There are so many similarities between my native country Ireland and the Philippines. Both of our nations were colonized, both of us are predominantly Roman Catholic, and both of us have a history of mass emigration.
While watching the epic movie “Heneral Luna,” I could not help myself from reflecting that there is another commonality that we share. A study of Irish history will reveal that the greatest enemy of the Irish is the Irish themselves. And today, a study of any Irish newspaper will also reveal that the greatest critic of Ireland is the Irish themselves. We are our own worst enemies. I believe that this is the same here in the Philippines. In the words of the great Antonio Luna “Brothers, our greatest enemy is ourselves.” The greatest enemy of the Filipino, is the Filipino. The greatest critic of the Philippines is the Filipino themselves.
The vast majority of Filipino TV, newspaper and social media headlines are all focusing on something negative (corruption, murder, terrorism, natural disasters, celebrity scandal, etc.). Not that I am saying that negative news should not be brought to our attention, but the continuous consumption of negative news will give us a very unbalanced and unfair view of the world. I see extraordinary, positive things happening in Philippines everyday. I believe that for every one negative story written about the Filipino, there are 100 positive stories that don’t get talked about.
This really is the greatest time in history to be in the Philippines. Living here makes me a better man. There is no other country in the world that I would rather be in. There is something about the character of the Filipino that I have not seen anywhere in the world. As my team and I travel across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, delivering both our inspiring talks and management trainings, the majority of the audiences are still surprised that a foreigner has so much belief in their country, where so many Filipinos don’t. I explain that this self-doubt is normal. The story of the Filipino is like the story of the butterfly; it cannot see how beautiful its wings are. Sometimes it takes an outsider to remind them of that beauty.
I meet so many Filipinos with far more talent than me; however it drives me crazy to see that so many of these amazing individualsdo not believe in themselves. Belief is the foundation of all success! The more Filipinos that we convince to change the way they think about their own potential and the potential of their nation, then I am absolutely convinced the we will see a first world Philippines in our lifetime.
I feel blessed that everyday I get to see this in the people we work with. It gives me great hope that the greatest days of this nation are ahead of us!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
About Mike
Mike Grogan is a lean management expert, best-selling author and international speaker who believes in the genius of the Filipino. He has worked in Europe, America, Africa and Asia, and has delivered his inspiring talks and training seminars to over 100,000 people around the world; however, he believes that the greatest human potential in the world is here in the Philippines. He is passionate about helping Filipinos to become more confident, proactive and productive, so they can lead by example and become role models of Filipino excellence.
For comments feedback and suggestions, contact mike@mikegrogan.ph.
To get a free copy of his latest book, “7 Reasons Filipinos will Change the World,” go to www.mikegrogan.ph/ebook.
By MIKE GROGAN
