To what degree are you patriotic? How do you express your patriotism?

As a good citizen, my degree of patriotism is high for I am ready to die for my country when the need arises. – Ricardo Tolentino, LaoagCity

I guess patriotism is no longer an issue today. You love your country, yet you are hungry. I couldn’t ignore my pupils’ questions about that. – Lydia Reyes, Bataan

I express a degree of patriotism in desiring a peaceful, productive life amid the turbulence brought about by politics. – Benjamin Nillo, Las PiñasCity

As if being a model wife and mother who defends and fights for what I believe is right are not enough, I use Inbox to express my views and ideas. At some point, I hope I was able to share some goodwill to readers and since I can’t fight it out in the streets, nor give my life in favor of my country because I have young children, I can only show my patriotism to some extent. Inbox, hopefully, will be here for you and me. – Imee Aglibot, Rizal

I sing the Lupang Hinirang proudly in the 4/4 beat, and I stand at attention, with my right hand on my left breast. – Rey Onate, PalayanCity

The principle that 4th degree Knights of Columbus uphold is patriotism. Having been a master in that degree, I have since done many lectures and talks about patriotism in seminars, meetings and whenever I find a chance to talk about it in other fora. Considering that our country has gone down the list in the sisterhood of nations in which patriotism has become seemingly a strange virtue, talking about it makes me feel happy whenever I get applauses upon stressing some points. Also, I have now finished an article about the Philippine flag and the national anthem which I hope will be published before the 2009 celebration of the Philippine Independence. I have included therein some points not stated in the rules, to correct the wrong display of the flag and faulty singing of the Philippine national anthem. These are the little ways I do my part in expressing my patriotism. Of course, the Inbox has also become a forum for my advocacy. – I.Q. Calata, ParañaqueCity

By loving God and our Filipino Christian and Muslim brothers. Personal interest should be below national interest. Respect our Constitution and be honest. – Delfin Todcor, Mt.Province

Being patriotic cannot be measured in degrees and patriotism is expressed by depositing in Philippine banks rather than in multinational banks. – Leandro Tolentino, Batangas

As a Filipino, patriotism to me should be exercised 100 per cent. Patriotism is not something you just say. It is a strong belief and conviction put into action, big or small. We can express our patriotism first by being the best we can be. It starts from within, and then we can do all things possible to help in maintaining peace, order and sustainability of life in the community. Patriotism is simply following the laws of God and observing the laws that bind people. – Edwin Monares, MarikinaCity

I’ve been pro-government all my life. There are leaks and you can’t control political rain, but I see to it that I don’t complain and make sorry alibis about what needs fixing. I matured too soon to know that a perfect government exists in oneself. Manage yourself correctly and abide by whatever law that comes your way. To a certain degree, a simple walk using the pedestrian lane makes you patriotic. – Rico Fabello, ParañaqueCity

I must admit that mine’s only in thoughts and words expressed in Inbox, allegiance to this government, backing the AFP and PNP in keeping the peace, and supporting noble government projects. In this high-tech age, patriotism, after all, isn’t about dying but rather staying alive for one’s country. – Nestor Buñag, MandaluyongCity

I’m patriotic, but definitely not overly patriotic. I’m not like those hypocrites who would shout out how much they love the country but, when you look in their hearts, they have bad intentions. You won’t see me going toe-to-toe with soldiers on tanks or you won’t see me in rallies. My being patriotic begins and ends with the thought that the Philippines deserves a better leadership and a better governance. I’m no Rizal, Bonifacio, Aguinaldo, or even a Ninoy. What I am is a Filipino who loves his country but wouldn’t do anything because he knows his grievances would only fall on deaf ears. Should I do something about it? Hell, no. Sayang lang. – Alvin Perez, Manila

Patriotism? None. That is why I changed my citizenship years ago. I only show it when our athletes win in major events. – J. Arquiza, ParañaqueCity

To me, patriotism is to decide to stay in the country, no matter the circumstance, and working to make it a better place for every Juan. I love this country, warts and all. The last drop of blood I shall gladly shed to make it forever free! – Jose Fabello Jr., Misamis Oriental

I’m still here in the country even though job offers abroad abound. Can you call that patriotic? I still believe in this country even though we have a culture of pessimism. – Loi Castillo, DavaoCity

I am patriotic in the sense that I am proud to be a Filipino, and I want to work and teach here in the Philippines, travel and die here. – Roselle Navarro, Manila

Yes, those of us who are patriotic enough to stay the course in this country express and demonstrate their devotion to their native land by obeying its regulations, discharging their obligations and pursuing their occupation. – Josh Pacatang, DipologCity

I love our country and I’m proud to be a Filipino in spite of our being tagged as a dangerous place by some foreign nations. – Gerry del Cano, Muntinlupa

By trying not to disparage this regime in word or deed, but it’s hard. That’s why I admire our front line. The sacrifices of our soldiers are great. – Janet Lopez, Manila

Being a patriot is not about singing the anthem, it’s about making sure your country is running as it should and not letting crooked politicians destroy the dream we have for this country. – Johann Lucas, Quezon City

It is deemed necessary for me to express my views on issues of national concern in Inbox so that our leaders will know how we feel about them. – Edwin Castillo, Batangas

I always campaign hard against unqualified or undeserving election aspirants. I display the Philippine flag at home during legal holidays. – Ric Vergara, Calamba

If patriotism is love of country, I wouldn’t be found wanting. As to GMA and her minions who’re leading our nation to the dogs, they have no patriotism. – Jim Veneracion, NagaCity

We are in a worse situation now than during the Marcos regime. We should launch a Cory-style civil unrest to show our patriotism. – C.K. Yeo, IloiloCity

