HOW CAN ONE SHOW LOVE FOR COUNTRY?

All of us love our country and every day is the best time we can show our love for country through action. No matter what political beliefs we have, maybe now is the best time to start focusing on what each of us can do for the Philippines so that we can move forward to achieve progress faster. Our country is blessed because whatever problems and calamities we encounter, we always manage to stand up and move forward.

Director Maria V. Montelibano

Love of country is an invitation to all citizens. Everyone, therefore, must be capable of it, of showing it and doing it. I take it to mean that my time, talent and treasure are used not only for myself and my family, but to contribute to my country as well. In my case, I had served several years in public service with my experience and knowledge in broadcast media. Most exciting, too, is my learning from and working with millennials — and offering new ways to approach a brighter future to decision makers in the Philippines.

Marco Lobregat, Synergy Media Specialist

Be conscious of your environment and help lift everyone around you up when you can. Love your home, love your people, and celebrate the culture that bonds you together as a nation.

QC Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte

One can show love for country by sacrificing personal interest for the good of the majority. That’s how progress is achieved, when people unite to put country above self.

Director Joey Javier Reyes

You do not need to be in government wielding power or belong to a platform foisting influence to give something back to your country: you only have to do the best with what you can do with the greatest proficiency and dedication. The collective effort of people performing their duties as committed citizens, focused on a national vision for the greater good and not individual vested interests, will certainly yield a far brighter future for the nation.

In my case, it is through education, not only in the classroom but hopefully through what I say in my writing and films. I do my best to challenge the next generation to be far better than what we have done in the past. With proper learning and wisdom, the educator — more than the politician — can help shape the minds of future leaders and thus the generations to follow.

Tina Legarda, chef/owner of Bamba Bistro

By making sure we never forget our roots no matter where we go. The place where one grows up always plays an important role in finding yourself and showing the rest of the world what it is to be a Filipino.

Mary Ann “Baby” M. Montemayor, hotelier & MSME Mindanao private sector representative

I have made my love for our country a “lifestyle,” manifested through the clothes I wear (KAAYO Modern Mindanao), the Filipino-themed restaurants we ventured into (HABI at KAPE; Mangkok), the Philippine-made products I patronize, and the advocacies I support (Davao Ecocrafts; Go Negosyo). Ultimately, what counts most is for us to pray fervently for our country, and speak positively about it at all times.

KC Concepcion, model, entrepreneur

All eyes are on the Philippines these days globally, so there is no better time than now to be proud of what we can offer. Supporting local Filipino businesses and using Philippine products are ways of showing love for country. There are Filipino artisans, coffee shops, restaurants, chocolatiers, fashion, bag, jewelry and furniture designers that produce amazing quality products that are already appreciated in other parts of the world. Patronize Philippine products here, in the country where they are from! Love local.

Matt Torres, board member, Leyte province

We can show our love for our country in so many ways. One is by patronizing local products, for there are many beautiful things we have to offer. Second is by not losing our sense of national pride: we should be proud of our origins, no matter what. And lastly, by supporting the projects and programs of our government that are beneficial to all. In these simple acts we can show our love, respect and support for our beloved Philippines.

Aiko Melendrez, actress

Be an active citizen, and be part of your country’s political process. And teach your children the importance of loving your own country by teaching them someday the importance of voting for leaders so that they can exercise their rights to be heard someday.

Rachel Felicia, entrepreneur/fashion stylist

I think the number one way of showing love for one’s country is by recognizing the difference between loyalty to national thought and blind nationalism. The former allows us to identify the problems and correct them, while the latter makes us believe there are no problems at all. One should always endeavor to better oneself and, by extension, better one’s country.

Alex Alikpala, correspondent, ABSCBN European Bureau

As an overseas Filipino, I’ve thought of myself as a sort of informal ambassador of our country (like all Filipinos overseas are) in the sense that I am aware that our actions always reflect our Filipino-ness. I believe that one way to show our love for country is to always represent the Philippines in a positive manner. You don’t have to win accolades or do something extraordinary to achieve this. It’s more having a mindfulness that everything you do shows other people what kind of humans we are. That means bringing to the fore our love for family, our social and happy nature, our warm and welcoming ways. That means not being ashamed of our roots in the face of other cultures. That means always demonstrating decency, because that is a trait that we Filipinos value.

Dr. Luisa Ticzon Puyat, dermatologist, anchor, ABS-CBN DZMM TeleRadyo

We can show love of country by sharing with our countrymen what God has blessed us with so they may see His love through our generosity. In giving, we find true joy and love, and a greater reward awaits us in heaven.