TEODORO BENIGNO: WHAT NATIONALISM?

Suddenly, this word is being nudged into our consciousness and we’ve forgotten what it’s all about. What, honestly and truly, is nationalism?. Okay, the easy answer. It’s love of country. It’s a return to the values of yesteryear when the notion of nation drew us close together, particularly the war years. Fear and loathing of the Japanese invader and occupant. The tramp of his hobnailed boot, the terrors of Fort Santiago. Bataan and Corregidor. The Death March. Filipinos dying by the multitudes. The sword of Dai Nippon plunged ruthlessly into their entrails.

That is the only time I personally remember, outside of the Philippine revolution against Spain and the insurgency against the United States, that many Filipinos were ready and willing to die for this entity called Bayan kong Pilipinas. The Filipino nation. Pilipinas kong mahal. Hundreds of thousands did perish if not a couple of millions. Then and only then did love of country surge into the Filipino soul like molten lava. La patria was the revered fatherland. And a brace of Filipino heroes at the end of the 19th century gave their lives – willingly, courageously, indomitably.

Then the patriotic songs – Bayang Magiliw, Bayan Ko, Pilipinas Kong Mahal.

'Bayang Magiliw

Perlas ng Silanganan

Alab ng Puso

sa dibdib mo’y buhay

Lupang Hinirang

Duyan ka ng magiting

Sa manlulupig

Di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok

Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw

May dilag ang tula

At awit sa paglayang minamahal

Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y

Tagumpay na nagniningning

Ang bituin at araw niya

Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim

Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta

Buhay ay langit sa piling mo.

Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi

Ang mamatay nang dahil sa'yo.'

*The Philippine National Anthem was composed by Julian Felipe, a Filipino music teacher and composer of Cavite. It was first played by the band of San Francisco de Malabon during the unfurling of the Filipino flag at Kawit during the Independence Day ceremony.

For more than a year, the anthem remained without words. Towards the end of August of 1899, a young poet-soldier named Jose Palma wrote the poem titled Filipinas. This poem expressed in elegant Spanish verses the ardent patriotism and fighting spirit of the Filipino people. It became the words of the anthem, and today, the anthem is sung in Filipino, its official lyrics translated by Felipe de Leon, from the original Spanish lyrics in the early 1900s.

Nabahala ang National Historical Commission of the Philippines o NHCP sa dumaranas ng maraming Pilipino na bukod sa hindi alam ang tamang pagkanta ng Lupang Hinirang ay hindi pa kabisado ito. Paalala po ng NHCP, ang paglapastangan sa ating pambansang awit ay may karampatang parusa. 

Watch: NHCP: Maraming kabataan ang hindi kabisado ang ating pambansang awit

Mga Kapuso, Ipinarinig sa GMA News ang University of the Philippines Concert Chorus ang tamang pagkanta ng pambansang awit ng Pilipinas.

Watch: UP Concert Chorus, ipinarinig kung paano dapat kantahin ang Lupang Hinirang

The NHI, in coordination with the proper government agency, shall disseminate an official music score sheet that reflects the manner in which the national anthem should be played or sung.

When the national anthem is played, the public is required to sing and do so "with fervor."

They are expected to sing while the right hand is placed over the left chest. Uniformed personnel, meanwhile, are to salute the flag as prescribed by their respective regulations.

Individuals whose faith prohibit them from singing Lupang Hinirang must still show full respect.

The national anthem, however, would not be allowed to be played and sung preceding "events of recreation, amusement, or entertainment purposes."

But the anthem may be played during the following: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; national and local sports competitions, during the "signing off" and "signing on" of radio broadcasting and television stations, before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; Provided, that the owners and management of the establishments shall be mandated to enforce proper decorum and implement the pertinent provisions of this act; and other occasions as may be allowed by the NHI.

The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic education institutions. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag (Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas) may be recited as well, though the law did not specify who is required to do so.

“We have to follow the law, and our law is very categorical (on this). In singing the national anthem, you have to follow the arrangement of Julian Felipe, the original copy of which is officially kept at the National Library of the Philippines, in 2/4 beat when played; and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome in 4/4 beat when sang,” he said.

Under Section 48 of RA 8491, “failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act and any violation of the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the NHI, after proper notice and hearing, shall be penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.”

The permit of private educational institutions which would violate any of RA 8491's provisions would be canceled by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the National Historical Institute (NHI).

Public and private officials or employees who will violate the rules, meanwhile, would be punished in accordance with Rule 10 of the Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service. They could also face criminal charges.

The NHI would be tasked to formulate the rules and regulations implementing the provisions of the law in consultation with the DECS, CHED, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino.

He or she said violators face a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

For any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed. In case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer shall be liable.

Officials of the National Historical Institute are pushing to stuff a stocking in Pineda’s mouth as if he committed some earth-shaking crime.

The NHI may prescribe in the implementing rules and regulations of this act other acts or omissions which shall be deemed disrespectful, and thus prohibited, relative to the flag, national anthem, great seal, coat-of-arms, national motto and other heraldic items and devices.

Any citizen shall have the power to conduct a citizen's arrest if a person is actually violating of any provision of this act in officers to assist in conducting citizen's arrest. All security personnel and ushers in movie-houses are likewise authorized to arrest the violators.

Bayan Ko

Original Tagalog lyrics by Jose Corazon de Jesus

Melody by Constancio de Guzman.

Ang bayan kong Pilipinas

Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak

Pag-ibig ang sa kanyang palad

Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag.

At sa kanyang yumi at ganda

Dayuhan ay nahalina

Bayan ko, binihag ka

Nasadlak sa dusa.

Ibon mang may layang lumipad

Kulungin mo at umiiyak

Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag

Ang di magnasang makaalpas!

Pilipinas kong minumutya

Pugad ng luha ko't dalita

Aking adhika,

Makita kang sakdal laya!

This song has accompanied almost every struggle since the turn of the century to recapture the visions and ideals of the First Republic -- from the anti-American protest movement and millenarian revolts of the 1920's and 30's, to the resistance against the Japanese occupation in the 40's, the student revolt of the 70's and more recently, the 1986 "People's Power" revolt that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.

