Episode 401 - America is not the Heart & Who‘s Today‘s Modern Day Filipin*

Welcome to Season 4 of the Halo Halo Podcast! In honour of FIlipino American History Month Jezzie and Sigi discuss Filipino American author Elaine Castillo’s America is Not the Heart. Jezzie recounts the epic intergenerational story of Geronima (Hero) de Vera who leaves the Philippines after being disowned by her wealthy parents and dropping out of medical school. Hero’s story is an example of one expression of being Filipina in the Diaspora which leads to a discussion on who is today’s Filipino/a/x in relation to brave new identities and brave new worlds. Jezzie shares that today’s Filipino/a/x is moving beyond our original values (still retaining them) but having the courage to be in an ever uncertain world. There is a movement beyond immigration stories that speak of struggles to immigrate and build wealth. Today’s Filipino/a/x are taking up spaces in sports, media, business and politics and clearly taking positive risks and move beyond what the world thinks we truly are!

In the mix this week: