Why Us?
Canada has a brand problem in the Philippines.
There are no iconic Canadian role models that stand out in the consciousness of Filipinos.
Canada is only known to Filipinos as a source of remittances - much needed dollars sent by their relatives.
It is also known as a country to immigrate to if denied by the United States.
Canadian film, TV, or musical acts may appear in Filipino media, but if pressed, Filipinos wouldn't be able to distinguish them from American acts.
"They are all white people to us".
Canada's culture suffers from what is known as the "Tall Poppy Syndrome"; any flower that stands too tall will get chopped off.
Canadians rarely celebrate the accomplishments of their own kind. Drawing attention to themselves is anathema to being Canadian - it is anti-Canadian. While it may sound noble to them, it only serves to weaken Canada's image in the age of social media.
In the Asian mind, icons and the stories behind them are integral to understanding ones' culture. It is the key to getting respect.
Canada however, prefers to bury their icons.
Romeo Dallaire, the heroic but tragic Canadian General, who defended Tutsis in Rwanda.
Fr. Harvey Steele or Fr. Lou Quinn who championed social and economic justice in the Dominican Republic.
And Tony Martin, who created Credit Unions to bring the poor out of poverty in the Philippines.
None of these Canadian icons have permeated mainstream Filipino culture.
These are Canadian icons worthy of mention to Asian peoples - and through them, they will get to know Canada.
But Canada does not celebrate them - not abroad.
This is why we created this website.
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