Our geographic location has a big influence in our culture. We are in the Pacific Ring of Fire and also in the Typhoon Belt. At least 20 typhoons visit the country in a year and we have 22 active volcanoes. Just imagine the chances that we will be hit by a natural calamity every year. The Philippines is a dangerous place to live but rather than sulk over it, we have embraced our situation armed with our faith, humor and each other.
Filipinos cope with a problem with prayers and humor. Thus, despite all the problems we have, we still have the propensity to joke about our predicament. Some culture may find it strange but this is what helped us survived over the years and will remain part of Filipino life.
A calamity always brings out the best in Filipinos. We can always hear stories of heroism form ordinary people in times of crisis. The bayanihan is at work during these times too. We have little to give yet we always share what we have with those who were victims of natural calamities.
We cannot do anything about natural calamities but we can do something in mitigating its effects. As the country is still reeling from the onslaught of Ondoy and Pepeng, hopefully we have learned our lessons. The effects of typhoons were magnified by our lack of preparation and environment degradation. Let’s stop being the problem and become part of the solution. Disaster preparedness is not only the responsibility of the government but of everybody. Hopefully, the next time we will be battered by a natural calamity, we will be ready.
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I was really shocked when I saw the feeds of your blog post because I never thought that Philippines is a dangerous place. So, I immediately blog hopped here to read your very captivating blog post title. After reading, I realize that it’s true. We Filipinos have come to embrace our country’s fate. Maybe that is the reason why I don’t feel that we live in a dangerous place. I just see Philippines as a tropical paradise and full of wondrous places to explore!
Yes mommy, despite being hit by natural calamities every year, the Philippines is a tropical paradise that’s also because of our location. It’s like what made this country “dangerous” is what also made it beautiful.
Throw a stone at Mother Nature and she’ll throw a boulder right back at you. Ondoy and Pepeng were the boulders, Mother Nature was just biding her time.
I can’t help but agree with you in this. They should have cleaned Pasig years ago and started cleaning the sewers.