Only in the Philippines

WHILE we as Filipinos are fond of saying “Only in the Philippines” when referring to the uniqueness or peculiarity of a behavior or an object, to the point of it becoming an expression, I often wonder whether or not we actually take pride in it; whether we are fully aware of the gravity and richness of what, and how much meaning that phrase truly holds. There is so much under-recognized talent in the country, and an abundance of resources across the 7,107 islands, that to have access to all (if not most) of it at once (or even in your lifetime) is highly unlikely and virtually impossible. But this is exactly what the Congressional Spouses Foundation, Inc. (CSFI) aims to do. For 15 years now, they have annually put together a national livelihood trade fair not only to showcase the Philippines’ best, but to raise money for the benefit of a greater cause.

Under the leadership of CSFI president Luli Arroyo-Bernas, at the helm of Kabuhayan 2018 is the indefatigable duo: Margie Duavit (Chairman of the trade fair), and Marga Nograles (co-chair). As if creating a venue to give residents of Metro Manila an opportunity to buy produce and special finds hailing from all over the country is not an endeavor worthy of celebrating in and of itself, this year’s trade fair is for the benefit of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). More specifically, a project to help our fishermen obtain the necessary accreditation to be able to sell their catch in Europe, in order to expand their market and widen their reach.

I was one of the lucky ones who got invited to a sneak peek of the trade fair, and what a bonus it was to be able to take home a box full of product samples that will be sold during the fair. Believe me when I tell you it was a treasure trove. From water lily wallets (made to address environmental issues, and to enrich communities in Rizal) to smoked fish flakes and the walis lasa from Bataan; the sweetest pineapples from Ormoc, chicharon and pastillas made of Carabao’s milk from Bulacan, you can only imagine the treat you are in for. In retrospect, it will be a shopping experience quite like no other, as it will take you from one province to the next in just a few steps. Think about it as a means of traveling the Philippines by savoring the flavors and admiring the products.

I have always been proud to be a Filipino, but seeing so many more of my fellow country-men really work hard to showcase the best of what we have to offer as a people makes my heart swell with pride. The Filipinos, will always be for their fellow Filipinos. Our nationalism has remained untainted through the years, and an effort such as this is most definitely a means of a modern-day, everyday Bayanihan way of life that we, as a Filipino people, have been proud of for centuries. It is a bond and an innate desire to do something for others that is truly only in the Philippines. ***