In the mind of a modern day Ilustrado Indio

What is an ilustrado and Indio? These are archaic filipino words that a true blue PINOY should know and understand because it connotes our history...

I love reading the history of the Philippines. My fascination started when my old alma mater introduced me to the Philippines history. I learned about the Ibong Adarna  and even the controversial book El Filibusterismo. But I greatly enjoy the pre-hispanic history of the Philippines. Rich with tales of legends and day to day life. Alas this part of our rich culture is not greatly known by a common modern day Filipino unless they are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to be in an academe that greatly emphasizes the importance of history...

I am a modern day Ilustrado Indio, an educated and learned Filipino who is now an expat living in the cold white North. Thanks to my educational back ground I am one of those OFW who is living the "DREAM". But Am I? This is my 7th year not spending Christmas in the Philippines and with my family. Hell I want to go home this holidays unless I'm pushing getting fired at work...

I was contemplating recently...Aaaah I think this is what Jose Rizal and his other friends are feeling when they were expats in Europe. Feeling the longing for their homeland and their loved ones is truly a stressful scenario.

Living in Canada made me more nationalistic I realized. I want to do my best, go home and wreck havoc of change to a better country that is. I want to do more and learn more on how to be able help my beloved country.

I thought moving to a place that is completely different from what I know will give me the greatest satisfaction but in reality it made me feel incomplete...

Thanks to social media and news I saw how acquaintances, family and friends living the life that gives them happiness regardless of who they are and how much money is in their pocket.

Why are they happy? Because they are truly  HOME...

I will not just say this as a New years resolution but a concrete plan...

I will work hard in saving up enough money and finish off my debt, give up on immediate gratification and foresee a better and brighter future of happiness.