People

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I went sailing with my husband the whole weekend. As I contemplated privately, i was amused that the idyllic tranquility of the islands seem to betray the tempestuous seas. It was indeed a rough sailing experience for us. The modern Sail boat seemed to have done what it is made for, to defy the odds within its element. As I gazed on the brazen waves, an image comes rushing back to me...of a brown skinned race, setting out to sea on outriggers that are as frail as their hearts were stout.

Our forefathers. They marvelled at the abundance of the green archipelago and settled in for it was good. They lived peaceably, increased in numbers and flourished with skills of commerce. Bartering with neighbors from yonder like the Chinese, the Indones, the Malays and Indians. All was well until the wanderlust people from the West came thundering across the seas with the Sword and the Cross. A mysterious paradox it was. The rape of the archipelago came with the gift of education and most importantly- Faith. The pagan priestesses were wiped out and along with them their animism and strange rituals. The proud chieftains and their tribe all converted and baptised in Christianity. Instead of ancient names inspired from nature, they took on the names of old world saints. They were masters for 3 centuries and three decades living like aristocrats in walled cities while the passive inheritors endured silently as they prayed for Divine Succour.

The conquest of the Philippines by the Spaniards was not of mutual gain...in truth, never that it was. When Philippines was ceded by Spâin to America for a mere 20 million dollars, thus started the second wave of conquest which was to be written in history as 33 years of benevolent assimilation as a policy. They came to us, ravagers that they were yet bearing with them the gift of Democracy and Suffrage. The Americans weaved a brutal and cunning web of deception towards the leading Muslim Royals who commanded the most ferocious and hardy fighters that they could not defeat. Laden with gifts and favour, the stern resistance slowly disintegrated in just mere skirmishes and sporadic fighting. Yet the beastly treatment at start grew to become kindly in time as they developed a fraternal bond and shared history sealed forever in tears and blood, dying side by side to fight one common enemy.

The third wave of conquest was of that of the Japanese imperialist yoke. And whilst they had only 3 years occupation, the shortest reign was most characterized in terror. The brutality was done with impunity so stark that even as many still have survived, the torment was yet alive in their minds. The Japanese occupation, however brought the rise and popularity of cottage industries and and the so called "Buy and Sell" businesses. Still, the worst done outweighs the good.

Finally with the crashing defeat of the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) we were given a lease of hope. We have earned our freedom from the sacrifice of our heroes. Bullets and bayonets plunged through them, hastening their mortality yet it rendered deathless freedom to us borne of daylight. So we should never forget, and honour the memory of them who perished into the night.

Contested Philippines is no more. We are now a nation of free men and as such, afforded with the universal rights common to all. Yet even as we are schooled in faculties of mind, heart, and soul, the predilection to servitude has left an indelible imprint on the Filipino psyche.

One person close to me has asked: Why is it that the common Filipino seem to lack the audacity to dream big, to lead rather than follow. To be served rather than serve?

While there had been several Global Filipinos who had trail blazed the way for others to follow (the likes of Super models Anna Bayle and Melanie Marquez, Pound for pound King Manny Pacquiao, International Stage Actress Leah Salonga, 2009 CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida, and the very young Songstress Charice Pempengco) Still it remains that the anonymous majority are decidedly hidden away doing modest, thankless jobs in care homes, hospitals, construction sites, hotel chambers, luxury cruise lines and cargo ships, restaurant kitchens all over the world. Even as with others more, our compatriots are all over doing work that locals in foreign countries despise and find too cumbersome. While there are those who scorn at such pursuits, I choose, however to celebrate this love for labour, the inclination towards service above our convenient limitations.

It is interesting to note, in Christian Churches apart from those in the Philippines, its the attendance of Filipinos that swell up the body of believers wherever in the world. A kindly English priest once told me, " I am endeared to the Filipinos...they don't earn that much, and some of them are not treated right by their employers...yet they are stirred with a fervent spirituality that gives so much stemming from however little they have"

God has blessed us with this gift. We look within ourselves and find that there is so much to give, so many reasons to work and live for. We think of our loved ones back home and suddenly adrenaline rushes forth to sustain our flailing strength to propel us towards achieving our goals : a decent, comfortable life, perhaps an enterprise to fund needs and employment for others, quality education of siblings or children, property and other forms of investment...the list goes on and on.

Life as the Overseas Filipino Worker sees it, is lke acting on a play. A lot of toil behind the scenes yet everything seems to look perfect on stage. Melancholy turns into Gladness when we describe to our peers every experience teeming with exciting and colorful abundance. Homecomings are always filled with elation as we look forward to be with our loved ones who celebrate our arrival with eager anticipation. Whether one works in the confines of oak panneled office boardroom or in some remote cubicle in a hospice, It is by far, the degree of love and integrity that is given in every action that makes one an honorable person. Most OFW's do not have much of the Law to protect them, they are left to fend for themselves, no one knows how much tears are shed in helplessness. It is in this state that we arouse the Mercy of God.

With faith manifested in ardent prayers, a new brand of heroes have indeed risen in solidarity from the hallowed grounds were their bygone brothers had fallen. Away with the axe, the sword and the gun. A forlorn figure in the eyes of some, the Pious Modern Filipino Hero inherits an exalted place, strange but blessed. We are tears from the Eyes of God.

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