Bernardo De Mesa: Home Away From Home

Introduction

For this oral history project, I interviewed my dad, Bernardo Manankil De Mesa. He was born on September 4, 1954. He was born and raised in the Philippines, specifically in Manila. He was the third youngest sibling of eight children. Sadly, one brother passed away after immigrating to the United States. My Uncle Edgar passed away in his sleep. From what I've heard, he was a loving brother and father to three of my cousins, Vladimir, Christine, and Charlene. 

Life in the Philippines and the Move to the United States 

As mentioned earlier, my dad was born and raised in Manila, Philippines. His childhood was rough because he grew up without his mom. His mom passed away when he was about 5 years old. Him and his siblings were under the care of one parent, who had trouble financially to support all his kids. My dad and his siblings had to go to school and work at a very young age. Years later, my dad attended Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) in Manila. He majored in industrial engineering. He had found a job after he graduated but he received news that him and his family could come to the United States. My dad and his family then moved to the United States in 1980, when he was only 25 years old. In my interview, my dad mentioned it wasn't very hard for him to find a job here in the United States rather he found a job quickly. He had a job where he had to count parts in the factory. My dad mentioned he felt racially discriminated because of the color of skin and also the accent he had. At that time, my dad couldn't speak English very well. Then later on my dad found another job, which he currently still works at, called L-3 Communications. L-3 Communications is a company that manufactures aviation parts to buyers like the U.S. Military and NASA.

Expectations and Looking Forward 

My dad last visited the United States when my brother was born in 1991. My dad felt the need to "show off" his first born to his friends and other family members that were left behind in the Philippines. Also in the interview, I asked my dad his expectations of the United States and if those expectations were met. He said yes. He said working hard will always get you somewhere. He knew that American culture was idealized and people can over exaggerate, but he knew that he could do it. And as to why he wanted to move to San Francisco specifically, most of his family that arrived before him chose San Francisco. I'm very thankful that my family settled in San Francisco because it's unlike any city in the world. Its diverse cultures and city scenes cannot be found anywhere else, and I learn more and more every single time I step outside. 

Reflecting Back (Conclusion) 

When leaving the Philippines, my dad and his family were very happy. They were moving with their lives, onto a better life. He didn't quite say he'd miss anyone because there was no one else left to miss. All of his immediate family like his dad and brothers and sisters were coming along with him or already in the United States. When asked if he'd ever move back to the Philippines, he said no. He wouldn't go back unless it was for a visit. He made it very clear he had two homes: Philippines and here in San Francisco. But for many years now, his home has been San Francisco. He has his home, cars, his family and friends here and pretty much nothing left back in the Philippines. Lastly, I asked my dad if he ever regrets moving to the United States, and he quickly responded no. As mentioned before, he has his life here. All his family and resources are here. Also, he says he wants his children and grandchildren to have better lives. He said the Philippines wouldn't provide his family with any resources and opportunities to succeed. 

"I'm a U.S. Citizen, but still, I'm a Filipino in blood and looks." 

The Last Man Standing-Kevyn Lorenzana

Introduction
I chose to interview my Grandfather Johnny Lorenzana. This is the first time I've ever really got to know him and his story. At first I had a little trouble getting to interview him, but he loosened up after a warm up conversation. My Grandfather immigrated in 1986 from Cagayan Illocos Philippines to Vallejo. Initially from Pampanga and tilled the farm with his father. My grandpa dropped out of high school, but taught himself along the way through his life. He was petitioned here from his sister and brother. His brother had skills of being an engineer and my grandfather had skills with being an technician while working in the government for 16 years quit after martial law. When my grandfather migrated here with his wife and son. My grandfather left Vallejo and came to San Francisco to work in a few hotels as a janitor moving up to an electrician. My grandpa had close ties with his neighbor, both Filipino's and gave him an opportunity to work at UCSF, then worked there till retirement. In similarity to Pinoy Capital my Grandfather has deeply re-established his roots to America and will not go back home for good. My grandfather shows very much sign of homesickness by being fold of his memories. He also admits that he reached the american dream through hard work.

Table of Contents
The Warm Up Conversation
Working for Marco's
Leaving Home and Arrival
Homesick and Rather Stay in America

The Warm Up Conversation

Sister tried staying in America, but rather live and die in PI

Mentions immigration and work.

Rather stay in America, but would go back home only to visit his sister. He seems to be very homesick about his sister.

Mention the economic struggle about even with retirement fix. It's sad because he's been working labor all his life and a retirement income is still not enough.

Comparing income from PI to US, "not good enough." Jobs

are a private sector, "employees work 6 month only through contract."

He also talks about working in government and says, "Life is better in US, you cant fix PI anymore. Drugs corrupts PI."

Explains Cartels in PI, "Shabu"

Corruption within government with Drugs.

Death Penalty in P.I

"How was is working in govt?"

Segment 2 Working for Marco's and Discrimination of Diaspora

Segment 3 Leaving Home and arrival to America

Segment 4 Homesick and rather stay in America

Conclusion Final Remarks:

My Grampa has been through a lot and seen a lot. What inspires me is his tranformation. He values life, family, and knowledge. My grandpa's narrative relates to Pinoy Capital. I'm very blessed to connect with my Grampa. I never thought that I would get this close to knowing my grand father life. 

Manuel Contreras: Philippines to America

Introduction

I chose to interview my dad, Manuel Contreras. He was born and raised in Pampanga, Philippines, a small province town called Macabebe and the living conditions there are poor. 2 days before his 13th birthday he moved to America with my grandfather and both had to assimilate into American customs because of its a different lifestyle. 

Tables of content 

1) Introduction

2) Family background

3) Leaving the Philippines

4) Thoughts about America
 5) Lifestyle and being Filipino in the U.S.

  Intro and family background

 

Leaving the Philippines

Leaving the Philippines at a very young age wasn't a big impact for him. My dad remembers bits and pieces of his lifestyle back in Pampanga. Since he was very young the only thing he was excited for  in America was better food, candy and the amusement parks. When i asked him what did you imagine America would look like? The only image of America he had was from black and white movies filmed in America.

Growing up in America

By the time my dad hit High School things began to heat up. During those time my dad admitted that same racial groups would only stick together. It created gangs and plenty of fights would broke through.

Adulthood

After high school my dad decided not to go to college because he just wanted to make money. He worked double jobs and soon after he meet my mom. 

 

American VS Philippines lifestyle

Living in America, it gave my dad the opportunity to live better and to have freedom. Philippines have bad working conditions and if it wasn't for my grandfather, my dad wouldn't be here in the first place. San Francisco is his home and its best just to come and visit the Philippines. Growing up my dad assmiliated into America pretty easy since he was still young and didn't know whats going on. There was no big change. In his adulthood it shows he did not loose his Filipino identity compared to this generation. Even though my dad didn't say it, his whole life he was aiming for the American Dream, which is to have money and have a happy family.