You know, dear readers, one thing I’ve slowly realized in having to write my term papers on development topics about the country, is that I shouldn’t be too negative on the current situation of the Philippines. Yes, there are problems. Yes, there are inefficiencies. Yes, there is still corruption. Yes, poverty is everywhere.

BUT. People are working, and working hard, to contribute to the improvement of things. It just so happens that these people do not make the headlines, the late night news, and our twitter or tumblr feeds. We are so used to seeing these negative stories, that we have come to subconsciously expect them. When the truth is, changes are happening, however small and seemingly slow.

The moment I realized this, I felt more inspired and energized in doing my research. Because there is a point in doing so. There is a point in trying to change things, in our own way. There is a point in staying here and battling it out. There is a point in being Filipino and owning our country. There is hope.

I hope you’d feel the same way, too.