By Christine Dionisio
Admit it or not, we sometimes make comments about a group of people based on a general understanding or common knowledge of who they are. Like, babies cry a lot, or kids don’t worry, or doctors are smart, or politicians are full of promises, or Chinese people are business-minded, Japanese are hard-working, or East Indians have big families.
I just came from a meeting today with an investor who is originally from India but has lived in Calgary for over 20 years now. He specifically wanted me to find him Filipino tenants or buyers for the properties he owns. He said he has a lot of Filipino friends, and only wants to deal with us because he finds us trust-worthy people — and very clean and responsible tenants!
I’ve also known many employers who prefer Filipinos because we are very hard-working, teachable and hardly goes on breaks nor takes vacations.
I spoke to one homeless Canadian, who said he would be surprised to see a Filipino in a shelter because we always help each other and will never turn our backs on a fellow Filipino.
An elderly lady who lives on an acreage property between Trochu and Three Hills, AB called me one day because she wants me to find a Filipino family who will purchase and take over her home. She is sick and would want to see her first family home go to a good Filipino family who will take good care of her heritage home. She said she loves Filipinos because they are good, respectful and honest people.
I am complimented and quite proud that many think of us that way. While some may be different, and we often strive to be unique in some way, generally speaking, those qualities are indeed true for most of us Filipinos.
I am reminded of what my Social Studies teacher at Philippine Science High School taught us one day….about the norms, traditions and other character traits or qualities inherent to Filipinos and to our culture: being regionalistic, clannish, palabra de honor, crab mentality, sending money & helping relatives, pasalubong, fiestas, being hospitable, bayanihan, pakikisama….all mixed up wonderfully to make us who we are and define us as people…. a nation.
There are a lot of inspiring generalizations about a Filipino that I am proud of…..and I am more proud because I am one. I am a Filipino.
Christine lives in Calgary, Alberta. She’s married and has four wonderful kids. She’s an active member in her church and her community. She’s also one of the top Realtors in Calgary with Century 21 Bravo Realty. She can be reached at Christine.Dionisio@century21.ca
# Filipino Canadian Magazine # filcanmagazine # FCM magazine
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