Typhoon “Ondoy” really showed his might to our country through his strong winds and endless rains. This caused billions of damages to infrastructure, agriculture, etc. It left hundreds of dead and missing people while those alive became homeless. Yes, this tragedy brought a lot of devastation, but it also served as a catalyst that helped in further strengthening Filipino values and traits that made use known worldwide.
Creativity/Resourcefulness
High flood-water engulfed the entire metropolis, making it hard to go from one place to another. Many can’t afford to buy a real boat, but through our creativeness and the entrepreneurial spirit, we Filipinos have provided an answer to this problem through our improvised “balsa.” It is commonly made of styrofoam but others also used bottles, bathtubs old refrigerators, and almost anything that will float on water.
Resiliency/Happiness
Many of us lost homes and loved ones because of the storm, but we are still able to smile and laugh amidst all the hardships that we are experiencing. And this is not the first time that such calamity has happened. Aside from the calamities, we Filipinos also face problems on poverty, crime, and pollution among others. But however hard it may get, we are still able to stand and rebuild our homes and our lives. People in other cultures will just commit suicide when confronted with these kinds of problems. Our culture of happiness has helped to become resilient in times of trials like this.
Bayanihan
Another unique Filipino trait that has helped alot in enabling us to survive calamities is our bayanihan spirit. In times of hardships like this, we Filipinos even think of others first before ourselves. We are always ready to lend a helping hand to our countrymen even if we don’t know them personally.
Faith
Our unwavering faith in God is another saving factor for us Filipinos. Our deep faith has always been our greatest source of consolation. Whenever something bad happens, we always turn to God and entrust everything to His will. This has provided us with the strength and inspiration to continue living for God always has something better in store for us.
The Filipino Spirit
All these traits and values that I’ve mentioned comprise the Filipino Spirit. A spirit that’s unsinkable by any flood, unshakeable by any storm. A spirit that makes me Proud to be Pinoy!
strange but calamities, disasters, emergencies do bring us pinoys together. it’s during these times when real community spirit shines brightest, and where self-serving interests are also made vivid.
By: barrycade on October 6, 2009
at 3:15 pm
i think the things that you mentioned are just proofs why Philippines/ Filipinos stand out from the rest of the world. i just wish we’re like this even when there’s no calamity.
By: eunice on October 27, 2009
at 7:47 am