PINOY SPICES

Juan dela Cruz will never be like Uncle Sam, nor John Bull.

I have friends who have been to Europe, to Land Down Under, and some have experienced the bright nights of New York. Some said perfumes from Paris are really first-class. One said that the Australian terrier( a small short-legged grayish wirehaired of Aussie origin) is definitely unusual. Frankfurts from Germany and chocolates from U.S. are really delightful said by another friend. But, never did I hear them saying........."Filipinos are like the people of France, of New York...............!".

There are a multitude of spices that savor Filipinos to become special from the odds. Aside from the fact that Filipinos are genuinely handsome, there are still pure x-factors which draw Juan dela Cruz as a distinct character. Some traits may be noted as the plus factors; some are observed disagreeable, and lots may be labeled as amusing.

Input a 64- dollar question: which Filipino traits are noted as plus factors?

TRYING HARD. At first sketch, this may sound unpleasant. But, use the term in a lighter manner that it can build up the entire Filipino nation. Filipinos, though in the middle of this economic's stratum of competition still try to rank Philippine products in their greatest height. Foreign goods may ever be scattered along the islands, but never will the native ones be forgotten.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. It is so finical, that with all the offers of the technological era and the indulge of the teen's world, still a family that is bonded with God's heartstrings, remains. Through centuries, the Filipino family has proven its closer ties that it vindicated itself to be stalwart and stronger versus the forces of worldly immorality.

VIVA LA SENORA. HALA-BIRA, HAAAAAAPPY FIESTA. My 16-year stay in this country has made me said that this nation's culture is the richest among all. The cultural continuity in social attitudes which was cast-off by other countries is still on the line of its legacy. Sinukwan, Moriones, Maskara, Sinulog, Pahiys and Panagbenga, just some of this country's festivities which incessantly fire their race towards the arts and humanities. Aside from these festivities, are the old practices of showing values appreciation and manner decorum in the heart of a pure blooded Filipino.

Hospitable. Pakikisama. Utang na loob. Regionalistic. Some other Pinoy spices that make us diverse.

Inscribe another 64- dollar question: which Filipino traits are the messy ones?

PIRACY IS THE BEST POLICY. Filipinos are renowned for their "gaya-gaya system". They sometimes tend to minimize the value for intellectual property rights. An existing scenario is the nature of the sphere of piracy. CDs, VCDs, DVDs, thesis documents, inventions, and even talents are being pirated.

DOG STYLE. Some dogs are hated for their impertinent manner. Same tale goes to Filipinos. To urinate or micturate on public places such as walls or treewards is a messy act of a dog which a Filipino does. To go deeper on this issue, Filipinos are indifferent with dogs when they just go with the flow without even knowing the real stands of controversies. Being associated on rallies and strikes for two heads of Manuel Roxas and shouting and screaming are just a typical zarzuela.

CRAB MENTALITY. Black propagandas. The Republic of the Philippines. People pulling others down to their deepest grounds. Combine them all, the dubious puzzle will be revealed. Like the lazy crabs, Filipinos will do all, in whatever manner, just to get their desires.

There are quite a number of Filipino traits which may appear negative, but in other ways, become funny. Stuffs like:

DEBT FOR DEATH. During Christmas, New Year, and Barrio Fiestas, Filipinos are assiduously visiting house to house to borrow money for a possible celebration. Imagine, just to feed the mouth of others, they will risk their possible income. Then comes the day that they will hide themselves from the collectors. "Anak, sabihin mo pumunta ako sa bangko ha!", sort of a practical excuse.

KANTANOD. Originated from a Fray Botod, Padre Damaso stated that Filipinos are fond of going to occasions where they are not officially invited. What is more embarrassing is that they even take out foods, stuffs, and utensil (I mean spoons and forks) secretly.

ORGANS FOR SALE. In certain points, this may be a sort of a serious topic......but on the other side, a bit facetious. Nowadays, flesh and escort services for a one- night stand are not the only life aspects which are bargained for a small scale price. The purchase of kidneys, lungs, heart, and even yellow teeth is not impossible. What if, the front teeth planted on you by your dentist is from that garbage collector you most hate............you'll never know.

GALING UK...........! Remember the teen star on a detergent ad pretending as if her cocktail outfit is from United Kingdom. This just speaks that Filipinos are a great pretender.
You may find it nice, irritating or sometimes, amusing, but one thing's for sure, "walang ganyan sa States."