Episode 6: Filipino vs Filipino
In episode 6 of “CRACKING THE COCONUT” we explore the theory of the “crab mentality” and how it creates a narrative of Filipino vs Filipino. For a community that is known for their warm welcomes, hospitality and their famous, “Hello, Mamsir!” greeting, why are Filipinos so selective on the individuals and groups they choose to support?
When it comes to Manny Pacquiao, there is no lack of support for his success as a championship boxer and putting the Philippines on the map in the world-renowned sport. On the other hand, he has publicly expressed disdain for the LGBTQ+ community, yet despite his disrespectful opinions, many Filipinos still view him as the pride of the Philippines. Moving on to June 2021, when Filipino-American, Kataluna Enriquez won the crown for Miss Nevada USA. One would assume this was a great win and success for the Filipino community, right? Not so fast. With this win, Kataluna will be the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Miss USA Pageant. While she was met with many kind words of love and support for her achievements, she was also met with disrespectful, hurtful and highly ignorant comments from people within the Filipino community. Why is it that many Filipinos chose to degrade and dismiss Kataluna instead of cheering her on and giving her support as a Filipino?
We also talk about the significant influence and mark Jake Zyrus has made in the musical world and how he has become an abandoned star in the Filipino community when he came out as transgender. Jake (formerly Charice Pempengo) was once considered the “pride and joy” of the Philippines and was a rising star worldwide earning many achievements and opportunities in music and television including a role on Glee (Fox). He recently sat down with Toni Gonzaga-Soriano, host of Toni Talks, to share his story and provide insight on his journey and struggle of being so accepted and loved by the Filipino community one day, and having fear and anxiety of being attacked and degraded by the community who once adored him. Much credit to Toni for providing a safe space conversation not only for Jake to share his story, but to also give Filipinos a chance to really listen and digest Jake’s challenges and hopefully accept and support him again not just as a talent but as a person.
We also question why there is a divide between Filipinos in the motherland and Filipino-Americans. Is it because Philippine media portrays a skewed version Fil-Ams, forcing this idea that they are pretentious and entitled? Carla, who watches her fair share of Tagalog tv shows and movies, noticed that when a rich and affluent family is portrayed, they are ALWAYS speaking Taglish (blending Tagalog & English), while the poor families ONLY speak in Tagalog. Carla gave this example from one of her favorite teleseyre, Mara Clara.
Here’s a clip from the show. The Taglish reference starts at the 10:00 minute mark.
We wrap up the episode talking about the Basco Family and their influence as Filipino-American actors and their success as a family for over 30 years. Beginning their careers in a time where Filipinos were not seen in tv shows and movies, the Bascos have been able to build their own careers in the film industry while also sticking to their Filipino roots through storytelling, directing and acting. Despite their successes and achievements, some Filipinos discredit the Bascos’ decorated career all because they are Filipino-Americans, which for some reason automatically categorizes them as not “Filipino-enough” or not “real” Filipinos.
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