As I look back at how far we Filipinos have come, I see everything that we have accomplished and how we did so much despite being the underdogs in this dog-eat-dog world. I admit, nobody expects much from the Philippines. We are a great country, but we look small compared to the likes of China or the USA. Despite this though, I feel that we have accomplished just as much, or perhaps even more, than these countries have. "The Pearl of the East". The title the Philippines has proves to be true. It shows that although the country is small, it is still beautiful and precious just like a pearl. Filipinos know just how beautiful our country is, even long ago. They have gone many lengths to defend it.



Even from the beginning we stood strong together against all adversaries. Lapu-Lapu and his men stood up against Magellan sending him away from the Philippines they loved so dearly. Lapu-Lapu realized how much the Philippines meant to him and decided that the Spaniards did not deserve it. For awhile, the knowledge of how valuable our country was was replaced by fear of the Spaniards. Fortunately for us Filipinos, Jose Rizal realized that the Spaniards were only men and that death was not much to fear. He died for us, telling us to join him. Many Filipinos quickly heeded his call such as Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Tandang Sora and many more, for they all realized that they needed to set our country free. And after many years of being oppressed by the Spaniards, we were eventually able to drive them away.



But trouble came back to the shores of our lovable archipelago. Our country was dragged into WW2 and it was very hard times for us. But our blood remained strong and united, we made it past the hard times. Our unity brought out the best in us once more as we combined forces with the Americans and managed to survive.



Another example of how strong our bond of blood is was when Marcos was president. When he implemented martial law, we Filipinos realized that it needed to stop. Ninoy and Cory Aquino and the rest of the Philippines joined together to end the reign of Marcos the dictator.



Even in current times we are still bound with each other. The crowds in Rizal Memorial Stadium cheered loudly for the Azkals as they qualified for the first time in the FIFA World Cup. We support Manny Pacquiao as he fights countless opponents across the world. And, we boldy chose Noynoy Aquino to be our president, to be the person to lead our country toward the future.



In all of the stated examples, all of the Filipinos did these many wonderful acts because of their love for their country. We can do the same today. The Philippines is now entrusted to us, the heroes of our generation. I believe that despite being a third world country, the Philippines will accomplish so much more as long as we keep united. Our country is so beautiful and we must do everything in our power to keep it like that. We are the heroes of our time and I am proud to be one of them.





-Westin Perez