note: this is not meant to mock my countrymen… but meant to show what’s wrong… something needs to change, and i need people to open their eyes.

this shows how one sided, close minded my filipino community is…
what i saw after the boxing fight (i only came out to grab some chicken wings and stuff, only to find myself in the final round of the whole bout):
when the enemy of pacquiao kissed him on the cheek showed a sign of respect, showing to the world that there was no grudges held in the length of the grueling match and all were done in the name of sport. that is what i saw.
everyone else in the room who are mostly filipinos ridiculed the said act saying he’s gay, bromance, and what not in a very, VERY mocking manner.
when pacquiao was declared winner. everyone cheered for pacquiao (except me, guess im the only one indifferent in the room as well as the only person in my bedroom refusing to socialize because of homework and stuff) screaming “FILIPINO” like the whole honor of the said race depends on this single bout of pacquiao.
what they saw:
a memorable victory of pacquiao therefore giving honor to the rest of his countrymen. a victory etched in the history of the world as the “best boxer who’s ever lived and they are proud to be his countryman, proud to cheer for him, proud to etc”
what i saw:
people who shallowly cheer the filipino name because a single individual won a great match, thinking that pacquiao’s victory has lifted their status in the world as a superior race. people who, bask in someone else’s glory that is not theirs, people who boast and gloats on a victory that someone worked their hardest for, which is unrightfully theirs to claim.
i would like to emphasize, my friends that cheering for your favorite athlete is encouraged but these acts seem to leave a bad taste in my mouth.
what is there to say “proud to be a filipino” when a single person won a battle that you did not even help? sure, this means that filipinos can rise to stardom through determination and hardwork– this principle applies to everyone. and while you party for a success of someone you dont even know personally, i say shouldnt you follow his example and work hard for something that is worth partying for?
bullets have been shot, i guess. but it’s more of a cry that something is wrong in this culture and we need to change something.
i do have to admit that not all of what i notice were bad. the good side is that the camaraderie or brotherhood of the filipino community is strong and full of laughs. if only we can hold on to that good thing, and let go of the close mindedness.