what symbolizes us?

i was laughing really hard while watching this local game show the other day. the game basically is like jeopardy. contestants will choose a category with a corresponding amount. but the main twist was, its a correct-minus wrong game: answer it correctly, you gain the corresponding amount. give a wrong answer, then the amount will be deducted on you.

there was an intense race over two contestants: one was in his mid-20s and the other one was only 18 years old. my money-bet was on the former.

my bet was doing well on the latter part of the game. he was already 3000php ahead of the other. he chose a 5000 "pambansa"(national) category and the time was already running out. its a make or break question.

the host asked the question: what is our national tree?

the buzzer lit on my bet. YES! (i realized that in game shows like this you don't only need the brain. but also the proper breathing skills and fast reflexes). i found no trace of hesitation and difficulty on his face. i love the confidence. he will sure bag this, i thought. then he answered: KAWAYAN or bamboo.

i fell down laughing at my seat. the answer was supposed to be narra. ofcourse my bet didn't win.
then i asked myself, if i will be asked about these national symbols, will i be able to answer them as well?

hmmm...sure can! hahaha.

national hero: jose rizal
national anthem: lupang hinirang
national language: filipino (tagalog before)
national bird: philippine monkey-eating eagle (maya before)
national leaf: anahaw
national dress: barong tagalog (male), baro't saya (female)
national animal: carabao or water buffalows
national fruit: mango
national game: sipa
national dance: cariñosa (tinikling before)
national flower: sampaguita or philippine jasmine
national house: bahay kubo or nipa huts
national fish: bangus or milk fish
national dish: lechon or roasted pig (which i contest, i believe it should be ADOBO!)

see.

when i was a kid, my grade school teacher told us that basically these things symbolizes the entire philippine nation. ofcourse, when i was a kid. i just nod when i am asked, "wouldn't you agree?" by my teacher.

its already a long time arguement that these symbols are quite bias: manila or tagalog-centric as they used to call them. and i really couldn't blame these people that claims that these symbols are. because obviously they indeed are.

nonetheless, i am not in the mood of arguing to this issue. instead i thought of adding up other symbols that i believe could also be considered by the government. here are some on my list.

national vehicle: jeepny
national pasta: instant pansit canton
national breakfast: tuyo or salted fish
national condiment: bagoong or fish sauce
national college course: nursing
national profession: call center agent
national clothing line: bench
national mall: SM
national reataurant: jollibee
national cellphone: nokia
national past time: texting
national host: kris aquino
national beer: san miguel pale pilsen
national drink: empoy (rhum)
national modern day hero: manny paquiao
national matinee idol: piolo pascual
national ambition: to live abroad
national dream wedding: to marry a foreigner
national website: friendster
national nightmare: oil price hike
national dream: peso devaluation

thats it for now, i'll just add up another set next time.