Alienated
I’m an alien.
In my birthplace, the Philippines, I’m a foreigner not able to speak the national language of Tagalog. Although, born in the central province of Cebu, my communication skills are limited, able to understand the local language of Visayan but putting a sentences together is a challenge. The culture which adores Korean pop and the never ending karaoke is incomprehensible to me. During my visits, locals and other foreigners are astonished and often ask “where did you get that American accent.” My misfortune is understandable since my family immigrated to the U.S. when I was seven.
Football, hamburgers and pizza, the affinity for beautiful cars and the rest of American culture is what I associate with. I can communicate and speak fluently in the English language, yet I can never be a complete American. Appearances dictate that I am not. My philosophy and my heart is American and my lineage is Filipino. Yet, I’m an alien in both countries.
With no remorse, my inner-strength is forged by both cultures.
My understanding of life and the world is better for it.
This is beautiful sir! I totally feel what you say. If you have time, there’s this book I read about the same topic entitled Accidental Asian by Eric Liu. He is Bill Clinton’s Speech writer and an American-born Chinese although according to him he seems more Ameeican than Chinese.
This is what I fear and at the same time acknowledge if I pursue my dream of working in the US. I am born in Mindanao raised in the Visayan/Cebuano language, fluent in Filipino, educated at the University of the Philippines Manila, trained to be a 5-star physician for the Filipino people but aiming to pass the USMLE. Ironic.
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I think it’s a blessing. The more you know and the more you’re exposed to you become a much better person. Thank you for sharing.
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The best thing you can do is let the lolo and Lola talked Tagalog to your kid.my daughter was seven and my son was four years old when we migrated to California but inside the house we talked to them in Tagalog now they are 36and33 years old but they can speak in Tagalog fluently.
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You are so right. When I do have kids, I want them to know as many languages as possible.
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you got the best of both worlds! 😉 others would “die” to be in your shoes. there is beauty and blessing in both. good luck in finding your true self. 🙂
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Your absolutely right. I believe the more you know, the more you experience, the better the person you become.
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still a proud Pinoy 🙂
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Yes, proud to be both, proud to what of become
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This is such a fascinating post…alienated, yet my guess so extremely welcomed and embraced by both places as well. I feel similar thoughts in China/Hong Kong and then returning to the States where things change so quickly. Cheers to a great 2016 Rechito…I would never change bouncing between two dynamic and unique places and cultures.
A beautiful way to bring in the New Year ~ great photo and story to share. Cheers to a great 2016.
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Thanks. I always feel that the more we know and experience, the better we are so I have no regrets.
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Oh, so you were from Philippines 😊
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Cebuano pud diay ka! @rechito
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yes, but my Bisaya is out of practice
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Need practice 😂
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