Original Tagalog lyrics by Jose Corazon de Jesus, melody by Constancio de Guzman.

Source: Philippine Graphic Centennial Yearbook.

Ang Pambansang Awit ng Pilipinas (Philippine National Anthem)

Bayang magiliw

Perlas ng Silanganan

Alab ng puso

Sa dibdib mo'y buhay

Lupang hinirang

Duyan ka ng magiting

Sa manlulupig

Di ka pasisiil

Sa dagat at bundok

Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw;

May dilag and tula

At awit sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y

Tagumpay na nagniningning,

Ang bituin at araw niya

Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta,

Buhay at langit sa piling mo;

Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi

Ang mamatay ng dahil sa'yo.

Bayan Ko (My Country)

Ang bayan kong Pilipinas

Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak

Pag-ibig ang sa kanyang palad

Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag

At sa kanyang yumi at ganda

Dayuhan ay nahalina

Bayan ko, binihag ka

Nasadlak sa dusa

Ibon mang may layang lumipad

Kulungin mo at umiiyak

Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag

Ang di magnasang makaalpas

Pilipinas kong minumutya

Pugad ng luha ko't dalita

Aking adhika

Makita kang sakdal laya

Pilipinas Kong Mahal (My Beloved Philippines)

Ang bayan ko'y tanging ikaw

Pilipinas kong mahal

Ang puso ko at buhay man

Sa iyo'y ibibigay

Tungkulin ko'y gagampanan

Na laging kang paglingkuran

Ang laya mo'y babantayan

Pilipinas kong hirang

Ako ay Pilipino (I am a Filipino)

AKO AY PILIPINO

by George Canseco/Bagayaua

Ako ay Pilipino

Ang dugo'y maharlika

Likas sa aking puso

Adhikaing kay ganda

Sa Pilipinas na aking bayan

Lantay na Perlas ng Silanganan

Wari'y natipon ang kayamanan

ng Maykapal

Bigay sa 'king talino

Sa mabuti lang laan

Sa aki'y katutubo

Ang maging mapagmahal

Ako ay Pilipino, ako ay Pilipino

Isang bansa, 'sang diwa

ang minimithi ko

Sa bayan ko't bandila

Laan buhay ko't diwa

Ako ay Pilipino

Pilipinong totoo

Ako ay Pilipino, ako ay Pilipino

Taas noo kahit kanino

Ang Pilipino ay ako.

Ako ay Pilipino, ako ay Pilipino

Taas noo kahit kanino

Ang Pilipino ay ako.

Towards the 1970’s (when President Ferdinand E. Marcos declares martial law on September 23, 1972) to the current century and the millennium, these songs are “Tayo’y mga Pinoy” composed by Heber Bartolome and sung by Judas for the 1978 Metro Manila Popular Music Festival and “Ako’y Isang Pinoy” by Florante de Leon. After the 1986 EDSA People-Power Revolution, the songs are “Magkaisa” composed by Tito Sotto, Ernie dela Pena and Homer Flores and sung by Virna Lisa, “Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo” composed by Jim Paredes and sung by APO Hiking Society, Celeste Legaspi, Coritha & Eric, Edru Abraham, Gretchen Barretto, Ivy Violan, Inang Laya, Joseph Olfindo, Kuh Ledesma, Leah Navarro, Lester Demetillo, Noel Trinidad and Subas Herrero, “Mga Kababayan Ko” composed and sung by the late Francis Magalona from the album “Yo!” in 1990.

Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano

‘Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango

Dito sa Silangan ako isinilang

Kung saan nagmumula ang sikat ng araw

Ako ay may sariling kulay: kayumanggi

Ngunit hindi ko maipakita tunay na sarili

Kung ating hahanapin ay matatagpuan

Tayo ay may kakanyahang dapat na hangaan

Subalit nasaan ang sikat ng araw

Ba’t tayo ang humahanga doon sa Kanluran

CHORUS 1

Bakit nanggagaya, mayro’n naman tayo

Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano

‘Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango

Dito sa Silangan, tayo’y isinilang

Kung saan nagmumula ang sikat ng araw

Subalit nasaan ang sikat ng araw

Ba’t tayo ang humahanga doon sa Kanluran

Bakit nanggagaya, mayro’n naman tayo

Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano

‘Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango

CHORUS 2

Mayro’ng isang aso, daig pa ang ulol

Siya’y ngumingiyaw, hindi tumatahol

Katulad ng iba, painglis-inglis pa

Na kung pakikinggan, mali-mali naman

‘Wag na lang

AD LIB

Bakit nanggagaya, mayro’n naman tayo

Tayo’y mga Pinoy, tayo’y hindi Kano

‘Wag kang mahihiya kung ang ilong mo ay pango

‘Wag na, oy oy

Oy, ika’y Pinoy

Oy, oy, ika’y Pinoy

Ako’y Isang Pinoy

Ako’y isang Pinoy sa puso’t diwa

Pinoy na isinilang sa ating bansa

Ako’y hindi sanay sa wikang mga banyaga

Ako’y Pinoy na mayroong sariling wika.

Chorus

Wikang pambansa ang gamit kong salita

Bayan kong sinilangan

Hangad kong lagi ang kalayaan.

Si Gat Jose Rizal nuo ay nagwika

Siya ay nagpangaral sa ating bansa

Ang hindi raw magmahal sa sariling wika

Ay higit pa ang amoy sa mabahong isda.

Magkaisa

Ngayon ganap ang hirap sa mundo

Unawa ang kailangan ng tao

Ang pagmamahal sa kapwa’y ilaan

Isa lang ang ugat na ating pinagmulan

Tayong lahat ay magkakalahi

Sa unos at agos ay huwag padadala

Chorus

Panahon na (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)

Ng pagkakaisa (bagong umaga, bagong araw)

Kahit ito (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)

Ay hirap at dusa

Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)

At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)

Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)

Sa bagong pag-asa

Ngayon may pag-asang natatanaw

May bagong araw, bagong umaga

Pagmamahal ng Diyos, isipin mo tuwina

Panahon na (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)

Ng pagkakaisa (bagong umaga, bagong araw)

Kahit ito (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)

Ay hirap at dusa

Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)

At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)

Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)

Sa bagong pag-asa

Magkaisa (may pag-asa kang matatanaw)

At magsama (bagong umaga, bagong araw)

Kapit-kamay (sa atin Siya’y nagmamahal)

Sa bagong pag-asa

Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo

‘Di na ‘ko papayag mawala ka muli.

