What do Filipino-Americans born and raised in the U.S. think about the Philippines?

Jerald Macachor

What do Filipino-Americans born and raised in the U.S. think about the Philippines?

I was born and reared in the Philippines and came to the U.S. at around 15 years old. I’ve hung out with a lot of Fil-Ams, both immigrants from the motherland and those born here in the U.S.

I think that there is some mental struggle growing up in the country as a minority. Filipino Americans don’t see themselves represented in mass media - music and TV. That must play a role in one’s self-concept and self-esteem. Being a Filipino in the Philippines, you grow up watching Filipino movies and TV, listening to OPM, celebrating Filipino culture, and all that. So you never really feel inadequate or insecure just by being Filipino - because everyone else is.

You are also judged by the content of your character, not by being Filipino, Asian, colored minority, mixed, or whatever.

There is a strength of knowing oneself in knowing your motherland and culture. Many Fil-Ams, I see are lost or have no idea what they are missing. I feel it, I feel they are grasping for something intangible.

They don’t really feel a sense of belonging in American culture and yet have no idea how much at home they would feel if they were more connected to the mother country.

American culture is inclusive in letting people be neighbors, but not inclusive in letting people be friends. Americans are quite selective in choosing their inner circle - it's very cliquish. Filipino culture is more inclusive - inviting people to dinner, hang out, sing karaoke, and drink.

American culture is very stressful, always looking to achieve more, make more money, and acquire more possessions. Filipino culture is more laid back, family, friends, and community-oriented. They celebrate life a little more.

Fil-Ams sometimes don’t get this when they go to the Philippines. Don’t realize that the culture has different priorities and not everything has to happen fast and efficiently (although I myself would like it to be). They don’t realize that the pressures of success are sometimes eating away at happiness, health, and relationships. I myself forget it sometimes.

When they do get it, when they embrace their culture (the good, the bad) that’s when they realize that the Philippines is a rich country - in terms of culture, positive energy, and human connection. Stresses of life become lighter and they do feel a sense of belonging, of home, acceptance, and pride.