The idea of OCWs leaving the Philippines for the United States as an act of 'betrayal' is a new idea for me. Throughout my life in the Philippines, these overseas workers were praised for sacrificing security and comfort of the homeland for better wages and opportunities to support their families.
Praising OCWs is prominent during noon-time variety shows where these shows would have Filipinos from different countries visiting the show and would hold up signs of where they are from overseas. Importantly, these immigrants would also give ridiculous amounts of money to contestants of the show if the sob-story of the contestants won the hearts of the immigrants. After reading this article, I have realized that this act of giving money strengthens the notion of a better life outside of the Philippines which prompts Filipinos watching these popular shows to consider going overseas.
Vergara talks about the importance of language as claiming Filipino Authenticity. After years of living in America, friends and relatives are still shocked to hear that I can speak Tagalog. Although I can speak the language, I am not confident in claiming that I am an 'authentic Filipino' in America. This is because of the definition of 'Filipino' that I have experienced. In America, it seems to me that there is more of an emphasis on the cultural and tribal histories of the Philippines rather than the urban life I have experienced, which is why I do not think language constitutes authenticity. In my opinion, it is more nuanced than knowing the language. Personally, I still do get somewhat excited when someone in my age group does know how to speak the language. This is because whenever I speak Tagalog, I end up remembering my childhood.
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