True independence

As we celebrate 116 years of our independence, it made me wonder how truly independent we are.  And what should we be independent of?

If you ask me, I would say we will never be absolutely independent as a country.  We will need bigger forces to help and protect us as we lobby for the intrusion of other countries over our domain.  And I am not just referring to China and their claim over the Spratly Islands.  And by domain I do not also only mean our country.  But the way we think, and act, and do things.

Take into account the many business establishments we have.  We see foreign faces owning or managing the business, while we Filipinos clean the tables, man the kitchen and carry loads and loads of produce to the kitchen.  There is a spattering of Filipino-owned establishments, and an abundance of sari-sari stores.  But when it comes to the high-end, high-paying clientele, the bigger establishments are owned and managed by multinationals.  Not their fault really.  In fact we appreciate their investing in our country.  That means they believe that their business will thrive here and in a way, they believe we have a climate good for business.

My desire is that we Filipinos take on more leadership roles.  Where we create and chart our own positive destinies, not lament at the streets and be hushed to march by some advocate whose purpose we never can really fathom.  Are they really after building our nation?  Or are they there to just destabilize our country to make it more fertile for more oppression or to dissuade capitalists from banking on the Filipino business community, and our economy?

Haven’t you noticed that when our country begins to pick up economically, there are events that occur that somehow cause a destabilization and make prospecting business men rethink their investments?

It is sad that as we pride ourselves of being the happiest people and a peace-loving nation.  Sadly, some of us just want to fill up personal pockets, and to some extent others just want to be fed for a day that is why they agree to march the streets to supposedly show their desire to ask government to pull them out of destitution.  Unknowingly dragging their lives continually down as they do so.

We must think independently, open our minds to more options and make the right choices.  We should call on that stronger super power called God, to help us and guide us in the way we assess the directions we should take.  Our decision should be based on what is right, what is true, and what is just.  Not on pride, power and greed.

Only then can we truly be independent.