Now the bad news. The negative image of the contemporary Filipina, created and perpetuated by Filipino society and Filipinas themselves, is well earned. With hundreds of thousands of prostitutes plying their trade in places like Manila and Angeles City, (not to mention tens of thousands more in countries like Japan and South Korea), the once beautiful nation of the Philippines is quickly becoming an international clearing house for prostitution.

Now, with hundreds of thousands more Filipinas going online everyday to “chat” with foreigners on so called dating websites, the notion of the Filipina as gold diggers and loose women is all but complete.

It is truly unfortunate that many Filipinos are now using the downturn of the global economy as an excuse to pimp the wives, sisters, and daughters to foreigners for the sake of the Almighty peso, while politicians and other influential members of Philippine society turn a blind eye. I would like to remind Filipinos that it is not a lack of money that makes Filipinas sell themselves to foreigners. It is a lack of morality; a lack of self-respect; and a lack of family values.

The solution: Take more pride in being Filipino. Develop a work ethic. Apply yourself. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. And above all, stop pimping your sisters and daughters to foreigners. The future of your whole society and culture is at stake.

By the way, I am a foreigner.