11/05/2017
Spread the word...
"We Can't Come Visit You In Mindanao..."
Do you know how much it hurts to hear that from your own parents in Canada. I just had a video call with them earlier today to talk about life, happiness and my inspiration here in the Philippines. I asked them when they were coming to visit me here and that was their response... It hurt.
MINDANAO IS MY HOME. But do you know why my parents said that?
HERE IS THE UPDATED CANADIAN TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR MINDANAO WORD BY WORD:
"Avoid all travel. There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so."
The part that really hits me about this one...
"You should consider leaving IF IT IS SAFE TO DO SO." - Harsh.
You know, I get it. When bad things happen in Mindanao, that is the ONLY TIME the world ever gets to hear about the place. But imagine... 24 Million People, 27 Provinces, The 2nd Largest Island in the country... All under the same banner of intense negativity. Do you know why my parents told me they couldn't come visit me?!
Because their travel insurance would be invalid due to the extreme advisory.
Ouch... That hurts. Seriously I am sad my mom told me that.
So what can we do!? Well, we can share realistic talk and education about the word "Mindanao" and what it really is. I think that is something that has always been missing from National Media here in the Philippines. I believe that the first step is changing perception here in the Philippines... because from personal experience that word has a lot of negative stereotyping and generalizing attached to it here locally and spread by local people. If we can all start spreading positive education about this part of the Philippines, I believe it can help fight back at these incredibly difficult advisories...
I know we can do it! I know I will continue to do it...
One day at a time.
*** Photo is me welcoming my Kuya and his Friend to Mindanao... I dream of having this same photo with my parents.
