If this near-sighted Ibaloy writer remembers correctly, it was the great Benjamin Franklin, a certified polymath and one of America’s founding fathers, who believed that “God helps those who help themselves.”
And just like Franklin who came from nothing and soared to immortality, many of his fellow Americans since then and maybe until now, continue to soar to great heights in various endeavors despite coming from very little.
Most, may I add, are immigrants who had nothing but dreams of making it big in the land of the free and home of the brave. Whether it is still true now, I don’t know. Trump happened, after all.
One reason for their success may be their reliance on hard work, intelligence, and grit in realizing their dreams and not solely depending on what “God,” luck, or the government had in store for them. They helped themselves.
Unfortunately, we cannot say that for our beloved nation where connections and “who you know” play a huge part in one’s success in life other than already being born rich or into a political dynasty.
Sure, we also have successful Filipinos who have risen from nothing and succeeded on their own merits but they are so few and far between.
Tokyo Olympics weightlifting gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz, is one. Sen. Manny Pacquiao, in fairness to him, is another. They are usually the exception and not the rule. Most of those who are so-called “successful” nowadays are due to their family names. They are just the beneficiaries of the labors of their forebears. They just took the credit.
Just look at some of our national and even local leaders whose only reason for being in office is they have famous family names, spouses, or even children. Voters are mostly to blame for this. Indeed, life’s unfair, especially in a beautiful Third World country like ours. Sadly, we do not live in a meritocracy but a “kapit”ocracy. It’s no wonder then that many Filipinos would leave the country with their families for greener pastures abroad if given the opportunity. Can we blame them? Mabuhay!
FYI: Below are the steps on how to download the Covid-19 vaccination certificate:
Go to https://bakuna.baguio.gov.ph/; Click the “Covid-19 vaccination certificate” tab; Enter full name of the vaccine; Click “Download Covid-19 vaccination certificate” tab; Save or print your Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
For concerns/queries regarding Covid-19 vaccination certificates, email [email protected].
Here’s “I Am” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox: “I Know not whence I came,/ I know not whither I go;/ But the fact stands clear that I am here/ In this world of pleasure and woe./ And out of the mist and murk/ Another truth shines plain –/ It is my power each day and hour/ To add to its joy or its pain.”
Let’s end with a prayer: “Abba Father, your loving devotion reaches to the heavens and Your faithfulness to the clouds. I come to You in gratitude for blessing me with family and friends. I thank you for how my life is enriched by the fun and companionship I have with them. I thank you for the support they give me – thoughtful advice, helping me with things, unconditional love, and even words of caution or correction. Help me to bless them as much as they bless me. Amen.” (from the internet)
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep us all safe.
