By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
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Being dubbed as the “Pearl of the Orient Seas”, we enjoy the luxuries of a sunny weather, attractive beaches and a natural tan that comes with living in a tropical country. Attracting several tourists around the world, we can offer a relaxing time beside the beach or a time alone surrounded by majestic ranges of mountains, or plates of several “exotic” delicacies from all over the scattered islands.
Though, it is not all sunny and fantastic in the southeast asian country, year after year, we always get battered by typhoons, causing all natural disasters, flooding, landslides and of course the yearly black-outs in the country.
Acting like a shield for the mainland South-East Asia against all the storms that seek to cause havoc in the tropical countries. Philippines has its ups and downs in its geography. But its not all too bad, as we have not been left alone by heaven. Sierra Madre had stood against all that try to pass through Luzon and never failed in protecting the people of this country.
And along with the natural barriers we have been blessed with, a resilient mindset works along well with a shield of mountains. This is a country of fighters, tough and resilient people.
When foreigners came from the seas and landed, claimed to be the masters of these people, trampled on their pride, the people stuck through under the whip and under the foot of these false masters.
As Earth continued to revolve, it was the Filipinos were able to enjoy the rising sun at last and shine brightly over the golden pearl surrounded by clear blue waters. Therefore finally see their reflection, love their own identity and raise their own flag and colors.
There have and will always be trouble in paradise, but we will never be alone in our struggles. If the seas is fully adamant on sending the storms our way, then we continue to rebuild and back the fortress of Sierra Madre.
And if mere mortals come and claim to be the masters again, exploit this earnest population, then the people will not settle on the standards of a few elites.
Through all what this country had gone through, it is never too late in realizing what we have been blessed with and what we deserve as human beings. The hard working Filipinos had been taken advantage of for too long. And it is long past we, in turn take care of the natural barriers that have served us for decades.
As a nation, we have been dealt with good and bad cards alike, but we call spade a spade, its not too bad here in paradise. So long as the people stand their ground, the sun in our flag will always shine above the pearl of the sea.**
