Pinoys in Kuwait see bright future for their country in ’10

Arab Times – 29 Dec. 2009

In a random survey, the Arab Times culled some interesting facts about what Filipinos think of the future or what – to be specific – 2010 holds.

“I don’t think 2010 will be any better than 2009 in terms of changes – economy or politics – wise, in our country,” says Alfred Avila, an engineer working in the oil sector who added he would settle for a status quo.

Rufina Aming, a nurse at one of the Ministry hospitals said she, as well as every Filipino for that matter, should keep a positive outlook in life. “Negativism will not do anyone any good. If our forefathers had a negative attitude, we could have remained a colonized country to this day with no identity of our own!” she exclaimed.

“Yes, I am optimistic of better things to come for our country, and I’m pinning my hopes on an Aquino presidency,” says John Aquino (no relation) of the late Senator Benigno and President Corazon C. Aquino’s only son Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino lll who is running for president in the coming May 2010 Philippine national elections.

“Noynoy, for me, will make a credible president and as such, will attract foreign investors back to our country which would lead to a stable economy,” he added.
Arnold, a mechanic working with one of the leading car dealerships in Kuwait said he hopes the coming May 2010 elections in the Philippines will result in positive changes, with new leaders who will put the welfare of the country over that of their own personal agendas. “This is possible because now, we have an enlighten electorate,” he said.

“Of course, I am positive that the coming elections will wrought good things for our country, I’m sure whoever will emerge as our country’s new leaders will work to make our country great again,’ says Shirley, a medical technologist at Al-Sabah Hospital who added that she has always been a positive person. “I would have given up in despair after all the trials and tribulations I went through in life,” she said.

Darren, a diplomatic staff member, said that with the Filipino people choosing the right leaders and monitoring their every decision and action, he is optimistic of a positive outcome for the Philippines.

“I am hopeful that with the heightened vigilance of the Filipino electorate, new leaders will emerge that will be able to gain back our country’s respectability,” says Al Belarmino, an IT specialist.

“I hope the Filipino people will chose a leader who can introduce a new kind of politics, that of action, transparency and decisiveness, and I see one who embodies such ideals which I hope the rest of our country will also be able to recognize,” says Bernard, an astute political observer working with the Ministry of Health.

“All I can say is, whoever will be our new leader should put country first before their own personal interests. I am just sorry I could not participate in choosing our new leaders since I was not able to register owing to pressures of work,” says Billy who works in a cargo forwarding company.
Boyong Mangunay, a graphic artist who works for an advertising agency, says everything is vague to him. “With all the noise being raised for and against certain candidates, I’m confused as to who to vote for. I might settle for Noynoy Aquino for lack of a better choice,” he added.

“I foresee a bright future for our country in 2010 as the Filipino people will emerge stronger in resolve after the calamities they went through in 2009, and I am optimistic that new leaders like Noynoy Aquino will lead our country back to prosperity in the years to come,” says Antonio Casupang, a principal in one of the Filipino schools in Kuwait.

“I see no change taking place if the same old ‘trapos” (traditional politicians) will emerge to once again take the reins of government. I hope the Filipino electorate will be able to choose leaders who will represent their hopes and aspirations for a better future for our country and work to achieve political as well as economic stability that would lead to better employment opportunities at home. This way, we Filipinos will no longer seek employment overseas. OFWs have been helping prop up our country’s economy yet, we are not given the recognition we rightfully deserve,” says Capt. Ciril Mansueto, a yacht captain.
“I’m optimistic that our country’s economy will improve with the emergence of new leaders after the May 2010 presidential elections. After the sad spectacle our country has been turned into, with the scandals, calamities, and horrible crimes that shocked the whole world, I don’t think whoever will lead our country in 2010 will continue on the same path, unless they belong to the same species,” Dodong Bag-ao, an oil industry worker, said.

Filipinos, in general, are patient, hardworking, and cheerful even in the face of adversity; able to make light of even the worst situations and are quick to smile and laugh at anything funny.