Evelyn Fowlis, I'm Happy Here

Introduction

Evelyn Fowlis, or as I like to call her, grandma, is my grandmother on my step mothers side. I was blessed to have a touch of Filipino culture when my father remarried. Growing up as a kid, I never really knew any history about the Philippines, the only thing that I did know was that I was in love with the food. Family gatherings were the highlights of my childhood, and they still are.
The reason why I chose to interview my grandmother was because she is the only member alive in my family tree that has spent years in the Philippines and in the United States. This is her story.

Video Segments

1. Family Background

A brief description of who Evelyn grew up with in the Philippines.

2. Living in the Philippines

Evelyn explains what day to day life was like during her life in the Philippines (schooling, free time, etc…) with a brief mention of the impact of the Marcos Regime.

3. Leaving the Philippines

Evelyn goes into detail on why she had to leave the Philippines and what she had to take with her.

4. Coming/Settling in the United States

The precautions that Evelyn had to take when she arrived in the U.S. are mentioned along with her day to day life in San Francisco, CA.

A nice side story from back in the day.

Life in San Francisco continued. With some brief input from my Auntie Bobbie and my stepmother Kathy. (off screen)

4.Conclusion

The ultimate question is asked.

An Interview with Stella Manguban by John Viray

A story about a women who lived in the Philippines her whole life and lived through many struggles such as migrating to the US and living through WW2

Video Segments

1. Life In the Philippines

Stella gives a little insight on how it was for her in the Philippines and how times were living in World War 2.

2. Life in the US & Homesickness

Living life in the US to someone that was not born there is another persons American dream. After Grandma Stella was around her 50-60s she was already retired and a full citizen of the US.

When moving to the US from your hometown that you were born and raised in, after a while you experience something called homesickness. Grandma Stella answers questions about homesickness and how she visits the PI once every year.

3. Careers and Education

Grandma Stellas does not recollect much from her education, but talks about the things she remembered such as her majors and etc.

4. Identity Crisis

Because many Filipinos are born in the US, most of them don't know their own background between themselves Grandma Stella gives her own opinion on how she feels about the topic.

Michael's Journey in the U.S.

Michael's Journey In The U.S. 

This is Michael Cedric Vicencio! He has been in the states for more than 10 years and is a first generation Filipino American. 

Table Of Contents

1. Introduction and Background

2. Migrating to the U.S.          
3. Life in the U.S.                    
4. Being a Filipino In The U.S. 

5. Reflections                            

1. Introduction and Background 

Michael talks about who he is and gives some information about some basic background about himself.

2. Migrating to the U.S.

Michael tells us about his immigration process and his family reasons for migrating to the United State.

3. Life in the U.S.

In this Segment, Michael tells us about his life in the U.S. and how he adapted living here in the states. 

4. Being a Filipino in the U.S.

He talks about the obstacle he faced as a Filipino Immigrant and if he would identify himself as a true American. He also mentioned whether or not he maintained his Filipino Identity.

5. Reflections

Michael reflected about his life in this segment and whether or not he regret his family's decision to come to the states.

Themes Discussed:

• Immigration
• Citizenship
• American Dream

Ed Lu

Table of Contents:

1. Family Background

2. Leaving the Philippines

3. Life in the U.S.

4. Being Filipino in the U.S.

5. Reflection

Segment 1

Family Background

Ed gives a little background about how life was in the Philippines before he got to the United States.

Segment 2

Leaving the Philippines

Ed explains his reason into why he was moving to the U.S.

Segment 3

Life in the U.S.

Ed gives a background of his life when he first came to the U.S.

Segment 4

Being Filipino in the U.S.

Ed talks about how his life was in the U.S. as a Filipino. 

Segment 5

Reflections

Ed reflects upon his life today and if he's living his "American Dream". 

The Start

Introduction:

Lerma Dela Cruz was born in the Philippines and came out here to the US when she was 24

Segment 1:  She explains how she got to the US and why she's here.

Segment 2: She talks about how she used her singing to make a living over here in the US and goes over how hard it was.

Segment 3: She goes over whether she would go live back in the Philippines and talks about what pushed her to be successful in the US.

Better life for her family by the Loving Josie Twyman by Angelika Louisse Ortiz

                                     A Journey to having a better life in America

Introduction of Auntie Josie having a Family Obligation towards her Family In the Philippines  

During this interview, I found a lot of information that I did not know about my family members. I'm found some things that made me realize that if you make a sacrifice you towards your family and just to make their life better but i think you don't have to regret it. because it will help your other relatives even do you'll sacrifice your own family just to help your other siblings to have a better life.  

Table of contents 

Intro 

1. Family Background 

2. Leaving the Philippines 

3. Settling / Life in the U.S. 

4. Being Filipino in the U.S 

5. Reflections  

Introduction 
~ My Auntie Josie Twyman did some sacrifice to give a better life or future for her siblings in the Philippines even do she sacrifice her own family just to help her siblings.  

