Rica Peralejo reflects on Independence Day, embracing Filipino identity
Image: screengrab from YouTube/Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio
Actress-vlogger Rica Peralejo took to social media to share her sentiments about being a Filipino as the nation commemorates its 125th year of independence.
In her Instagram page, Peralejo expressed her contemplation, saying that she has a deeper appreciation of her Filipino identity as she matures, citing her humble beginnings.
“Habang ako ay tumatatanda ay mas lalo akong nagpapasalamat na ako ay isang Pilipino. Na hindi yayamanin. Bakit? Sapagkat mas malalim ang aking pagunawa sa mas nakararami sa bansang ito. Kulang pa rin pero (maski) papano, mas may realidad ang pananaw ko sa buhay ng isang mamamayang Pilipino sapagkat hindi naging madali at kumportable ang buhay na aking kinamulatan,” she said.
(As I grow older, I am increasingly grateful to be a Filipino. Not someone wealthy. Why? Because I have a deeper understanding of the majority in this country. It may still be lacking, but somehow, my perspective on the life of a Filipino citizen is more grounded because the life I grew up in was not easy or comfortable.)
Peralejo expressed her hope to continue enhancing her understanding of the country in the years to come, with the intention of being of assistance, fueled by a heightened awareness of various aspects.
“Sana mas gumaling na din ako sa pag-Tagalog hahaha. Pero pilipit man ang pagbigkas ko ng ating wika sa kasalukuyan ay sana maintindihan niyong ako ay Pilipino parin, na nagpapasalamat na ginawang Pilipino ng Diyos… Maligayang araw ng kalayaan. Wag na sana tayong magpakulong, magpatali, magpaalipin, sa maski ano at kanino,” she said.
View this post on Instagram
(I also hope that I improve my proficiency in speaking Tagalog, hahaha. But even though my pronunciation may be flawed at the moment, I hope you understand that I am still a Filipino, grateful that God made us Filipinos… Happy Independence Day. Let us not allow ourselves to be imprisoned, or be tied down, or become slaves to anyone or anything.)
She likewise extended her greetings to historians Ambeth Ocampo and visual artist Ben Cab who she encountered while her family was vacationing in Baguio Ciy.
