Journal Entry #3: Vergara Jr.

                                Vergara Jr.’s main argument is to push for more Filipino American studies in Philippine studies, and although there are political complications attached to it, many migrant Filipinos continue to establish their presence by building social spaces. This leads to transnationalism in which these social spaces are built in two different areas, country of origin and country of settlement, but are linked together. I think that in itself is a bit of a tough mission because building a social space in one’s country of settlement might not be as easy as it seems; sometimes there are is not enough migrants in one area to establish a social space. But as Vergara Jr.’s explains Daly City is heavily populated with Filipinos, so much so that it is commonly known as an “adobo capital”.

                My thoughts about the book, 1001 Reasons to Stay in the Philippines, is that although its purpose might have been to highlight the positive aspects about living in the Philippines, the book definitely cast a disappointing shadow at Filipinos who chose to leave their home country rather than stay in their home country alongside other Filipinos, who in this case might be considered more faithful or loyal. Vergara Jr. expands on that thought by writing that his interviewee also implied that those who stay behind are thought of as “silent heroes” and those who leave their home country are seen as unwilling to contribute to their nation, essentially betraying their homeland. This difference seems entirely negative to me, and it seems regressive to divide among one’s own group unnecessarily, especially when many migrants are trying to establish their group’s presence in their country of settlement.

                At the same time, I can see the resentment that can build up for those who stayed in their homeland. It is hard to see people leave their country in pursuit of better possibilities and opportunities when one’s own country is not as developed as it could be. However, looking past that, I believe it is more beneficial to support the production of social spaces wherever they may be. To establish that presence of transnationalism seems very important and beneficial for both groups on either side, but with these negative connotations creating a divergence amongst Filipinos, the connection might not occur.