from among those who could attest to its “funny” exactness. Yet then again, the fun-loving disposition of Filipinos in whatever circumstance is one engaging fact. Even under depressing situation, we get to good-naturedly joke and optimistically laugh about it… Now I believe that’s an attraction. More than the amenities, it’s the hospitality of the people that would ascertain much more recall among guests. And what better way to manifest such sociability is through one’s innate cheerful personality.

Let us not be too sensitive and dwell on negative criticisms which squeeze out some certainty. Uncalled-for remarks by the likes of Claire Danes have some truth to it actually. (Why is it that when it’s not a fellow citizen commenting on our obvious destitute state, we deem it as bigotry?) Let’s just put our inherent sense of humor into good use. We might as well either do something about it or perhaps by the same token just “capitalize” on how and why it is in fact more fun in the Philippines… Local artist Ogie Alcasid had that wit to build on a charm when then 1994 Ms. Australia Michelle Van Eimeren stepped on a cockroach (if my memory serves me right)… Also let’s not disagree on how funny and delightful Fil-Canadian Mickey Bustos humorously personate the “Filipino way” as if we don’t know “what’s going on ibon!”

Though the new tourism catchphrase is under scrutiny and criticism for lack of originality, what sets it apart is the sincerity and reliability behind it. Well at least it should be… And I don’t see it as an imitation of some sort as it is just a bold assertion that “it’s more fun in the Philippines” (compared to anywhere else perhaps) by way of some rightful basis. Regardless of its affirmation by any nationality, it’s the visitors who would best confirm such claim. Thus, it’s up to any host to substantiate his guest’s unforgettable fun-filled experience.

Philippines’ diverse culture makes it fun for anyone who’s up for the pleasure of experiencing different means of Filipino warmth. We don’t have to suppress the truth nor defend a disconcerting fact. We just have to be true to ourselves via our ethnicity and civilization then validate it towards others, more so for our expectant tourists.

It’s more fun in the Philippines because of its naturally happy people… and also because of those who are not. …because of diversity; in so many aspects at that. …for the opportunity to apply conviction. …because of its wide-ranging views; as well as the breath-taking ones (and the “breath-holding spots”) within its tropical setting. …because of Manny Pacquiao; and also Mommy Dionisia and every interesting personality. …because of every possible reason. …because of all of these, we get to be who we are and what we are… Pinoy por layp!

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"Web of Life"

My son getting snatched by a big spider woke me up from such a bad dream this morning.  What it meant kept me wondering and somehow worried. Lately, dreams seem to be foretelling something I should be concerned about.

Just the other night, I dreamt of having a short (life) term left due to brain cancer. Brushing it off was rather manifested until a text message from my kid brother had me contemplate on a probable signification. Inadvertently, in his dream that same night, he had a long conversation with our late father who appeared poignant and emaciated apparently asking him to help me out among other things.

Coincidentally, I’ve been sensing unusual physical conditions lately. Yet what I thought of was the few remaining days before I turn 39. Not too long ago, I thought of the probable age I’d breathe my last – 38.

Should the inevitable happen and I’m gone, I was talking my wife into (re)marrying someone who would fill the void and be involved to assume the role as husband and father I’d be departing from.

Crying in that dream, what really left me with a heavy heart though was the thought of leaving my children at a very tender age. Their youth is one that keeps me “up-and-about” if only to make sure that that same innocence remains unspoiled.

A few weeks back, probably wondering why I was yet awake while already on bed, my 3-year old son sneaked on me from the other side checking on my eyes and as innocent as he is asked me – “Daddy, you’re still alive?”

That perhaps explains all these dreams…

21 more days before my 39^th birthday… the idea of getting birthday greetings on that day would mean that I have passed by my “passing away age”. Conversely, I’d answer my son’s query – Yes! To keep them away from “spiders”…

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Reason Between

In as much as I try to brush off the disturbing image, I can’t get over the heartbreaking scene of the 2-year old Chinese toddler getting run over twice then vulnerably ignored… Virally circulating, I suppose a substantial number has seen and knows what’s being referred to… 

As human nature allows, we tend to be judgmental of people despite being clueless of what really transpired and how it could all the more be devastating for the concerned or involved persons of the regrettable incident. Yet as wrong and insensitive to be condemnatory, I can’t help but be critical of how careless any parent or guardian not to tend to a defenseless child along hazardous environs. I’d even refuse to blame it on accident under the usual few-seconds-difference for a (parental) relapse considering how long it took for the toddler to helplessly suffer and exceedingly go through agony even more… It was gravely neglectful.

