A cause for Pinoy pride

Pride may well be society’s greatest scoundrel. It is said to be an evil, plaguing everything in its path. But pride, no matter how scorned, can still be a good thing. This is especially true when it empowers a nation and becomes a stronghold for hope and unity. Such is the cause being rallied in our country today. Such is the reason for Yabang Pinoy.

Yabang Pinoy is a campaign that aims to keep Filipino pride (and identity) alive. Formed by a group of young and zealous Filipinos, the campaign hopes to work from the inside out. That is, they hope to touch other Pinoys’ hearts and minds so that they may also be the "shouting, proud Pinoys" that Yabang Pinoy advocates have become.

Perhaps, this is the only way you will ever recognize these Pinoy advocates – through their heightened sense of national pride. For them, personal recognition has never been a goal. Furthermore, they believe that "Yabang Pinoy is a campaign which belongs to the Filipinos and no single individual or group of people should take credit for it." That said, the campaign continues.

It carries with it a band that sets it apart from the rest. Tied to their wrists as the ultimate symbol of national pride, this band represents the strength of Filipinos today. These bands are perhaps the greatest metaphor to how the group feels about Filipinos. That is, through the richness of their multiracial heritage, Filipinos possess the ability to adapt to any situation. Just like the intertwined strands of indigenous abaca fiber, Filipinos are resilient and can weather the toughest storms.

The bands are actually a product of Barangay Aplaya in Muntinlupa City where, every day, people struggle to make ends meet. Today, the Yabang Pinoy bands have somewhat become a source of income – when you help Yabang Pinoy, you are also helping them. Each band costs a mere P50 per piece and sales proceeds will not only go to its makers but to another cause as well.

The Children’s Environmental Awareness and Action Foundation (CEAAF) is Yabang Pinoy’s chosen beneficiary. It is an organization committed to promoting environmental education among young Filipinos in the hope of promoting and protecting the Philippines’ rich biodiversity. Indeed, the campaign also recognizes the need to look after the country’s natural environment. After all, it is one of the things we Filipinos should be proud of.

With this and more, the campaign continues to reach out to even more Pinoys today. The group also believes that our country can be proud of its richness, both with regard to natural resources and human prowess. And for some time now, the campaign has also been a huge supporter of Filipino crafts, products and artists.

Among the group’s much-awaited events for this year is the Global Pinoy Bazaar. Set in the first quarter of the year, the bazaar will feature the best of Pinoy products done by small- to medium-scale enterprises.

Yabang Pinoy (visit www.yabangpinoy.com) continues to instill its spirit among the young and old. Thanks to them, Pinoy pride lives on!

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E-mail the author at ice_wave_42@yahoo.com.