“Panatang makabayan, iniibig ko ang Pilipinas….”.
This was something we used to recite by heart during flag ceremonies then. Admittedly, it was done by rote but nonetheless, recited by heart. A recent chat with an old friend made me rethink this.
His words were quite loaded or at least it was for me. “I passed the written exam for the Canadian citizenship. I have to take the oath to the queen of England Queen Elizabeth II.” My reaction was automatic as well. Congratulating him about the feat and I was genuinely happy for him.
But that little snippet of conversation bugged me the whole day.
I don’t have anything against people wanting to migrate to other countries. It is a matter of personal choice.
But for me, the rest of the world is just out there to be visited. Working in a foreign country for a period of time is ok with me as well. I love going to different places, experiencing different cultures. I love being able to experience different seasons. I love the goodies that my sister sends me and my family regularly. But my home has always been the hot and humid Philippines. I cannot quite imagine (just yet) how it feels to make an oath of allegiance to another flag.
Who knows, I might be changing a different tune in 5 years or so….
my take 