Pinoy Power!

A writer once surmised that the key to Filipino world domination lies at the hands of our OFW’s – the domestic helpers. The world over, Filipino mothers are raising, teaching and disciplining the world’s children – from Hong Kong to Saudi Arabia to Canada. While these kids’ parents are hard at work looking at balance sheets and building plans, we are molding tomorrow's leaders and movers. And as you know, the hand that rocks the cradle. . . rules the world.

I think there’s another key to Filipino world domination. It’s called the Internet. Didn’t you notice that every time there’s online voting for some prestigious international award, a Filipino will most likely win it? Take Efren Peñaflorida for example.

I say this not to water down his achievement as CNN’s Hero of the Year 2009. But it is a remarkable preview of how, when the votes are actually counted right, Filipinos can make a powerful electorate. It is an example of how great equalizers, like the Internet, can be harnessed by us.

Take the recently concluded search for the New 7 Wonders of the World as another example. It’s no wonder Palawan’s Underground River made it to the honor roll. We Filipinos are just too powerful online. And as long as international beauty contests continue to have an online voting component, expect our candidates to bring home People’s Choice awards.

If only we can tap this potential and harness it for something truly worthwhile. We can then influence the thinking and conversations that take place. We can present the Filipino perspective on the social issues of our time. We have already seen glimpses of our greatness.

Pinoys now have a say in the international stage. Right now, the world is listening. Not just to the voices of Charice Pempengco, Arnel Pineda or Maria Aragon. The world is increasingly interested in the Filipino – to what we have to say, of what we can bring to the table.

We can’t just squander this opportunity away – just as we did EDSA I & II.

(Need more proof of Filipino potential online? How about this one: Vice Ganda interviews Sarah Geronimo in his show one Sunday evening and it trends on Twitter. Worldwide. The Azkals kick some balls and it trends. Worldwide. Not surprisingly, we have become the trending capital of the World! Indeed, #ItsMoreFunInThePhilippines! )

Images: http://www.pinoyislands.com/efren-penaflorida-cnn-hero-2009/

http://nature.new7wonders.com/archives/wonder/puerto-princesa-underground-river

Diana Lutgarda P. Bonilla, Entry # 10