i-Witness: ‘Manila Men’, dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino (full episode)

Summary

The video script tells the story of the Filipino diaspora, focusing on the early 20th-century migration of Filipinos to Australia in search of work, particularly in the pearling industry. It explores the challenges faced by these pioneers, including discrimination and the harsh conditions of diving for mother-of-pearl shells. The narrative also delves into the cultural contributions of the Filipino community in Australia, their integration with the Aboriginal people, and the preservation of their heritage. The script highlights the journey of Kevin, a descendant of one of the first Filipino divers, as he uncovers his family's history and the legacy of Thomas Puertollano, his great-grandfather, who founded a community in Australia.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The term 'diaspora' refers to the scattering of a people across different parts of the world, and in this case, it involves Filipinos who sought a living in other countries.
• 📍 Some of the earliest Filipino migrants to Australia were pearl divers who contributed significantly to the pearling industry in Broome.
• 🐚 The pearl divers were not only after pearls but also the mother-of-pearl shells, which were used for buttons before the invention of plastic.
• 🎭 The indigenous people of Australia, known as Aborigines, had a sacred relationship with the land and its resources, which was disrupted by the arrival of pearl divers and settlers.
• 🏭 The British established a large-scale pearling industry in Broome, which involved forced labor from the indigenous people.
• 👶 The physical demands of pearl diving led to complications, with pregnant women and children being particularly affected due to the high lung capacity required for deep diving.
• 🏡 Thomas Bertulano, a Filipino, founded a community in Broome and married an Aboriginal woman with Irish heritage, reflecting the multicultural history of the region.
• 🛐 Religion played a significant role in the lives of the settlers, with Thomas Bertulano building a church in the community to uphold Filipino religious traditions.
• 📜 The script highlights the importance of preserving and researching family and community history, as seen in Kevin Puertollano's journey to trace his great-grandfather's roots in the Philippines.
• 🍲 Cultural exchange and preservation are evident in the script, with traditional Filipino dishes like adobo being prepared and shared among the community in Australia and the Philippines.

Q & A

What is the term used to describe the dispersion of a people across various parts of the world?

The term used is 'diaspora'.

Why did many Filipinos travel to other countries in the past?

Many Filipinos traveled to other countries in the past to seek livelihood, specifically to work as pearl divers.

What is the significance of the town of Broome in Australia to the early Filipino settlers?

Broome was significant because it was a hub for pearl diving, and many Filipinos came here to work and eventually establish communities.

What was the primary use of the mother of pearl shells collected by the divers in the past?

The mother of pearl shells were primarily used for making buttons before the invention of plastic.

Why did the Aboriginal people carve patterns into the shells they collected?

The Aboriginal people carved patterns into the shells to represent their dreams, hopes, and aspirations, which were then worn during sacred ceremonies.

What challenges did the pearl divers face during their work?

Pearl divers faced various challenges including attacks from sharks and crocodiles, as well as the risk of decompression sickness due to long periods spent underwater.

Why were pregnant women and children among the pearl divers?

Pregnant women and children were involved in pearl diving because they had a higher lung capacity, which was beneficial for spending extended periods underwater.

Who was Thomas Bertulano and why is he significant to the Filipino community in Australia?

Thomas Bertulano was a Filipino who migrated to Australia and became a pearl diver. He is significant because he founded a community in Broome and his descendants continue to contribute to the cultural heritage of the area.

What is the current status of the Filipino-Australian community in Broome?

The Filipino-Australian community in Broome continues to thrive and maintain their cultural heritage, with members like Kevin Puertollano actively participating in local affairs and preserving their history.

What is the significance of the church in the Filipino community in Broome?

The church is significant as it represents the religious and cultural practices of the Filipino community. Thomas Bertulano, the founder of the community, was involved in building a church, which still stands today.

How did the discrimination against Aboriginal people manifest during the pearling industry's peak?

Aboriginal people were discriminated against legally and socially. They were not allowed to vote, considered as part of the flora and fauna by the West Australian government, and were often used for labor in the pearling industry without wages.