The Circle of Life: Re-learning our Histories through Time
Jaimy Valerio, (he/him), a second generation Local Filipino born and raised in Kalihi, Hawai’i. Currently his profession stands as an eight grade history teacher and creative director/founder of AKOSI. His family’s history lies back where his mother is originally from Luzon, specifically Ilocos Norte while his father originally from Central Luzon, specifically Bataan. As a Second Generation Local Filipino, He grew up in Hawai’i, whose family tried hard to assimilate to the culture around them. With his own personal struggles of not aligning with the people around him due to societal pressures of this image of being Filipino. This idea between Hawai;i versus the US has also played a huge pivotal factor in the struggle.
His own understanding of his own Filipino identity culture stems from what he has already known from conversations with his family. But in terms of the own culture itself, considering that he has not been back to the Motherland in ten years and having limited access to history, one of the biggest contributions for his learning is through social media platform, Tiktok.
Listen to his podcast interview here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ptK8zLm3GGyyJLA3SIu0c?si=a29ff37f0eca4224
Take a view of his post production interview answer here:
WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF DURING THE INTERVIEW
After doing the interview, I learned how important it is to have these conversations. It was comforting knowing that I am not alone in the experiences I went through/going through. Moreover, I realized how my experience growing up has shaped the way I am today. I always made an emphasis on self-reflection to continue to grow from my life experiences. Through this interview I am able to reflect in another way other than doing it alone. By doing this, it definitely has expanded my perspective and mindset.
HOW CAN WE BE PROACTIVE IN SHARING OUR CULTURE?
I believe we can be more proactive in sharing our culture by first accepting and loving ourselves first. When we do this we naturally become proud of who we are and where we come from. With this self-love we are able to express ourselves freely because we are not worried about the judgment of others, or what others have to say because we know who we are and that is our power.
WHAT ARE QUESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK CHACHIE?
If there's any way I can help lmk! Or if in the future there's events I would love to participate
or attend so I can meet more people. Anyways thank you again for having me!