I’m a patriot and my heart pains for the widespread suffering and tarnished reputation inflicted on us by our self- serving and rotten-to-the bone leaders endlessly exploiting the gullible masses for their eternal greed. – William Gonzaga, MarikinaCity

Leaders and officials of our country read Phil. Star, that’s for sure. Maybe they should join us, the Inbox texters, in thinking of answers to this question. – E. Linsangan, Isabela

In this time of contrasting convictions, to abide by the laws of the land, even simple traffic laws, is enough to show my love for my country. – Cris Rivera, Rizal

On a scale of 10, I would be an 8. Loyal ako sa Constitution natin. Nirerespeto ko ang gobyerno natin. I patronize Philippine-made products. – Erwin Espinosa, Pangasinan

Religiously paying correct taxes and rigidly abiding by the laws of the land are marks of true patriotism. Not allowing any act that bastardizes the sanctity of our motherland is the extent of patriotism I have in mind and action. – Elpidio Que, Vigan

To the highest degree. I will express my patriotism even in exchange for my life. The Filipino is worth dying for, ‘ika nga. – Alfredo II Villasis, Mindanao

Iniibig ko at tinatangkilik ang aking bayan at mga kababayan tulad ng pag-ibig ko at pagtangkilik sa aking mga magulang, mga kapatid at mga anak na handa kong ibuwis ang aking buhay para sa kanilang kapakanan pagkat sila ang aking buhay at kaligayahang handog sa akin ng Diyos. – Germi Sison, Manila

I was once in the service of our country as a PC-PNP member for 37 years. I’m a JFK fan, and I’m willing to give my only life for our country. – Pedro Alagano Sr., ViganCity

Ako ay isang tunay na Pilipino, sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa, at handa akong pumatay at mamatay para sa isang ideolohiya na maka-Pilipino. Ako ay naniniwala na ang pananampalataya ay ginagamit ng mga pilipit ang utak at sinasamantala ang paghihirap at kamangmangan ng kanilang mga tagasunod upang mapanatili ang kanilang kontrol at impluwensya sa mga ito. Religion and ideology kill! – Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan

Patriotism is not measured by the intensity of our words, but by our capacity to transform it into action with the aim of protecting our country’s interests. – Concepcion Gaspar, LaoagCity

I buy quality Filipino-made products that can compete head-on with imported products. I hate anything anti-Filipino and I do away with colonial mentality. – Leonard Villa, BatacCity

I buy Filipino products like bags and sandals. I accessorize myself with anything native. Aside from their reasonable price, they are now in fashion. I go for native food as well. I feel proud deep inside when I read that a Filipino has made it big abroad or won in a prestigious competition. I wish Natori used Josie Cruz, like Lhuillier, on her apparel so the Filipina name is magnified even more. I go for local talents because I can relate better to their songs. It doesn’t mean you need to show it. All it takes is a little loving of our country and people. Whether I like it or not, my heart is here because I am a true full-blooded Pinoy. – Rose Leobrera, Manila

I’ve kind of put my patriotism on hold for two years, seeing how heartbreaking the state the country is in. I’m waiting for a second Ninoy to emancipate us from dictatorial leaders. – Vic Alim, CaloocanCity

To say that these quadruple evils of graft and corruption, injustice, poverty and criminality are worse today is an understatement. Their ill effects permeate every facet of the life of poor Juan dela Cruz and are best manifested in their lives of abject poverty. We ordinary citizens can only emphatize with them but their tragedy is that the government, who should extricate them from their quagmire, is the very cause of their problems. - Vic Sanchez, PasigCity

Federalism is not the answer because of our clannish, regionalist character. It can even divide our country. – Delfin Todcor, Mt.Province

The government shouldn’t allow the MILF to carry heavy firearms in the first place. Christian Filipinos are jailed for unlicensed handguns, but Muslims disobey Act 47 in public. – Vic Alim, CaloocanCity

This administration is engaged in too much politics and too little for sports development. Puro porma lang tayo. - T. Sanez, Cavite

I wonder what’s behind the more than 100-per cent jump in chemical fertilizer prices. It beats oil and food price increases yet no government agency has shown concern. - C.B. Fundales, Bulacan

Aircraft equipped with lightning arrester can still be susceptible to lightning during a thunderstorm. The use of radio communication apparatus must be avoided. - Gil Planas, DavaoCity

I watched and marveled at the prowess of foreign athletes in the Olympics. Still, I salute our Pinoy Olympians for their fighting spirit. Walang sisihan! – L.C. Fiel, Quezon City

What went wrong with our athletes? This is a question now being pondered by the majority of our countrymen. I think it will remain a perennial question. – Mar Alarcio, PasayCity

In my opinion we cannot achieve glory in the Olympics and Asian Games. We can only achieve glory in the SEA Games. – Nick Ocampo, AngelesCity

Jarius Bondoc is being too quick to the draw in implying that FG has a hand in the Meralco case. Don’t get too personal. – Ferdinand Rafer, Manila

The article ‘Peace be with you’ by Babe Romualdez in Phil. Star’s Aug. 24, 2008 issue is food for thought for all Filipinos. I was greatly touched reading it. – Leonard Villa, BatacCity

To Bobbit Avila: Indeed that RP-MILF-MOA is the best stupid (binoang, Bay) peace pact that is causing trouble. – C.B. Manalastas, Manila

Let us pray for the speedy and complete recovery of our fellow Inbox World texter Erwin Espinosa who is confined at the Alaminos City hospital due to complications of diabetes. Thank you. – Ella Arenas, Pangasinan

NEXT INBOX QUESTION: If you were to break it down, how do you imagine the way our solons spend their pork barrel?

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