The Filipino-American Experience | Short Film Documentary

Summary

The speaker, a Filipino-American student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, shares her journey of cultural identity. As a first-generation American, she struggled with her dual identity, feeling neither fully Filipino nor American. Through involvement in student organizations like the Filipino Student Union, she found a community and embraced her heritage. She highlights the importance of the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans (MAAFA) and the Bayanihan cultural dance competition, where she performed, showcasing the unity and resilience of Filipino tribes. The speaker emphasizes the unique responsibility of Filipino Americans to learn about their culture and the beauty of blending two worlds to create a distinct experience.

Takeaways

• 😊 Millicent Reyes Hanako Ayesha Ramos is a sophomore nursing major at UWM, discussing her identity and experiences as a Filipino American.
• 🌎 She is a first-generation American, with both of her parents immigrating from the Philippines in their 20s.
• 🇵🇭 Growing up, she felt caught between two cultures—too Filipino at home but not American enough at school, leading to an identity struggle.
• 🤔 She faced moments of discrimination and confusion about her heritage, like being called Chinese by classmates, which frustrated her.
• 🏠 The Filipino Student Union at UWM provided her a 'home away from home,' where she connected with her heritage and other Filipino students.
• 🍽️ She participated in cultural events like a 'Pinoy feast,' emphasizing communal eating and bonding among friends.
• 💃 Millicent enjoys Filipino cultural dancing and sees it as a way to learn more about her roots and stay connected to her culture.
• 👩‍🏫 She has mentors, like her 'Ate' (older sister figure) Millie, who guide her through cultural and college life challenges.
• 🌍 Millicent is part of the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans (MAFA), which connects Filipino students across the region, fostering community and cultural pride.
• 🎭 She participated in cultural performances like a dance depicting Filipino folklore, which allowed her to further explore and share her cultural roots with pride.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Millicent Reyes Hanako Ayesha Ramos' narrative?

Millicent's narrative focuses on her experiences as a Filipino American navigating her cultural identity and finding a sense of belonging through student organizations and cultural activities.

Why does Millicent feel disconnected from her Filipino identity at home?

Millicent feels disconnected from her Filipino identity at home because she cannot speak the language and doesn't understand much of what her parents say, making her feel less connected to her heritage.

How does Millicent's experience in school contribute to her identity crisis?

At school, Millicent doesn't feel 'American enough' compared to her classmates, which, combined with her feeling of not being Filipino enough at home, places her in a space where she struggles to define her identity.

What specific incident in fourth grade led Millicent to stand up for her identity?

In fourth grade, a classmate repeatedly called Millicent 'Chinese,' and after getting frustrated, she stood up for herself by clarifying that she was Filipino, marking a pivotal moment in asserting her identity.

How has involvement in student organizations helped Millicent embrace her culture?

Millicent's involvement in student organizations like the Filipino Student Union provided her with a safe space to connect with others who shared similar experiences, helping her embrace her culture and find a community that felt like a 'home away from home.'

What is the significance of the 'Boodle fight' event mentioned by Millicent?

The 'Boodle fight' is a traditional Filipino feast where food is placed directly on banana leaves, and everyone shares the meal together, symbolizing unity and communal bonding.

How did cultural dancing contribute to Millicent's understanding of her heritage?

Cultural dancing allowed Millicent to learn more about Filipino history and traditions that she couldn't learn just by living in the U.S. It was a way to connect with her roots and showcase her pride in her culture.

What is Bafa, and how has it impacted Millicent's cultural experience?

Bafa, the Midwest Association of Filipino Americans, is an umbrella organization for Filipino student groups in the Midwest. It has allowed Millicent to travel, meet Filipinos from other states, and experience a greater sense of connection to her cultural community.

What was Millicent's role in the cultural dance performance at Battle of Bamboo, and what did it represent?

Millicent performed with the bayanihan cultural group in a dance segment about the tales of mermaids (serena), inspired by the Kalinga and other ethnic tribes of the Philippines. The performance symbolized Filipino unity and resilience in overcoming external threats.

How does Millicent reconcile her Filipino and American identities?

Millicent acknowledges that being Filipino American is about embracing both cultures. She emphasizes that not speaking Tagalog or not knowing all of Filipino history doesn't make someone less Filipino. Instead, the Filipino American experience blends both worlds, creating a unique identity.