Stepping into the Unknown
When it comes redefining and understand where we came from we have to reflect about our differences and similarities which will it invoke how we are able to see each other. From each episode to the next, there was its point where when it comes on hearing the different stories of each of the different individual that I have invited for the podcast they all share the similar struggle and it is not knowing enough about the culture and when it comes to this is that each of them knew certain parts of the culture and it may came from their upbringings, experiences and etc but despite not knowing enough it showed that they are still filipino enough. When I first met Angeley, and saw her work, I thought that there was so much in what she does and where she came from that directly impact her perspective about our culture. Something that I have admired from her and through this interview process.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF DURING THE INTERVIEW
My biggest realization after doing the interview with Chachie was that it is good and very important to relax, reflect and appreciate the present and in the things that we already have but at the same time never forget where we come from.
HOW CAN WE BE PROACTIVE IN SHARING OUR CULTURE?
I believe we can be proactive in sharing anything with anyone through conversations. Especially when we have cultural conversations because talking with someone (whether it be about your culture, their culture, somebody else’s culture or culture in general) it’s having two minds come together to exchange information on one topic, and each human mind has their own opinions, knowledge, and beliefs. Also we do that on a daily basis, human beings are social animals. We talk to people everyday, so talking about your culture to other people does break the realization of “oh I never knew that”.
I also do believe that carrying the good-parts of culture to our kids or younger generation is important too. I say “good-parts” because, as you know, there are bad parts of our culture like not being open to creative occupations or being openly called inappropriate names, etc. For the actual “good-parts” I mean the act of respecting elders, being polite, the food, work ethics, family oriented and the like.
WHAT ARE QUESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK CHACHIE?
What is your end goal for kasamahanco and what was the number one reason why you started this platform?
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To me, the end goal for KasamahanCo is to use this platform to uplift different voices of Filipinos in our community here in Hawai'i and to show that although we are different we are all connected by just one struggle, and one thing which is our grit and our willingness to learn and unlearn the different sides of what it means to be Filipino. When I first started this podcast, I doubted myself because how can a shy, introvert person like me hear different stories and have conversations when our community isn't the type to open like this. But it took really sitting in with the many different guest and having such radical empathy to understanding that this was something that I didn't have growing up. Growing up, I hated my Filipino culture. I had the opportunity to go back home to study and go back home but for some reason I was ashamed of it due to societal expectations for me. When I thought about getting an education I thought of the American education but I didn't realized that where you get your "Degree" doesn't matter, its the education that you have and the experiences that you gain from where you are.
For me there is no specific end goal for KasamahanCo, for now. I hope to lead or continue building this media company.