What Defines a Filipino?
WRITTEN BY: FRANCESA JANA SANTIAGO
… Is it the way we look or certain skills that we’re supposed to have? Does it matter if we speak Tagalog? A majority of the world knows our community as either enthusiastic and hospitable people or as the leading importer of medical professionals. But while those are accurate, being a Filipino means more than just being able to sing, dance or administer vaccines. Our community is an emerging population in various mainstream industries, most of which we would never even have thought to enter, let alone find success in! Unlike years ago, it’s easier now to find Filipinos in your favorite TV shows, video games, nearby restaurants and of course, the big screen!
Just like everyone in the world, Filipinos are also reflections of their complex history. There are flaws and toxicity within our culture which future generations can learn to let go of, just like the ingrained beauty standards influenced by colonialism. But there are also traditions that emphasize the good in our people such as our immense devotion to our families. And whether you’re a born and raised local or a proud immigrant, someone who feels close or detached to our heritage, you are still considered a part of this community… wherever you are and however you grew up as.
Which is why here at One Down, we aim to create an empowered and innovative community from the Philippines to America to different diasporas. We strive to redefine what the world knows about Filipinos by challenging what’s traditional and putting our modern twists into it, while simultaneously upholding and celebrating the richness of our heritage and addressing issues that matter regarding it. As part of our responsibilities, we do our best to provide a lens for both those inside and outside the community, and find ways to remind our fellow Filipinos to proudly celebrate who we are, where we came from and how far we’ve gone.