Chicken Soup author believes in Pinoys

Renowned inspirational speaker and author of the best-selling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series Jack Canfield said yesterday Filipinos can overcome the devastation left by typhoon "Milenyo" and other obstacles as long as they work hard and do not lose the unique "spirit of joy."

Canfield made the remarks after meeting with President Arroyo at Malacañang’s Music Room where they talked about the resilience of the Filipino people.

After the meeting, Canfield briefly addressed the Cabinet meeting held next door at the State Dining Room where the rehabilitation of typhoon-ravaged areas was being discussed.

"My invitation to you is that no matter how difficult the challenges you’re facing now, the aftermath of the typhoon and economic development challenges and all the things you’re faced with, I’ll just encourage you to believe that no matter how difficult it is to achieve what you want, it is possible," Canfield told the Cabinet officials.

The death toll from the typhoon, the worst to hit Metro Manila in 11 years, was placed at 197 while damage to public and private property as well as agriculture was projected to exceed P2 billion.

The country is also facing economic difficulties, as well as some internal security threats.

Canfield later told reporters that Filipinos have the ability to overcome any obstacle no matter how difficult or challenging it is.

"Never give up hope, trust that the world cares and take responsibility for what it is that you want to accomplish and work hard, anything is possible," he said.

Canfield said while people all over the world are strong, he found Filipinos especially resilient, noting that the country had been occupied by three foreign powers but was able to achieve independence and make it all work.

He had traveled to more than 30 countries and he found a wonderful "spirit of joy" among Filipinos.

"I hope as the country continues to modernize, that (quality) never changes. You know, as people become more urbanized, more industries, more foreign investments, people try to work harder and faster and it’s important we don’t lose that quality," Canfield said.

"You don’t see that quality often in the world. There’s a gentleness and graciousness and joy and just happiness about being alive that’s very much Filipino."

Canfield, who authored and co-authored 105 inspirational books, including the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, said he is beginning to work on a book titled "Chicken Soup for the Filipino Soul."

He would be working with local authors and writers for different inspirational stories among Filipinos.

"And also you have 10 million Filipinos living overseas, we would want to gather stories from them as well to show the Filipino experience, not just in the Philippines, but all over the world," Canfield said.