Guts, Gold, and Glory: The Story of the Present Filipino

Let me tell you a story: a man musters the guts to be able to bear being separated from his loved ones; he travels far and wide to search for gold, which will also be sent back to his loved ones; and soon, after finding such gold, he yearns for glory, and continues to search for it in foreign lands. His fellowmen see this pattern working out for him, and they too leave their loved ones behind and risk the unfamiliar terrains.

Sounds familiar? Of course it does- for it is the story of our country's present generation. Guts. Gold. Glory.

"Mag-aral ka nang mabuti para makapunta at makapagtrabaho ka abroad," is an all too familiar line form my parents. Growing up in a family of mostly Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs, it was always implied that I go to school for the sake of my future, and not for the sake of simply learning. Perhaps this thinking is also due to the Asian culture of always having to excel, but after discussing the topic of the International Labor Force in our Trends subject this semester, I realized that it roots from something much deeper- poverty.

I wouldn't be honest if I were to say that I hope this OFW trend ends soon- matter of fact, it has brought a great deal of honor and respect to our country, for the world has witnessed our incomparable wit and work ethic. We have built for ourselves a good impression. It has also improved our economy.

What needs to be emphasized, however, are the following: that 1) it has made room for others to abuse and treat us as a people below them; 2) it has become such a become such a norm to the point that we are forgetting we have a country to serve for first; and 3) we have come to believe that it is a treatment to our ailing economy when in fact it is actually just a band-aid solution.

Poverty has become so incurable that people are willing to be separated from their loved ones and risking their relationships just to be able to fend for themselves. Poverty has restricted so many people of opportunities that it has made them think that maybe, on the other side of the world there is a brighter ray of hope. It is quite unfair, isn't it, how we are made to choose between surviving and loving our homeland? Our governmental system promises to let us enjoy both "privileges"- but how and why are we deep into this mess?

As of now, I cannot think of a possible solution to that ever-growing problem. The most I can do is to ponder about it, write about it, and share my thoughts; it isn't much, but hey: two heads are better than one. Trends made me realize that it is high time that we act upon the said problem, and now I'm calling to you, my dear reader, for help.

It's time to bring our heroes home.