This might come as a surprise to you to read and know that I do not have many Filipino friend here in the US. I know of a few. The neighborhood that we live in is very "high class" as we refer them in Filipino slang.
Early on my arrival here in the US, the hubby and I attended a few groups of Filipino affairs. A way to meet new kababayan {countrymen/woman}but that failed. Almost all of the Filipinas are very different from me. A few met their husband the same was I did (penpal) but most were highly educated and have been in the US for a long time. And or somehow afraid to tell me how they meet. I on the other hand always open to share how I meet my husband proud and happy. When we went to these parties before, I always trust my intuition to feel how real or fake they are. Most Filipina somehow change completely when they get here and if they have lived here after two years. And I notice they are into the new car high life mentality and the bling. I'm not, and was not going to buy into it.
One instance one pinay (slang for female filipina) invited me to her house for party and she snub my arrival because the hubby and I arrived with an old tiny car. That was not fun. And then I got invited to a baby shower party in Washington State and arrived in this huge house and I was so surprise of the people who lived in it and the way the behave I felt, what a waste of my time. I just got really discourage of my time to be part of something that was not sync with who and what I represent and my principle in life.
Since then, I never went to anymore extra length to find Filipina friends. I speak when I'm spoken to and give out my number to any Pilipina that I met that wanted it. I have friends, many friends but just not much Pilipinas. I am perhaps not materialistic enough for their taste. And I am happily fine with that! I am happy as I can be with out them. I know one day there will one out there who is fearless and open and accepting as me.
Early on my arrival here in the US, the hubby and I attended a few groups of Filipino affairs. A way to meet new kababayan {countrymen/woman}but that failed. Almost all of the Filipinas are very different from me. A few met their husband the same was I did (penpal) but most were highly educated and have been in the US for a long time. And or somehow afraid to tell me how they meet. I on the other hand always open to share how I meet my husband proud and happy. When we went to these parties before, I always trust my intuition to feel how real or fake they are. Most Filipina somehow change completely when they get here and if they have lived here after two years. And I notice they are into the new car high life mentality and the bling. I'm not, and was not going to buy into it.
One instance one pinay (slang for female filipina) invited me to her house for party and she snub my arrival because the hubby and I arrived with an old tiny car. That was not fun. And then I got invited to a baby shower party in Washington State and arrived in this huge house and I was so surprise of the people who lived in it and the way the behave I felt, what a waste of my time. I just got really discourage of my time to be part of something that was not sync with who and what I represent and my principle in life.
Since then, I never went to anymore extra length to find Filipina friends. I speak when I'm spoken to and give out my number to any Pilipina that I met that wanted it. I have friends, many friends but just not much Pilipinas. I am perhaps not materialistic enough for their taste. And I am happily fine with that! I am happy as I can be with out them. I know one day there will one out there who is fearless and open and accepting as me.
Dear Weng,
ReplyDeleteThe differences between you and those other women, is that you are the real deal. A real person. You are a person who finds value in her life not by possessions. But by being a friend, as you are to me.
I am proud to call Weng Kohler my friend!
Tu amigo,
Jorge
Thank you, George!
DeleteSuch a shame that you have had that experience. I wonder if it is a cultural thing or something that is more localized. I grew up in an area that has a lot of Filipino and Mexican people and I never noticed that sort of behavior but let's admit it.... Kids rarely notice what is going on around them. (Well I didn't notice. I'm not proud of it but I think I was way too self centered to see anyone else.)
ReplyDeleteI am proud to consider you a friend!
That is so sweet, Janet! Thank you.
DeleteYou are who you are...Real...it's their loss not geting to know you Weng! Be proud of who your are!!!!
ReplyDelete