Ten Commandments for Filipinos
August 18, 2002 | 12:00am
The universe has a reason why you were born in the Philippines and not in some other country. You have an important mission to fulfill for these islands and its people. In due time, this life mission will reveal itself unto you.
Now, more than ever, your country needs you. It is at a stage where it is either going to sink into the depths of dark desperation or rise up to the bright vistas of progress and prosperity. On your shoulders falls the responsibility to decide which direction the country will take.
You, dear Filipino, are the key to the Philippines’ future. In your hands lies the potential power to bring about the tempestuous, purposeful winds of change. These Ten Commandments for Filipinos can inspire and help lead the way to your country’s hallowed destiny. Understand them. Live by them.
1. Love God, the Philippines and your people.
Love and revere God above everything. Appreciate His glorious creations and sing hymns of praise to His power and wisdom. Count your blessings and recite prayers of gratitude for His infinite goodness and love. And thank Him profusely for the natural wealth and beauty He has bestowed upon this marvelous chain of enchanting islands.
Nurture a genuine feeling of love for all Filipinos. Whether rich or poor, educated or illiterate, good-looking or otherwise, and whatever religion they may profess, they are umbilically linked to you. They are your utol, kaputol, kapatid or brothers. Build bonds of goodwill among your countrymen. Enough of crab mentality; strive for Filipino unity and solidarity.
Most importantly, protect the Philippines from environmental pollution, pillage of energy and natural resources, and destruction of its natural beauty and grandeur. You have only one Lupang Hinirang and it is your duty to keep it robust, beautiful and clean.
2. Love and honor your parents and siblings, and respect all individuals.
Your parents brought you unto the world. They deserve your love, honor and highest respect. Your brothers and sisters are extensions of yourself for you are all fruits of the same tree. Love and help each other. Your children are you. They carry your torch to the future. Love and nurture them more than you would yourself.
Honor and respect other people. They, too, are children of the universe and have the same right as you to every glory and bounty on earth. Maintain an open mind and always strive for peace and understanding among peoples of the earth.
3. Start everything you do with happiness and always maintain a vibrant, enthusiastic, positive attitude.
Before doing anything, start happy. This will put you into a positive and enthusiastic state of mind. Keep a smile in your heart so that even if you suffer at whatever you are doing, that inner joy will lighten your load. Brighten up lives by radiating happiness to the world.
4. Strive for excellence in everything you do.
Whether it is conceptualizing an idea, doing something pleasurable, or performing a difficult job, give it your 100 percent. Give your best every time. Strive for quality and distinction in everything you do. Give it that exclusive mark of Filipino excellence. Genuine fulfillment comes from knowing that you gave your very best.
5. Use the four-point guidelines every time you act or make a decision.
To ascertain that what you are about to do is the best thing, ask yourself these four-point questions:
a) Is it what my heart truly desires?
b) Is it the most intelligent, truthful and effective thing to do, and the most beneficial for everyone concerned?
c) Does my highest conscience approve of it; will it hurt or harm anyone?
d) Would Buddha, Christ, Mohammed and Jose Rizal do it if they were in my shoes?
6. Learn something good and new every day; give up old bad habits and traits.
Knowledge is power and it is a treasure that can never be stolen from you. Learn something good and new every day. Like a computer, update your data bank and delete all information and programs that have become useless and irrelevant. So many things are happening in the world; information technology is rapidly changing the way we live. Keep in tune with the times through continuous education.
7. Develop your self-esteem, self-respect and self-confidence; be assertive, not offensive.
The Filipino concept of hiya is charming but can be self-defeating. In today’s world, confidence and belief in one’s self are pre-requisites to achievement and success. Keep the smile of Maria Clara but cultivate the dynamic drive of Gabriela Silang. You need to be assertive for people to heed and respect you. Develop positive assertiveness, not destructive offensiveness.
8. Revive and practice all good Filipino customs and traditions; and add new dynamic habits and practices.
There are many laudable Filipino customs and traditions. The use of po or ho to convey respect for elders, the blessing on the forehead or mano po, the spirit of bayanihan or helping one another, the pasabaw or sharing of soup with neighbors – these are a few of the many exemplary customs of traditional Filipino society.
Look into these endearing but rapidly disappearing practices and revive them. At the same time, seek out those negative and unproductive mores that need to be replaced or reinvented.
9. Be a model citizen and always look at the bigger picture.
Always strive for positive change and be a conscientious citizen. Understand the Philippine political and socio-economic systems and come up with ideas that can improve them and benefit the country. Participate actively in nation building. Pay your taxes, put an end to graft and corruption, and respect the laws of the land.
Before deciding on anything, weigh the consequences it will bring. Don’t concentrate on personal gain; look instead at the bigger picture that will be most beneficial for the nation.
10. Develop a great sense of national pride and at the same time, think global and expand your horizons.
Philippine history abounds in valiant heroism and fervent nationalism. Great men have fought for these islands and even gave up their lives that you may live in freedom and noble dignity. Instill in your heart a great sense of national pride. Excel in everything you do so that your country can be proud of you.
Return some of the blessings you have received in your life to your country and people. Focus on the Philippines but at the same time, expand your horizons and reach out to the world. You are, after all, a citizen of the earth and a child of the universe. Save and nurture our planet, and work towards peace, love, happiness, safety and prosperity for all.
FAQ’s About My Seminar |
• I am the very shy type. Am I expected to be involved in group discussions? No. I do most of the talking, supplemented by interesting video clips. You may ask questions during the open forum.
• In one sentence, please describe your seminar. It is a positive, entertaining and inspiring seminar that coaxes you to live your best life, challenges you to be wealthy in all aspects of life, and reveals to you the principles, secrets and techniques you’ll need to achieve your fondest and wildest dreams.
• What should I bring to the seminar? Bring an open mind. Some people think that they know it all. It is better to be green because then, you grow; when you are ripe, there’s nowhere to go but rot. I suggest that you bring a little notebook and a ball pen to jot down significant notes.
• How long is the seminar? It is really a three-and-a-half-hour session but I usually get carried away with certain topics. Add to that 30-45 minutes for the buffet dinner. I encourage participants to network among themselves. The seminar is long but people find no boring moment.
• Will you be having more seminars with other topics? Definitely. Scheduled in mid-September is "Money, Money!" a seminar on the secret principles of money and prosperity. This will be very interesting because even with our frantic obsession for money, very few people truly understand its basic reality.
The next "Make Your Impossible Dreams Come True!" seminar is on Saturday, August 24 at 4 p.m. For more information, e-mail DeroSeminar@yahoo.com and call or text 0920-4053233. Open your mind and begin your life.
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