FILIPINOS from around the world are rejoicing for Golden State Warriors as the NBA Champions. Who would not, knowing especially that it is only the team from the Bay Area that gives recognition to the Filipinos particularly during Filipino Heritage Week. Not a day but a week. Always a new set of uniforms bearing the eight rays with the Golden Gate Bridge.
Filipino pride.
Well the Bay Area as everyone calls it is definitely Filipino.
Predominantly that is. The Mayor of Daly City has always been a Filipino. Milpitas too. Most politicians in the Silicone Valley area are Filipinos, mayors and council members.
For some time I was a Miami Heat fan, not for Lebron, not for Wade, but it was Speolstra the Filipino coach that got me. Soon Lebron and Wade found themselves playing for Cleveland. I cheered for Cleveland. Up until this Finals I still cheered for them. A Filipino named Clarkson now plays for the Cavs.
The Filipinos are now hosts to the FIBA World Cup of 3X3. I pray the tall, fair and dark skinned Filipinos with foreign names will fare well over the others. Yes, despite the names uncommon to us, team PH is composed of Filipinos. Not only the men but also the Filipinas competing.
Sometime when I was in Hawaii I stopped over McDonald's and checked on the menu for what to order. I heard a voice but didn't mind, I soon hear it again and indeed it was I who was being referred to. The lady I thought, spoke to me in Ilocano, true enough it was. She said “anya ngay barok ti kayat mu,” I understood it right as my grandmother also calls me “barok,” I have not heard of it in a long time.
I have associated Chamorros as Filipinos but seemingly I may be wrong. Physically there might be no question. Color and Race, maybe. Still I am amazed at how much different a place I am in except that everywhere I go I am met with a Filipino. Be it on the beach with the trademark barbecue or tinuno and inihaw of anything with some drinks till sunset, the most common being that in the malls and having Filipinos as crew in a fastfood. Truly Filipino.
It really never feels like I have left home. Especially for breakfast in McDonalds, all I hear is chatter from inside the kitchen, to the counter and from my side being the client, each table is filled with Filipinos.
Some nice lady will welcome you, ask you where you come from, from back home. A story of how she lived a life at home and hers today. This comes with a free refill of coffee everytime. Not sure if it is just because I am Filipino. Lots of freebies and promos offered just because we understand each other. The American servicemen with all their big meals, I, a set meal that I can share with Joy and my daughters. Oh and unlimited ketchup and soft drinks too. This is not Filipino.
Our trolley driver happens to be a pilot in the US Air Force, he helps with baseball with the Philippine Sports Commission. He has high regard for Filipino baseball and the young Filipinos, whom he says are so good.
Unfortunately, it is just not as popular as basketball. He toured us around for free. His father is from Iloilo. He feels Filipino.
I get special treatment in restaurants and stores from the Filipino staff. I was told that some restaurants give discounts to Filipinos, visiting or local. I am just shy to impose.
A Filipina in Tumon Tacos was so kind to accommodate us a few minutes before closing. All the Filipina said was that it can only be taken out. I ordered the three tacos for ten dollars. She recommended the Tuna Poke, the Hawaiian Pork and Teriyaki Chicken. I asked if she has change for a hundred, she said yes.
Upon counting and checking, we see our receipt with only two tacos for seven dollars. I approach her and mention we ordered three. She just tells me to keep quiet, she gives me the three but I only paid for two. As we get the tacos before heading home she tells me that she also added a fourth taco of shrimps to try she says.
Today an election seems upcoming. The Filipino taxi driver mentioned that he will be voting for a Filipino for governor. I walked the streets and what do I find? Filipino style campaigning. I give little chance for the opponents. Filipino style campaigning is very personal and direct, unlike the western style. The re-electionist senator is Filipino, no wonder it was not a topic we had. A Filipina also sits in the Supreme Court here, a first and only.
In one of the dominantly western parts of the US of A an American senator is a Filipino. Filipina pala. A decorated war veteran, a fighter pilot, a paraplegic injured from the war, a war hero. Now an incumbent senator who is making waves in the senate. The first sitting senator to give birth. The first senator to ever bring a child or baby to the senate floor. Very Filipino, and it's making for good impression. She will surely win any election.
We celebrated Mom's birthday in a popular local restaurant and the Filipino influence in cooking is also there. We had Pata with Beans and Bulalo.
Their favorite is Kalaguen our kilawen.
The Chamoru look Filipino but speak softer and act kinder. The traits I think we have in common is being friendly and kind. The Spanish has influenced differently, many negative traits. Here I think it is the Japanese that is why they are soft and well mannered. Friendly, Well Mannered and Kind is the kind I like. I wish for Filipinos to come visit.
Juan will definitely notice the difference between Filipino and feeling Filipino. Feel na feel.
Happy Independence Day every Juan and Mabuhay ang Filipino! (with feelings)