Being an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) is a big sacrifice. While you’re working hard to provide a better life for your family, it’s also super important that your kids back home still learn about their Filipino culture. This article is packed with simple ways to keep our traditions alive in their hearts, even when you’re miles away.
Sharing Stories: Bringing the Philippines to Life
One of the best ways to connect your kids with their Filipino heritage is through storytelling. Tell them stories about your childhood in the Philippines. What were your favorite games? What did you eat during special occasions like Christmas or fiestas? Share funny anecdotes about your family and friends. These stories paint a vivid picture of Filipino life, traditions, and values. You could even create a short video of yourself telling these stories, making it even more engaging for them. For the little ones, Filipino folk tales like “Si Malakas at Si Maganda” are also a great way to engage.
You can also share stories about the places where you grew up. Describe the landscapes, the local markets, and the unique experiences you had there. This helps them feel connected to their roots even if they haven’t personally experienced those places. Did you have a favorite “tindahan” or neighborhood store? Talk about the people you met there, the treats you enjoyed, and the sense of community you felt. These personal details make the stories feel more real and relatable.
Speaking the Language: More Than Just Words
Language is a powerful tool for preserving culture. Encourage your kids to learn and speak Filipino, even if it’s just a few basic phrases. Start with simple greetings like “Magandang Umaga” (Good Morning), “Magandang Hapon” (Good Afternoon), and “Magandang Gabi” (Good Evening). Teach them how to say “Please” (“Pakiusap” or “Po/Opo”) and “Thank You” (“Salamat”). You can use online resources, language learning apps, or even ask relatives to help. Little by little, their vocabulary will grow, and they’ll feel more confident speaking the language.
Beyond just learning the words, explain the context and nuances of the language. Teach them about the use of “po” and “opo” for showing respect to elders. Explain how certain words and phrases reflect Filipino values like “pakikipagkapwa-tao” (sense of shared identity and empathy) and “bayanihan” (community spirit). For instance, explaining the meaning of “nakakahiya” when someone does something embarrassing can teach them about Filipino social dynamics and sensitivity.
Food, Glorious Food: A Taste of Home
Food is a universal language that connects people to their culture. Regularly cook Filipino dishes for your kids, or ask a family member to do so. Introduce them to classic dishes like adobo, sinigang, kare-kare, and pancit. Explain the history and significance of each dish. For example, adobo is often considered the unofficial national dish of the Philippines, and it has numerous regional variations. Involve them in the cooking process, letting them help with simple tasks like washing vegetables or stirring ingredients. This makes the experience more engaging and memorable, and it teaches them valuable cooking skills.
Don’t just stick to main dishes. Introduce them to Filipino snacks and desserts like halo-halo, bibingka, and kakanin. Explain the different ingredients and how they are traditionally prepared. For families abroad, you can try ordering Filipino grocery items online or visiting Filipino stores in your area. This will give your kids a chance to experience the authentic flavors of the Philippines. Also, you can show them videos of Philippine “kakanin” being cooked using traditional methods and tools.
Celebrating Traditions: Keeping the Spirit Alive
Filipino celebrations are vibrant and meaningful. Make sure your kids are aware of important Filipino holidays like Christmas, New Year, All Saints’ Day, and Independence Day. Explain the significance of each holiday and how it is traditionally celebrated in the Philippines. During Christmas, for example, explain the meaning of Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, and other Christmas traditions. If possible, try to recreate some of these traditions in your own home, even in a simplified form. For example, you can put up a parol (Filipino Christmas lantern), sing Filipino Christmas carols, or prepare a simple Noche Buena feast. Engage them in activities like making a paper parol, decorating a table for Noche Buena, and singing Filipino carols together. Show them how Filipinos abroad keep the spirit of these holidays alive.
Beyond the major holidays, celebrate local fiestas and festivals from your hometown or province. Share pictures and videos of these events, explaining the history and cultural significance. You can even try to find local festivals in your current location, highlighting Filipino culture. Show them photos of the colorful costumes and dances involved in the Ati-Atihan festival, the Sinulog festival, or the Panagbenga festival. If you’re able to visit the Philippines during a fiesta, consider taking your kids so they can experience the festivities firsthand.
Music and Dance: Expressing Our Culture
Filipino music and dance are rich and diverse. Introduce your kids to traditional Filipino music like kundiman, harana, and folk songs. Play Filipino music in your home or car. Teach them simple Filipino folk dances like tinikling, pandanggo sa ilaw, and cariñosa. In some areas, there are Filipino cultural groups that offer lessons in folk dance. Playing Filipino songs can instantly make your home feel more Filipino.
