The cyclical rebirth of the legendary phoenix in the ancient Greek mythology resembles the Filipino spirit. Notwithstanding the many obstacles and defeats, Filipinos will try to get back on their feet, stand up and face the world with renewed vigor, fresh lease of life once again.
Human history tells us that each generation takes pride in its past, which highlights the big downturns and yet has been able to rise once more, better and stronger.
Day after day, week after week and month after month there are issues that embrace the people's interest, whether mainly social or political. Various media channels amplify and magnify these issues. And each issue will hit a certain peak, and eventually die down.
Ironically, problems differ in length in the consciousness of the people that they control. In the past, problem could only remain for days, months or longer. And when the issue hits the point of nadir, it shifts the limelight to another issue.
Consciously or otherwise, Filipinos are used to this phenomenon because they have weathered countless historical events, revolutions and, in that regard, we have been able to be better every day that passes. Though critics say historical accounts, or their essence, have been rehashed. This is history repeating itself and also means we have not learned our lessons. And yet there are also past lessons that serve as our torch and compass in our search for the truth, for the meaning, for our identity.
This latest pandemic challenges us as to who we are as a people, but it also highlights the essence and characteristics of people with common beliefs and ambitions as a community. Yet obviously we live in an imperfect world where often, if not always, there are bickerings. Owing to our idiosyncrasies and political persuasions we are divided. Divided as we may be sometimes but our Filipino spirit drives us to rally behind a certain cause.
We believe certain institutions fall short of our expectations. We express our views and opinions in the hope of improving their services, and in general, our conditions. And this is an unceasing, far from ideal roller coaster combat.
But there is no doubt that the Filipinos will survive in challenging situations, and this dreaded Covid-19 pandemic is also true. The courage of the people, the spirit of the Bayanihan and our patriotism will take us through these extraordinary times.
Failure provides us with the proper prospect of success. And the Filipino spirit triumphs over that in every failure. After every fall, the physical death in every Filipino does not end the heart of a fighting spirit. It is stronger than any volcanic eruption, typhoon, landslide and pandemic.
The phoenix must burn, and from ashes emerges a new Filipino fighting spirit. Because no matter how long and winding the challenge is, the warrior inside of the Filipinos brings victory in the end.