Julius Aaron P.

Mejia

November 26, 2013

2012-08043

HIST 2 T-2R
The Filipino in Me
(A Reaction Paper)

Article writers on History always face the challenge of making their work appreciable to
the public. It is given that topics on History are in-depth and needs critical understanding. As for
todays generation, most individuals tend to read on History topics merely because they have to.
To catch the readers attention, the writer needs to strategize his methods on how he will present
the topic and be appreciated.
Why insist on an Asian flavor? I find it very appealing. I commend Fernando N.
Zialcita for his creative piece. As an individual, I find topics on food very interesting. I expected
that the topic would cover the importance of having an identity, an Asian identity in regards to
food, but no. I was bombarded with facts I never even realized or knew. Topics I did not realize
to have a relation in Asian cuisine have been brought up such as foreign relations, colonization,
religion and the like. I felt the essence of the Filipino identity and had me enlightened why we
should be proud of it.
The article made me realize how much I know of the Filipino identity. It shows that I
only know a portion of the great story the Filipinos have to tell. The authors questions scorched
me such that I say to myself, I never realized that. Im very glad I did. This article overall
inculcated me that I have much to know about my nation. We cannot conclude that life is easy.

Life is a challenge itself. Our country is still developing but we are rich; we just dont see it
hence we dont appreciate it.
Each portion of the article was discussed thoroughly. I definitely liked the part
Unappreciated Originality. This was the part where I got to learn interesting facts about the
Filipino identity. Most Filipinos tend to appreciate foreign culture may it be Western or
Eastern. It is a very sad truth that we do not see our wealth. From the various styles of art to the
diversity of our cuisine, our culture is definitely something to be proud of. Our forefathers
managed to balance the Western and Eastern elements resulting into something ingenious. Some
Filipinos also deny that this is our identity just because it is not what other countries perceive as
Asian. If only all of us will realize that our culture is unique, it could make a breakthrough
around the globe and be appreciated by other nations.
It is given that our country have been colonized several times; by the Spaniards, the
Japanese, the Americans. Some people from other nations would consider the Philippines as not
included in Asia just because it hasnt been thoroughly touched by the Indian culture unlike other
Southeast Asian countries. It is true that the colonization of other nations made a big and
significant impact on the Filipino culture. Probably a disadvantage of colonization is that it did
not allow the development of the pre-colonized Philippine setting which will make the concept
of the pure Filipino identity true. On the other hand, if colonization did not take place, our
culture wouldnt be as unique as it is today.
In the part Flavors Beyond Asia, it is emphasized why the dichotomy of Asia vs. Europe
would never disappear. It gives the moral of finding ones true self amidst the recurrent issues on

the Philippine identity. Only the Filipinos can give true meaning to what the Filipino flavor is
and holds the responsibility to uphold it.
I prefer reading Japanese Manga or American sci-fi books. I needed this article to light up
the Filipino in me. A large percentage of todays youth are probably like me: needs more push to
know my Filipino heritage.
I would like to comment on the use of words that are maybe unfamiliar to the common
public. I too had difficulty in some terms that I had to consult a dictionary. This may result in
better understanding of the article for the common public because every Filipino should know
about this. That we are unique in our own way; that we do not need to insist on an Asian flavor;
that we have a culture we should be holding up for the whole world to see.