The Filipino Connection Collection (FCC)

Mission Statement: FCC strives to share how social connections are transformed in the Filipino diaspora from the movement of Filipinos abroad.

Goals: FCC aims to highlight the experiences of diasporic Filipinos by:

• Reflecting on the opportunities and challenges of overseas Filipinos, with special attention to transnational Filipino migration to the U.S.
• Honoring all stories from life in the Philippines and life abroad as essential to shaping the dreams and ambitions of overseas Filipinos

Galleries:

1. The Diaspora Disperses! Filipinos Abroad
So it began, one fateful day. From as early as the late 16th century, Filipinos leave behind the only home they’ve ever known. Commonly, Filipinos do so for the improvement of their quality of life. Elsewhere, opportunities are ripe in different facets of life: improved economic standing, pursuit of higher quality education, a better ability to care for their loved ones in the mainland to name a few. This brings a sense of security that Filipinos often do not find in their hometown, which is why to this day, so many Filipinos seek to move abroad.
2. Which side of the story? The “truth” behind a collection
Behind each museum lies the careful curation of its collections to portray the histories of people and events through belongings. Many of the Burke Museum’s archives offer a peek at Filipino history largely involved with American occupation and influence. While it is true that Filipino and American histories are deeply intertwined with one another, the sheer extent of these collections shape the perception of Filipinos as a people that are primitive and dependent on other developed nations such as the U.S.
3. 'Wag mo makakalimutan!' Don’t forget where you came from!
Stories from Filipinos who came abroad are often recollections of a fresh start. The excitement of that first ever plane ride. The novelty of that first snowfall. Things never seen before in that old life. But the stories that began back in the Philippines are stories just as worthy of being told. Amidst the hardships, struggles and circumstances that forced the Filipino’s hand to move abroad, there still exist the joys and memories of life back home in the Philippines that shaped who you are and the aspirations of who you want to be.
4. Home is Where the Heart is
Take a moment to think of what “home” means to you. When Filipinos set their sights abroad, they leave the only soil their feet have touched, the only family they’ve ever known. The people you call “home” are the people you seek refuge in. They are your place of vulnerability, your place of comfort. Finding these people, this new home, though they may don new faces, makes the venture abroad a little easier to bear. Full of warmth and love, no matter where you go, you will find those people, that home, waiting for you.
5. Connection: The Bridge of Both Worlds
The endeavors of moving abroad, like any other ambitious venture, require courage and resilience. It teaches you to fortify your personal strength, but those familiar faces we encounter contributes to a strength we share with others along our journey. A simple “psst” or “hoy!” over the phone or in passing, staple catchphrases in Filipino culture, brings a sense of ease. That “Pilipino ka ba?” (“Are you Filipino?”) ropes us into heartfelt conversations with strangers we’ve just met. It is this connection that transcends physical and geographical boundaries and is able to find us to steady ourselves and strengthen each other.

This museum was curated by Sophia Sancon.

Sophia Sancon is a second-generation Filipino American from Boise, Idaho, She is a first-year student at the University of Washington at the College of Engineering, intending to major in chemical engineering. Back home, Sophia enjoys crocheting stuffed animals to her ever-growing collection and cooking new recipes for her family and friends to try. Outside of classes, Sophia enjoys getting the chance to explore the Seattle area with friends, trying good food, and calling family and friends back home.

My museum was inspired by my parents’ experiences of immigrating to the U.S. I always love hearing their stories: growing up in the Philippines and navigating a new life in the United States. I wanted to incorporate their stories to honor the experiences that shape who they are today. Growing up in poor conditions and wanting to care for their families is what ultimately decided the move abroad, but many of the memories from their childhood, college life, and working at Intel Philippines are memories held close to their heart. Life’s journey takes you to all sorts of places, and I’ve found as I recount many bedtime stories and scroll through endless Facebook photos, that the journey is worlds easier with the people you love by your side. Throughout all of their recollections, their stories never took place alone. Playing hide-and-seek with the other kids across the street, road trip adventures with friends, late night talks with beer bottles clinking under the flickering streetlights, these and countless other memories kept their hearts invigorated. The familiarity of the Filipino people and the comfort and culture of home has played a part in easing their transition to life in the U.S. My parents keep in touch with many of their friends to this day: neighbors, classmates, coworkers alike (many of the latter who actually moved to the same city as my family!). This Filipino connection in a place where the Filipino community, smaller yet still robust, has allowed me to develop an appreciation for my family’s love for their heritage and for the people of their homeland.

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Bibliography

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