Our songs that serenade us with bravery, our words that speak of honesty, and our history that depicts a culture as rich as our lands, and of people who gave life by dying—are gushing out of our memory like sand poured in an open palm. Our forebears fought wars. They lost and they won. Now the victory they entrusted to our hands has been lost again in another war—one so insidious that it made us adore our conquerors.
It would seem there is good reason to believe the Filipinos are now constantly conscious of their patriotic concerns for their country. And there is good reason to appreciate the passion of most everyone in trying to excel in the field of endeavor she finds herself in. In the arena of this world’s dog-eat-dog competitiveness, it is heartening to note how Filipinos individually shines—be it in sports or in performance activities. And even in beauty pageants!
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte in a light moment with Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista (second, right) and 10th Infantry Commander General Ariel Bernardo (right) during a peace ceremony in Paquibato District on June 12. (Ace R. Morandante/davaotoday.com)
Activists during an Independence Day rall in Davao call out to President Aquino to stop protecting allies and prosecute all government officials involved in the pork barrel scam. (contributed photo by Jaja Necosia)
Children rights advocates observe June 12 as the World Day Against Child Labor with a march as they press government to act and help child workers through more social services. (Medel V. Hernani/davaotoday.com)