Bernadette Ocampo is a 62-year-old woman who was born in Mariveles, Bataan Philippines and immigrated to the United States in 1989. She is currently residing in Daly City, California. Ocampo vividly discusses and explains her life in terms of immigration, materialism, family obligation, and religion.
VIDEO#1 SECTIONS:
I. Life in the Philippines II. Immigration to the U.S. III. Life in the U.S. IV. Definition of America
VIDEO#2 SECTIONS:
I. Comparison between living in the U.S. and in the Philippines
I, Ezekiel Saldajeno, interviewed my mother, Maria Saldajeno. I chose my mother because she has answers or information that may differ from other people. But it is also an interview that emphasize Filipinos believing the idea that United States is somewhat superior to the Philippines. I attempted to create the video to make it seem "fun" so it must be watched as a whole, not in segments. But if one is to look at it in segments, I divided it below.
Self and Family Background (00:53-2:48)
This first segment talks about Maria Saldajeno's basic information on her life during the Philippines. She attempts to describe what her life was like growing up in the Philippines, what she hoped for as she was attending school.
Life in America (03:15-04:30)
Second segment is about Maria Saldajeno's experiences living in the United States, involving who petitioned her and why she was petitioned. This segment also involves her expectations, and difficulty (difference between America and Philippines) of living in the area.
Children in America (04:34-06:13)
The third segment talks about what Maria Saldajeno did to maintain the language and Filipino culture intact with her children. She also explains why moving the the United States is beneficial for her children.
Reflection (06:20-06:54)
The Fourth and final segment is to sum up the whole interview. I ask her if she regrets immigrating to the United States and if she believes in the "American Dream."
Lydia E. Calaunan ~ "Ang Mga Anak Ko Ang Buhay Ko!"
INTRODUCTION
For the Digital Oral History Project, I chose to interview my grandmother, Lydia E. Calaunan. Throughout the entire interview, she told me stories about her struggles and sacrifices for our family. I heard some very interesting stories and learned so much about our family history. I have always been thankful for all the sacrifices she made. Without those sacrifices, my father, Arnulfo E. Calaunan, would not be able to provide us, me and my siblings, the opportunities to live and have a better life and future. I'm grateful towards my grandmother, as well as to my whole family, for all the sacrifices and struggles they had to go through because it opened up a new door, a new chapter, and new opportunities for us to live a better life.
During the interview, she discusses her family background, life in the Philippines and in the United States, as well as her reflection of all her experiences.
Family Background
Mrs. Calaunan talked about her family background, such as herself, her siblings, her parents, and their living conditions. She also talked about her experiences while living during the Marcos Regime.
Mrs. Calaunan talked about how she and her husband was able to migrate to the United States, and her emotions throughout the moving process. She also talked about the sacrifices she made in order to live in the U.S.
Mrs. Calaunan talked about her current lifestyle in the U.S., and the difference between her lifestyle back in the Philippines to the lifestyle she has now.
Mrs. Calaunan talked about whether she would stay and live in the United States for the rest of her life or go back home in the Philippines and be with the rest of her family/children forever.
