Pinoy Nationalism: Fact or Fashion?

SOURCE: http://www.zazzle.com/

PROUD TO BE FILIPINO -- that is the nationalistic statement written on the shirt of a not-so nationalistic teenager who is busy digging into his quarter-pounder while listening to Greenday.

Obviously, that lad and his shirt do not coincide.

Actually, that scenario is not an original. There are a lot of people out there, both young and old, who would boldly wear stuffs that say they're proud Filipinos but couldn't even stand up for what they know is best for the Philippines.

The scent of Filipino pride is indeed everywhere. Form shirts to shoes, jackets and pins, even accessories are now used to promote patriotism. Designs also vary, but of course, one of the most commonly used is the Philippine flag. As the symbol of our country, the colors of the flag served as an inspiration to many of the designs. Its sun and three stars are also evident together with some of other famous symbols that represent the country. The faces of well-known Filipinos like that of our national hero, Dr Jose Rizal, as well as other patriotic individuals such as Ninoy Aquino, and Manny Pacquiao are also printed on shirts, bags, pins and other accessories.

Aside from those mentioned designs, loud statements like "Proud to be a Filipino, and "The Filipino is Worth Dying For," also hooked the "nationalistic side" of Filipinos.

But what could've started such a sudden rush of Filipino blood?

Francis Magalona

The life and death of Francis Magalona contributed a lot to the in-demand nationalistic fashion sense of Pinoys today. He started a clothing line called FMCC (Francis Magalona's Clothing Company) that carried patriotic patterns and the most well-known are "three stars and a sun." Since the ‘90s, he has already been influential especially to the youth. However, unlike on other Filipinos, Francis Magalona’s nationalism was something genuine and consistent. In fact, his love for his country lasted even until his death as his pride for being a Filipino was also pronounced through his songs. The strength that he showed as he fought against his sickness also proved that he belongs to the brave Filipino race.

SOURCE: http://infophalanx.blogspot.com/

 

 

SOURCE: http://odnid-aitum-ognim-layp.blogspot.com/

Ako Mismo

Another influence could be the advocacy called Ako Mismo. It became known because of its advertisement that includes celebrities and its unique emblem -- a dog tag.

Instantly, the red, black and white tag became part of everyone’s outfit, and the result -- a fad. Actually, that accessory could have been the best morale booster for Filipinos. Imagine how beautiful and heart-warming it could be to witness millions of Filipinos wearing their Ako Mismo dog tags while walking hand-in-hand and strongly united under a single aim. However, that is not the case; most of the people wearing it are just doing so because they want to fit in. They might not even be aware that DDB Cares is behind this advocacy and that its main goal is to energize and rejuvenate the Filipino youth and eventually move them to action.

Hopefully, it’s not yet too late to animate the young Juan dela Cruz.

Filipino Pride

Talented Pinoys who made it big around the world contributed as well to the emergence of nationalistic modern clothing.

Just like Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao who gives the Filipinos so much honor every time he wins in an international boxing game. He has his own limited clothing line which is way more expensive than that of Francis Magalona’s. Probably, these were originally made for his foreign fans who could afford it and not for his local supporters.

The Philippine All Stars -- the dance group which gave pride to our country by winning in several international dance competitions -- also started the idea of wearing Philippinized apparels. It was evident in their pictures that every time they would compete, they would be wearing shirts which have designs derived from our national flag.

Although their moves were that of the American hip-hop, their love for their country is still visible especially when they give their best at every contest in order to take home an invaluable award for their nation.

SOURCE: http://watch-mosley-vs-pacquiao.blogspot.com/

Fact or Fashion?

Every Filipino has the right to show his loyalty to his motherland in whatever ways he wants. Statement shirts and metal dog tags are perfectly acceptable outlets for patriotism. Nonetheless, Pinoys should constantly be reminded that nationalism is a serious matter dealing with devotion of national interest, unity and independence. One must stand up for what his shirt is saying.

So, is nationalism indeed the most dominant virtue of the present? Or is it just the latest fashion trend?