Edison Nopal September 25, 2018
BSBA-MA TTH 10:30 – 12:00
Reflection Letter about the Poem
Just like a Joke That Seems True
The poem written by Illuminado Lucente entitled just like a joke that seems true, shows
how we are Filipino influenced by aliens, from the food we eat, the clothes we wear, how we talk
and many more. The poem is against the primitive accumulation of the alien and he blames the
townsfolk as well as the state for their complacency. The author tries to delegitimize the power
of the merchant’s class by saying that the Chinese are selling dirt and gaining profit in the process.
The poem reminds us who we are as a Filipino and the author want us to love our country and
love our own.
Nationalism is a devotion of love for one’s country. A country’s identity is seen through
its culture, traditions, religions, beliefs, and even the unity or togetherness of the people in it.
The history of the Philippines reflects the kind of nationalism the Filipinos have. Their heroes
stood and fought to preserve the Filipino identity and attain freedom and independence.
Nationalism has had a long history in our country. In our struggle for freedom, there have been
periods when strong nationalist feelings fired our people to action and other periods when
nationalism seemed to be forgotten.
Being a citizen is a little difficult for the reason that you have to follow the rules
implemented by our country. We know that people hate to follow them; if you don’t, you will be
sent to jail or you will have to pay the price. You have to submit to the authorities. You have to
be responsible and you need to contribute in the simplest way that you can do for your country.
Actually, as a citizen, you need to be aware and remember a few things or rules.
The question is how do you start? what’s the best thing you can do for your country? As
a student, I believe the things that I can do for my country are limitless, as long as I believe in
myself. Being proud of being a Filipino is one way to help my country because being proud of
who you are as a Filipino gives impact to our country it makes you more confident to face all the
challenges in life that comes in your way, even if our government are sometimes doubtful.
Another is giving respect to our country, as we all know there are many heroes and heroines who
have done big things for our country: Andres Bonifacio, who sacrificed and gave everything for
the sake of the Philippines; Melchora Aquino, who risked her life to help the Katipuneros; Dr.
Jose Rizal, who is our national hero, and others who sacrificed their lives, by giving respect to my
parents, teachers are way of helping my country. Helping other people especially during
calamities by giving relief items and encouragement. Another way is to study about the history
of our country so that I can teach it to the future young Filipino kids, that they will never forget
where they belong. Praying for our nation is another best way that I can contribute to our
country, pray for the president and all the people in the government. It doesn’t matter if what
you’ve done for your country is big or small. Small things can become big things.
Another thing the poem tells me are not to love other countries made more than ours,
the author wants to love our own made, especially the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the
language we speak. In our generation today I think we already forgotten what are the true culture
of Filipino is because we are already influenced by other country. We must see for ourselves what
happening in our country today, are we still living in our country that our national heroes fight
for or we are living in the country that ruled by other country because of their influenced. In
order to retain the nationalism in this country we must wake up from this nightmare and neglect
whatever influenced by us specially the other country.
I know that this is so hard to come back from what we are before because of all changes
that happening in our country today but if we all have the willingness in our heart I think all things
is possible. All I can I say is “I am Filipino and I am proud of it” ANG MAMATAY NANG DAHIL
SAYO.
