Celebrating resilience and inclusion: The Filipino spirit in overdrive

For 25 years, the Filipino spirit has defied limits, scaled mountains, and ventured into the unknown — all in the pursuit of greatness. From the heights of Mount Everest to the depths of history, our stories are testaments to the unyielding drive to push forward and prove that the impossible is always within reach.

“Maximum Overdrive at 25” is more than a theme — it is a celebration of the grit of every Filipino, inspiring journeys that both define us and illuminates the path forward.

In retrospect, two monumental feats captured the Filipino’s will to achieve: the first Filipino Mount Everest Expedition and the Balangay Voyage. Both led by Arturo T. Valdez through the Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation, both showed the determination that drives us. The Everest climb and the Balangay’s oceanic journey represented the inner strength to break boundaries and establish our presence globally.

But our journey doesn’t end in the mountains or the seas. It extends to the persistent struggle for inclusion and representation, embodied in the ongoing story of Filipino Muslims through the lens of Muslim Democracy. This is another testimony to our spirit, a reminder that Filipino Muslims are not just fighting for recognition but for a rightful place at the nation’s table.

Filipino Spirit in Overdrive

The First Filipino Mount Everest Expedition was more than a physical triumph. It was the victory of the Filipino spirit, collective willpower, and resilience amidst harsh conditions. Led by Valdez in 2006, the team became the first Filipino group to conquer Mount Everest, proving that Filipinos will overcome any obstacle, insurmountable though they may seem.

Likewise, the 2010 Balangay Voyage was a journey to rediscover our ancestral maritime heritage. The expedition celebrated Filipino craftsmanship and unity. Retracing the path of the ancient seafarers, it underscored our fortitude and reminded us that our cultural heritage is the foundation for future progress. The Everest climb tested our physical limits. The Balangay Voyage deepened our understanding of the Filipino identity and history.

Continuing journey

The Filipino spirit has been demonstrated through monumental feats. It is essential, however, to recognize the continuing journey of Filipino Muslims in their pursuit of inclusion and representation. For too long, their voices have been sidelined in the national discourse.

However, over the past 25 years, the recognition of their role in the nation’s progress has grown, ensuring that their aspirations are heard, valued and respected.

At the heart of this movement is Muslim Democracy — a fusion of democracy’s principles with the cultural, religious, and political aspirations of Filipino Muslims. Muslim Democracy asserts that for democracy to work, it must be inclusive, reflecting the identities and values of all Filipinos, Muslims included. It advocates for representation, equality, and participation in the political process, while honoring the rich cultural and religious traditions of Filipino Muslims.

The foundation for Muslim Democracy was shaped by many, including the late Ambassador Sanchez “Ching” A. Ali, whose vision of an inclusive society set the stage for what became the Muslim Democracy movement.

Other figures who played significant roles in shaping its ideological framework where the late Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic, former Commissioner on Human Rights retired Judge Panambulan “Bing” Mimbisa, the late Jimmy Umag of OWWA, retired Director Mitoon Ibra, and incumbent Supreme Court Associate Justice Japar Dimaampao.

Together, they founded the United Muslim Democrats of the Philippines with Ali as the Founding Chair. Together, they sparked the conversations that continue to define this movement. These individuals were instrumental in advocating for a more inclusive democracy, where Filipino Muslims are active participants, not passive recipients of policies.

Together with the above, notable Christians who helped spark this conversation were the late former President Fidel V. Ramos, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former Speaker Jose de Venecia, the late Louie Lagdameo, the late Prof. Emmanuel Osorio, and the late Ambassador Macabangkit Lanto, who was also a columnist of the Daily Tribune, to name a few.

Conclusion: The path forward

As we celebrate Filipino resilience, we reflect on the stories that shaped our nation the past 25 years. The First Filipino Mount Everest Expedition and the Balangay Voyage are powerful symbols of the Filipino spirit, reminding us that no challenge is too great and no dream too distant when there is unified determination.

Notably, the ongoing saga of Muslim Democracy is a stark reminder that the fight for inclusion and representation is not over. This movement drives the conversation for a more inclusive, just, and equitable Philippines, calling for Filipino Muslims to take their rightful place in governance and society — not as outsiders but as equal contributors to the nation’s growth.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the DAILY TRIBUNE, we celebrate the achievements of the past but we must also look toward the future with hope and anticipation. The maximum overdrive we celebrate today is not just about past triumphs. It is a call to action for the future. Like the Everest and Balangay stories, the quest of Filipino Muslims for Muslim Democracy continues. Let us ensure that every Filipino, regardless of their religion or background, has the opportunity to contribute to the country’s progress.

As a teenager, I watched my father read the DAILY TRIBUNE, one of the many dailies he subscribed to then, quietly tracing the struggles of Filipino Muslims — resilient, steadfast, and always moving forward. Today, the same spirit lives on in the Filipino Muslims who, in their own quiet ways, continue to shape the future of our nation.

Here’s to another 25 years of telling stories that matter, celebrating resilience, and pushing for a brighter, more inclusive future for all Filipinos.