Written by Chachie Abara
September 13, 2022
Post Production Interview with Bryant D.V. | You may listen to Bryant's podcast on the tab on our website or on Spotify, Apple Podcast just search, "Season 9 Episode 6, Bryant De Venecia' on Kasamahan Co.
Here are some questions I left for our guest to reflect on and to
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF DURING THE INTERVIEW
The interview allowed me to discover how deeply interconnected my past experiences and influences are with how I approach my culture. I can compare the process to laying out a map and identifying the coordinates and orientations that lead to the center of who I am as a Filipino, and all the intersecting identities I claim. Kasamahan Co. is one of the few safe spaces I’ve been privileged to be in that provides solace and support to be unapologetic about my identities, but at the same time, be critical of parts of our cultures that need reconstruction.
HOW CAN WE BE PROACTIVE IN SHARING OUR CULTURE?
As I have shared in the narrative, telling our stories is a powerful tool to perpetuate our cultures. Filipino have diverse cultures, histories, languages; but what we all have in common—and something that we need to be in solidarity with—are the struggles we face and continue to overcome to live in societies that weren't built for us. We carry centuries of oppression that left us marginalized and minimized. Retelling our stories is an act of resistance.
WHAT ARE QUESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK CHACHIE?
I wanted to ask the same question, “What do you call this season of your life right now?” I am curious to hear how the stories shared with Chachie changed her perspective of the Filipino identity and of the world in a broader sense.
Thank you Bryant for allowing me to share your narrative and story. The poem you have shared has been one that helped me reflect and process the podcast episode more. Through the seasons of my life I have undergo so much and learned that being able to let go was part of my story. Right now, I can feel a sense that the season I am in right now is the season to step back. Having the opportunity to hear the stories that was shared with me, part of it is being able to really journey along each and everyone to continue doing the work of equity, social justice and radical love.