but that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
handsome, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
And, as we let our own light shine,
we consciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
--Nelson Mandela
There are few things in this world more gratifying than professional and cultural solidarity.
Tonight I attended a panel at LMU, discussing the growing presence of Filipino-Americans in the media. The event was part of the Filipino-American Experience course led by Dr. Florante Ibanez, professor of Asian Pacific American Studies.
Prof. Ibanez, Maria Quiban, Winston Emano and Denise Dador
Well-known members of the Filipino community were invited to speak, including Eyewitness News Health Specialist Denise Dador of ABC7; Meteorologist Maria Quiban of Fox11 and My13 news; Writer/Director Patricio Ginelsa, Jr.; Reporter for the Asian Journal and correspondent of The Filipino Channel's ABS-CBN news, Joseph Pimentel; Accredited Celebrity/Events photographer, Sthanlee Mirador and the 2008 Miss LA Galaxy First Runner Up and rising star, Audrey Ronquillo.
Winston moderates the evening's panelists on Fil-Ams in the media
John Manal Castro, writer/producer of The Debut, being interviewed by Asian Journal reporter, Joseph Pimentel
Also in attendance were various cast members of the internationally recognized Fil-Am film, The Debut, including Joy Bisco, Basco brothers, Dion, Derek and Darion and the film's Writer/Producer, John Manal Castro. I, too, had the unforeseen luck of being introduced to the crowd. Being recognized for my work was the last thing I expected, but an honor, nonetheless.
The Cast of The Debut
Aside from the inherent fascination of meeting such talented people, my intrigue dwelled on a deeper level. I have long been searching for an opportunity to connect with others who share my professional interests and passion for diversity. In the last few years of working as a writer, I have slowly realized my dream of being published. I have also been fortunate enough to have doors open along the way, giving me access to different worlds rife with color and soul.
It was nice to be part of a family again, one brought together with the same ideals and dreams. Tonight I was able to recapture that, even to the extent that Professor Ibanez introduced me as his "cousin" while his Uncle Marci offered to buy me coffee. A warm reception, to say the least, but then again, hospitality is second nature to Pinoys.
Many years ago, a good friend of mine at the time, Garret M., spoke of the irony in the Filipino experience, one also shared by other ethnicities. He was frustrated that our stories had been chronicled by historians who were, well, NOT of the culture they were writing about. The same point was also emphasized by Mr. Winston Emano, whose purpose seems to be fueled by changing this very fact. Expression and accuracy in reporting is (ideally) expected in journalism, which, I believe makes it that much more essential for us to tell our story ourselves. I've been hearing the phrase "own it" a lot lately, and I can't help but notice the weight of that statement now.
with Joseph Pimentel of the Asian Journal
On the surface, this may all come across as ethnocentric, but there lies a deeper purpose in our actions. Many of us who are working in, or toward, careers in the media do so with the intention of making our voices heard—accurately. Shortly after attending the panel, I was talking on the phone with another close friend, Arvin A., whom I credit as being a catalyst for this epiphany I had. I realize that while my initial goal is promoting the Asian image in American media, it is only a small part of a bigger picture. Arvin made the astute observation that, "we are constituents to a larger, more important Universal purpose." When I zoom out of my occasional tunnel vision, I see there is a loftier goal we could be working toward, something not exclusive to journalism, industrial design, filmmaking, clinical psychology, carwashing ... anything really. I have yet to determine exactly what that goal is, but maybe it is something too great to limit or quantify in words. All I know is, my work is no longer defined solely by endorsing a particular image. It is not just about the Fil- or Asian-Ams or any specific group. Rather, the movement goes beyond that, encompassing a more Universal arena celebrating the beauty of diversity—on many levels not exclusive to race.
I'm not one to go out and preach. If anything, this manifesto is meant as a reminder for myself. The fact that it's public only holds me to it. But if any of you ever feel the need to express yourselves in any capacity and for whatever purpose, please consider this your invitation.
Maraming salamat to Winston for again inviting me to another enlightening experience. Also, congratulations on winning the Audience Award at AFI.
Until next time,
aCg
with Darion Basco, Joy Bisco and Dion Basco (no, we're not really throwing signs) =D
*Footnote: The term "ma-arts major" was a key phrase in college created by my close friend (and fellow artist) Cheryl A. It refers to students majoring in the arts, usu. dramatic, and stems from the Tagalog slang word "maarte" which basically means to be overdramatic.
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