My Own Culture Movement

We can understand that anyone who starts a “new life” when they move, whether it’s moving to a new home, school, or moving from a different country, there’s a normal time to get used to new ways of doing things. However, no one is prepared to understand the realities of moving because unless you’ve moved, you don’t understand that you ache for the comfort, the people left behind, and the routines of your old life. 

Two years ago, I, Dexee, moved from one continent to another, from a country to another, and from a home to another. Even though I have only lived here for just a span of a few years, a lot of things have stood out to me that only exist in the United States.

LANGUAGE

I did not learn English fast but the DepED of the Philippines requires students to learn English in the 1st grade, therefore, I already had a foundation in English, but I had never used it to communicate with others. I wasn’t fluent and never really practiced it in a good manner. I grew up speaking Cebuano,  and learned Filipino/Tagalog along the way. At first, I was insecure with how I spoke, especially with people who noticed my accent because if I were to be completely honest, having an accent messes up with your pronunciation. 

However, time told me that having a little accent makes my Filipino roots shine. 

Cebuano and Tagalog are hard but have a lot of similarities with the Spanish language. This is because the Spanish colonized my country for 333 years. Yet, in many parts of the Philippines you will see the unique dialects and even speaking styles of some of our still existing tribes.

WEATHER

Trying to adjust to a new environment and weather system was a hard part as well when moving abroad. Coming from a tropical country, where it's usually rainy, sunny, and humid, I really did not expect a completely different weather. It was freezing cold when I came here and I only wore a very thin jacket. Adjusting to the weather was a definite struggle, although now I would rather be in the cold than in the heat. 

I suppose adjusting to the weather can be similar to adjusting to the time difference.

TIME

If you look at the Philippine clock and you compare it to California’s time you’ll see there is a 16-hour difference. Coming to a completely different time zone was quite a difficult transition, and it was hard to adjust my sleeping. It took a few days to adjust. Meanwhile, it also affected my communication with friends due to the time difference. 

Oftentimes, I would feel more lonely not being able to communicate with them. I also had to learn to not feel obligated to text anyone back “on time”.

SOCIAL LIVES

Culturally, I wasn’t ready for social life in America. It was so different. From how neighbors barely interact compared to how connected our Filipino community is. I longed for those connections and those feelings were the worst to feel. For 14 years I was used to my country’s people and traditions and routines. In the morning, I was woken up by the crow of the rooster, the sounds of many birds, and sometimes even by a family’s lively chatter. Socially, Filipinos are humorous and full of spirit and are always socially active. When I first arrived here, people were more distant and not very talkative. It felt so isolating. Maybe I should have expected it but I wasn’t ready. It felt as if I had more to lose than gain but if you ask me later I would have a different answer. 

The reality I want to share is that most people in the US can be isolated. I can feel myself becoming one as well after two years.

 Life here is a mix of emotions. Interaction only happens at school for me, at an event, or through social media. It’s not what is preferable to me.

RESOURCES

Geographically, I know that the USA is bigger than the Philippines. In terms of infrastructure, the United States is very abundant due to economic differences. Back home our schools have classrooms that are probably smaller than our classrooms here but would mostly occupy at least 30 students, some would even go up to 40 without an AC in most classrooms not to consider the weather conditions that consisted of humid air and hot atmosphere. In terms of transportation we mostly walk a mile, and even more for those students who need to work. 

Oftentimes we commute through the use of public transportation like buses, tricycles, e-trisikads, and Jeep. In terms of buying food, we often get it at a “merkado” or “palengke” referring to a wet market in English where you’ll find fresh fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, etc. Currently, the Philippines has approximately 117 million people with our land smaller than Japan. As a result, you’ll see houses that share the same walls and pillars. Even though the Philippines is small, it is managed well, it is abundant in resources, it is a beautiful archipelago, and its people are resilient.

FOOD

Our food is delicious, with sweet and savory flavors. Filipino cuisine can be found here in California, as there are lots of restaurants. I can’t lie that it feels different eating here than at home. If I were to tell my Filipino friends of the usual American foods I would mention burgers, casseroles, pizza, and Mexican food. If I were to tell my non-Filipino friends here about my food, I would mention lumpia, adobo, pancit, crispy pata, and lechon. One way to describe all of these foods is by saying “lami kaayo!” in Cebuano and “sobrang sarap!” in Tagalog which both translate into “so delicious!”. Filipinos connect and celebrate with food, with all big events like birthdays having five or more food selections. 

EDUCATION

I transferred to Patriot High School during the second semester of my freshman year. That was a big adjustment. However, currently I am a Junior who is writing this article to hopefully remind someone that transitioning is a process and each day is a great achievement because you made it. I wore a uniform in the Philippines, and even though I am happy to be free from wearing a mandatory uniform, I somehow still feel nostalgic of my old routines. High school is where I find friendship and camaraderie. I found that at my previous school and they are as precious as the ones that are now new in my life. All academics have its pros and cons, here or in the Philippines. I still can’t grasp how I now have freedom from the 8-10 classes that I used to take everyday and the burn outs that I used to experience.

MY LIFE MOVEMENT

Longing for your old “home” whatever that means, will be inevitable. But I believe that if one day you go back to your first home, you will miss your new one too. IT TAKES TIME.

If you are currently struggling to adapt to a new environment, just remember to give it a year, and things will begin to be in place. 

I chose to write this story not to inspire, but to hopefully remind everyone to take small steps when there is change, take your time and be patient. Lean on your faith and your roots. And after baby steps, take bigger ones. I took a huge step by taking Honors English after my freshman year and while it was a challenge, it took me to a path where the information helped expand my vocabulary. Sometimes you don’t know what you are capable of doing, and others may or may not recognize your potential, so push yourself, but also know your limits. 

And when someone wants to help you, allow them to so that you learn more. 

Remember that here at PHS, you can find people who are in the same situation as you and share your experience with them. As an immigrant I know that others like me are missing their own homes, culture, and families, but don’t forget that your culture will always live in you. Don’t forget why your family sacrificed and left everything behind. Take the opportunity that they gave you and don’t waste the sacrifice.

“Nostalgia is a privilege, yearning for our own memories proves that we’ve lived a life worth living” - Ás @ameliaguerin

We have staff here that have such big hearts to talk to you about everything and as I have experienced myself they will always do their best to encourage you. Be reminded that being an immigrant doesn’t make us any different as humans. We like to meet new people, see new places, experience new environments, and ultimately we want to succeed.

My culture will always live in me but my new adopted culture is one I want to be a part of in order to succeed.