12 Little Things

It's that time of the year when Hubby and I go on an adventure to explore the world out there. This trip is different the our past ones, though. It's our "official honeymoon" Oh, let me rephrase that. We're going on our DREAM honeymoon!

I am always excited to see what is out there. See the beauty that other countries have, what they can offer. However, for some reason, every time I travel, it makes me appreciate our country even more. Unlike a lot of our kababayans, they opt or wish to migrate.

It's a pity that a lot of our kababayans are migrating. Not just working abroad, but uprooting themselves and their families to live in a first world country, for, as they say, "a better future" (some even take up foreign language classes just to increase their "points" (whatever that means) and increase their chances of leaving). It's sad, but you can't blame 'em.

Admittedly, when you compare our country with our neighbors, you can't help but wonder why we can't be like them. We can give a lot of reasons: corruption, government, rich not helping the poor, lousy educational system, etc. It's a vicious cycle, I think. It's really easily to just point a finger and put the blame on someone/something other than ourselves, then pack up and leave if those at fault don't do anything about it.

I believe that it can be a struggle to survive and have a decent life here without breaking your back, I still prefer to stay.

And so, while I'm away, enjoying my honeymoon, I leave you with this list that Alexander L. Lacson suggests to help make our country a better place to live in (i'm proud to say that i do a pretty good job at it):

12 LITTLE THINGS EVERY FILIPINO CAN DO TO HELP OUR COUNTRY

1. Follow traffic rules and regulations. Better yet, follow rules. Period. I don't beat the red light and don't drive pass it even if the intersection is without a doubt clear of any vehicles - not even at 2:00 in the morning when the cops are asleep. I don't even use the walk-up ramp or cubicle for the disabled (yes, even if nobody's using it).

2. Whenever you buy or pay for anything, always ask for an official receipt. Always. Even the receipt from the toll gates, I demand for it.

3. Don't buy smuggled goods. Buy local. Buy Filipino. Okay, okay. This is tricky. I don't buy fake branded clothes from the tiangges. I'd rather buy a local brand. But I will shamefully admit, I "support" the piracy of DVDs. Before I continue, let me just say that it takes a lot from me to buy one, and I don't buy movies that I know will be shown in the theaters. In fact the pirated copies in our DVD cabinet does not even reach 1/4 of the total collection. (Am I sounding too guilty and defensive already? I am.) However, we do purchase those hard to find art/foreign films. Plus, our all PS2 games are pirated. As much as we would like to get originals, between P3,000 and P80, which one would you buy? I'm not proud of this, but I won't be hypocritical about it either. I'm struggling to resist the temptation though.

4. When you talk to others, especially foreigners, speak positively about us and our country. I love surprising foreigners I meet during my travels, with how rich our country is, in so many ways. I love it when I tell them that we have something similar or even better than the one they have. And I believe, that to be able to do this, you must know your own country well enough to speak well of it. So, explore you own country, people! Support WOW Philippines.

5. Respect your traffic officer, policeman and soldier. I know this is very hard to do. Especially when you know that they are not doing their job. It also doesn't help that you see and hear a lot of horror stories about them. However, I think, maybe if we treat them well, their conscience will get the better of them. I do talk to men in uniform with respect but when they start abusing their power, I do not let them.

6. Do not litter. It's ironic how Filipinos are known form being very hygenic, but can't seem to keep their environment clean. Don't you just hate people who throw their candy wrappers and cigarette butts in the street, especially those who throw them out of their car windows! Grrrr!!!! I take extra effort to keep my trash in the car or my bag and throw them out only when I see a trash can. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. This is one of the frustations Hubby and I have with the City we live in. The local government do not impose garbage segregation. No matter how much we segregate ours, it all ends up in the same pile when collected. Recycle. Too bad we still don't use brown bags for our groceries. So I use those plastics bags I bring home from the grocery store as trash can linings at home. Conserve. I try to make it a habit to unplug electric appliances to be able to conserve even the energy used for stand-by power.

7. Support your Church. I acquired this habit from my husband. Before, I did not shell out money during collection time in Mass. I always say I'll just give the money to the charity of my choice. He made me realize that the Church is able to reach out to more people and your P100 can go a long, long way. I guess if a small amount can help more people, we can help alleviate poverty.

8. During elections, do your solemn duty. I've never missed an election since I started voting. And I vote for whoever I believe will do a better job (for our country and not for me), even if the whole world is against my choice. Heck, I'd even vote for the security guard in our school if I truly believe in him. There was also a time I was a NAMFREL volunteer.

9. Pay your employees well. I'm not an employer of anyone but our helper and I know she gets paid well. Also, as a boss, I make sure that those who report to me are rewarded and compensated well.

10. Pay your taxes. Yes, even if we don't know who's pocket it goes into.

11. Adopt a scholar or a poor child. I have done this once only. I helped send seminarian to school in Cebu. Didn't get to meet him personally, but I'm proud to say he is now a priest.

12. Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country. I am starting this with my kids in school and I will definitely to the same with the own kids someday.

Try to go through this list before you decide to pack your bags and leave for "greener pastures".

That's it. I'll be back next month to share our adventure with you.