Don’t just focus on traditional music and dance. Introduce them to modern Filipino music as well. Share OPM (Original Pilipino Music) artists and genres that you enjoy. This will show them that Filipino culture is constantly evolving and that there’s a place for both traditional and contemporary expressions. If there are any Filipinos performing artists where you live, make an effort to support them. Also, encourage their interest in a variety of Filipino music genres, from folk songs and kundiman to rock, pop, and hip-hop. It’s a good way to keep them connected to their culture.
Books and Movies: Exploring Filipino Stories
Books and movies can transport your kids to the Philippines and introduce them to Filipino stories and characters. Read Filipino folk tales, children’s books, and novels to your kids. There are many excellent Filipino children’s books available in English and Filipino. Show them Filipino movies and TV shows, especially those that depict Filipino culture and values. Explain the cultural context of the stories and characters.
Look for books and movies that feature Filipino historical figures, events, and cultural practices. This will give your kids a deeper understanding of their heritage and identity. For example, movies about Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio can teach them about the Philippines’ struggle for independence. Documentaries about Filipino food, festivals, and traditions can give them insights into Filipino culture. Also, look for Filipino movies and TV shows online. Sites like iWantTFC and similar services often feature a wide variety of Filipino content.
Connecting with Relatives: A Family Affair
Staying in touch with relatives in the Philippines is crucial for maintaining cultural connections. Schedule regular video calls with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Let your kids talk to their relatives and ask them questions about their lives in the Philippines. Encourage them to share stories, traditions, and values. Relatives can provide a valuable connection to their Filipino heritage that you cannot provide alone.
If possible, arrange for your kids to visit the Philippines and spend time with their relatives. Experiencing life in the Philippines firsthand can have a profound impact on their cultural identity. During their visit, encourage them to participate in family activities, learn about their relatives’ lives, and explore the local culture. Make sure to schedule sufficient time for visits and to make as many memories as possible. Let them witness the daily lives of their relatives, experience the local culture, and create lasting memories. This will make them feel closer to their Filipino roots.
Using Technology: A Modern Approach
Technology can be a powerful tool for connecting your kids with their Filipino culture. Use online resources like websites, social media groups, and YouTube channels to learn about Filipino history, culture, and traditions. Watch Filipino movies and TV shows online. Participate in online discussions and forums about Filipino culture. Connect with other Filipino families around the world. There are numerous channels on YouTube showing everything from basic Tagalog lessons to tutorials on making Filipino cuisine.
Create a social media group for your family and relatives to share stories, photos, and videos about Filipino culture. Use video conferencing tools to connect with relatives in the Philippines. Participate in online cultural events and festivals. Remember to be mindful of the content your children are exposed to online and to guide them towards reputable and reliable sources. You can also use online language learning apps specifically designed for learning Filipino. This allows you to reinforce their language skills in a fun and engaging way.
Role Modeling: Leading by Example
One of the most effective ways to instill Filipino culture in your kids is by being a role model. Show them that you value and appreciate your Filipino heritage. Speak Filipino at home, cook Filipino food, celebrate Filipino holidays, and stay connected with your Filipino relatives. Let them see you engaging in Filipino cultural activities. Most of all, show them that you are proud of being Filipino. When your kids see your commitment to your culture, they are more likely to embrace it themselves.
Share your own personal experiences of being Filipino, both the good and the bad. Talk about the challenges and triumphs you’ve faced, and how your culture has helped you overcome them. Explain the values that are important to you as a Filipino, such as family, respect, and hard work. Show them how you practice these values in your daily life. If you work in an organization with other Filipino members, you can organize events to promote Filipino culture and language in your area. By living and breathing your Filipino identity, you’ll inspire your children to do the same.
Addressing Challenges: Overcoming Obstacles
Raising kids with a strong sense of Filipino culture while living abroad can be challenging. They might face pressure to assimilate into the dominant culture, or they might feel disconnected from their Filipino roots. It’s important to acknowledge these challenges and to provide your kids with support and encouragement. Teach them to be proud of their Filipino heritage and to embrace their cultural identity. Create opportunities for them to connect with other Filipino kids and families.
