At the risk of contradiction, one ventures to list down at random the plus and the minus factors that have evolved in the current Philippine culture, starting with the sunny side:
1 - Manny Pacquiao is the Philippine pride as the best pound-for-pound world pro-boxer for his 7-weight class champion belts, from flyweight to welterweight.
2 - The Filipino nation proudly claims as the most literate, at least in Asia, despite the past dismal showing in Math and Science exams among Asian elementary pupils.
3 - Trivial records in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest longganiza, the largest pizza, the biggest and fabulous contingent of dancing prisoners, the biggest Philippine flag measuring 200 meters by 100 meters recently displayed by the Liloan LGU, and in several other trivia.
4 - The largest source of maritime work-force or sailors of the maritime world are Filipino seamen who man ocean-going ships of different national flags.
5 - Perhaps, the largest manpower of overseas workers, from doctors, nurses, engineers, and other pros to skilled artisans, sailors, and domestic helpers many of whom are college graduates and, whose dollar remittances constitute 10% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
6 - The Philippines claims as the most democratic country, at least in Asia, and the only Catholic Asian nation.
7 - The most talented in showbiz or entertainment industry, including top singers, musicians, and dancers are Filipinos, but none seems to know how to sing the national anthem.
8 - With its archipelagic geography and ideal climate and fertile lands, the Philippines is probably the best country for agricultural development.
9 - And, the Philippines is the Pearl of the Orient Seas.
Now, on the negative side of the balance sheet, viz:
1 - The Philippines is the 4th most corrupt investment country among the 16 countries surveyed in the Asia-Pacific region, and one of the top corrupt countries of the globe.
2 - The most dangerous country for journalists, topping the number of journalists killed.
3 - One of the fastest-growing population causing poverty, whose birth rate hovers 2.1% annually; thus, making baby-making in poor hovels as the national cottage industry.
4 - The topmost rice-importing nation of the globe, particularly from Asian neighbors who used to send their students to study rice culture at UP Los Baños, Laguna.
5 - Perhaps, the Philippines is one of the most-ravaged countries by natural calamities, like, typhoons, floods, volcano eruptions, earthquakes, dry spells, and in shipwreck disasters.
6 - Other than the Filipino pastime for gambling, Filipinos are obsessed in politics, with elections held every three years and, near illiterates aspire for government positions.
7 - Probably, we are tops in churning out college graduates most of whom are ill-prepared in their courses of choice and, many are OFWs as domestic helpers.
Admittedly, this piece is in a very light mood with a touch of jest, but it does not detract the truth or gravity of the issues. Lest there be some who may essay contradictory ideas, or perhaps react in invidious heat that one indulges in "biay-biay" or "bugal-bugal" that may appear mildly satiric and treasonous, it's far from being nihilistic.
At the very least, it's speaking candor as wake-up call that there are negative aspects to correct, to change or improve. The rampant corruption, over-indulgence in dirty politics, runaway overpopulation, half-baked education, people's indolence coupled with lack of foresight in agricultural development, the killing spree, etc., are not beyond reformation.
With regard to the positive aspects, these are assets to treasure and maintain as blessings to be counted from the Lord. Indeed, more than the minus factors in Filipino culture and lifestyle, the pluses still predominate as sources of pride and inspiration.
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Email: lparadiangjr@yahoo.com