Back to Zero (Kilometer)

My family doesn't really participate in national holiday celebrations. But for the past years, my Tatay had been prodding us to go to Rizal Park (formerly Luneta) because he wanted to personally witness the gigantic Philippine flag raised during the Independence Day.

As one of those first generation of Filipino seamen who work abroad, my Tatay spent most of his life outside of the country. But despite that, he was my first teacher in nationalism. I remember him buying Philippine-inspired caps and t-shirts  and emblem pins of the Philippine flag whenever he arrives from his tour of duty. He would always say that, of all the countries he had ever been to, nothing compares to the Philippines.

Tatay: "Hindi kaya napapagod na yang kalabaw na yan?"

Going back to Luneta with him and Nanay was thus nostalgic. I think the last time I went there with them was in 1990. I can't exactly remember anything from that "pasyal" aside from the well-kept pictures of my sisters and I in various landmarks in the park - just like that kalabaw. I don't know, but I was just plain happy when I saw that good ol' carabao like it is a good friend. Haha.

Now, as an adult and a government employee, roaming around the park of my childhood was going full circle for me. It was even made more meaningful with all the flags flying and kababayans at the park who were there to celebrate the nation's independence day. 

See the Philippine flag emblem pin on my chest? 

There were soldiers, police, families, groups of young people, lovers (haha), art enthusiasts (like one man who did nothing but blow bubbles to provide a festive feel at the park). And though they may seem to be just plainly enjoying themselves, I would like to believe that this park provided one of the most important landmarks in their being Filipinos - just like what it did to me.

I was a kid when I last visited this place, but Rizal Park became a big part of my consciousness as a Filipino. This has led me to pray for my country, study hard so I can contribute to nation-building as much as I am helping my kababayans, and eventually work in a government agency. It has also led me to sing songs that speak my love for this country. 

If you haven't really had the chance to visit Rizal Park, I hope you will. Bring your family or friends along. And discover for yourself why, in spite of the challenges and hardships life in this country brings, you still can't help but love the Philippines.

Mahal ka namin, Pilipinas!

Happy Independence Day!