Enter the Realm of a Filipino American Society

Hello and welcome to my beautiful Bayan! :) My name is Jennica Sarmiento and I have been a part of this Bayan for about a month now. If you didn't already know, "Bayan" is the Filipino term for the word "community". My thoughts on what an ideal classroom should be have always been one that makes you feel as if you're in a family. Not only being able to easily communicate with one another, but being able to feel comfortable to a point where you could treat your classmate as a friend-- even a sibling. Within this Bayan, I have felt just this. I have grown fond of my fellow classmates, as well as my teachers, acting the way I do with people I have known for several years; even my own family. 

Let me give you some brief knowledge on the Philippines, as well as what I have learned in class. The Philippines (P.I. for short) is a country in Southeast Asia in the Western Pacific Ocean. Its capital is Manila. The Philippines, also known as Republic of Philippines, is the world's 12th most populous country with approximately 94 million people. Although there are many beautiful places like Cebu (as pictured in the top right corner), there are contrasting places dealing with rising poverty like rural provinces (right underneath). 

This is what I knew about the Philippines-- the basics. But ever since joining this class, I've been learning more than just the basics. I've been learning the history, as well. For example, I have learned about the different generations. There are 1st generation: born in P.I. (18 years and older- grandparents), 2nd generation: U.S born-parents and 3rd generation: children of 2nd generation. Not only that, but there is are 1.5 generation Filipinos, as well, who were 13 years and younger. There are four immigration waves, and the very first one started in the 1600s, known as the Spanish Galleons. The latest wave, which is still ongoing, are the "professionals"--different workers. This last wave are 1st generation Filipinos. Before, the U.S. emphasized blacks and whites, but ever since Filipinos and other races, it has been more diverse and complicated. I learned all of this in reading just the first chapter of a novel we recently started, Filipino American Psychology by Kevin Nadal. I highly suggest you to read it! 

I've been learning more about my culture in this class than my whole life. Evidently, I am one hell of an Americanized filipino. But as of late, I am THAT much more capable of delving into the topic of Filipino American history and what not than my sisters who were both born and raised in the P.I. their first few years of birth. As well as learning about my culture, we've been learning about our identities more. Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes: "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." In other words, not allowing others to mold you is an essential achievement. He's stating how we live in a society where people try to hide their true selves in order to fit "norm" society  and impress others. Why I mention this is because it coincides. For me, especially. It really relates to me because I am a Filipino-American, trying to find out more about myself and my culture. With the help of this class, I'm doing just that.

So come join me on this journey to the Philippines. Not physically (maybe one day!), but mentally and emotionally. Now I leave you all with a video of the national anthem of the Philippines instrumental. Sing along with the latest revision of the Filipino and/or English lyrics (1960s). This may be a faster recording. Regardless... Enjoy, and thank you for your time and interest :))))

O sintang lupa,
Perlas ng Silanganan;
Diwang apoy kang
Sa araw nagmula.

Lupang magiliw,
Pugad ng kagitingan,
Sa manlulupig
Di ka papaslang.

Sa iyong langit, simoy, parang.
Dagat at kabundukan,
Laganap ang tibok ng puso
Sa paglayang walang hanggan.

Sagisag ng watawat mong mahal
Ningning at tagumpay;
Araw't bituin niyang maalab
Ang s'yang lagi naming tanglaw.

Sa iyo Lupa ng ligaya't pagsinta,
Tamis mabuhay na yakap mo,
Datapwa't langit ding kung ikaw ay apihin
Ay mamatay ng dahil sa 'yo.

O beloved land,
Pearl of the Orient,
A fiery spirit art thou
Coming from the sun.

Land of our affection,
Cradle of bravery,
To the conquerors
Thou shall never fall.

Through thy skies, air, meadows,
Seas and mountains,
Widespread is the heartbeat
For eternal freedom.

Thy dear flag symbolizes
Brilliance and victory;
Its radiant sun and stars
Will always be our guiding light.

In thee, land of joy and affection,
Sweet life in thine embrace.
Though heaven will it be too, if thou art oppressed
To die because of thee.