Pioneer JEWS in the PHILIPPINES

 

JESUS spoke of a parable:

Luke 19:15

King James Version

15 And it came to pass, 

that when he was returned, 

having received the kingdom, 

then he commanded these servants 

to be called unto him, 

to whom he had given the money, 

that he might know how much every man 

had gained by trading.

It's not just Filipino pioneers, Chinese merchants, and Spanish industrialists, who helped build my nation.

There are the forgotten, refugee Jews of the 19th century.

It's time to see the Filipino-Jew friendship we had.

That we may better appreciate our social, cultural, spiritual, and economic heritage.

As born again workman, I like acknowledging whatever contribution people had in improving my nation.

The video above shows 10 pioneering Jews who changed the Philippines forever.

You'll marvel at how they had introduced many new ideas, and technology, to my country.

Even as I have not heard any modern man speak of these pioneering Jews, many worked alongside our then Commonwealth president, Manuel L. Quezon.

Because they came not as conquerors, the Filipinos embraced the Jewish pioneers.

Apart from introducing new things to the Filipinos, such as department stores, cinema, bicycles, cars, and air travel, the Jews also built their synagogue in Manila.

Knowing they had a tiny community, the Jews established their house of prayer, too.

As you will see in the video, many of the 10 pioneers mentioned contributed to building it, literally, and spiritually.

But what has become of them now?

Had not the HOLY SPIRIT led me to the video today, I'd not have known how the Jews helped us modernize, and also preserved their presence, through the books they've written.

Well, now I know, and I'm grateful to SPIRIT for teaching me.

I love GOD's people, His chosen nation, and I honor every contribution they've given my country.

And even if they had not, I'd still love them, because GOD loves them.

Isaiah 43:21

King James Version

21 This people have I formed for myself; 

they shall shew forth my praise.

Related material:

HONORING Israel

GOD's GLORY blogs

BORN AGAIN classics

The BALIKBAYAN box

2 Corinthians 9:7

King James Version

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, 

so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: 

for God loveth a cheerful giver.

It all started with the "covetousness" article.

Wherein I wondered if we Filipinos had stuff in that cargo ship.

You know, the one that hit the bridge.

I'd be surprised if we didn't.

So, that made me remember the "balikbayan" box.

Our famous creation.

Who is a cheerful giver?

The one who sends a balikbayan box.

Who is a cheerful receiver?

The one who receives a balikbayan box.

What is "balikbayan"?

"Balik" means "return".

"Bayan" means "town".

So, "balikbayan" means "someone who returns to his town".

Now, if you can't return to your town, you can always send a box.

Our now infamous "balikbayan" box.

That LARGE, square box.

What do you put in the box?

Goodies.

Gadgets.

Gifts.

You are not Filipino, if you're an overseas worker, and you haven't sent one to your folks back home.

You are not Filipino, if you do not delight in receiving one.

All of us who have sent one, or two, or three, imagine the delight in our loved ones' faces.

All who have received one, or two, or three, literally jump, and squeal in delight.

We Filipinos are a simple people.

Those of us who are not spoiled, are grateful for everything.

If we receive a balikbayan box, who's to say we won't jump in glee?

And, of course, the GREATEST fun is in the sharing.

Something, for every one.

We realize the hard work, and efforts, of our loved ones abroad.

We know they skimp on their food, and essentials.

Just so they can send us that glorious balikbayan box.

That awesome box which patiently rides those cargo ships.

Which we eventually receive, a month, or two, after it's been sent.

And sometimes, not at all.

It's not unheard of they get lost at sea.

Or get lost in someone else's home, after it's pilfered.

Or the box gets opened, to see if there's contraband.

Or opened by "inspectors", keeping a few things for themselves.

Gone are the days you can just about send anything you want.

Food stuff, clothes, toiletries, tiny appliances, gadgets, and such.

I once packed a wine bottle in each boot.

We have to get creative, you see.

We have to max the box.

Meaning, we cram everything we can cram in there.

With the idea if they toss that box aboard, nothing gets displaced.

And nothing really does.

But we have to make sure all sides, corners, top, and bottom, are sealed with wide packing tape.

I even had to sit on one such box, so that the top won't open, as my relatives sealed it.

Oh, the things we go through for our loved ones!

Just knowing we thought of their every need, makes us smile.

Even if they wonder why we pack soap, shampoo, and detergent beside the chocolates.

You can imagine how the chocolates taste, after a month at sea.

But, do we receivers complain?

Nope.

We're mighty grateful.

We Filipinos are usually a happy lot.

GOD made us naturally cheerful, and creative.

Like I said, if we have not been spoiled.

Do you have such balikbayan boxes in your country?

It's really fun to receive one.

Go, fill one.

Go, send one.

Go, wait for one.

Just don't mix soap, and chocolates.

And you'll see what I mean.

Related material:

World WITHOUT covetousness

Balikbayan box

Images: Clipart Library

JEEPNEYS and such

 

James 4:10

King James Version

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, 

and he shall lift you up.

How do we get around within the Philippines?

Simple.

If you're an everyday person like me:

Jeeps.

Buses.

Pedicabs.

Taxis.

Trains.

Ferries.

Motorcycles.

You walk.

If you're loaded:

Cars.

We're particularly proud of our Philippine jeepneys.

Sarao and Francisco Motors were the popular builders.

We learn that its heritage has American, Russian, Jewish, British, and eventually Filipino roots.

(I'm referring to the brains behind the creation of our jeeps; as well as the technology involved.)

Talking about a rich heritage.

All the more I would never want it scrapped.

In Thailand, we rode tuks.

In India, I loved their old, cream Tata Motors cabs.

Now, if those are gone, you can imagine how old I am.

You see, global elitists wants us all to go electric.

Now, if they're really smart, they'll have all three:

Petrol, electric, pedal.

Or even solar, biofuel.

Depending on the terrain.

You don't need to be a genius to figure that out.

More exacting terrain will require more exacting power source.

Who's to say oil won't run out?

Who's to say your electric batteries won't burn?

More so, can my people afford your expensive schemes?

So, please, don't scrap our jeeps.

Don't take away our people's livelihood.

If anything, you can supply us fresh tires.

We are of a humble race.

And that's for the next post.

Related material:

Jeepney

Why PISTON rejects efficient transport modernization (October 29, 2018)

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PISTON kay Marcos: Pakinggan ang panukalang isuspende ang PUV modernization | (02 August 2024)

Lumagda ang 22 senador para ipatigil ang PUV modernization program | Mata Ng Agila Primetime (Jul 31, 2024)

Image: Wallpaper Flare