Happy Filipino American History Month!
Ube Pancakes from Denica's in Castro Valley.
Am I the only one who only knew about this celebration this year?
Introduced in 1992 and officially recognized in 2009.
Well, better late than never!
What’s it like to be Filipino American?
I believe, like most immigrants and children of immigrants, we struggle to identify between the two cultures. Although I was born in the Bay, my parents, and all of my older relatives, were born and raised in the Philippines. I’m sure immigrating to the US has its own set of challenges, but for someone who was raised in a non-American way while living in the US, it also had its adversities.
I was fortunate enough to have been raised in an area where many families and kids looked like me, but I was also very fortunate to be around communities that weren’t similar to me. The Bay Area is so diverse in its people and cultures that being different from each other was just everyday life. I think having such a solid Filipino community and being around so many other communities really allowed me to be comfortable and proud of my Filipino heritage.
Although socially comfortable, I struggled internally with the two cultures.
I used to argue with my parents all the time about them being unfair in their parental direction and raising me so differently than what I was used to seeing on TV and with my peers. “Why can’t I do this, why do we have to do that? Why should I pursue something in the medical field? Why won’t you tell me you love me?” (I know, I know. It’s shown, not said lol) But as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to appreciate their teaching styles a bit more, and I’ve accepted that they were raising me the way they were raised. They’ve adapted throughout the years, softening up with my younger siblings, but they still hold on to important values like family and respect and will be values that I’ll continue to hold and pass down myself.
All in all, I feel really blessed to have been raised the way I was.
What’s the best part of being Filipino?
Oh, it has to be the fooood. I love Filipino food. It’s probably why I reach out to clientele in the food industry because there’s just so much culture and history and yumminess that comes with all the different types of foods. It’s a passion, really.
My faves have to be a real sour sinigang, my mom’s Caldereta, and all things ube. Oh and bangus sisig with a fried egg on top.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I just found this really cool, visual article that shares historical Filipino places, events, and people. Did you know we had a Filipino fight alongside Caesar Chavez during the Delano Grape Strike? Check it out if you’re interested in learning more about FAHM!
That’s all I’d like to share, and hopefully you found some things relatable. It’s always a good day when I’m able to connect with someone.
Oh, and thanks for reading.
