A Better Future for Our Children: Kremtop’s #ChangeForTheBetter Campaign

Every ending indeed marks a new beginning. And every new beginning comes from change.

Kremtop invites every Filipino, young and old, to #ChangeForTheBetter. The brand believes that no matter how small the change may be, when done together, it can create a meaningful impact in one’s life.

I was honored to be part of the Kremtop Philippines #ChangeForTheBetter blogger conference held at Romulo Café in Makati, and it was truly a life-changing experience. Why?

Because it was a gathering filled with meaningful exchanges, insightful conversations, shared experiences, and valuable life lessons. The advocacy centered on reflecting on the year that was 2014: the choices we made, the actions we took, the consequences that followed, and how all of these can shape us into better Filipinos, not only for 2015, but for the years ahead.

Since 2012, Kremtop has continuously worked to inspire people to #ChangeForTheBetter, with the belief that change should not be an individual act alone. It is envisioned as a collective effort—one that involves the entire nation taking action together.

This advocacy gained even deeper meaning following the devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda. During those difficult times, the country witnessed how Filipinos came together, helping and supporting one another in the spirit of bayanihan.

However, some traditional Filipino values are gradually being overlooked by the younger generation due to today’s fast-paced and modern lifestyle. This is why campaigns like this remain important, to help preserve meaningful values and shape a better future for our children.

Dr. Mina Ramirez, President of the Asian Social Institute since 1974, is the sociologist-anthropologist behind the five core Filipino values that Kremtop has been advocating.

One of these is Mapagpasalamat, a spirit of gratitude. Filipinos are known for maintaining a positive outlook in life, always finding something to be thankful for, even in the smallest of things.

Matatag - Filipinos have adapted and learned to be strong in times of need and in hard situations life throws at us.

Masigasig - When Filipinos dream of something, we do everything to get it.

Mapagmalasakit -Uniting and helping each other not just during calamities , but in our everyday lives as well.

Magalang - Use of "Po" and "Opo" and kissing of the elder's hand.

"When you talk about values, these are embedded in our language , because our language is a symbolic expression of the way we look at reality. 
Back then, i realized that when english was forced to us, i felt i did not come home in the Philippines at all. 
But my heart bursted with gladness the first time i wrote an article in Filipino and got published in UP. 
I was alienated because of that. 
But i did not mind at all. 
My heart is a true-blue Filipino." -Dra. Mina Ramirez

The next speaker, Filipino composer and singer Mr. Jim Paredes talked about the 3 Filipino traits that truly stood out for him in today's modern world but now underrated.

Bayanihan Spirit

One clear example is the famous Rice Terraces, which, as many believe, were built through the spirit of Bayanihan. Unlike some foreign structures often associated with forced labor systems, Bayanihan reflects communal cooperation—where work is shared and extended across the neighborhood to complete a common goal.

This spirit is also evident in EDSA, as well as in everyday acts such as opening homes for the delivery and collection of relief goods during disasters. Even social media has become a modern platform for Bayanihan, allowing help and support to be extended across communities and even around the world. During Christmas, this spirit is further reflected as we welcome others into our homes and lives.

Respect for Elders

The second value is respect for elders. Unlike in some societies where generational gaps create tension between the young and the old, Filipino culture places deep importance on honoring and caring for the elderly. We show love and compassion by taking care of them even in their old age, sometimes even beyond a hundred years old. In other countries, elders are often placed in retirement homes, but in Filipino families, they are kept close. Being surrounded by older generations also allows younger people to learn wisdom that truly comes with age.

Filipino Exceptionalism

The third value is Filipino exceptionalism. What does this mean? One example is Manny Pacquiao, who rose from humble beginnings, once selling cigarettes, to becoming a global icon. There are many Filipinos who start from nothing yet manage to rise above challenges and succeed. Even in the most difficult situations, Filipinos find ways to excel, adapt, and stand out in their own unique way.

The Filipino may be hard pressed at times, but in general, we are rich.
We are rich in natural resources ; we are rich in our people.
If we can just get to know more ourselves clearly and use our values to our advantage, we will become a better nation.
It is really time to change for the better.

Do you still practice the 5 Filipino values stated above or have you forgotten all about them already?
KremTop reminded us about these traits that should never be forgotten.