Tell Me I'm Filipino Without Telling Me I'm Filipino
2023
Nine-layer screen print on mix media paper
22 x 30 cm
edition of 4
artist statement
I remember seeing this video on TikTok: it opens on a very bright midday scene, then the camera pans right to a bus stop, there, standing with an open umbrella was a person waiting for the bus. Then a caption shows up and reads "Tell me you're Filipino without telling me you're Filipino."
I started laughing right away. It reminded me of when I would accompany my mom when she ran errands in the middle of the day. As much as it irked me and I always thought it was weird, she would never fail to mention: "o, yung payong, wag mong kalimutan." (don't forget the umbrella), even though it was super sunny outside.
In spite of challenging life conditions, being in another country working to provide for family back home, constantly facing natural disasters, Filipinos easily smile. As a Filipino myself, who grew up just outside of Manila, I know we as a people do smile easily and a lot.
While working on this print, coincidentally, an article in Vogue Philippines came out. "Filipinos often smile readily due to their cultural values, like the emphasis on community (Kapwa) and the belief that they have support from others. This collective support system provides them with strength, hope and the ability to maintain a positive outlook in the face of adversity." (a quote from Dr. Rea Villa, Vogue Philippines September 2023, Behind the Filipino smile by Jacs Sampayan)
