Filipino! Filipino! Filipino!

When I was in Australia last month, I saw a lot of Australians (Wow! What did you expect, Brother Jan?). I kept looking at every Australian I pass by, to the point that my neck started to hurt because it was stretched so much. It’s not every day that I see people who are taller than me, people with white complexion, blue eyes, blonde hair and rosy cheeks.

Also, it was winter during that time so the weather was so cold unlike our weather here in the Philippines. The streets were so clean. The drivers were so disciplined (ehem), and I can go on and on about Australia’s positive points.

During that time, I can’t help but compare Australia and Philippines. A part of me prayed, Lord, why am I Filipino?

Then it stirred in my heart, I felt the Lord telling me that there is a purpose why I am a Filipino. I was reminded of what Pope John Paul II said during the 1995 World Youth Day in Philippines that “Filipinos are joyous people.”

Yes, Filipinos are joyous! In good times, Filipinos are happy. In tough times, Filipinos are still happy. A Filipino who receives salary during 15 and 30 is happy and a Filipino who is a tambay is still happy. It is amazing. It is in us. The light of Christ is in us. I think we are the only nation that even when we are swamped by floods and calamities, can still find it in ourselves to smile the moment a camera flashes at us.

My prayer is that after this series, you’ll appreciate more why God made you a Filipino. Friend, you are a Filipino for a purpose. Receive His Word today.

JIMLY,
Jan Silan

Posted in: Feast Builder, Jan Silan, Makati Feast