Emerson Roque: "Family is what makes me a Filipino." interviewed by Princess B. Tuason

"Family is what makes me a Filipino."

I. Introduction

II. All about him and his life in the Philippines

III. Leaving Philippines

IV. Language Struggle

V. Differences in Values and Tradition

V. His definition of success 

I. Introduction


                                  


               I chose to interview my nicest and coolest uncle, Emerson Roque, because he used to tell me stories about himself, how their life was back in the Philippines, and how they settle here in United States. He was born and lived in Pasig City, Philippines, moved to Bicol, Philippines then moved to US when he was around 13 years old. He is currently living in San Bruno, California. This is my first time editing a video and there was a lot of part that I have to cut (I'm sorry!).


II. All about him and his life in the Philippines

               He cannot clearly remember all of his childhood experiences back in the Philippines but he talked about how fun living in the Philippines back then, how he and his friends learn how to jump off the bridge and learn how to swim.


III.  Leaving Philippines

                It was not his choice to leave Philippines but he had to go with his mom and two brothers after their visa got approved. He thought that time that everywhere in the US has snow, but aside from he was in Daly City, they got here around april which was warm. He did not expect that his life was going to be easy because he knows how his relative lives here and they described it to him as a busy life where no one stays at home for 24 hours, either they are working or in school.


IV. Language Struggle

              One of Emerson's biggest struggle was language because he did not know English before aside from yes or no, but living in Daly City made it easier because when he started schooling 95% of his classmates were Filipinos but he was amazed by his first translator who happened to be a full-blooded Chinese that can understand and speak Mandarin, English and Filipino. Unlike any other kids, He did not lose his language while he was learning English.


V. Differences in Values and Tradition

                   As a parent, Emerson believe that Filipino traditions and values can be maintained and passed down from one generation to the next, depending on who and how the children are raised. Although he, himself, is struggling to maintain it because of his schedule and some other circumstances, he is making sure that he is always doing it whenever he have a chance.


VI. Success

              Emerson had an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Heald College. He did not pursue a bachelor degree, but he still considers himself successful because he is happy with his family and he exclaimed "Family is what makes me a Filipino."