The National Dignity: Where should Filipinos draw the line with being hospitable?

    


     It has been a nationalistic belief in the Philippines that foreign investments in the country can aid its development in many ways. Filipinos do have an open mind to welcome individuals from other nations, especially when they have something to offer for the country's advancement. Having a lot of options did show its hand in, at least, some of the country's onward progress. There are Chinese, Americans, Indians, Japanese, Europeans and many other foreign business entrepreneurs who have introduced their trade and assisted the growth of the Philippines' industrial image. 
    In sports, the Filipino sports factions such as the FIVA basketball team; the ASKALS football team and even the locally patronized PBA teams have introduced players from other countries with the intention to enhance their performances.
    Back in the days when the American military bases were stationed in the Philippines; the country was certain of the cloak of protection the Unites States' presence had to offer it. Previously, the French even decided to lend a hand to the Filipinos concerning their predicament with the Chinese military over the issue of the "West Philippine Sea"/"South China Sea" and specific territories therein.
    The country HAS undeniably surged ahead in all aspects where foreigners have been included in their affairs. But opening our doors to people who are not of our race also has its price and consequences. Look back in the years before the American military were told to beat it from Philippines territory, and you will find how the city of Angeles evolved in an undignified manner of making income. Undignified, that is, speaking in consideration of Filipino women who indulged in prostitution and spawned bastards from numerous U.S. military men who used their bodies for their own selfish gratifications. It's even fortunate for the Philippine teams to be allowed to join international athletic competitions and not have other participating countries protesting: "Hey, Younghusband doesn't sound Filipino.". Where DOES the Filipino image in sports go with foreign players wearing the same uniform as the local ones? 
    Check out the Chinese in the country. Filipinos can be grateful for these adept businessmen for assisting in the economy's development. But of course, not all of them are respectable. And there are those of them who deserve to be slapped by  the bold Quezon City mayor; Herbert Bautista. Even Mayor Rudy Duterte; with his many intriguing criticism, did sound agreeable when he commented that "Bistek" should have done worse than just mar his palm with the arrested Chinese's facial sweat.
    In the previous days' news, actor Phillip Salvador engaged a Norwegian who was delivering insulting expletives against an employee of the Sbarro Megamall branch; just because the woman erred in serving his order. The actor demanded the Norwegian apologize to the staff of the restaurant and even challenge him to a brawl. 
   Many foreigners, as the one mentioned, do have a way of degrading Filipinos and practicing disrespect and arrogance in a country which is not theirs. Perhaps, other than restaurants; whenever international visitors become too arrogant and immoderate in interacting with Filipino citizens; be them rich businessmen or skilled athletes; the people of the Philippines should be bold enough to look at them straight at their faces and ask the same question the Norwegian did Salvador: "Who the f''k are you?"
    What a splendid sight it may have been if, other than Phillip Salvador; Mayor Rudy Duterte, Robin Padilla, and Joseph Estrada had also  been present to engage the Norwegian in the mentioned restaurant. 
    The people of the Philippines do not always have to kiss the white, pink, black, and yellow asses of foreigners if they value their dignity and self-respect. Other than progress, they have to value their image as well.