What makes you proud to be a Filipino?

There are many things that make us great as a people and nation. We asked our friends in media and business what makes them particularly feel proud to be part of this great nation and here is what they said.

Senator Loren Legarda

Our resilience as a people and as a nation makes me proud. Despite the many adversities, both natural and political, we have remained God-fearing and resolute and a happy people. We know how to count our blessings. Robina Gokongwei-Pe

I’m so proud of the fact that the Pinoy is always president of an organization. That’s because when he loses the elections, he forms his own organization. So no one loses! Kidding aside, I am proud of the Pinoy’s patience amid adversities.

Ginger Ignacio Mirasol, jeweler

I’m proud to be a Filipino because of our rich culture and colorful heritage. The Filipino’s ability to remain optimistic despite the challenges that we go through, how we always see the brighter side of things, how we don’t give up.

Charie Villa, head, abs-cbnnews.com and Mobile Patrol

May I answer your question through the blog finelookingislandpeople.com by my sister Cordi Villa, who has been working in New York, now Toronto, for the past 20 years. Pinoys like Jocelyn, whom my sister wrote about in her blog tell us how Filipinos in Canada, who are mostly caregivers or nannies, have affected families they’ve worked for, giving not just blood, sweat and tears, but their love. Who would not be proud to be a Filipino with stories like Jocelyn’s?

Tina Bonoan, architect, product designer

I beam with pride when Arnel Pineda belts it out as the new lead singer of Journey, when Manny Pacquiao kneels in prayer after a fight, when Efren Penaflorida pushes his kariton every Saturday all over Cavite to teach the underprivileged, when Cristeta Comerford gives the world a taste of Filipino food, when Josie Natori and Monique Lhuillier parade their creations on ramps that dictate world fashion, when Cecile Licad touches the piano keys and makes beautiful music, when DMCI builds the Skyway to true, world-class standards. They are all Filipinos who uplift our morality and integrity — they make me a proud Filipino.

Carlos Celdran, performance artist and cultural activist

The Philippine International Convention Center makes me proud to be a Pinoy. It’s one of Leandro Locsin’s most amazing architectural achievements. It’s proof that Filipinos can make grand architectural statements that can be both modern (in form and shape) and traditional (with the use of hardwood/pebblewash). It’s one of the world’s loveliest buildings, I have to say.

Victor Tan, owner, Bobson Jeans

What makes me proud to be a Pinoy is our indomitable spirit. We never give up even in the worst adversity. I see smiling faces prevail even over trials and troubles. Filipinos are resilient and God-fearing. We are a people of such great faith!

Roseanne de Pampelonne, Atelier F.R.

Adaptability, not having an inflated vision of self and possessing deep gratitude are great characteristics of the Filipino.

Atty. Duane Santos, real estate developer

Adversity, crisis, calamities (and even some questionable leaders) notwithstanding, we, as a nation, prevail and will continue to prevail. We are resilient. We are ingenious. We are survivors. More so today than ever. That’s why I’m proud to be a Filipino.