The Gift of Barong.

I thought it's worth blogging about - this docu-film was exhibited in many metropolitan areas of the US and now, Canada.

If you're an immigrant and have kids, please let them see this. I dragged my husband to this important event because while he totally understands where many of us came from, I guess it's equally powerful if he hears/sees it from someone else's perspective.

I know many Pinoys who grew up somewhere else who had personal identity crises - because they spoke like any typical local (Brit, American, Canadian, French) yet, they felt that they don't always belong; and, many of them, never experienced a personal history of what it is and to be Filipino.

Don Moreno's journey will tell you that - how he resented being Pinoy, to actually trying to forget his roots, to coming full circle and embracing his history without qualms. While a good majority of Filipinos do come from rural background (and yes, we know the 'storyline' right - someone pawns their livelihood, makes the sacrifice, came out victorious in the struggles) - still, even if you come from the exclusive neighborhoods of Manila or Cebu or Davao, etc - I think the documentary drives home one point.

Don't forget who you are and you will understand yourself a bit more.

The dedication might be predictable but nevertheless, noteworthy.

Thank your parents for striving to be someone in your life and teaching you the best of Pinoy values. You are what you are because of the love, opportunity and support that someone else has trailblazed for you.

If you want to know more about this, please visit their website: http://www.wanderlustproject.com/

From the UofC paper, here is a reaction from a Caucasian writer.

http://gauntlet.ucalgary.ca/story/11250