Segment One ( Family Back Ground) 

 

In this video auntie Josie talks about how her life in the Philippines was fun and memorable experience when she was growing up in the Philippines  

Segment Two ( Leaving the Philippines) 

In this video she talks about why she must leave the Philippines so that she can help her siblings to have a better future even do she must leave her own family just to help her siblings. 

Segment Three ( Settling/Life in U.S.) 

 In this video she talks about how she settle her life in the United States with her other siblings even do she not with her own Family in the Philippines because she needs to help her Siblings to have a better life without anyone holding them back " Getting married and afternoon is not the most important thing in my life".  

Segment Four ( Being Filipino In the U.S)

 

In this video She talk about how she being a Filipino in the United States or U.S because she thinks that she's different from other people or other ethnic groups but she's a friendly and helpful person towards other people or ethnic groups  

Segment Five (Reflection) 

In This video She talks about how she reach her american dreams and goals in life just to help her family in the Philippines and sometimes she visit her other siblings and niece, nephews in the Philippines 

Nasatlgia

 Claire migrated in the United States in 1981 when she was seven years old from the United States.

LIST OF VIDEO SEGMENTS:

SEGMENT 1: Coming to the United States. 

Claire Cruz explains how she came to America. She was only seven years old. Her father started the chain to come to America. He was a sailor and he petitioned his wife and four children to the United States. Her Mother waited five years to become an american citizen. She is the youngest among the four children.  

Claire's sister Connie's Pre-school graduation.

Typical Family photo, but missing dad.

SEGMENT 2: 

Claire explains the difference of respect of Filipino Americans and Filipinos that are born in the Philippines.

SEGMENT 3:

Claire Cruz explaining her experience on bullying in schools as a child.

FAMILY

Claire & Kids, 

Pursuit for Stability : Francisco Solis

                  Pursuit for Stability: Francisco Solis

      

               

      Introduction: 

                 My Uncle Francisco Solis was an immigrant who moved to the U.S. during the 1970s and is now a proud U.S. Citizen.Just like most Filipinos who moved to the U.S. during that time, he wanted to escape the chaos that was happening back in the Philippines. Through hard work and determination, he was able to provide a stable and happy life for his wife and kids, and guarantee a bright future for them.

                

                 

          

             Video Segment:

             I. Childhood and Life in the Philippines

            II. Family

       

            III. Life in the U.S.

            IV. Reflection

           I. Childhood and Life in the Philippines: 

                         In this video, He talks about his life back at home and the type of environment he lived in as a child. He also mentions about former President Ferdinand Marcos and his opinion that slightly differs from others.

         II. Family:

                           He talks about how he raised his kids in America and compared to how he was raised back in the Philippines and decides to mix both American Culture and Filipino culture into one. 

        III. Life in the U.S.:

              He talks about his life in the U.S. prior to moving. His business and the type of jobs he had when he first moved here.

         IV. Reflection:

              His advice to future Filipino Americans who want to learn more about the culture and background as Filipinos. 

Shifting Places

Shifting Places

The person I chose to interview was my uncle, Alfonso Leyson jr. Through out the interview I was able to revisit his past as he explained his life in the Philippines to here in California. We broke down how the transition was from moving from the Philippines to California, such as culture within the community, finding a job and how both places differed economically. In the end we talked about his views on where he finds himself at home.

Table Of Content

1. Background Information and a Comparison of the Philippines and California
2. Family Background,  the Immigration Process and Looking Back Now
3. Comparing Filipino-American communities in northern California and southern California and Find a Place in the Work Place
4. Looking back at the Motherland and Finding a New Home

1, In this segment we get background information on Alfonso's life currently as well as his past
2. In this segment he talks about his family background and what his immigration story was.

3. We look back at how the Filipino community differs from the United States and the Philippines as well as different regions of California

4. Finally we close off the interview with looking back on the Philippines and what he views as his home
 

1. 
   

Benedicto Tiquia "Compairing Two Different Worlds", By Bryan Zaldana

Benedicto Tiquia's Life

Finding a New Home

Introduction:

For my oral history project, I decided to interview Benedicto Tiquia, who is my friend Josh Tiquas dad. Ben, as he likes to be called, Grew up in the Philippines in Pampanga. Where he went to school and got a degree. He enjoyed his child hood as he explained to me in the interview. He described his neighborhood as a strong community where everyone knew everyone.



Work Force:

Ben talks about his experience in working in the Philippines. Explaining his jobs and eventually comparing the workforce in the U.S. and the Philippines. Sharing the differences and the similarities of the two workforce's. 

City Life:

Ben talks about the city life in the Philippines where he grew up and the city life over here in the bay area. Explaining the way the people in the Philippines are very similar to each other and not feeling very different. Also explaining the diversity of the cities in America. 

Reminders of Home:

Ben tells me about the reminders of home he has over here and the connections he has back home with old friends.

