WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
AND FILIPINOS?
MANILA, MARCH 31, 2008 (STAR) WORDS WORTH By Mons Romulo- Tantoco - Oftentimes, we fail to see the beauty of our own country and our people. We complain about the weather, the traditions that have been passed down to us by our ancestors, the character and attitudes that make us and our land unique. It’s said that it takes a visitor to make us realize the beauty in our own home, so that’s exactly what we did in this week’s forum: we asked a group of ambassadors and other foreign friends — ambassadors no less! — to tell us what we sometimes don’t see for ourselves.
British
Ambassador PETER BECKINGHAM: I would highlight three qualities of the Filipinos:
cheerful, caring and creative. Filipinos are among the most cheerful, fun-loving
people I have met. Warm and hospitable, generous and kind, they have made us
feel at home since the first day we arrived in Manila, from the winning smile of
the doorman at our apartment to an enormously friendly and welcoming embassy
staff. The Filipinos’ reputation for caring goes before them. They respect and
look up to the aged, and the nursing care of Filipinos in Britain is legendary.
I have had aged parents and relatives who have received the most gracious
support from Filipinos. Filipinos are endlessly creative, from devising ways of
making a living with next-to-nothing, to the brilliance of a Ballet Philippines
performance. Filipinos never cease to amaze me with their creative genius. In
short, we will always cherish the opportunity to live, work and enjoy life to
the fullest with some of the most engaging friends and colleagues anywhere in
the world.
South Africa Ambassador PIETER VERMEULEN: People smiling (south to north, west to east); people singing the national anthem; the debates (say what you want); the robust media (write what you want); the fresh seafood (Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings), Bicol express, mangoes; riding on a banca, the aquamarine seas and white beaches, snorkeling; Filipino designer furniture; and EDSA on January 1.
Israel Ambassador ZVI A. VAPNI: I love the warm and gentle nature of Filipinos, their friendliness and the way a smile comes easy to them. I love the landscape especially the countryside and the beaches. The landscape is like a secret that has not yet been discovered by millions of potential tourists around the world. I admire the musical and artistic abilities every other person seems to posses. The most serious person you meet is able, on the right occasion to carry a tune with a lovely voice. The artistic talents are so visible in paintings and crafts that are in museums and local handicraft markets. I even love the weather (although not always), especially when it rains. For someone coming from a very dry country, these rains are like miracles. Of course, I also love the celebrations, the fireworks and the passion and enthusiasm with which every happy event is turned into a real joyous occasion.
Pakistan Ambassador MUHAMMAD NAEEM KHAN: The Philippines can be truly described as a country of malls, golf courses and exotic resorts. I have developed a great liking for this beautiful land and its amazing people. The country represents a happy mix of eastern and western cultures. I am most impressed by the modesty, humility, courtesy, hospitality and self-esteem of the Filipinos.
Turkish Ambassador ADNAN BASAGA: The Filipinos’ calm nature and hospitality are what I like the most. On the other hand, I also admire the natural beauty of the islands.
Mexican Ambassador ERENDRA ARACELI PAZ CAMPOS: I like the fact that it is a nation rich in natural resources, considered among the 15 mega diverse countries with a huge potential to be among the most relevant participants in this dynamic region because of its multicultural society and rich cultural heritage. It is a wealthy nation due to its human resources. Filipinos are multi-talented, artistic, resilient, generous, and hardworking. The Republic of the Philippines has a promising future due to its sense of solidarity and unity.
New Zealand Ambassador DAVID PINE: In New Zealand, the Maori people have a saying: “He aha te mea nui o tea o? He Tangata! He Tangata! He Tangata!” This translates to “Ask me what is the most important thing on earth. It is people! It is people! It is people!” The people of this country are what I like most about the Philippines.
Egyptian Ambassador SALWA MOUFID: The Philippines occupies a special place in my diplomatic service abroad as it is my first posting as Ambassador and Head of Mission. Learning more about the rich history, culture and traditions of the Philippines has been a source of great interest to me and following up the achievements that the Philippines has realized in the last two decades reflects that it plays an important and vital role in the Southeast Asian region.
Swedish Ambassador INGER ULTVEDT: Not so easy to answer. It is so many things: the people are very friendly, hospitable and in a happy mood. A visitor is always very well received regardless if it is in a public office or a rural village. The small islands with clean emerald water; the mountains with their views and flowers; the culture in the form of dances and songs. I think that everyone who has experienced a taste of the Philippines will always want to come back. I would!
TIMOTHY WRIGHT, general manager, Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa: The asset of this country is its people. The Filipinos are naturally friendly, very warm, flexible and easy to work with. Their being well- traveled and exposed to various cultures makes it easier for them to integrate and adapt to other nationalities and cultures. I will miss my Filipino friends and staff when I move to Thailand next month.
WYNN WYNN ONG, jewelry designer: I like Filipinos — they have an innate sense of kindness. I like the land — the countryside is breath-taking. If only our infrastructure were better. I also like the ability of people to combine serious work with leisure — family ties remain strong and friendships are given time to be nurtured. People work hard but balance this with an easy-going nature. Plus I like the people’s sense of humor.