‘Di na ‘ko papayag na muli mabawi,

Ating kalayaan kay tagal natin mithi.

‘Di na papayagang mabawi muli.

Magkakapit-bisig libo-libong tao.

Kay sarap palang maging Pilipino.

Sama-sama iisa ang adhikain.

Kelan man ‘di na paalipin.

Ref:

Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,

Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.

Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan

Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.

Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat.

Masdan ang nagaganap sa aming bayan.

Nagkasama ng mahirap at mayaman.

Kapit-bisig madre, pari, at sundalo.

Naging Langit itong bahagi ng mundo.

Huwag muling payagang umiral ang dilim.

Tinig ng bawat tao’y bigyan ng pansin.

Magkakapatid lahat sa Panginoon.

Ito’y lagi nating tatandaan.

Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,

Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.

Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan

Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.

Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat.

Handog ng Pilipino sa mundo,

Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.

Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan

Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.

Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat.

Coda:

Mapayapang paraang pagbabago.

Katotohanan, kalayaan, katarungan.

Ay kayang makamit na walang dahas.

Basta’t magkaisa tayong lahat!

Mga Kababayan Ko

Mga kababayan ko

Dapat lang malaman nyo

Bilib ako sa kulay ko

Ako ay pilipino

Kung may itim o may puti

Mayron naman kayumangi

Isipin mo na kaya mong

Abutin ang yung minimithi

Dapat magsumikap para tayo’y di maghirap

Ang trabaho mo pagbutihin mo

Dahil pag gusto mo ay kaya mo

Kung kaya mo ay kaya nya

At kaya nating dalawa

Magaling ang atin

Yan ang laging iisipin

Pag-asenso mararating

Kung handa kang tiisin

Ang hirap at pagod sa problema

Wag kang malunod

Umaahon ka wag lumubog

Pagka’t ginhawa naman ang susunod

Iwasan mo ang ingit

Ang sa iba’y ibig mong makamit

Dapat nga ika’y matuwa sa napala ng iyong kapatid

Ibig kong ipabatid

Na lahat tayo’y kabig-bisig

Mga kababayan ko

Dapat lang malaman nyo

Bilib ako sa kulay ko

Ako ay pilipino

Kung may itim o may puti

Mayron naman kayumangi

Isipin mo na kaya mong

Abutin ang yung minimithi

Respetuhin natin ang ating ina

Ilaw siya ng tahanan

Bigyang galang ang ama

At ang payo n’ya susudan

At sa magkakapatid

Kailangan ay magmahalan

Dapat lang ay pag-usapan ang hindi nauunawaan

Wag takasan ang pagkukulang

Kasalan ay panagutan

Magmalinis ay iwasan

Nakakainis marumi naman

Ang magkaaway ipag bati

Gumitna ka at wag kumampi

Lahat tayoy magkakapatid

Anong mang mali ay ituwid

Magdasal sa Diyos Maykapal

Maging banal at wag hangal

Itong tula ay alay ko

Sa bayan ko at sa buong mundo

Mga kababayan ko

Dapat lang malaman nyo

Bilib ako sa kulay ko

Ako ay pilipino

Kung may itim o may puti

Mayron naman kayumangi

Isipin mo na kaya mong

Abutin ang yung minimithi

Sabihin Mo, Ikaw ay Pilipino

Sabi ng tatay ko, kapag mayroong nagta nong

Nasaan ang bayan mo? Isagot mo ay yung totoo

Sabi ng tatay ko, maraming nang-ibang bayan

Mas higit ang kayamanan

pag-ibig ay wala naman

Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino

Kahit saang bansa ikaw ay mag punta

Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino

Pilipino ka, yan ang totoo

Sabi ng tatay ko, marami ang naghihirap

Ngunit hindi magtatagal, yayaman din tayo

Sabi ko sa tatay ko, di bale ng mahirap

Basta’t lahat ay pantay-pantay at nagkakaisa

Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino

Kahit saang bansa ikaw ay mag punta

Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino

Pilipino ka, yan ang totoo

Sabihin man ng lolo mo, ika’y kastila at kano

Pagmasdan mo ang kulay mo, kulay lupa walang kasing ganda

Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino

Kahit saang bansa ikaw ay mag punta

Sabihin mo ikaw ay pilipino

Pilipino ka, yan ang totoo

At the start of the 21st century and the third millennium, the songs are Pinoy Ako (Theme From Pinoy Big Brother) composed by Jonathan Manalo and sung by Oranges and Lemons from the album “Strike Whilst The Iron Is Hot” in 2005, “Noypi” by Bamboo Mañalac and “Para sa’yo, ang laban na’to” composed by Lito Camo and sung by Manny Pacquiao from the album “Laban Nating Lahat Ito” in 2006.

Noypi

Tingnan mo ang iyong palad
Kalyado mong kamay sa hirap ng buhay
Ang dami mong problema
Nakuha mo pang ngumiti
Noypi ka nga astig
Saan ka man naroroon
Huwag kang matatakot
Sa Baril o Patalim
Sa bakas na madilim…

Chorus:
Hoy, pinoy ako!
Buo aking loob, may agimat ang dugo ko
Hoy, oh pinoy ako!
May agimat ang dugo ko…

Sinisid ko ang dagat
Nilibot ko ang mundo
Nasa puso ko pala hinahanap kong gulo
Ilang beses na akong muntikang mamatay
Oh, alam ko ang sikreto kaya’t andito pa’t buhay.

