| i have always wondered what it meant to be "filipino" or "pilipino." (for u more politically correct people.) what exactly defines a filipino? is it knowledge of the culture? the language? the history of the Philippines? is it knowledge of how the current modern culture of filipinos are? is it acting with hospitality to all those entering your home? is it being Roman-Catholic or Muslim? is it being a multitude of things that the "usual" filipino does? what exactly defines a filipino? |
| the following is an excerpt from the Pilipino Cultural Exchange, CalPoly SLO Panahon Na, the Pilipino Cultural Night 1998 play called "The Pot Luck Club." This scene involves Paolo, Sol, and Max. they all come from different Filipino backgrounds. Paolo was born and raised in the US with parents born in the Philippines -- he is seeking the meaning of what it means to be filipino. Sol was born and raised in the Philippines and only recently arrived in the US -- currently a college freshman, he is adapting to US culture. Max was born and raised in the US -- he is the "typical filipino" of the bunch. Paolo is currently hanging out with Sol and Max is jealous because of this. Paolo and Max used to be best friends... |
|
|
| SOL: ...You don't even know what being Pilipino is about! |
| MAX: I know what being Pilipino is about! It's about hanging out with your own kababayan. (meaning "clique") It's about watching each other's backs. It's about showing the love when it's needed. You gotta keep it real! What do you think being Pilipino is about? |
| SOL: Can you speak Tagalog? Can you cook Adobo? Do you know the history of our people? Did you ever wonder why most Pilipinos are Roman-Catholic? Do you know the foundation of this pride that you are waving around like a flag? Do you know? Do you?! |
| PAOLO: STOP!
Please...the both of you. [to SOL] I don't speak Tagalog, and I
don't know much of our history or culture, but does that make me any less
Pilipino?
[to MAX] I haven't been hanging out with you. I have...I had a girlfriend who was white. Does that make me any less Pilipino? Both of you can spend the rest of your lives making lists of what being "Pilipino" is, but you can never define "Pilipino." You can never define what is already in you heart. It's all in here [gestures to his heart] not out here [gestures to Max's and Sol's clothes] |
| I would like to conclude with saying that I agree with what PAOLO said. We are what we feel in our hearts. I personally call myself a "Filipino-American of Filipino descent." This is what it means to me: an english and tagalog speaking Filipino entitled to all the rights of a United States citizen that is aware of both American and Filipino culture. |
 |
 |
 |
 |