Encounters with people of different culture. What makes one a person? A person is not measured by the way he/she talks. What would be the measure? It is called character and integrity. It is sad to know that when some people ask me where did I go to school. And my response would be I got my schooling in the Philippines. I sometimes get this comment, “You have a strong command of the English language.” What could I say? I just give a smile. I may respond, “We were once an American colony, and we were educated in the American fashion.” What is it that matters? Would it make me a special person if I speak with an American twang? Would this separate me from you? Would it make you feel good if I don’t have a Filipino accent? I am me and I can’t take that away, I am a Filipino with a distinct accent and I am able to adopt to your own accent. I am a linguist, you can bet on it. Try me.

Nakakatuwa ‘tong kaugalian natin, sometimes we try to be someone else in order to be accepted in a culture not our own. Why do we have to be hypocrites just to hide our cultural background? Can we just be ourselves and gain respect? Kabayan, huwag kang hunyango sa ibayong bayan! Magpakatotoo ka!