7 Filipinos who redefine ‘toughness’

MANILA, Philippines – Today, our country is facing many challenges. Our strength as a nation is under threat from those who sow fear, uncertainty, and doubt.

If you’re not tough enough, it’s easy to be fazed by all the negative news and hurtful comments on social media.

At times like this, we look up to those who remain tough. The ones who, in spite of the bad things happening around us, choose to be resilient and passionate.

These are the people who go out of their way to help the sick and the poor, they are doing their part to save the planet, and they care for both human beings and animals. They are tough but they have a soft spot for those who are in need.

We asked netizens to share with us stories of people who’ve inspired them to be brave in the face of adversity. From one Filipino to another, our followers give praise to the tough Filipinos they think we should know:

“He [built] a platform for out-of-school and impoverished youths to share their talent and voice to the world. He has opened his home in Pandacan, Manila to various civic and cultural organizations. He coordinates with various groups to organize a number of ecological and cultural programs.”

“She swam 8.6 km in 11-15 degree Celsius open water from Robben Island to Bloubergstrand in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s the first Filipino to complete an unassisted (no wetsuit) cold water swim, coming from zero cold water experience. She is a triathlete and a triathlon swim coach. A former member of the Philippine Team and an open water swim convert, she feels compelled to grow the sport in the country.”

“They represent CARA in public talks, seminars, and classroom lectures about responsible pet ownership and the organization’s main advocacy of Trap-Neuter-Return. They are tirelessly dedicating their talents and time to change how Filipinos of all ages should see animals and take care of them.”

“She was a college teacher. She is now a writer and a full-time volunteer for ATD Fourth World Philippines, an anti-poverty NGO that teaches children living in impoverished communities to read and write. She has a family – so I can only imagine the sacrifices she makes.”

“He is a charity officer for the 501st PH Garrison, a local representative of the international organization of Star Wars fans devoted to raising funds for children’s charities. He works at a BPO, and organizes hospital troopings where we entertain kids while wearing Star Wars costumes.”  

“As chief of the local defense and security in his home tribe, SSg. Pascual leads the group of indigenous Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGUs) in their struggle towards peace and sustainable development in the community. SSg. Pascual also initiated a livelihood project in the form of a falcata tree plantation covering four hectares in Mahagsay.”

More than strength and passion, the most important definition of a tough Filipino is that he or she encourages others to be the same and empowers a community of strong and passionate individuals.

To be able to remain tough in these challenging times, we also need reliable and dependable partners that are as tough and passionate like the new 2017 Isuzu D-Max that will always help drive us to do the things we need to do and go to the places we need to go.

Do you know someone who embodies the qualities of a tough Filipino? Share their story with us! – Rappler.com