The term balikbayan has been coined because of the increasing number of Filipinos leaving the country in search for better opportunities abroad. The government regards them as the “new heroes”. But what kind of “new heroes” are they? This article tries to describe the different kinds of balikbayans that come home to the Philippines.
The Kuripot
These are the balikbayans who don't look like they come from a progressive first world country. They don't follow the trends in the clothes they wear. Filipinos here are even more fashionable! Since they don't want to spend much money, they bring in second hand clothes and other stuff as pasalubong to their relatives. They also hide from other relatives and acquaintances so they don't have to give money to them. You can often hear them saying that the prices of some goods in the Philippines are expensive.
The Show off
There are also the balikbayans who make sure that all people in their barrio know that they have a good life abroad. They bring in branded and brand new clothes, bags, shoes, perfumes, etc as pasalubong. They arrange for a reunion of relatives and they give a big party. Money isn't a problem. They shoulder all expenses, from the food to trips to the beach. How will other people know they have money if they don't do so?
The Complainers
There's nothing more irritating than hearing balikbayans complain about the living conditions in this country. They focus on the negative characteristics of the Philippines and Filipinos. They complain about the weather, the mosquitoes and flies around, the open canals. They feel that this country is so backward unlike the Western countries. Everything else is better in the land of milk and honey than in their native country.
The Believers in the Filipino Spirit
This group of balikbayans comes home to retire and invest in businesses in the Philippines. They think of how they can give something back to their motherland after becoming successful professionals in other countries. They create organizations that will serve the needs of poor Filipinos. These are the balikbayans who appreciate the beauty and the potentials of the Philippines. Best of all, they are proud of being a Filipino.
In the future, it is with great hope that balikbayans will be like those who believe in our country and in our people. They will not be called “new heroes” because of the dollars they bring but because they are patriotic enough to uphold the Filipino spirit anywhere they go.