If your kids experience prejudice or discrimination because of their Filipino heritage, help them to understand that this is not a reflection of their worth. Teach them how to respond to these situations with confidence and dignity. Remind them that diversity is a strength and that their Filipino heritage is a valuable asset. Don’t let them feel that learning about their origins is a burden; instead, they should see it as something that can make them more complete and well-rounded.
Encouraging Self-Expression: Letting Them Discover
While it’s important to introduce your kids to Filipino culture, it’s also important to give them the freedom to explore and express their own individual identities. Don’t force them to conform to your expectations or to embrace Filipino culture in exactly the same way that you do. Let them discover what aspects of Filipino culture resonate with them and how they want to incorporate them into their lives. Encourage them to be creative, to express themselves through art, music, writing, or any other medium that excites them.
Celebrate their unique talents and interests, and support them in pursuing their dreams. By creating a supportive and loving environment, you’ll empower them to develop a strong sense of self and to be proud of who they are, as both individuals and Filipino Americans. Allow them to explore their interests in Filipino film, music, dance, literature, and cuisine. Let them attend cultural events and workshops. Give them the opportunity to connect with other young Filipinos who share their interests. By encouraging their self-expression, you’ll help them develop a deeper appreciation for their culture and a stronger sense of identity.
Travel Back Home: Making Memories in the Philippines
One of the most impactful things you can do is take your children to the Philippines. Let them experience the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the country firsthand. Visit historical sites, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders. Explore the bustling cities and the serene countryside. Meet with relatives, make new friends, and learn about the daily lives of Filipinos. Every visit will be a learning opportunity to immerse them in their roots.
Plan activities that will expose them to different aspects of Filipino culture, such as cooking classes, language lessons, cultural performances, and volunteer work. Encourage them to document their experiences through photos, videos, journals, or blogs. By making memories in the Philippines, your kids will develop a deeper connection to their Filipino heritage and a lifelong appreciation for their culture. The memories created during these trips will stay with them forever.
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about teaching your kids about Filipino culture:
What if my kids don’t seem interested in learning about Filipino culture?
It’s normal for kids to go through phases where they’re more or less interested in their culture. Don’t be discouraged! Try to make learning about Filipino culture fun and engaging. Focus on their interests and find ways to connect them to their heritage. For example, if they love music, introduce them to Filipino pop stars or traditional folk music. If they love to cook, try making a Filipino dish together. The key is to be patient, persistent, and creative. Be sure you’re setting a positive example.
How can I teach my kids about Filipino culture when I don’t know much about it myself?
It’s okay to admit that you don’t know everything! Use this as an opportunity to learn alongside your kids. Research Filipino history, culture, and traditions together. Ask your relatives for help. There are plenty of resources available online and in libraries. Learning about your culture can be a rewarding experience for both you and your children. Plus, it teaches your kids that it’s okay to admit you don’t know something, as long as you’re willing to learn.
How do I balance teaching my kids about Filipino culture with helping them succeed in their current environment?
There doesn’t have to be a conflict between the two! Teach your kids that their Filipino heritage is a strength and that it can enrich their lives in many ways. Encourage them to be proud of who they are, and to embrace both their Filipino and non-Filipino identities. The key is to help them develop a balanced perspective and a strong sense of self. By embracing both their heritage and their current environment, they’ll be well-equipped to succeed in all aspects of their lives.
What can I do when my kids asks questions about hard Filipino experiences?
This is a very important question. Depending on the age of your children and the situations, be calm and choose the right age appropriate words and explanations. Don’t leave them hanging or ignore them or else they will go to an unreliable party to get answers. If you, yourself, are not sure or feeling emotional, acknowledge their questions and promise to give better answers once you are ready. Consult reputable sources like Filipino scholars, teachers, or reliable elders to support your answers.
References
- Anderson, Benedict. Imagined Communities: Reflections on the Origin and Spread of Nationalism. Verso, 2006.
- Espiritu, Yen Le. Homebound: Filipino American Lives Across Cultures, Communities, and Countries. University of California Press, 2003.
- Joaquin, Nick. Culture and History: Occasional Notes on Philippine Literature, Society, and Politics. Anvil Publishing, 1988.
Do you want your children to grow up proud of their Filipino heritage? Start today! Incorporate these simple tips into your daily life and watch as your kids develop a strong sense of cultural identity. Remember, it’s not about perfection, it’s about making an effort to keep our traditions alive for future generations. Share this article with other OFW families and let’s work together to preserve our rich cultural heritage. Your efforts, big or small, will significantly make a difference.
