Pinoys, Solar Champion and more

Pinoys (Filipino) are fun-loving people. The world could end tomorrow, and Pinoys will find ways to enjoy life - and survive.

There are plenty of Pinoys who want to help those who are in need of assistance. There's always someone trying to make a difference.

While browsing through my FaceBook newsfeed, I bumped into "The Solar Champion". I ignored it at first because it was talking about finding the next Pacquiao. (I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't even know how to spell Pacquiao without double checking the FB page. What kind of Pinoy am I? )

Anyway, what caught my attention was part of the movie trailer that highlighted the solar bulb invention.
Having seen the poor kids in the squatters area in the Philippines, I was intrigued. Wouldn't it be a great idea if economically challenged families have access to these kinds of light bulbs?

I am an advocate for HOPE. (Actually, I'm a sucker for anything that depicts HOPE, dreaming BIG and of course, smiling. )

The movie trailer for "The Solar Champion" showed a glimpse of the solar bulb invention using metal sheet, sealant, cutter, bottle (soda), water, and bleach. Can you imagine if you can provide a little light to someone's darkness? Wouldn't that be totally awesome?

I urge you to watch the movie trailer, and for just a $1 you can help light a billion bulbs. It's gives a different take on "All you need is a $1 and a dream!" You probably won't even notice that $1 or $20 -- but your caring heart  will absolutely make a difference!

The kids laugh because almost every income I get from the book sales, I end up giving away to various little charities -- my favorites: Avon Cancer Walk, Cancer Research, Ronald McDonald, Kids of St. Jude, Autism Walk  and now, "The Solar Champion".

If I have convinced you, please click HERE to make a pledge. I don't know the film maker or the producers of this movie. But they seem to have a message that will help bring about change. (And if I made a mistake,   oh well -- it's a cost of 3 movie tickets!)


Going back to HOPE and dreams and what it is like to be Pinoy...

These are a few adjectives readers use to describe my book, “Outof Status”.

In describing my family’s battle with the US Immigration system, readers wrote:

One colossal heartache.

A devastating soap opera.

Heart breaking.

Bittersweet.

In describing how my family got through the few detours of life, readers wrote:

Hopeful.

Inspirational.

Comedic.

Brave.

Maybe because I am a Pinay (Filipino woman) ?

I left the Philippines in 1984 and didn’t return to visit until 2005. After being in America for 21 years, I forgot how Filipinos, no matter how destitute they can be, still find time to have fun – in their words, “gimmick time”. At the end of the week, no matter what, Filipinos will get together with their friends and families just to unwind, dance to the music, eat and laugh out loud. The weather could be really hot, or it could be pouring rain, the traffic unbearable (in my standard) – and yet, Filipinos will find a way to be with friends.

When you walk the squatters area or the rural neighborhood, places where the usual luxuries in life are non-existent, you’ll be amazed on how the Filipino people still manage to laugh a lot, be happy, content and hopeful – as if they don’t have any problems at all.

Maybe that’s why even with all the craziness or the WTF moments in my life, people didn’t realize that we were going through what we went through.

Maybe there’s something to be learned from being a Pinay.  

Filipinos use a lot of body language. Hmm, I believe that’s why my kids joke that “I am uniquely bilingual – bad in both English and Tagalog.” My first language is indeed my body language. I often use my nose, lips, eyebrows and hands when I communicate anything to the kids. True feelings are revealed with the facial expression.

Filipinos are known to be hospitable, thoughtful, fun loving and spiritual. We place a high value on family. Honor, dignity and respect are instilled at an early age. And music, yes music – flows in our veins! ( Come to my kitchen, and you’ll see me dancing around)

For whatever reason, Filipinos always find time to stop and smell the roses -- in my mom's case, the orchids!

But most of all, Filipinos have strong faith. Over 300 years under Spanish regime, and 30 years under Americans – we gotta have strong faith!

In my journey, I did a lot of praying -- and still do.

So to all the Filipinos out there, cheers!