Filipino By Heart

I browsed my high school friend's journal, and read one of her touching write-ups. She titled it " Filipino Foolmoon's Festival". I thought it has something to do on how we celebrate fiestas and which make us different to other nationalities. Hence, it has a different content. I was guilty after reading it. Hence, I was enlightened too and I thank Tina for such inspiring thoughts. Here it is...

Filipino Foolmoon's Festival - by Tina Basco

Inspite the circus that is happening in this part of the world, there are those who choose to continue their life and work in the Philippines. Stories on the local news have never been so depressing to the collective psyche as it is now. Anger is one thing while fatigue and indifference is another. And so it is very convenient, almost acceptable just to say, "I quit!"...But life bids. And so we answer. With our eyes wide-open.

On 18-21 August 2005, I'm taking part in the first Philippine Environmental Documentary Film Festival here in Manila (Gateway Mall, Cubao, Quezon City). My office, government at that is sponsoring a portion of this endeavor. Movies in times like these? I say, we should. Perspectives need to be seen. Visions have to be cleared.

The stories may be of heartbreak but they just might be of awakening of a people's spirit as well. I was born to this country and she nursed me well. I choose to believe that I will live to see her fully alive. These days, I am one of the many who has been experiencing never ending birthpains for the Philipppines. That's how I see what is before me. For now, there are still many gifts that should keep us from simply giving up.

Please come and watch. Kababayans, please tell your families and friends who are here. We still have a lot of work to do. And there are still people willing to do the work. Good works. We can be part of it all, first by listening and seeing the other sides to the stories.

Salamat.