“Give me 10,000 Filipino soldiers and I will conquer the world.” These are the famous words of General Douglas MacArthur, who was so astonished by the resilience and strength of the Filipino guerrilla forces against the Japanese during World War II.
In the Korean war, one of the most famous battles and turning points of the war was the “Battle of Yuldong”. It was during that battle that a mere 900 Filipino soldiers sensationally held their ground against 40,000 enemy soldiers.
From Lapu-Lapu to Jose Rizal, the history books are full of examples of Filipinos demonstrating extraordinary courage and bravery (katapangan) in the most difficult of circumstances.
This is best captured by the Filipino proverb “Ang bayaning nasusugatan, nag-iibayo ang tapang [The wounded patriot becomes even more courageous.]”
However, the battlefield and in times of war are not the only place where Filipino katapangan is activated. In the last 30 years, the greatest Philippine export has been its own people—the Bagong Bayani.
This is how the world knows the Filipino—because of extraordinary sacrifice, overseas Filipino workers have made in making the world a better place.
It includes the world’s best health-care providers; the most skilled sailors navigating the world’s oceans; the toughest engineers in the most remote oil fields and minefields; the most talented entertainers in the trendiest clubs and luxury liners.
In every country of the world, you will meet a Filipino, their bravery to endure life’s greatest and stressful challenges: cold winters; abusive employers or the pain of separation from, and for the sake of loved ones.
Ironically, they will leave their own children at home to take care of foreign children abroad so their biological children will have a better life in the poor communities they have left behind.
In every country I have traveled to I always met Filipinos. The bravery of these Bagong Bayani inspired me to eventually move to the Philippines and commit my life to playing my part in nation-building.
Since 2015, I now proudly call the Philippines my home. I am blessed that I got to discover a new type of Filipino hero. These are the new generation of Filipinos who are rejecting the lies of the past, that they are not good enough or not smart enough.
They are the Filipinos rejecting the status quo and the false belief that the Philippines will always be a third-world country. They are the Filipinos who choose to believe in the greatness within themselves and the greatness that lies within every Filipino.
These are the Filipinos who use their katapangan to convert their beliefs into action. These are the Filipinos committing themselves to nation-building to create a first-world Philippines in our lifetime.
In business, they are Filipinos who are creating world-class Filipino brands; many of which I am a proud daily consumer: My favorite personal-care brand is Human Nature. My favorite chocolate is Malagos. My favorite iced tea is Bayani Brew. My favorite coffee store is Bo’s Coffee.
These proudly Pinoy brands are truly world class and, in my opinion, better than any of their foreign competitors. Together, they smash the false belief that foreign products are better than Filipino products.
For me, these brave Filipino entrepreneurs are some of the most inspiring examples of Filipino excellence you will ever meet. Their katapangan will drive them forward to achieve even greater things. They are just getting started. The greatest days are ahead.
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.
Mike
The above is an extract from Mike’s latest e-book 7 Reasons Why Filipinos will Change the World. To get your free copy, go to www.mikegrogan.ph/ebook.
Mike Grogan is an international speaker and best-selling author who believes in the genius of the Filipino. As a lean management expert, Irish native Mike has traveled to 39 countries but he believes that there is something very special about the Pinoy. Last year, in partnership with People Dynamics, Mike has delivered 183 talks, training sessions and seminars all across the Philippines.
For comments feedback and suggestions contact mike@mikegrogan.ph.
1 comment
Thank you so much author! I hope you will inspire more filipino readers so they can convert their fear to confidence in nation building!