Since last week’s call for a national slogan, many people have responded in many ways. The entries came in jest, attempts at being funny and the most were sensible and patriotic. Due to space constraints, I shall present a sampling across the spectrum in three categories and in no particular order. The first group is the “pa­saway group.” They may not make it to being our official national slogan and some of them capture a piece of reality and are common sensical.The list follows:

“Kanya-kanyang banat”—Rica, NGO worker
“Bawal umihi dito,” “No ID, No Entry”—Mark, media executive
“Only in the Philippines”—Ivan, lawyer
“Have a mabuhay’s faith in country!”—Han from Korea
“Live and let live”—Lawrence, banker
“Wag Kang Pasaway”—Annee, lawyer
“Isang Bansa, Isang Diwa; Isang Kahig, Isang Tuka”—de Perio, government employee

Pardon the entry from Korea though we must admire his enthusiasm and thank him for his belief in our country. The next batch is the “unity group” which requires no further explanation.
“Kapit-bisig”—Nila, government worker
“Sa kaunlaran, kaisa ka!”—Joaquin, writer
“One Nation, One Glory”—Carlo, entrepreneur
“Nagkakaisa sa Paglingkod sa Bayan,” “Bayan Muna Bago Sarili”—Mark, diplomat
“Sa Pagkakaisa ang Pagasa”—Ed of Canada
“Unity and Hard work for the Nation’s Progress”—Jhona Carlo disclaims that his does not intend any pun on our current President.

There is a rhyme to it and posits a proud tradition. The use of the word “one” twice adds to its freshness. The final grouping puts together “vision and values.” There is certainly an overlap with the unity group though this one tends to emphasize on the set of values needed to fulfil what we think our vision for the country is. Unity can be interpreted as both a value and a goal and resonates strongly.

To digress, do you notice that in the last few weeks, we are experiencing relative calm in terms of headlines and headaches. This will last only until July 23, 2007, when Congress resumes session and resumes battle with the executive. It need not be this way all the time.

“Paninindigan para sa Nas­yonalismo at Seguridad Hospitality for Humanity”—Tina, employee
“Kalinangan para sa Kaunlaran, Katapatan at Katarungan”
“Kapatiran at kapayapaan para sa pambansang kaunlaran”—Sherwin Sikat
“Katinuan”—Lydia, educator
“Bangon Pilipinas at Mabuhay ka!”
“For God and country”—Carol, pharmacist
“Katwiran, Katarungan at Kalayaan”—Raquel, employee
“Pagmamahal sa Kapwa-Pilipino”—Rose, employee
“Bayanihan sa Hanap-Buhay…Ngayon na!”—Andy, NGO worker
“Por la Patria!”—Mike, birdwatcher
“Para Sayo ang Laban Nato”—Annee, lawyer (inspired by Pacquiao)
“Freedom is in our hands”—Fatima Sagad, student
“Kapayapaan, katarungan at kaunlaran”—Elena, employee

From all the above and more, we are elated that such a broad constituency from professionals to those in alternative professions answered the challenge for a national slogan. Worthy of note is the three foreign entries which stand for the passion and concern of those who are out of our shores.

The predominant language is Pilipino/Tagalog and a far second is English. There is one Spanish entry. Does this mean that we are on the verge of a national language that speaks for all of us in one voice? Or does it mean a discordance or lack of information since no other local language or dialect is heard?

Two friends, Teddy and Manolo, brought out our official national motto found in Republic Act 8491: Maka-Diyos, Maka-tao, Makakalikasan at Makabansa. They, however, do not endorse this national motto as our national slogan. Do you?

For me, a slogan has to be catchy and should gush out of our lips when said with passion and dignity at the same time capturing the essential Filipino imagination and aspiration. My personal choice (and bias) is the last entry: “Kapayapaan, katarungan at kaunlaran.”

If you read carefully, this is the one with the closest four similar slogans with slight variations. This makes them the winners in my scorecard. As promised, gift certificates await you to try the chicken place in Greenhills. Thank you all for your participation.