Rallying Point

We need to look for anything or someone who can bring us together in our difficult times as a people. A message of hope and solidarity is carried by a phenomenon, a movement, a cause, or even an individual.

In the past, die-hard boxing enthusiasts, as well as those with just a passing interest in the sport, would set aside time to watch a Manny Pacquiao fight. When the Philippine basketball team has a match against another nation, basketball fans and even non-fans make it a point to watch. When it comes to beauty pageants, Filipinos rally behind our representative every time she competes for the coveted crown. Why is this the case?

When we contrast ourselves to other nations, we take pride in something or someone. Such pride derives from the conviction that we each have our own special qualities to show to the world, qualities that, given the right opportunities and encouragement, can find a place in the international arena. Ingenuity and creativity in the Philippines are unrivaled in the world.

Each move taken by a country's representative is measured using a variety of criteria, including those that aren't even directly involved in the process. And it is up to the representative to decide whether to accept it critically or to exclude it from his or her system, as doing so will jeopardize the winning strategy. But it's difficult to keep them from taking a bite out of the whole critique cake. As a result, it is now up to the delegate to decide how to proceed. However, the aim is to ensure that it aids in the competitive process.

And if there are multiple comments from a large number of people with widely differing viewpoints, such a representative would be caught in a limbo filtering what is advantageous from what is counterproductive.

As a result, the competitor must have a clear motive from the start as to why he or she is being sent to an international competition. The prize and glory that come with winning are just the cherry on top. More importantly, the representative's presence can serve as a focal point for a greater cause. What, for example, does your homeland need right now? And what the representative should do to see that this need is met.

And, in this time of pandemic, it is a global issue that necessitates international cooperation. However, in some nations, the need for assistance is greater due to an increase in the number of victims. When we in the Philippines see our condition as aggravating and bleak as it is, we must consider others, such as India. We expect our Philippine delegate to serve as a focal point for our internal issues and concerns, as well as a conduit for reaching out to other countries that are particularly affected.

Whether it's our boxers, skaters, or ladies competing in beauty pageants, their participation in the international arena is more than a personal triumph; it's a powerful rallying point for national cooperation and prestige. And if they do, it would be as if they are once again teaching our people to be proud Filipinos. Teaching them that becoming a Filipino means possessing the same rich and noble heritage of language, culture, patriotism, and valiant deeds as any other country in the world.