As for the insensible and unkind passersby: SHAME ON ALL OF YOU! And for those careless drivers: #><%@*ii^#@%!!

Then again, everything happens for a reason. Painful as it is mainly for the family, such unwelcome circumstance serves to embrace realization and contemplation. Though at the expense of an innocent loved one, it’s actually difficult to be accepting of how outwardly pointless nature takes its own course. Going deeper and in view of what’s within however, it’s to rather intensify our Faith. Let us not dwell on negativity. Our emotions could sometimes get the better out of us that could in fact get the situation worse than it already is… 

We could as well be insightful in balancing our sanity. It’s an essential ingredient for the capacity to move on…

Then again, it’s easier said than done…

My wife and I were conversing about how our son Lucas could be naturally “exhausting”. Not necessarily bothersome, there was one time when he sounded unruffled in calling his mom’s attention to which my then-preoccupied wife didn’t pay immediate attention to… As he was incessantly uttering “mommy!” though calmly, upon finally checking on him, my wife just shockingly spotted and realized that it was after-all a distress call for help as he was poorly hanging by the TV shelving and can’t get down. Anything could have “fallen in place as bounded by reason” but the unthinkable would be objectionable. 

I don’t think I’ll be able to deal with myself should my negligence in watching over an innocent all-the-same inquisitive child yields a regrettable loss. As adults, it’s our responsibility to be patiently attentive over children similarly entrusted to us by reason. There’s reason why we’re parents/guardians as much as there’s reason why they’re children. Let us not reason out rationales as tolerable excuses that aim to justify our failures. More so, let us not reason out a child’s natural carefree attitude as if we don’t know any better. Let us not even seek for a consideration (or even sympathy) with an argument that we’re not partial to such ensuing letdown therefore it’s out of the question to intentionally be careless about it… 

Yes, everything may happen for a reason but it’s similarly reason that could avert some things from happening… Our roles in relation to others are likewise reasons… As every ‘reason behind’ albeit supplemental, it differs from the ‘reason between’.

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MATTERial Things

In some gathering early yesterday, my mother lost her 2 phones to a thief. Having been informed through a text message from my cousin, she was somehow disheartened as 1 of the 2 was a gift from me. I texted back to perk her up with the assurance that I’ll just buy her a new one since, notwithstanding the unfortunate incident, it’s just stuff…

Before heading back home forlorn, she decided to drop-by in a nearby church. After which and to her surprise, an apologetic woman who explained to have stolen her celphones out of desperation returned it in exchange for P500.

Paying for what you own may sound absurd but getting back the worth of the attached sentimental value for such an amount could be relatively cheap…

A timely occurrence in a time opposing views on worldly possessions is maturely mounting between the family…

What makes material belongings really valuable is the story behind its acquisition. What is so special about having these things is not even close to your purchasing capacity but worthiness. Everybody deserves that one thing (or more) that they have either dreamt of owning or if it was painstakingly achieved to be given. If it served to have motivated someone to responsibly work for it then it’s indeed a well deserved gratification.

If these material things are what drive us to succeed and be able to gain and provide then by all means use it as a motivational tool…

Speaking of which, one cannot compare say cars considering, other than its main purpose of getting you to your destination, we have our respective preferences as much as our own guiding principles. Same goes for a calculator perhaps to an iPad; or some pair of slippers to Fitflops… Thus, why even focus on the comparison or difference if the main point is one’s sense of existence. To each his own… 

And more on earthly essentials within this generation of technological breakthrough, a movie seen on your tube television will not have a different story if watched on a flat TV. However a different feeling will be experienced perhaps. In view of that, one would most likely prefer to watch on a flat TV. The story that would presumably change is that sense of fulfillment one gains in having experienced progress.

Yet having the authority over our young children, the best story we could tell if it boils down to expressing their wants is the value of hard work and not just simply the value of money. And the best success story we could share is how they would similarly aim for success for their own children… Trivial as any earthly possession compared to what is unworldly; it is material to impart values relative to the mechanics of our world today as dictated by human nature. We want the best for our children and part of that challenge is providing for what will make them happy being the children that they are yet without disregard for what really matters…

Let us not deem material things as if it were not similarly provided to us by Our Father through the talents that invented it… As for the returned stolen phone of my mother, it’s not just stuff – it was a gift…

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