Lydia E. Calaunan: Ang Ina Ng Tahanan interview by Arlie Mae P. Calaunan

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. 

Table of Contents:

• Family Background
• Leaving the Philippines
• Settling in the U.S.
• Life in the U.S.
• Being Filipino in the U.S.
• Reflection

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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.

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Leaving the Philippines

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.

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Settling in the U.S.

Mrs. Calaunan talked about her first impression of the U.S., and her emotions when meeting her first born son and her grandchildren.

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Life 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.

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Being Filipino in the U.S.

Mrs. Calaunan talked about how she deals with homesickness, and how she and her family maintain the Filipino customs and language

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Reflection

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.

Thank You <3