The Filipina

Filipina… the word itself is attractive. It sounds promising… its promise of inner strength beyond ordinary measure. It’s intensity even more overwhelming.

I am a Filipina … I couldn’t imagine myself ever shedding the image no matter where I might go. I find myself celebrating the pride of being considered one of the most sought after races. I find myself in awe at the gift of beauty that The Lord has endowed in my kind— that of being Filipina.

But lately, has the Filipina retained her untarnished integrity? Is she still the amiable and simple lass the world knows her to be… the sought after Pearl of the Orient? Can she still face the world with that attractive innocence, coy smile, humble spirit and awe inspiring faith in the Omniscient Being?

They say that change is the only constant on earth. Everything changes… even snakes shed their skin — it’s a painful stage, yet a necessary one. Does the Filipina of today have to undergo that same skin shedding — no matter how painful or how degrading because it’s necessary? Does she really have to scratch and claw or fight eye for eye to prove to the world that Filipinas are the Amazons of Asia — and if she does, does it prove anything?

I am a Filipina… I remain as proud as Maria Clara was in being Filipina

I am a Filipina… proud to be one. I laugh and I cry. I smile and I sigh. I speak and I listen — like everyone else. I live and let live — or sometimes choose to let die. I fight… yes, I fight when I have all the reasons to fight… but a Filipina knows when to stop — for she knows when enough is enough.

A Filipina knows when enough is enough.