Conclusion:

The interview in this blog was not the original interview that I had, which sorta ruins the emotion and the stories from the original interview i had with Ben. But even after a second go around he still managed to give me interesting stories of his life back in the Philippines and here in America. From the diversity in the city to the differences in workforce between his two homes. He is a family man before anything else. It's clear to me that he does what he does for his family. Giving me an insight into his life in the Philippines and here was such an insightful experience because I get to see two different lives from one man. I learned a lot form him about the life style he grew up in and was able to make connections to Pinoy Capital. His story is very similar to many of the interviewees in the book; but also very unique at the same time. 

The Sweet adventures of Soledad Vasayllaje

I will be doing my oral history project on my auntie, Soledad Vasayllaje. Like many it was not her choice going to United States, but she learns how to adapt quickly and make the best of her situation. 

Table of content

1) Childhood
2) Leaving the Philippines
3)Settling in the U.s
4)Reflection

  Childhood

     Here is Soledad Vasayllaje Briefly describing how her childhood was like in the Philippines,while    also comparing it to kids childhoods today

                 

                      Here is Soledad with her two of her three kids and her husband. 

Leaving the Philippines

Here is Soledad describing how she felt about leaving the Philippines and explaining why and how she migrated to the United States.

                        Here is a picture of Soledad with all of her brothers and sisters

Settling in the U.s

Here is Soledad Vasayllaje describing how the transition of leaving the Philippines for the United States was while also describing the differences from the U.s and the Philippines

                    

Reflection

In this video, Soledad will reflect upon her whole life in America

Living Life By Chrizelle Anselmo

Living Life by Chrizelle Anselmo 

I will be interviewing my mother Carmen D'Andria; she immigrated to America back in 1976.  Has not returned home to the Philippines since and she talks about how her life formed over in America since the day she arrived.

Table of Contents:
Life in the Philippines
Leaving the Philippines
First Impressions of America
Thoughts About America After: 10, 20, 30 years
Thoughts Then and Now About Living in the Philippines vs. in America

Life in the Philippines
**For the 1st segment, I had to record two separate videos since my camera died after the first batch of questions and Carmen finishes up her answer in the first few seconds of the 2nd video**

~Carmen shares how her life was before she moved away from the Philippines and what she liked about living in the Philippines~

Leaving the Philippines 

~Carmen shares her thoughts on immigrating to America and the reasons for why she decided to leave~

First Impressions of America 

~Carmen talks about her expectations when coming to America and answered whether or not those expectations were met~

---------------------------------------------------------------------

One of Carmen's trips to Disneyland after arriving to America 

Thoughts About America After 10, 20, 30 years

~Carmen begins the reflection process of her life in different increments of time from the first time she arrived in America~

Thoughts Then and Now About Living in the Philippines vs. in America 

~Carmen shares her final thoughts about her and the decisions she has made after leaving the Philippines~

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Carmen spending her time with me on my birthday

A Change for the Better: An Interview w/ Rosalinda Ochosa by Bernadette Turingan

The person I chose to interview for my project was my mother, Rosalinda Ochosa. She shared with me her experiences when she first came to America, adapting to a new culture, the first few jobs she ever had in America, living in a house full of relatives, her first initial feelings when she found out she was moving and how they have changed. The certain topics I wanted to focus on and ask her was the hardships she faced trying to raise children in America, whether or not she missed the Philippines and why she never went back to visit her homeland. 

List of Video Segments:

1. Backgound
2. Childhood
3. Why America? And When?
4. Settling In
5. A Warm Welcome
6. Finding a Job
7. Hardships & Raising Children in America
8. Missing the Philippines
9. Homesickness/Never Going Back
10. No Regrets

1. Background

Rosalinda gives insight on her family, where she came from and who she is.

2. Childhood

Rosalinda talks about her childhood, her experience and school and how her aunties helped provide clothes and school supplies for her when she attended private school.

3. Why America? And when?

Rosalinda shares her and her family's reasons as to why they chose to pack everything up and start a whole new life in America and when they decided to move.

4. Settling In

Rosalinda discusses her experience in settling in America, how she felt and how her and her family adapted to the new environment and culture.

5. A Warm Welcome

Rosalinda shares a story of when she was warmly greeted by her family when her and her brother arrived to America.

6. Finding a Job

Rosalinda reminisces on her first few jobs she obtained in America and how they all mostly revolved around customer service.

7. Hardships & Raising Children in America

Rosalinda gives us insight on the hardships she had to face, how she jumped over them and how it was a struggle to raised her children in  America because of how different it is from raising children in the Philippines.

8. Missing the Philippines

Rosalinda talks about what she misses about the Philippines and reminisces on the good times she had with her friends and family.

9. Homesickness/Going Back

Rosalinda talks about why she would and would not come back to the Philippines.

10. No Regrets

Rosalinda talks about how her life changed for the better and how she wouldn't have done anything differently because she's grateful for the life and family she has built in America.

(Rosalinda at her graduation from elementary school)

(A photo of Rosalinda in 1993 when she worked at Bank of America)