Filipino Pragmatism

When I hear stories of how great Filipino fighters are, one thing I find most striking is the pragmatic approach to problems. In the case of Lapu Lapu, who's guile fooled Magellan into fighting on high tide to cut his mobility and to further encumber him was a pretty straight forward approach. If someone is after you, you choose the battle ground. No elaborate tactics, nothing complicated, just the simple idea that these aliens should try fighting thigh deep in water carrying all that armor. That is one simple approach, other examples exist in Kali's own development and battles of the Philippine revolution.

I won't get into that in detail cause I'd go on a long winded discussion. What I want to point out is how Filipinos are a capable problem solvers despite their lack of exposure or experience. I like the expression “Hahanap ng Paraan” or “Will find a Way”. It is an expression that I hear more often when it comes to good business and management. Those who are capable of finding a way, keep their business alive and keep things running despite the bumps on the road.

There is no special technique to finding a way. We just do it, efficient or inefficient, as long as the manner serves its purpose. As the country develops and given the context of its surroundings, it will develop as a very strong virtue. Filipinos do not have a particular culture that unites its fragmented classes.

As things slowly get better, memories get sharper and people will make better choices based on hindsight. Discussion is more common now than before. Any juan de la cruz with the right attitude can learn what he needs spark conversation that keeps everyone else aware of anything important. Anything, like how to dissuade or avoid corruption without getting into trouble ( You can't be a good guy and not ruffle the feathers of a few people who can squish you or at least make life harder for you). It is an era where we have what we need, literally, in the tip of our fingers.

Anyway, summarizing it all up, I guess the Filipino ability to fight for a better life should not be underestimated. Despite the odds and when we most need it: “hahanap tayo ng Paraan”.