Oh sabi nila may anting anting ako pero di nila
Alam na Diyos ang dahilan ko…

Hoy, pinoy ako!
Buo aking loob, may agimat ang dugo…
Hoy, oh pinoy ako!
May agimat ang dugo ko…

Ohh… ooohh…

Dinig mo ba ang bulong ng lahi mo?
Isigaw mo kapatid, ang himig natin…

Hoy, pinoy ako!
Buo aking Loob, may agimat ang dugo ko!
Hoy, oh pinoy ako!
May agimat ang dugo ko

Ohh… ooohh…

“Pinoy Ako”

Lahat tayo mayroon pagkakaiba sa tingin pa lang ay makikita na
Iba’t ibang kagustuhan ngunit iisang patutunguhan
Gabay at pagmamahal ang hanap mo
Magbibigay ng halaga sa iyo
Nais mong ipakilala kung sino ka man talaga

[Chorus]
Pinoy ikaw ay pinoy
Ipakita sa mundo
Kung ano ang kaya mo
Ibang-iba ang pinoy
Wag kang matatakot
Ipagmalaki mo pinoy ako
Pinoy tayo

‘Pakita mo ang tunay at kung sino ka
Mayro’n mang masama at maganda
Wala naman perpekto
Basta magpakatotoo oohh… oohh…
Gabay at pagmamahal ang hanap mo
Magbibigay ng halaga sa iyo
Nais mong ipakilala kung sino ka man talaga

[Chorus]

Pinoy ikaw ay pinoy
Ipakita sa mundo
Kung ano ang kaya mo
Ibang -iba ang pinoy
Wag kang matatakot
Ipagmalaki mo pinoy ako
Pinoy tayo

[Chorus]

Talagang ganyan ang buhay
Dapat ka nang masanay
Wala rin mangyayari
kung laging nakikibagay
Ipakilala ang iyong sarili
Ano man sa iyo aymangyayari
Ang lagi mong isipin
Kayang kayang gawin

[Chorus]

Pinoy ikaw a pinoy
Ipakita sa mundo
Kung ano ang kaya mo
Ibang-iba ang pinoy
Wag kang matatakot
Ipagmalaki mo pinoy ako
Pinoy tayo

“Kabataang Pinoy”
Kabataang Pinoy
Ang barkada namin may pangarap
Na nais abutin
Pangarap namin magtagumpay
Sa lahat ng gagawin

Iba na tayo ngayon
Walang di nagagawa
Sabihin mo, sabihin nyo,
Kaya natin to

Kabataang pinoy pagbutihan mo
Pag-asa ka ng buong mundo
Kabataang pinoy kayang kaya mo
Pinoy ako, pinoy tayo!

Hamon sa buhay handang daanan
Kaya namin ‘yan
Ipaglalaban namin ang nararapat
At tamang gagawin

Iba na tayo ngayon
Matibay ang loob
Sabihin mo, sabihin nyo,
Kaya natin to

Kabataang pinoy pagbutihan mo
Pag-asa ka ng buong mundo
Kabataang pinoy kayang kaya mo
Pinoy ako, pinoy tayo!

Kabataang pinoy pagbutihan mo
Pag-asa ka ng buong mundo
Kabataang pinoy kayang kaya mo
Pinoy ako, pinoy tayo!

Kabataang pinoy pagbutihan mo
Pag-asa ka ng buong mundo
Kabataang pinoy kayang kaya mo
Pinoy ako, pinoy tayo!

Sikat ang Pinoy

Lagi ngang napapansin
Pinoy ay may ibang dating
Kahit na anong gawin
Ay kayang-kaya natin

Lumalaban saang mang buhay
Hangga’t kaya’y ibibigay
Kitang-kita ang galing
Lahat nga’y kayang nyang gawin

*
Sikat na sikat ang pinoy (sikat ang pinoy)
Kahit saan mapunta
Kitang kita mo naman ang kagalingan oh…
Iba ang galing ng pinoy
Malayo man narating
Ipagmalaki mo
Na kaya natin

**
Sikat ang pinoy
Kahit saan mapunta
Sasabihin ko
Pinoy ako (pinoy ako)
Pinoy tayo
Kaya natin to

Sikat ang pinoy (sikat ang pinoy)
Sikat ang pinoy

Ito’y aking maaasahan
Kailan ma’y di ka iiwan
Handa tumulong sa inyo
Ano man napagdaanan mo

Lumalaban sa hamon ng buhay
Hanggang sa ating tagumpay
Mahirap man pagdaraanan
Kayang- kaya natin yan

Repeat *

Sikat ang pinoy
Sumigaw at sabihin mong pinoy ako
Ang galing mong angkin
Ipakita sa mundo

Repeat* & ** 2x

Sikat ang pinoy (sikat ang pinoy)
Sikat ang pinoy (sikat ang pinoy)
Sikat ang pinoy (ho, oh, oh…)
Sikat ang pinoy
Sikat ang pinoy

“Para Sa’Yo, ang laban na’to”

Gagawin ko ang lahat para sa’yo
Kung ito ang dahilan upang magkasundo tayo
Ito ang tanging paraan na naisip ko
Upang magkaisa damdamin mo’t …damdamin ko
Para sayo ang laban na ‘to
Para sayo ang laban na ito… ohhh.
Hindi ako susuko..isisigaw ko sa mundo
Para sayo ang laban na to

Kahit buhay ko’y itataya sa ‘yo
Ipagtatanggol kita gamit ay aking kamao
Ito ang tanging paraan na naisip ko
Upang magkaisa kapwa ko… pilipino

Para sa ‘yo (para sa’yo) ang laban na ‘to
Para sa ‘yo (para sa’yo) ang laban na ‘to… ohhh.
Hindi ako susuko..isisigaw ko sa mundo
Para sa ‘yo bayan ko
Sa bawat laban sa mundo
Diyos ang laging kakampi ko… ohhh..

Para sa ‘yo (para sa’yo) ang laban na ‘to
Para sa ‘yo (para sa’yo) ang laban na ‘to… ohhh.
Para sa ‘yo (para sa’yo) ang laban na ‘to
Para sa ‘yo (para sa’yo) ang laban na ‘to… ohhh.
Hindi ako susuko..isisigaw ko sa mundo
Pinoy ang lahi ko
Mahal ko ang bayan ko
Para sa ‘yo (para sa’yo) ang laban na ‘to

Para sa’yo….Bayan ko….

