And now, something actually relating to the name of this blog...

I really enjoy being a traditional Filipina dancer, but when I need to explain/put up with:

• I am not 'some random white girl'
• I am half filipino
• I am blonde, but it's dyed
• Why I'm so pale
• That I am not the choreographer's girlfriend, but his DAUGHTER
• Stares
• Why that white girl is wearing a Terno and dancing traditional dances
• Why, if I can dance so well, I can't speak Tagalog
• Why I dyed my hair
• etc

every time, it gets old fast.  Although I love dancing and experiencing part of my culture,  it is really shitty that I need to validate my identity to 'real Filipinos' every single time I want to share that part of my heritage with others.  While I cannot currently speak Tagalog, I do know how to cook the foods, dance the dances, I know the traditions and celebrations, and I have been involved in this culture since I was born, which is a lot more than many of the full-blooded 'real' Filipinos I know who were born here who speak the language.

No, I do not 'look Filipino' but that does not diminish the importance that my heritage has to me.  I'm truly sorry that my very 'mixed' appearance confuses or upsets you, but I know who I am and your close-minded opinion about what someone with Filipino heritage should look is not going to change that.


And this is not to say that I don't love the other cultures that make up my ancestry, but I usually do not gain flack for my enthusiasm for my enthusiasm for my English, Irish, etc. side. And I'm also not saying that all Filipinos are like this, but I have personally encountered many people who act this way when they see me dance and I speak to them later.

I apologize that my first post in a while is a large rant, but it's tragic how often I've come across people like this who feel it is their duty to interrogate anyone who isn't dark-skinned with black hair.

Many Hugs,
Zan