OUR ADVOCACY

The typical Filipino way of thinking that everything foreign is good remains embedded in his consciousness. Such judgment may be a relic of centuries of colonial rule when the colonial master "was looked up to as a source of superior goods and a superior way of life."

Fortunately, we're seeing an unfolding trend. Our so-called colonial mentality may still be strong among the older segment but we can see an emerging brand of nationalism among our youth. They don't care so much about foreign brands, they love Filipino music, they crave for Filipino talents.

Our "Galing ng Pinoy" advocacy aims to sustain the fire and give birth to a new generation of Filipinos who are citizens of the world and yet are deeply rooted in the richness of our heritage as a Filipino.

"Galing ng Pinoy" will disturb our people's consciousness and set them into a process of self-inquiry of what have done individually and as a nation to uplift the pride and economic well-being of the Filipino people.

Our desired outcome is to create an appreciation of the "Galing ng Pinoy" that would be concretely seen in our people's appreciation and support of the talents, skills, and genius of Filipino achievers as well as in patronage of products and services provided by Filipino companies.

"Galing ng Pinoy" is not against globalization. We acknowledge that we are irreversibly moving to become a truly global community, a world without boarders.

However, for us to make a strong presence in the global scale, we must first be very strong in our home base. For so long, we have suffered from the malaise of a national inferiority complex. But there is no reason for us to bow down. We are a great race. We are a country of magnificent people. Now is the time to rise and shine. "Ang bagong Pilipino, kayang tumapat sa buong mundo."

And we are not lacking in authentic world-class Filipinos. Our independent filmmakers, working only on the molecular equivalent of a Hollywood "b" movie budget, are reaping awards and accolades around the world.

Then there is the internationally-renowned Cebu-based furniture design leader Kenneth Cobonpue. Kenneth gave the Philippines a reason to be proud in the highly competitive world design when he was bestowed the prestigious 2005 Design for Asia Award, a compelling statement that Filipino creativity is indeed world-class.

Another proud daughter of Cebu, Monique Llhullier, a rising star in the firmament of international fashion design and who has been increasingly spoken to with the same admiration and respect as the other Asian super fashion luminaries as Vera Wang and Anna Sui.

From the pastoral landscape of Cagayan Valley, Engr. Dado Banato, has made an indelible mark in the vibrant cradle of the information technology revolution, Silicon Valley, where he is revered as one of he leading visionaries of the global information technology industry.

Rafe NY is a popular line of bags and accessories sold in prestigious stores worldwide. Rafe NY adorns the arms of celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Helena Christensen, Alexandra von Furstenberg, and Sandra Bullock. And who's behind the brand? A Filipino by the name of Ramon Felipe "Rafe" Totengco of Bacolod.

When BBC (British Broadcasting Corp.) World Television launched its First World Challenge, who would run away with the Grand Prize? A Filipino, of course! A Bicolano agricultural engineer, Justino Arboleda, introduced to the world the Coconet, an ingenious soil erosion solution made from waste coconut husk. Coconet was adjudged the best environmental grassroots projects in the world, vesting 450 entries from 90 countries.

Manny Pacquiao, Leah Salonga, Allan Pineda of the hip-hop Black Eyed Peas, Jollibee, Liwayway Marketing (of Oishi fame), San Miguel, United Laboratories, Splash and the thousands albeit millions of simple, and perhaps anonymous Filipinos who, in various capacities in establishments and organizations the world over, have shown the innate talents, skills, creativity and unrivaled excellence of the Filipino.