Patriotism

Patriotism is commonly defined as love of and/or devotion to one's country. Sadly, we(and that includes me -- sadder!), so lack this value. A group of us just came from the Malacanang Museum on a rainy and windy morning. Its high walls and million-dollar chandeliers boast of first editions, signed treaties, and priceless works of art and I just viewed them. Viewed them as objects, not as integral parts of our history, my history. Even depressing was the fact that there was no note of pride in the guide's voice and actions. Sigh! He just breezed through the rooms -- naming them, identifying the faces on the portraits, injecting anecdotes here and there. But he also had snide remarks about certain historical figures. Which I laughed at. No points for me there. What a wake-up call for me! I thought I had patriotism down pat. I don't have a desire to work anywhere else than my country, I can write and speak the language by heart, I make it a point to shop and eat Filipino.

But I guess those don't always fit the bill. Deeper sigh!