Aside from the Philippine national anthem, “Bayan Ko” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal“, the christian songs “El Shaddai”, “Purihin ang Panginoon, si Kristo ay narito na” and “Give Thanks with A Greatful Heart.”
CHURCH SONGS

PAG-AALALA (BAYAN, MULING MAGTIPON)

Bayan, muling magtipon

awitan ang Panginooon

Sa Piging Sariwain

pagliligtas niya sa atin

Bayan, ating alalahanin

panahon tayo’y inalipin

Nang ngalan niya ay ating sambitin

Paanong di tayo lingapin

Bayan, muling magtipon,

awitan ang Panginooon

Sa Piging Sariwain,

pagliligtas niya sa atin

Bayan, walang sawang purihin

Ang Poon nating mahabagin.

Bayan, isayaw ang damdamin.

Kandili niya ay ating awitin.

Bayan, muling magtipon,

awitan ang Panginooon

Sa Piging Sariwain,

pagliligtas niya sa atin

Sa Piging Sariwain,

pagliligtas niya sa atin

English Version: WORRY (COUNTRY, AGAIN TO GATHER)

Country, again to gather!

Sing to the Lord!

For recollecting At the banquet, He saved us!

Country, we remember, while we are slaves;

His name when we say, how not concern us?

Country, again to gather!

Sing to the Lord!

For recollecting At the banquet, He saved us!

Country, tirelessly praise our merciful Lord!

Country, dancing with emotion!

His desolate our song!

Country, again to gather!

Sing to the Lord!

For recollecting At the banquet, He saved us!

For recollecting At the banquet, He saved us!

PURIHIN ANG PANGINOON, UMAWIT NG KAGALAKAN

by Danny Isidro, SJ – Fruto Ramirez, SJ

Album: Misang Pilipino

Purihin ang panginoon

Umawit ng kagalakan

At tugtugin ang gitara

At ang kaaya-ayang Lira;

Hipan ninyo ang trumpeta.

Sa ating pagkabagabag

Sa diyos tayo’y tumawag

Sa ating mga kaaway

Tayo ay kanyang Iniligtas

Purihin ang Panginoon,

Umawit ng kagalakan

At tugtugin ang gitara

At ang kaaya-ayang Lira;

Hipan ninyo ang trumpeta.

Ang pasaning mabigat

Sa ating mga balikat

Pinagaan nang lubusan

ng Diyos na tagapagligtas

Purihin ang Panginoon,

Umawit ng kagalakan

At tugtugin ang gitara

At ang kaaya-ayang Lira;

Hipan ninyo ang trumpeta.

kaya’t Panginoon ay dinggin,

Ang landas niya ay tahakin.

Habambuhay ay purihin

Kagandahang loob niya sa atin

Purihin ang Panginoon,

Umawit ng kagalakan

At tugtugin ang gitara

At ang kaaya-ayang Lira;

Hipan ninyo ang trumpeta.

Bayan, Magsiawit na!

Koro:

Bayan, magsiawit na! Bayan, pinagpala ka!

Dakilang biyayang pangako niya, sumilay na!

Sinuna mong hangarin ang tao nga ay tubusin

upang s’ya ay makapiling, Mapag-irog na Diyos natin!

Bayan, magsiawit na! Bayan, pinagpala ka!

Dakilang biyayang pangako niya, sumilay na!

Sa aba Niyang pagkatao sa buhay N’ya sa mundo,

inihayag Kanyang puso, tinig ng Ama nating Diyos!

Bayan, magsiawit na! Bayan, pinagpala ka!

Dakilang biyayang pangako niya, sumilay na!

Pananatili Niyang tunay, Espiritung ating gabay!

Kahulugan at Pag-asa, Pagmamahal at Biyaya!

Bayan, magsiawit na! Bayan, pinagpala ka!

Dakilang biyayang pangako niya, sumilay na!

English Version: People, Singing Now!

chorus:

People, sing! People, you are blessed!

He promises great blessings, glimpse that!

Primitive to seek a person who will claim

she was to live, Honest dear God we have!

People, sing! People, you are blessed!

He promises great blessings, glimpse that!

Woe His character in His life on earth,

announced His heart, the voice of our Father God!

People, sing! People, you are blessed!

He promises great blessings, glimpse that!

He stays true, Spirit our guide!

Definition and Hope, Love and Blessings!

People, sing! People, you are blessed!

He promises great blessings, glimpse that!

BAYAN, UMAWIT (COUNTRY SINGING)

The Best of Himig Heswita

Arnel dC Aquino, SJ

Koro:

Bayan, umawit ng papuri

sapagkat ngayon, Ika’y pinili!

Iisang bayan! Iisang lipi!

Iisang Diyos! Iisang Hari!

Bayan, umawit ng papuri!

Bayan, umawit ng papuri!

1. Mula sa ilang ay tinawag ng Diyos, bayang lagalag, inangkin nang lubos!

‘Pagkat kailanma’y ‘di pababayaan, minamahal Niyang kawan!

Bayan, umawit ng papuri

sapagkat ngayon, Ika’y pinili!

Iisang bayan! Iisang lipi!

Iisang Diyos! Iisang Hari!

Bayan, umawit ng papuri!

Bayan, umawit ng papuri! 

2. Panginoon ating Manliligtas, sa kagipitan ay Siyang tanging lakas!

‘Pagkat sumpa Niya’y laging iingatan, minmahal Niyang bayan!

Bayan, umawit ng papuri

sapagkat ngayon, Ika’y pinili!

Iisang bayan! Iisang lipi!

Iisang Diyos! Iisang Hari!

Bayan, umawit ng papuri!

Bayan, umawit ng papuri!

English Version: Country, Singing

chorus:

People sang praise

For now, You choose!

One people! Same race!

One God! Single King!

People, sing praises!

People, sing praises!

1. From some are called by God, nomadic people, claimed perfectly!

'Cause never to forsake His beloved flock!

People sang praise

For now, You choose!

One people! Same race!

One God! Single King!

People, sing praises!

People, sing praises! 

2. God our Savior, who alone is the emergency power!

'Cause always keep His oath, His minmahal town!

People sang praise

For now, You choose!

One people! Same race!

One God! Single King!

People, sing praises!

People, sing praises!

