'Pinoy pride!': What does it mean to be proudly Filipino?

Abi, who mostly uses Taglish, stressed that communication is about getting the message across. While using Tagalog in her humor makes her content more relatable to Filipinos, she sees having a global audience as an opportunity to share Filipino culture internationally.

"That became the strength of my channel. The videos now have a purpose of sharing our culture to an English-speaking country," the Gen Z content creator said. She added that she now includes English translations in her subtitles to make her content more accessible to an international audience, but retains her quips in Tagalog.

On 'cultural anxiety'

Abi recalled the times she struggled to communicate with English-speaking collaborators. For Red, this struggle may stem from a lack of confidence among Filipinos, especially when communicating with people they perceive as more fluent or experienced in English.

"We, Filipinos, we don't put ourselves a lot out there. Kahit nagko-content creation tayo, tapos may imposter syndrome ka kahit nakita mo nag-va-viral na 'yung stuff mo, it's the same thing when you're confident with your English, then you see a legitimate person, parang 'Oop, maybe I'm not worth it anymore,'" Red said. 

Luchi, who also teaches articulation courses, brought up "cultural anxiety" among Filipinos when it comes to language.

"We look up to our colonizers, unfortunately, and then we measure ourselves by our ability to speak English. And that puts pressure on us when we are challenged to speak in English straight," the veteran journalist said. She also noted the paradox that Filipinos know how to read and consume English-language media but struggle when they are actually asked to speak English.

When it comes to media, they all agree that not every Filipino word or expression can—or should—be translated into English, especially when it comes to jokes. Red, whose stand-up comedy film Mabuhay is a Lie is on Netflix, said that translating everything isn't always necessary. For him, much like Korean and Japanese media, some words and expressions can simply be retained in Filipino.

"I guess in a way, it kind of also just the way na how we learn from Koreans or Japanese people, na when you just get the subtitles... If you watch enough of it, mage-gets mo 'yung culture nila," he said. "If we put stuff out there na Tagalog, I think mae-expose pa nga 'yung culture natin in a bit."

Pinoy pride in food, music, sports, and more

In terms of food, Luchi noted that other cuisines, such as Italian and Thai, are popular with international audiences, whereas Filipino cuisine is not. Abi noted that aside from discussions about not wanting to seek foreign validation or recognition, this may also be due to the lack of laws and government policies protecting and promoting Filipino cuisine.

Abi pointed out that we have many Filipinized dishes, such as kare-kare and lumpia, which, despite having similarities to dishes from other countries, possess an intrinsic Filipino flavor. The problem is that Filipino cuisine is not well-documented.

Luchi noted that the “crab mentality” among Filipinos may also contribute to the lack of standardized Filipino dishes. "There's so much opposition even within the ranks," she said.

Abi, quoting chef Mark Singson, said that "In order for it (Filipino cuisine) to grow, we have to break it first," explaining that Filipinos can't be too purist about it.

The topic extended to music, another medium through which Filipino culture is being showcased on the world stage. Bringing up BINI’s historic Coachella set last April, he said, "'Yun 'yung strength of music. If you do it well enough, long enough, and commit to it and present yourself in such a way na genuine and entertaining, there's no denying it," he said.

The group also discussed the "Eala Mania" going on as the Pinay tennis ace rises to the ranks, especially after winning her first-ever WTA title.  While her success is widely celebrated, Raco expressed his mixed feelings about it, noting that some Filipinos initially tend to look down on a talent when they're trying hard to make it to the global stage and only show support once they actually start winning.

In response, Red noted, "I think meron tayong colonial hang-ups. Medyo weird 'yung composition nung mentalities natin, I would say," the comedian said. 

Sociologist Marc Angelo Sanchez explained how Filipino identity extends beyond blood ties.

"Very strong ang collective at nurturing culture ng mga Filipinos," he said on video. "Ang Filipino identity is strong, and it goes beyond simply true blood, but 'yung culture, 'yung appreciation ng isang tao. Ang deep, sincere appreciation natin sa isa't isa ay 'yung community ties talaga. We see them as our kapwa."

Would you leave the Philippines for a better life?

Raco pointed out that many aspire to live in another country because they feel they cannot achieve the life they deserve under the Philippine government.

"We're just not getting what we deserve. It's not like we resent the Philippines," he said, with both Red and Luchi agreeing that those who leave the country are left with no choice.

For Red, one should have compelling reasons to get people out of the Philippines and build a life abroad. 

"For me, I'm staying not to paint myself na parang 'hero' or loyal or anything; I think because may certain level of comfort pa rin ako dito. And it's a combination of my family, my friends are here, you make a decent living here, masarap 'yung mga restaurants," he said. "[It's also] the little things na you know how to navigate the world."

While Abi acknowledged that she has the privilege to endure the country’s current situation, she also recognized how difficult it is to love the Philippines amid issues like government corruption.

"There's so much to love about the Philippines; it's just that it's really difficult to love given what's happening around us right now," she said. 

Despite the country’s political and economic challenges, the panel reflected on how Filipino creativity, skills, and compassion continue to shine.

"Filipinos make stuff better, no joke," Raco said.

Abi, for her part, noted that nothing beats Filipino hospitality. "We go out of our way to give a proper experience," she said, though she also noted that others tend to take advantage of us for it. "We're too nice that we're too afraid to assert [ourselves]."

Luchi, meanwhile, emphasized the strong sense of solidarity among Filipinos. "We fight, but at the end of the day, we love our own," she said.

Watch the full episode below.

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