Diaspora and Innovation Across the Generations
First, second, and 1.5 generation Fil-Ams make for a lively mix at the dinner table. See what the conversation was like and how we discussed development and diaspora across generations.
By Sarah Santos
Annandale, VA — According to anthropologists, “intergenerational solidarity” describes meaningful connections between generations that foster beneficial exchange and support. This idea ties in perfectly with the Kaya Co. vision of a diaspora united in solidarity, regardless of age or location. At our recent event in Washington D.C., dubbed Movements and Merienda, Kaya Collaborative joined forces with the Philippine American Foundation for Charity (PAFC) to spark a new kind of conversation.
This event not only bridged Fil-Ams to the Philippines, but also connected the diaspora youth to the generation that came before them. Balancing plates piled high with pancit, second and third-generation Filipino-Americans dined and discussed with the first-generation pioneers who paved the first bridges. What resulted was an evening of learning, inspiration, and collaboration.
This event not only bridged Fil-Ams to the Philippines, but also connected the diaspora youth to the generation that came before them.
The program kicked off with a warm welcome by Sonny Busa, Board Chairman of the Philippine American Foundation for Charities. He welcomed the next generation of leaders to take on the challenges and opportunities of the Filipino diaspora. Next, Jason Tengco, Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, took the stage. He shared his personal challenges and triumphs of growing up Filipino on the West Coast.
He welcomed the next generation of leaders to take on the challenges and opportunities of the Filipino diaspora.
Tengco’s anecdotes involved the tricky balance of assimilation and cultural preservation. Certain threads of his narrative resonated strongly with second-generation Fil-Ams present yet shocked the first-generation diaspora. For example, when Tengco described the shame he felt as a child for his heritage, his peers expressed similar feelings. However, this surprised several first-generation attendees, starting a round of conversation on the topic.
Following Tengco, Kaya Collaborative founder Rexy Josh Dorado came on to speak. He addressed the critical question, “Where will the global Filipino diaspora be in 10 years?”
Dorado’s presentation highlighted the mission of Kaya Collaborative — to mobilize the Filipino youth diaspora as partners for social change in the Philippines. This vision shaped the evening’s conversation as Kaya Co. and the PAFC exchanged questions and reflections on Philippine development and their role as the diaspora. As a Kaya Co. Summer 2015 Fellow, I briefly shared my experiences in Manila and the personal and professional growth that I gained. Dorado’s presentation was highly interactive and collaborative, dotted with eager, earnest questions and thoughtful responses from both Dorado and the audience.
Their renditions of Filipino classics soundtracked the final discussions and desserts of the night.
Finally, to end the program on a good note, Jon Melegrito, Johnny & Yoly Arzadon charmed the crowd with a musical performance. Their renditions of Filipino classics soundtracked the final discussions and desserts of the night. Soon enough, people were packing baon to take on the road, savoring their final sips of hot wine, and saying their Filipino goodbyes. One hour later, as guests filed out, everyone was left with a greater sense of understanding and a heightened ambition to give back to the Philippines.
You can donate to Kaya Co. online & see more pictures of the event on our website!
Sarah Santos is Senior Editor at Constellations and a current sophomore at Georgetown University. Studying Marketing and Economics with a certificate in Global Business, Sarah is passionate about international development, digital media, and social entrepreneurship.
