by Czarinah Galve, Staff Writer
I
n light of October being Filipino Heritage Month, I asked Galileo students and staff “Why are you proud to be a Filipino & what is something you do that is considered part of Filipino culture?”
“Something that I do that is considered Filipino culture is I see my family all the time, I’m really close with my cousins, they’re also my best friends. And we all just get along together really well I’m proud of being a Filipino because of how close and tight the community are.”
– Samantha Teves, 12th Grade
“I point with my lips subconsciously & send remittances to the Philippines or balikbayan boxes that are filled with food/items from the US. It’s a big part of the culture. I’m proud to be Filipino because of rich history and legacy of strength and resilience in the face of what would be considered overwhelming trauma and pressure that we went through. Seeing all Filipinos now and all that they’ve done despite what happened to our people give’s me a sense of pride to be Filipino.”
– Mr. M, US history and Ethnic Studies teacher
“I eat with two utensils (spoon and fork) and all my friends thought it was weird. I am proud to be Filipino because I just like representing us and our culture.”
– Vince Garcia, 11th grade
“Eating Filipino food like sinigang, adobo, lumpia and actively participating in Gal’s Filipino club by learning more about the roots of Filipino-Americans like me. I’m proud to be Filipino because of the parties we host and the activities we do.”
– Brandon Cabuntala, 11th grade
“One thing I do as a Filipino that is part of Filipino culture is throw big parties with fun activities such as karaoke and a game called agaw bitin for the kids. I’m proud to be a Filipino because Filipinos are known for being hospitable people which makes us very welcoming and friendly.”
– Juliana Lacap, 12th grade
“When I visit my grandparents I greet them by placing the back of the hand on my forehead (mano) as a sign of respect. I’m proud of being Filipino because we have a unique way of showing respect to others, especially the elderly.”
– Lualhati Novicio, 12th grade
“Learning about history, traditions, celebrations of Filipino culture in my school’s film club to stay close to my Filipino roots. I’m proud of being Filipino because of what being Filipino has to offer. Things like celebrating Filipino traditions, being really close to family, friends, and religion.”
– Ganni Von, 12th grade
“I go visit my family in the Philippines every year and something that I’m proud of is our culture because it’s enjoyable and you get to spend time with family.”
– Gerald Williams, 12th grade
“One thing I do that is considered a part of Filipino culture is not sleeping with wet hair because of the superstition that if you sleep with wet hair you’ll wake up blind. I am proud of being Filipino because of our unique culture and we show our Filipino pride wherever and whenever!”
– Ligaya Novicio, 12th grade
“I do Filipino martial arts that is very important in my culture , and learning martial arts is heavily important in Filipino culture because its part of how we fought and how creative we are: its a very Filipino thing to learn and I’m very proud of it because of the ancestral history behind it”
– Samantha Presas, 12th Grade
