Nationalism is described as the love and patriotism someone shows towards his/her country. Filipino nationalism has been observed even in the early ages. The rise of the middle class, the impact of European liberalism, racial discrimination, the death of GomBurZa were just a few of the factors that ignited the Filipino's love and patriotism for their country. The question now is, is there still nationalism in our fellow Filipinos now?
As for me, I show my sense of nationalism in my own ways. Take our cuisine for example, I really enjoy eating food like Champorado (chocolate rice porridge) for breakfast and Tinola (It has large chicken pieces and green papaya slices cooked with chili, spinach, and moringa leaves in a ginger-flavored broth). Another way is that I tell foreigners great things about our people. When I was still studying abroad, I used to tell them that most people here are cable of taking care of themselves by learning how to cook and clean. Also I show my nationalism by buying Filipino products for example, handmade accessories and key chains.
Today, Philippines' sense of nationalism in its people is slowly fading away. Take our economy for example. The greatest and brightest workers of our country are now going abroad to get better jobs and a better life. The quality of service in our business sector is going down now because of this. The governments should give these people a reason to stay like giving better salaries etc. We should also think about our local cultures. Nowadays, people are reading books and listening to songs from foreign countries. Though there are people who listen to songs from here, how about Filipino dances and literature? A few people are actually interested in them. So what will happen to our country now?
For now, I could conclude that the Philippines' sense of nationalism is not that strong compared to the early ages. Let us care and love our fellowmen and hope that our nationalism will grow stronger and our country will have a better future. God bless and live Jesus and Mary.
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