The song was first wrote in 1920, it is the only Catholic mass song before the Gospel Reading in the Holy Mass. The chorus line goes: “Purihin ang Panginoon, si Kristo ay narito na, tanging lakas at pag-asa, aleluya-a-aleluya”. The moving lament is now 95 years old, compared to the lines of “Ang Pasko ay Sumapit”: “Ang Pasko ay sumapit, tayo ay mangagsi-awit ng magagandang himig / Dahil sa ang Diyos ay pag-ibig nang si Kristo ay isilang / May tatlong haring nagsidalaw at ang bawat isa ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay”.

Related songs:

“Aleluya”

Aleluya, aleluya 

Kami ay gawin mong daan ng iyong pag-ibig, kapayapaan at katarungan, Aleluya

“Si Kristo ay Gunitain”

Si Kristo ay gunitain
Sarili ay inihain
Bilang pagkai’t inumin
Pinagsasaluhan natin
Hanggang sa S’ya’y dumating
Hanggang sa S’ya’y dumating

Masasabi kong enjoy ang panahon ng aking kabataan. Makulay dahil naging busy sa pag-aaral at pagiging choir member ng simbahan. Mas nahilig sa musika. Nagka-bonus pa na matuto sa ilang instrumento gaya ng banduria na super lalabs ko at tsaka yung lyre. Ewan! Kahit nakakapagod e ang charap-charap sumama sa prusisyon dahil isa ka sa nagko-contribute ng noise sa community para ipaalam na, “Uy! Eyow!!! Naririto na’ng Poon! Tunghay na po!!!”
Tapos, pagdating ng linggo e makikiingay na naman dahil ano’t ano man ang boses mo’y magpapasunod ka sa marami na, “Uy! Kantahan na natin si Lord! Kanta na po!!!”
Gosh!
Ganun—pala—ako—kaingay!!! … noon. Hilig ko na ngang makipagkuwentuhan sa mga kaibigan e hilig ko pang sumawsaw sa mga gawaing maiingay para mag-anyaya ng mga tao to get closer kay Lord.
Kaso, before ako grumaduate ng grade 6 e nagkaro’n ng malaking pagbabago dahil pinahinto na kami ni father sa choir. Kasi wala na raw kaming pahinga. Halos di na yata kami magpang-abot sa bahay. Medyo ouch yun pero super concern lang siya sa health namin. Tutal may ibang paraan pa raw to serve God kaya—sige na!
Pero inaamin, na yun na ang naging simula ng pananamlay ko sa simbahan… at marahil kay Lord.
Pero labas dun si father, ha! Ang desisyon niya ay nagmistulang hamon para mapagtanto kung hanggang dun na nga lang ba ang makakaya ko para sa Kanya. Sa pagka-choir o paglilingkod sa simbahan lang ba masusukat ang effort para masabing, “O God, close na tayo, ha!”
Gosh!
Focus, focus, focus—sa school. Wala na. Dun na lang umikot ang mundo ko.
Kaya siguro sobrang natorete bigla nang makarinig ng tila pamilyar na mga ingay.
“Celebrate, Jesus, celebrate!”
Golly!
Ano na naman yun?
Di pa Sunday, ah!

“Celebrate, Jesus, celebrate!”

Golly talaga!
But tsorii,
kedali naman ‘atang dumedma!

“Celebrate, Jesus, celebrate!”

My gosh!
Ang iingay niyo!!!

“Celebrate, Jesus, celebrate!”

Hay naku!
Nakaka—?!#?!#?!#
Hayayay!
Hallelujah!
‘Kala mo biglang niliyaban ang kaluluwa sa sobrang irita!
My yayay!
I can’t imagine kung ano’ng reaksiyon ni Lord sa nakikita Niyang reaksiyon ko sa mga sandaling yun. I truly understand kung sob—rang napapailing ko Siya.
Hay…
Ang ingay na yun ay nasundan pa noong sumunod na linggo—tapos nung sumunod ulit na linggo—tapos naging automatic every Friday, e may magaganap na raw na gawain sa lumang building na super lapit sa bahay namin. Dati yung building e pang negosyo nung may-ari nito. Until napahinto ang negosyo at natengga si building. Tapos all of a sudden e nabuhayang muli dahil umano sa gawain na yun. At—ang pinaka-kalorkey pa dun e nung—pati na si mother ko e naki-join sa maiingay na yun!
Aguy!!!
“Hallelujah! Jesus is alive!”
Pumapalakpak pa sila?!
“Death has lost its victory and the grave has been denied.”
My gosh!
Isasama ko ba si mama sa mga kinaaasaran ko na?! Naku!!!
“Jesus lives forever, He’s alive! He’s alive!!!”
Pigil. Pigil. Pigil.
Andun si madir, andun si madir—ba’t kasi andun si madir?!
Iwwiwiwww!!!
“Hallelujah! Jesus is alive!!!”
Boom!
Umabot din dun—na yung pinakaayaw mo, yung pinakakinainiririta mo e—siyang ipapa-sa yo…
Aguy! Na katotohanan.
Ano pa nga bang magagawa ko kundi lunukin ang sarili nang masundan din ng masundan ang pag-aattend ni madir. At ang sobrang grabe sa lahat e yung mahikayat pa kaming mag-audition kung papasang choir member ng gawain na yun.
Hay…
“Ikaw ang kublihan ko, na hindi magbabago…”
Nasa hagdan pa lang paakyat kasama ni ate e naririnig na namin ‘to. At hindi namin alam ang kantang ‘to.
“Sa mga pagluha ko, naro’n balikat Mo.”
At kailangan pa talagang naka-mayk?!
Gosh!
“Ikaw ang kublihan ko kung may alon at bagyo. Kung sa’n ka naro’n Hesus, payapa ang unos.”
Buti may iba pang mag-o-audition. Sila muna habang pinag-aaralan namin ni ate ang kanta.

“Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya. Kublihan ko’y ikaw.”

Bonggang—o, gosh!
Ah-ahm-ayayay… ah-koh-nah-poh… yung sasalang?!
Shocks!
Panginig ng buto, ah!
Seryoso!
“Ikaw ang kublihan ko…”
Ninenerbiyos…
Nangangatog…
Para pa ngang nangingiyak…
“Na hindi magbabago…”
Nakaka-relate…
May naaalala…

“Sa mga pagluha ko, naro’n balikat mo.”

