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Filipino Aussie Attitudes
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What do Filipinos think of Australians?
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What do Filipinos think of Australians?
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Hello, Filipina here. Grew up in Australia – can speak, write and read Tagalog and English fluently. I was born in Makati City, Philippines but moved to Australia when I was 8 due to my parents being highly skilled migrants. Basically how I feel about Australia is….. that although my heart will always be Filipino; my life is in Australia. And mind you, my family has never brought us up in the city. Even to this day, we live in rural parts of Australia where immigrants hardly move to – my parents love the quietness of it all, the genuineness and laid-back attitude that Aussies uphold. Not to mention the exceptionally high standard of living that we have been incredibly grateful and lucky to be blessed with. Now of course.. racism will come up. I just want to say, that never in my youth/schooling years was I bullied or felt discriminated over my Asian identity. The opposite actually. I do wonder if my personality and the way my parents had brought us up may have something to do with it? Perhaps I just got super lucky. I made friends, connections and could safely say that I can understand the gruelling ‘aussie potato accent’ haha (to me it sounds like a potato stuck in the throat, not meaning to offend anyone!). My teachers and professors, supported me in determining my potential. My aussie co-workers are just overall welcoming and easy-going people that make you stay and grow in a company. When I left Australia to live in Europe for a year, my Aussie friends and co-workers would ask me how things are going every now and then. Plus a little, “say hi to everyone up there for us!” is so warming to read. I actually felt so homesick that I reached out to other Aussies in Europe (predominantly lived in Sweden so imagine how much of a culture shock it was to not have a little chat with the cashier!)…. Needed the frankness and giggles you know! However I am not saying that other people’s experiences in racism is invalid. I know someone who had bleach splashed on to them whilst walking on a crossing – they were Asian as well. However I also had a European friend who faced horrible racism that he couldn't see himself staying in Brisbane (and he bloody well tried for a good 7years) and so found it a bit more culturally accepting in Melbourne. Interesting as these are major cities! Must also add that racism is everywhere even in Asia. Oh yes.. Anyways, mum has always told that us that, “You get offended if you allow yourself to be offended.” Australians are full of humour, casual, straightforward (bonus for me), helpful and incredibly friendly. And I like that! These characteristics have even grown on me as well. I love you Australia. Even more so after travelling around the East and West coast. The beauty of the people and the land….. totally mesmerising. Like I am in another planet honestly! I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to have grown up in the ‘lucky’ country and welcomed by amazing Australians. I cannot speak for each Filipino however so each to their own 🙂
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Most Filipinos, upon seeing Australians, think these are Americans. They can’t tell the difference. I saw Aussies on Mindanao and Filipinos mumbling: “Amerikano! Amerikano!” when talking about them. I asked them why they were so friendly to the Aussies. And they said, “ Filipinos appreciate American people”. I showed a Filipino pictures of Melbourne and asked him what country he thought it was. And he said, “ The United States”. That’s what most Filipinos think of Australia.