This is only part one of sharing about my culture as a Filipina woman. I wanted to share this blog to honor my roots and educate others on what being an Asian American is like for me, especially as a woman. Growing up, I was a mixed Filipina and European American mixed girl where I experienced several cultural values that encouraged me to learn more about my identity and what cultures I connected with.
Why do I share this? Because strengths and struggles are being a woman itself.
A struggle was body image as I'm told by my titas (aunties) quotes “Did you gain weight” at every Filipino party. Or strength where I got to learn to accept my cultural identity.
I'm going to share this as a series from feeling not enough, to culture traditions/customs and being involved in my community. For the first part, here is an intro of some of the things I will implant into this series.
Feeling not enough
Interactions with POC family members vs my white peers were giving me an identity crisis every time I did or said something. An example is not understanding the language or mixing my languages up in a simple sentence. Another example is when I mention that Filipino culture is seen as weird or disgusting when in reality it's not. Another example was my features``, “too white” and “no Filipino nose”
Love for my community/being involved
It wasn’t until college I joined multiple Filipino and Asian Pacific American groups/clubs/orgs to learn about my culture, and identity and also connect with others on similar experiences. This made me feel at home and a safe space to express myself. I got to do the 4 magic C’s, Create, connect, collaborate, and community. It shares bonds with others who get your struggles and strengths. It's a form of building long-term relationships and awareness/education for yourself and others.
My culture: food and clothing
Food can go anywhere from sinigang to lumpia to anything ube flavored! Known for fried food, sticky rice or ube (purple yam) flavored items are a must in my culture.
The clothing for special occasions from weddings to galas to Simbang Gabi. Men typically where borang and women were Filipinos as they are handmade intricate designs woven into beautiful fashion.
Finally, as I'm new to Jump on the Clouds I will also share self-care tips, self-love journey, and interviews on their journey of growing up as a girl as I use storytelling to empower and heal with others.
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