Thoughts and Perspectives

Jessica Zafra on Fil-Am republicans, malling in Italy, and the great diaspora

The overseas Filipino experience is unlike any other, and Jessica Zafra knows it.   “We’re all over the place” the author tells Overseas Filipino, who had launched late October a memoir entitled Twisted Travels: Rambles Central Europe. “The Philippine diaspora is different because, you take somebody who is Indian—they have a strong cultural background that they travel with. So everywhere they go, they’re Indian. For … Continue reading Jessica Zafra on Fil-Am republicans, malling in Italy, and the great diaspora

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Experiences

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving When You’ve Never Had It Before

There are so many voices that need to be heard around the world. Experiences are personal essays written by our kababayan as they—or their loved ones—navigate a different life in a different country.  —   1. Google what it’s about. Yes, the word “Thanksgiving” is a dead giveaway that you’re supposed to give thanks, but make the effort to know the origins of the American … Continue reading How to Celebrate Thanksgiving When You’ve Never Had It Before

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Thoughts and Perspectives

Films that Capture Alienation Overseas

When you uproot life for opportunity abroad, struggle will be inevitable. You are the farthest you have ever been from home. People’s faces, the highways and avenues—they are all alien to your senses. The barriers to communication are legion. To boot, the threat of racism, exploitation, and hate crimes fester in the back of your mind. As if the toil of earning a buck wasn’t … Continue reading Films that Capture Alienation Overseas

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Thoughts and Perspectives

Does Kelsey Merritt represent the Filipina?

For too long, Asian women have clamored for representation in the media. Pretty much everywhere else, too—in literature, arts, and, with the case of one Kelsey Merritt, even in international lingerie catwalks. In recent years, there has been progress. Hollywood blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians featured strong women, and even had Kris Aquino as Cambodian royalty. With this November’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion show, many rejoiced when … Continue reading Does Kelsey Merritt represent the Filipina?

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Profiles

“Why not be a part of a bigger change in the world?” (USA)

When 17 year-old Lauren Macasiljig filed into the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California with fellow members of the Boys and Girls Club of Silicon Valley last September, she thought she was just going to enjoy performances by music idols Beyonce and Jay-Z. But during the concert, DJ Khalid announced that she was chosen as a recipient of a scholarship to fund her college tuition—something … Continue reading “Why not be a part of a bigger change in the world?” (USA)

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Profiles

“I am the poster child for someone who failed, but still made it” (USA)

Josie Trinidad, a Filipino animator, has been living out a dream. Trinidad, who resides in the US, joined the Walt Disney Animation Studios as a story apprentice. This was in 2004; after completing a training period, she was promoted to story artist. Since then, she has worked on The Princess and the Frog (2009), Tangled (2010), Wreck-It Ralph (2012), and the Academy Award-winning Zootopia (2016). … Continue reading “I am the poster child for someone who failed, but still made it” (USA)

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Community News

Jaya and Lee Robin Salazar lead Tikim Fun Run in Tampa

The last few months of the year is always busy for Tampa. Everyone from Ed Sheeran to Twenty One Pilots want a piece of the Florida city’s fair weather and truckload of activities. Fitness buffs would also be happy to know that there are almost 50 races scheduled in the city in November and December. If you’re a Filipino living in Tampa, you might want … Continue reading Jaya and Lee Robin Salazar lead Tikim Fun Run in Tampa

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Profiles

Fast Facts: Melissa Reese

Last Sunday, veteran rock group Guns N’ Roses ripped through a roaring setlist, performing for over 40,000 fans at the Philippine Arena. The band performed as part of their ongoing “Not in this Lifetime… Tour.” Formed in 1985, the band was propelled to fame by hits like “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Paradise City,” and  “November Rain.” In 1987, their album Appetite for Destruction topped the … Continue reading Fast Facts: Melissa Reese

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Itinerary

Ayala x Walt Disney Festival of Lights

Whenever you are home, you’d want to spend as many moments as you can with loved ones. Itinerary are our suggestions for great bonding time with family and friends while you are in the country. Enjoy! —     One of the ways you can tell it’s the holidays in Makati is when families start to gather at Ayala Triangle Gardens at night for the annual … Continue reading Ayala x Walt Disney Festival of Lights

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Profiles

“We want audiences to take away a feeling of hope, that there are people out their doing the groundwork” (USA)

Aureen Almario was 10 years old when she and her 7-year-old sister Andrea came to San Francisco. This was back in the 1991 when their family settled in the Bay Area. The sisters have been living, acting, and writing California since. “Identity will always be in constant process and progress,” Aureen recalls. “Growing up, there was definitely a conscious effort to try to fit in, … Continue reading “We want audiences to take away a feeling of hope, that there are people out their doing the groundwork” (USA)

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