Di ba nung una, ayaw ko—ayaw ko talaga.
Simula’t sapul ngang marinig kong gawai’y nainis talaga ko—sobra.
“Ikaw ang kublihan ko kung may alon at bagyo. Kung sa’n ka naro’n Hesus, payapa ang unos.”
Shocks! Parang sayang na kung di ko ‘to mapapasa… kaso lito pa talaga sa tono niya…
“Wala sa ganda ng boses ang basehan. Kundi nasa pakiramdam—kung tagos sa puso ang pagkanta,” wika ni Sister Tess, pinuno ng gawain.
Ayun!
Dahil tila naramdaman niya rin ako kaya—ayuyun!
Nakapasa ang bruha!
Kalorkey!
Yeyey!!!
Su—lit ang kabang bonggang-bongga!!!
Wooh!!!!!!!!!!
Hal-le-lu-jah…
Ang ingay—na sobrang ikinairita ko—e siya pa lang ingay na tumatawag sa akin papalapit—kay Yahweh El Shaddai.
Galing!

ANG PASKO AY SUMAPIT

Music: Vicente Rubi

Lyrics: Levi Celerio

Ang Pasko ay sumapit

Tayo ay mangagsi-awit

Ng magagandang himig

Dahil sa ang Diyos ay pag-ibig

Nang si Kristo ay isilang

May tatlong haring nagsidalaw

At ang bawat isa

Ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay

Bagong taon ay magbagong-buhay

Nang lumigaya ang ating bayan

Tayo'y magsikap upang makamtan

Natin ang kasaganaan

Tayo'y mangagsi-awit

Habang ang mundo'y tahimik

Ang araw ay sumapit

Ng Sanggol na dulot ng langit

Tayo ay magmahalan

Ating sundin ang gintong aral

At magbuhat ngayon

Kahit hindi Pasko ay magbigayan

“SI KRISTO AY GUNITAIN”

Si Kristo ay gunitain

Sarili ay inihain

Bilang pagkai’t inumin

Pinagsasaluhan natin

Hanggang sa Siya ay dumating

Hanggang sa Siya ay dumating

“Si Kristo ay Namatay”

(Fr. Eduardo P. Hontiveros, SJ)

Si Kristo ay namatay, si Kristo ay nabuhay

si Kristo ay babalik sa wakas ng panahon

Si Kristo ay namatay, si Kristo ay nabuhay

si Kristo ay babalik sa wakas

sa wakas, sa wakas ng panahon. 

“PURIHIN ANG PANGINOON”

PURIHIN ANG PANGINOON

SI KRISTO AY NARITO NA

TANGING LAKAS AT PAG-ASA

ALELUYA-A-ALELUYA

PURIHIN ANG PANGINOON

PAGDIRIWANG SA PAGDATING NIYA

NAGAGALAK ANG ATING ESPIRITU

SI KRISTO AY NARITO NA

ALITAN AY IWASAN NA

TAYO AY TUTULUNGAN NIYA

PURIHIN ANG PANGINOON

SI KRISTO AY NARITO NA

TANGING LAKAS AT PAG-ASA

ALELUYA-A-ALELUYA

TANGING LAKAS AT PAG-ASA

NARIRITO SA TUWINA

NAKAHANDANG TULUNGAN KA

ALELU-ALEUYA LAGI NA SIYA ANG KASAMA

SA HIRAP MAN AT GINHAWA.

PURIHIN ANG PANGINOON

SI KRISTO AY NARITO NA

TANGING LAKAS AT PAG-ASA

ALELUYA, ALELUYA

ALELUYA

ALELUYA

ALELUYA

ALELUYA

ALELUYA

ALELU-ALELUYA

ALELUYA

ALELUYA

ALE-LUYA

ALELUYA

ALELUYA

ALELU-ALELUYA

ALE-LUYA!

This song has accompanied almost every struggle since the turn of the century to recapture the visions and ideals of the First Republic — from the anti-American protest movement and millenarian revolts of the 1920’s and 30’s, to the resistance against the Japanese occupation in the 40’s, the student revolt of the 70’s and more recently, the 1986 “People’s Power” revolt that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.

It is commonly sung before the Holy Gospel.

"Let us give thanks with a grateful heart!"

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”

Let the poor say, “I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us”

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”

Let the poor say, “I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us”

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

Give thanks with a grateful heart

Give thanks to the Holy One

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”

Let the poor say, “I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us”

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”

Let the poor say, “I am rich

Because of what the Lord has done for us”

Give thanks

We give thanks to You oh Lord

We give thanks

Crown Him King of Kings

Crown Him Lord of Lords

Wonderful, Counselor

The Mighty God

Emmanuel, God is with us

And He shall reign, He shall reign

He shall reign forevermore

Crown Him King of Kings

Crown Him Lord of Lords

Wonderful, Counselor

The Mighty God

Emmanuel, God is with us

And He shall reign, He shall reign

He shall reign forevermore

Crown Him King of Kings

Crown Him Lord of Lords

Wonderful (Wonderful), Counselor (Counselor)

The Mighty God (The Mighty God)

Emmanuel, God is with us

And He shall reign, He shall reign

He shall reign forevermore

Crown Him King of Kings

Crown Him Lord of Lords

Wonderful (Wonderful), Counselor (Counselor)

The Mighty God (The Mighty God)

Emmanuel, God is with us

And He shall reign, He shall reign

He shall reign, He shall reign

He shall reign, He shall reign

He shall reign forevermore

Emmanuel, God is with us

Forevermore, Forevermore

Majesty

Majesty, worship his majesty;

Unto Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise.

Majesty, kingdom authority,

Flow from his throne unto his own, his anthem raise.

So exalt, lift up on high the name of Jesus.

Magnify, come glorify Christ Jesus, the King.

Majesty, worship his majesty,

Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings.

