Dear No One,
Have you ever felt the battle of identity as a Filipino, when historically, our identities were replaced and erased by those who colonised and enslaved our ancestors? When I act as a Filipino, is it true? How do other peoples who had their histories erased act? Do they take on the food, religions and celebrations of their oppressors and call it their own too? Or do they make a point to say that it is not theirs, and what is true to their ancestors?
Is the historical oppression a PART of making a Filipino a Filipino? But why do I hate it so much? Even the most basic identity of the country such as the name and the flag are all “gifted” to us by America! Why should I be happy with the things bestowed upon us when they did nothing to help our resource-filled country flourish like other island nations.
It’s hard to say what ways I should live, and the beliefs I should believe when pre-colonised ancestors were from so long ago. I wish I could know the ways in which they would have evolved had they been given the chance. What would our architecture look like, our food, our art, our language?
Although some societal things seem not be true to the root of the Philippines, the truth can be seen in the people. Filipinos are kind, healing, empathetic. They are quick to feed you if they sense a speck of hunger in you. And I’m sure like our tribal ancestors, Filipinos are superstitious and true to their faith as a way of ensuring their family and loved ones live successful lives. Our external culture might be muddled by our history, but you can always be sure to see our true culture in our people.
I have some research to do.
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