Enshrined in the Philippine Map

When I am asked of how beautiful my country is, my ready answer, as always, is ”look at our map.” There is no other country or nation in the world which possesses a map so beautifully crafted like ours. There are many archipelagic and land-locked nations but no one resembles the map of the Philippines.

I always admire the beauty of our map. Our map is so distinct and is very recognizable. The 7,107 islands made it more distinctive and more beautiful. I was only talking about our map; we also have a one of a kind flag, a flag that is reversible in times of peace and war.

I believe that the Philippine Map, which for me enshrines the beauty of our country, can become our national symbol vis-a-vis other national symbols of our country. Long time ago, I thought that this picture created by intricately placed islands will soon become a national symbol and a brand. This was the time before we saw the Philippine Map embroidered on shirt don by Filipinos, particularly the likes of Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas. I only found a week ago that there is a certain Filipino-owned company who had already own a patent for the map design. 

If I was keen enough to register it with IPO, I should have earned big bucks by selling the map design to be printed on the fashion designers’ creations, etc. That is money, my friend! But commercialism was out of my mind then. It was all about patriotism! I love my country so much and I am obsessed of her map as I am obsessed of her natural beauty.

Indeed, we are so blessed yet we are suffering from decade-old poverty for many of us are lazy. It is my hope that the many people who wear shirts with the Philippine Map printed on them will come to realize and appreciate the beauty of our country and its people. It is my hope that it will rekindle the flame of patriotism in the Filipino people especially that we are heading towards the election year. 

We can become again a Tiger Economy in Asia!