Today? The songs still rouse us, sometimes. The memories still rouse us, sometimes. The myth of nationalism and nationhood still rouse us, sometimes. But even when it was supposed to resurge like a great redeeming flood, and set out hearts pounding like triphammers – like EDSA I and EDSA II – it just wasn’t there anymore. When we toppled the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the pretender Joseph Estrada, it was not because of nationalism. We swept these two dastards out of power because we hated their guts. We didn’t bring out the flags. We pealed no nationalistic bells. There was no notion of nation streaking to the heights like starshells.

We look at our leaders, our politicians. We don’t see nationalism writ on their faces. What we see is pork barrel. What we see is the pigoty. What we see is power hoisted to the pedestal of Bacchus, Mars and the tinkle-twinkle thunder of a Thor turned traitor.

And so we must explain what nationalism is about all over again. we must go back to its beginnings, pull out its roots, and tell our countrymen to gather at campfires all over the country. So we can recharge as Filipinos, recharge as a nation. The battles we will have to fight right ahead will need the torches of nationalism to light the way. We had rainbows at both EDSAS, but they had no nationalistic booster rockets. And so we lost our way again. With nationalism both as a guiding flare and ideological rocket, the fights ahead will be daunting. But God willing, we shall overcome.

So we start with the basics. Hang on. This will take some time.

It’s a strange, macabre twist of our history that the first deadly lance flung to defend – that is the perception – our archipelago from foreign invasion as that of Lapu-Lapu into the heart of the Spanish conquistador Ferdinand Magellan. At the time, the archipelago was not a nation. It was a sun-drenched splinter of thousands of islands. What they had in common was a tribal culture, hundreds if not thousands of independent fiefdoms engaged in all kinds of trade, primitive agriculture, fishery, handicraft, and widespread piracy.

Strange again, and macabre again. Magellan’s conquest of the Philippines, coupled with the advent of the Roman Catholic cross, eventually transformed, through colonization, this archipelago into a nation. The sword and the cross made sure the archipelago came into the imperial possession of Spain, named Las Islas Filipinas after King Philip.

A nation we may have been through imperial decree. But Filipinos we were not.

We became Filipinos only through colonial exploitation. We became Filipinos because we learned to protest, to resist and to fight, to band together in fear and in hate of the brutal conqueror. We became Filipinos because the few learned among us, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Emilio Aguinaldo, the Luna brothers et al, gave flesh and bone to the word indio. We became Filipinos because we created La Liga Filipina, the Katipunan and waged the revolution against Spain. We became Filipinos because we fashioned our own national flag, splattered it with indio blood. We earned through our heroism the admiration of our colonized peers in Asia. We proclaimed the first republic in the continent. We showed everybody what patriotism was. What courage was.

Thus was a nation born. Thus was nationalism born.

But we have to go far back in history to get the kind of grip we Filipinos need on this modern phenomenon of nation and nationalism. Long before, after Anno Domini set in, there was the universal church in the West. The Roman Catholic Church had absolute dominion. Obeisance to the Pope and the Vatica was writ on every Western tablet. Then the dynasties came. There were the Normans, the Pantagenets, the Stuarts and the Tudors in England. There were the Romanov dynasty in Russia, the Hohenzollerns in Germany, the Bourbons in France, the House of Savoy in Italy.

As they spread through conquest and accumulation of riches and property, the dynasties started to weaken the hold of the universal Church. Out of these dynasties emerged the kingdoms, the monarchical states. As these states became more centralized, more powerful and extensive, the bedrock of the nation started to come into being. The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, after the 80 Years War and the 30 Years War, recognized the territorial sovereignty of the states.

Thus the nation-state was born. Thus began the meltdown of empires. Thus began, as the great Arab historian Ibn Khaldun said, “the mutual affection and willingness of a people to fight and die for each other.”

Listen to this. Nationalism was generally expressed by the leaders, the intellectual elite, the writers, the professionals, the middle class, the studentry and the youth. Only much later on did the masses get into the picture with not too much emotion. It was in France and England where nationalism initially took deep and unshakeable root. This was the France which shook the world with its “liberte, egalite, fraternite” revolution of 1789. This was the England where Oliver Cromwell held kings by their pantaloons and drove the fear of God into their thrones.

The best definition of nation was articulated by Ernest Renan of the Sorbonne in 1882: “A nation is a soul, a spiritual principle, two things which are in reality…one. One is the common heritage of a people of a rich heritage of memories, the other is the actual agreemment, the desire to live together, the will to continue to make a reality of the heritage they have received in common.”

Now take heed. It was only in the 20th century when the principles of nation and nationalism reached Asia. And upon reaching Asia, (whose colonial chains were then being broken) spread into so many explosions of nation-consciousness. This was certainly a reaction against the abuses and excesses of Western colonialism, as it was a reiteration of Asia’s earlier glory as the origin of the world’s great religions and great civilizations.

Unlike the Philippines, much of Asia could look back thousands of years and hoist the glitter of a myriad cultures, a myriad achievements in war and literature, philosophy and industry, architecture and the arts, science and technology. This also probably explains why many countries in Asia – again not the Philippines – took to nationalism like long-concealed thunderbolts of energy to make up for lost time. To survive, to make themselves again proud in and of their new nationhood, they had to study, learn and master the science and technology of the West.

That was the only way they could subjugate poverty. Restore dignity to their peoples. The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. That first step bolted like a screaming bullet out of the starting block. They have been sprinting like mad ever since. We Filipinos remain stuck in a stupor and lethargy we must annihilate.

We move or we die. We embrace the flag, and swift like a stampede across the vast plains of nationalism or we die.

We were born Filipinos. Now we must learn to be Filipinos. We must immerse ourselves into a changed and dynamic culture. For culture is never permanently fixed, never frozen. Like the Japanese, like the Koreans, like the Malaysians, we must care, we must hustle, we must be proud. we must learn. We must work hard. Science and technology were never the monopoly of anybody, any nation, any civilization. We have to grab them.

The permanent care-givers of the world we are not. Neither are we the muchachos and the muchachas, the utos and the utusans. And certainly, we are not the yukis of Asia – Japayukis, or Chekwayukis or whatnot.

The Filipino can? Yes, the Filipino can. If he wakes up and embraces the noblest sentiment of them all – nationalism.

(Reprinted from the Philippine Star December 5, 2003 issue)

http://www.newsflash.org/2003/05/ht/ht003947.htm