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The world-class Filipino 12 August 2008 |
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FILIPINOS, being
worldclass citizens, is a non-debatable topic. Time and again, Filipinos
have proven their excellence in various fields on a level at par with
the world’s best. Manny Pacquiao, for instance, is the first Filipino and Asian boxer to win four world titles in different weight divisions. He is currently the WBC lightweight champion and the WBC super featherweight champion and formerly world champion at the IBF super bantamweight and WBC flyweight division. Manny even took over as the pound for pound top boxer of the world, after Floyd Mayweather Jr. announced his retirement from boxing, in the most coveted "The Ring" magazine. Another Filipino pride worth mentioning is the ever beautiful and talented Lea Salonga, who remains a bright shining star in the craft of theater and stage acting. There was also Carlos Romulo, who showed the world that physical height is not hindrance to becoming a Secretary General of the United Nations. These persons are just some of the world-class Filipinos. I am sure that there are many others, here and abroad, who have shown that their skills and talent meet the global standards of excellence, except that they have not had the benefit of media coverage. It is a strong belief in the Filipino’s potential to be an active and globally acknowledged participant in world affairs that the Arroyo administration is working very hard – to lay the foundations that shall eventually elevate the country to first world status in twenty years. At exactly 8 p.m. last Friday, August 8, 2008, the 2008 Olympic Games officially opened in Beijing, China. With the roll of thunder from 2,008 drums and a battering of fireworks across the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, to the Bird’s Nest National Stadium, China welcomed the world to Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. For three-anda-half hours, more than 20,000 performers regaled the audience and spectators all over the world, with a virtual tour of Chinese culture by means of martial arts performances and artistic story telling through song and dance. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, along with around 80 other international leaders, including President George W. Bush of the United States, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, witnessed the lavish opening ceremony. The President’s presence at the Olympics opening rites is expected to boost the morale of the 15 Filipino athletes who would fight to win the elusive first Philippine gold medal. The Filipino athletes were: Tshomlee Go (taekwondo), Toni Rivero (taekwondo), Mark Javier (archery), Harry Tañamor (boxing), Miguel Molina (swimming200 meter individual medley), Daniel Coakley (swimming-50 meter freestyle), James Walsh (swimming-200 meter butterfly), Ryan Arabejo (swimming-1,500 meter freestyle), Shiela Mae Perez (divingwomen's 3 meter springboard), Rexel Ryan Fabriga (divingmen’s 10 meter platform), Christel Simms (swimming), Eric Ang (shooting), Henry Dagmil (athletics-men’s long jump), Maristella Torres (athleticswomen’s long jump). These athletes bring with them the hopes and aspirations of the entire country for another instance when Filipinos shall once again prove that the Filipino can make it in the global arena. I suppose no one would contradict me when I say that the Olympics is the most prestigious and competitive sporting event in the world. Millions of dollars and years of training are spent preparing for this quadrennial multi-sporting event. Athletes compete not so much for personal honor but for the honor and glory of the countries they represent. This is especially evident during the awarding ceremonies, when victors are acknowledged not by their personal names but by the names of their respective countries. The Olympics also promotes global unity. Nations and peoples for a period set aside race, religions, and ideologies to gather in a single arena and engage in friendly and fair competition. National flags are hoisted side-byside while national anthems of the different participating countries are sung. World leaders are present and the whole world watches. The fact that we have a Filipino delegation to the Beijing Olympics is already a victory in and of itself, a further testament to the fact that the Filipino can stand side-by-side with the world’s best. The medals that we shall harvest are a bonus. For us who remain in the country, let us do our share to motivate our compatriots in the Olympics. Let us cheer them on, pray for them and provide support in every way we can. I, for one, look forward to the day when all the hard work and sacrifices of this administration, shall finally bear fruit – when Filipinos realize their individual potentials and take their rightful places as world-class citizens in the global economic village. Go Team Philippines! We are solidly behind you! |
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