“Piliin mo ang Pilipinas” has become a rallying cry, especially poignant in the territorial dispute with China. 

On one hand, we have the brave civilian fisherfolk risking their lives to escort resupply missions in the South China Sea, embodying true patriotism and courage. On the other, we witness festive on-shore photo ops featuring administration officials, senators, and military top brass, all smiles and handshakes, not to mention a sumptuous boodle fight meal, perhaps hoping their Instagram filters will somehow ward off foreign incursions. Which would you choose? 

The meme brilliantly captures this stark contrast. The fisherfolk’s perilous journey underscores a gritty reality, while the officials’ photo ops offer little more than a superficial show of solidarity. 

Choosing the Philippines should mean genuine support for those defending our sovereignty, not just another snapshot for social media clout. If only patriotism could be filtered and hashtagged into existence, our territorial waters would be secure by now.