There will always be Easter for Filipinos
French writer Francois de Rochefoucauld once said that the last thing that dies in man is hope. He probably is talking about the Filipino — because if there’s any characteristic at all that enables the Filipino to survive even the most trying circumstance, it’s his great capacity to hope, his unswerving belief that things will always get better no matter what. As a matter of fact, global surveys have revealed that compared to others, Filipinos are among the happiest people not only in
Despite the difficulties we face as a nation today, many Filipinos, especially those who have been living abroad, have the biggest hope for the
Those young people who are coming back home after living abroad for many years can in fact make a big difference having a global perspective. Many of them after studying abroad can bring new ideas and knowledge they have acquired, which could help the Philippines take its rightful place in the global arena — at par with the rest of the developing world.
It’s so ironic that Filipinos who have lived in the
A lot of Americans pay a premium just to be able to live in
Tourism Secretary Ace Durano was not kidding when he said that 250,000 locals will tour the country during the Holy Week. Judging from the traffic going to so many places especially in the south, it looked like the actual figure for local tourists is really 300,000 — perhaps the highest number in any single month for domestic travel. As a matter of fact, airlines confirmed that all their flights going to favourite travel spots like
More than eight million Filipinos take the opportunity to become tourists in their own country, and the number has been consistently increasing during the past three years, with figures hitting as much as 10 million locals enjoying the sights and sounds of the country. The increased number of domestic tourists is an obvious proof that the economy is getting healthier. Skeptics and cynics will always find something negative to complain about. Of course, the effects of the economy are not trickling down fast enough, but at least it’s reaching out to the lower levels of society through domestic tourism. Getting the economy into top shape cannot be accomplished overnight.
This is probably why we continue to have a political divide. But fortunately, there is a persistent feeling of hope by many people that one day, this country will rise up from the political and social morass it is experiencing. People are getting tired of “trapos” — traditional politicians with their incessant wrangling for more influence and power. After all, we all must realize there is a bigger world out there outside of politics.
Perhaps this indomitable spirit — this unwavering hope for things to get better no matter the odds — comes from our strong Christian faith. As Max Soliven used to say, the
Today reminds us of the example of Jesus Christ who suffered every kind of pain imaginable as He lay dying on the cross, but conquered death on His resurrection. Christians all over the world celebrate Easter because it restores their faith — and it is this kind of faith that continues to keep hope alive in their hearts, believing that the promise of a new and better life will surely come. As
For many Filipinos, the miracle of the resurrection is the light of hope that keeps them believing that one day, this nation and its people will be transformed to what it should be — a rich country, blessed by talented and brilliant people. As Easter is all about new lives and new beginnings, Filipinos know that even when the situation seems gloomy, their strong faith and hope gives them the assurance that as certain as the sun goes down, it will surely rise again the next day. The time will come when the people will rise above the divisions they are going through today — because as long as faith and hope continue to burn in their hearts, there will always be Easter for Filipinos.
* * *
E-mail: [email protected]
- Latest
- Trending
