A letter from a teenage Filipino to the WHOLE WORLD

I was in the office at that time when the hostage taking was happening. I read updates in twitter, and was saddened by the outcome. My first thought was, "kawawa nman ung mga namatay, at ung mga naulila." I searched the net to know more about hte event. What I found was people blaming other people, pointing fingers, cursing eachother. I'm no political analyst, nor do I have knowledge in the art of war, or at least in hostage negotiations. Thus I leave the scrutiny of this event to others.

I can only offer prayers, and hope that one man's action will not pose much of a problem on how we Filipinos are perceived.

Amidst the noise all these has caused, I found one letter from a young teenager. I found it simple, yet humbling in a way. I wish most of us could be like this youngster. Still full of pride of his heritage, apologetic, yet still proud, defensive, yet not condoning, a young Filipino, yet understands the World.

I urge you to read his letter:
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August 23, 2010

"A letter from a teenage Filipino to the WHOLE WORLD”

As you are reading this letter, I bet that you have seen/heard about what happened earlier in our country.

Tourists were hostages of a policeman here, Rolando Mendoza. After a few hours of the horrible crime, some of the victims were dead including the hostage-taker.

I wrote this letter not just to apologize but also to let everyone know that we Filipinos are not all like Mendoza. We are loving and good-hearted people.

For so many years, our country has been standing tall and surpassing every dilemma; be it small or big. Years ago (back when I wasn’t born yet), you have watched us fight for what we think is right. We fought for the democracy of our nation.. The EDSA revolution. But that’s just one out of many.

Second. We Filipinos have been serving other countries for our families and we treat you as our own as well. With all due respect, I thank you all for giving us the trust through the years. For helping us to become what we are now.

The Philippines is more than just a group of islands. We are a nation of strong and remarkable people. A country of beauty and love known to be hospitable and well-valued. I humbly apologize for what happened tonight. No one in this world would want something like that to happen for life should be valued.

I politely ask the attention of the world. Please do not judge and mistreat us just because of what happened tonight. I have been searching the net and found terrible things. Hong Kong advices to avoid travels here, China and HK bans Filipinos and that Philippines is the worst place to go.
I can’t blame you for what you have decided but I hope that you could understand. Our country is now in a sea of problems. And I know for sure that we helped you in a way or another. Let peace and understanding reign this time.

I know that this letter will just be trash but I wish that you would understand. On behalf of the Philippine population.. WE ARE SORRY.

As a song puts it…
And I believe that in my life I will see an end to hopelessness, giving-up and suffering. And we all stand together this one time then no one will get left behind. Stand up for life. STAND UP FOR LOVE

Sincerely yours,

Reigno Jose DilaoCatbalogan City, Samar
(End of Letter)
source here:
http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/6581538-a-letter-of-apology-from-a-filipino-teenager-after-the-hostage-drama