I often hear Filipinos say, “Support our own” in many situations. How nice right? Very positive. But a generally positive outlook sometimes can do more harm than good.

For example, someone would say, “Support Filipino restaurants.” But what if the food is really bad? What would motivate you to visit again?  

It happened to me several times in the past. Whenever I get a chance, I share my unpleasant experience with the manager. That’s why you don’t see me posting bad food reviews. (I don’t feel entitled to write bad reviews; I’d rather share it privately with the concerned people or restaurant). 

With that honest feedback, I’m doing them a favor – hoping they would improve. 

We would hear most Filipinos asking to “support Filipino businesses.” But what if you weren’t satisfied with the product or service? What if the company is engaging in unethical practices?

Would you rather stay with them just because they are… “Filipino?” 

How can you support Filipino businesses that maltreat their employees? 

There was this restaurant owner in Dubai who was screaming at her staff. She didn’t realize I was there. Then she saw me (being the first and only customer at that time). She walked up to me and apparently recognized that I’m a blogger. Then she calmed down, offered me the best seat, and said, “i-blog mo kami ha.”

When Filipino businesses ask for support, more often than not, they mean, “Please help us promote us.” (At least for me as a blogger)

I can sense if the call for support is only to make money and not for them to provide people with an excellent experience through their products or services.

“Support our own” seems to be our default. Sadly, it does not always apply. There should be more compelling reasons to support something other than nationality. Otherwise, the words “tangkilikin ang sariling atin” will just be another toxic positivity.

It’s like telling people it’s okay to be mediocre, Pinoy naman.

Toxic positivity rejects difficult emotions in favor of a cheerful, often falsely positive, outlook. It ignores negative or unfavorable emotions. Those emotions need to be felt and dealt with openly and honestly. Otherwise, maiipon.

To get past it, you have to go through it. Toxic positivity bypasses this process.

“If we don’t support our own, who will?”

Well, if a business really has something good to offer, people will eventually discover that. People would naturally support and promote it.

Kaya I support those who strive for excellence, and those who are humble and ethical, Pinoy man o hindi. I support those who are customer-centric, and those who intentionally connect with their customers.

When I support, I do not always speak praise, especially if I know that something can be done better. Sugarcoating is not supporting.

There are many ways to support – constructive criticism is one. You critique, not because you want to put someone down, but because you want to see them improve and grow. Not giving any feedback is not supporting.

In sports, we cheer for the team we support. We also call them out when they play lousy because we want to see them win.

Tolerating mediocrity because we’re all from the same race is like saying, “palusutin mo na, kabayan naman e.” When you do not speak up about things (or do anything about the situation), you allow things to continue. 

Let’s be careful what we tolerate. Because we get what we tolerate.