Hindi ka Pilipino, Amerikano ka!

Those black guys playing for Philippine basketball teams are more Filipino than I am. (Photo by Darth Harold on Flickr.)

My Tagalog teacher asked our class last week to say something in Tagalog using words we just learned.

My classmate Tony said, “Nakatira ako sa Daly City.” (I live in Daly City.)

“Very good Tony! Now you Albert.”

“Ako ay Pilipino!” I said.

“Totoo ba yan?” She asked, which means “Are you sure?”

Time and time again I always forget that im American and not Filipino, despite the fact that in America, I look Filipino and am regarded as Filipino within the context of the US.

Growing up, I was always refered to as “Filipino” by surveys, my friends, and my family. But every time I go to the Philippines or when speaking to a native-born Filipino, I am constantly reminded that I am not Filipino. I wasn’t born and raised in the Philippines, so I shouldn’t claim as if I was.

So instead of shouting out “Pinoy ako” or “Filipino pride!” Filipino-Americans should really be saying “Am-Boy/Girl ako!” or “Fil-Am pride!”

Whether you hold phenotypical traits of a Chinese, African, Indian, Russian, or an Italian person etc… you should probably ask yourself who you really are. It is probably best to say “I am proud to be (insert-your-name-here).” In the end, we’re all individuals trying to break the molds constantly placed upon us.

So get in where you fit in, and then break the mold! Filipeanut pride!

In other news, turns out Manny is getting tips from Batman for his upcoming fight with Cotto.