How can you show your love for country?

I am often amazed at how nationalistic our neighboring countries are. Arriving at their airports, you immediately see their country’s culture and really feel their love for country. I hope soon we can catch up and sustain this “love for country” fever.

Some things on my wish list are: for all our international and local airports to create interiors that will show what the Philippines is; all public utility drivers and people who will come across our foreign visitors proudly talk about our president, our government, our culture; make our foreign visitors feel the genuine Filipino hospitality; see more Filipinos wearing our national costume with pride in meetings and events.

Here are some of our friends sharing their suggestions on how we can show our love for our country.

Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo, historian

Reading Philippine history is one way to show love of country, but you must go beyond the memorization of textbook dates, names and faces to appreciate the story of how we became a nation. History tells us where we came from and where we are today. History also tells us how we came to be, and most important, how we often fail to be what we should be.

Rep. Mitch Cajayon, 2nd District, Caloocan City

We could show our love for our country by being proud of our heritage and the nobility of our race and striving to make it best. We can do this by following the fine examples of patriotism and discipline of our heroes, by being part of the change that will bring back the glory and pride of the Filipino race and, more importantly, by helping improve the lives of our people in our own little way. Loving our country also means possessing an unyielding desire for our country to become a great nation given our talent, intelligence and resources and continuing to nourish this great dream for our country and people.

Bobby Capco, newspaper columnist

I show my love for my country by writing what I feel is right for our country, whether it hurts a friend, an ally or anyone I know. I have discovered that the pen is really mightier than the sword, and when you hesitate to wield that weapon of truth, you do your country a disservice in the long run. Look at what happened to us in the past 25 years! A million more poor people, despite the so-called economic growth we experienced in the past five years! That’s due to the P200 billion a year from the national budget that goes to the pockets of our corrupt leaders. Let’s hope the exposés of today will do wonders for the future!

Edu Jarque, former Tourism Undersecretary

By passionately and constantly spreading the good news that is the Philippines, with the zeal of a tireless missionary, to everyone we chance upon without exception, and by genuinely protecting our beautiful islands in every possible way, in all conceivable areas of concern, without always having to depend solely on government.

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan

As a parent, I try my very best to give my children the love and guidance they need to become good citizens and to be proud of their being Filipino. As a public servant, I try my very best each day to serve our people honestly, conscientiously and with my utmost.

Rico M. Hizon, anchor, BBC World News

Embrace Filipino art, culture and values. Listen to Pinoy music and watch local movies. Make it a priority to visit our beautiful islands before traveling to other countries. Speak positively about the country and fellow Pinoys when you talk to foreigners. Pay your taxes. Follow the rule of law. Wear original Pinoy Pride shirts and accessories!

Albert Martinez, director/actor

Be an active Filipino. Actively demonstrate your love for your country by being part of its political process (be counted and vote). Continually strive for a better country for all!

Lt. Col. George Rabusa, former budget officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

By telling the truth to the Filipino people about the corruption in the AFP. And by being a God-fearing and honest person, loyal not to the persons but to our country.

Amy Perez, TV host/radio anchor, TV5

Memorizing and singing our national anthem by heart. By being a law-abiding citizen. Knowing what’s happening to our country by focusing on current events. Also by encouraging my kids to love and respect our country. Teaching my “angels” at home to seriously care for our environment.

Alexandra M. Eduque, Columbia University, Barnard College

I think that anyone can show love to their country by embodying the Filipino spirit of bayanihan, and giving back to the community that has provided for them. Having been raised in a family that has been involved for generations with philanthropic endeavors, it has been ingrained in me even as a child that charity always begins at home. By advocating for a cause (such as Habitat for Humanity) I believe that one is not only able to provide material goods (in Habitat’s case, homes), but is essentially able to restore hope and dignity to the less privileged, which I see to be the nucleus and core of every family and nation. The simple act of getting involved with a charity, no matter how substantial or minimal, I believe, exemplifies the bayanihan spirit that we Filipinos pride ourselves on, and is the most sincere way to show love for one’s country.