Every Filipino have this so-called ‘American Dream’ of pursuing a greener and more comfortable way of life. Most of the Filipino families migrated abroad and even those who recently graduated bid sudden goodbye to their families.
But for American blogger and mother Amber Folkman, Filipino culture and its way of life is something she strives for. She was born in California and like any other American kid, she was raised with American values. However, when it was her turn to raise her three kids, she wanted to raise them in a ‘Filipino way of life.’
Amber couldn’t be more proud of raising her three sons using Filipino way as they were raised all in Manila. She said that there’s nothing to hate about our country. Amber wrote on her blog:
“Besides having an endless summer, the best mangoes in the world and the most fun modes of transportation, the Philippines is where my boys have learned valuable life lessons that I hope will guide them through the rest of their lives. We predominantly have an American culture in our home, but outside we embrace everything that is Filipino.”
Moreover, Amber said that she definitely agrees on the country’s slogan ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’. More than anything else, she is glad about the kind of family values her sons grew up with — after all, strong family ties are some of the best things that make Filipinos, well, Filipinos:
“A Filipino’s commitment to family and community is incomparable. My heart soars when I hear my sons refer to any adult as ‘Kuya’ or ‘Ate’ — it is so endearing. It has been such a comfort to be enveloped by neighbors, friends, and yayas who treat you as part of their family.”
Amber explained:
“Since we live so far from our relatives, this has been instrumental in our happiness and growth in Manila. My kids never want for attention because they have a doting ‘tita’ or ‘tito’ waiting to tickle or ‘kurot’ their cheeks at any given moment.”
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