HERstory: A Filipino Immigrant Experience w/ Lulu Gutierrez by Kyrene Gutierrez

Luningning (Lulu) Gutierrez

Lulu Gutierrez at 18 years old

Living in the United States for almost 17 years, my mother, Lulu Gutierrez decides to finally share her Filipino immigrant experience. Being the first of her family to arrive in "the land of infinite opportunities," she finds herself enjoying life in the States, but never forgetting that no matter where she goes in life, she'll always be a Pin@y at heart. The tales and stories of my mother's life upon stepping foot onto American soil has caused me to become more appreciative of her struggles and sacrifices.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Family Background
2. Leaving the Philippines
3. Settling in the United States
4. Life in the United States
5. Being a Filipino in the United States
6. Reflections

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Lulu (far right) with her younger siblings back in the Philippines.

1. Family Background
Lulu Gutierrez gives insight on her family background as well as some details about herself and her life in the Philippines.

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Lulu Gutierrez (middle) with her mother and eldest daughter in the Philippines in 2014.

2. Leaving the Philippines
At the age of 45, Lulu Gutierrez decides to leave the Philippines and emigrate to the United States by herself as a tourist. After her visit, a U.S. business decided on petitioning her, causing her to settle in the U.S. for almost 17 years.

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Lulu Gutierrez on Market Street, San Francisco in 2001.

3. Settling in the United States
Lulu Gutierrez talks about where she's lived in the United States and also, where she's worked. Now she's settled in Daly City, a place she calls her second home.

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Lulu Gutierrez (far left) and her family in their home during Christmas 2015.

4. Life in the United States
Lulu Gutierrez talks about what her life has been like in the United States since her first arrival.

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Lulu Gutierrez and her 4 children in their Westlake Apartment during 2002.

5. Being a Filipino in the United States
Even after living in the U.S. for almost 17 years, Lulu Gutierrez still tries to keep up with her Filipino culture and traditions. She discusses homesickness, the differences between Filipino Americans and Filipino immigrants, and also citizenship.


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Lulu Gutierrez (middle) in Times Square, New York in 2015

6. Reflections

Lulu Gutierrez reflects back onto her life in the United States and in the end, she views herself to be living her version of the American Dream.