The Baro't Saya and Barong are traditional Filipino dresses that symbolize rural life in the Philippines. Today, the Baro’t Saya and Barong are often worn to represent one’s Filipino culture and identity, which many of my family members wear during holidays such as Christmas. My family immigrated to America to seek better job opportunities and higher education since they lacked these opportunities in the Philippines. My mother dreamed of providing my sister with opportunities for higher education thus immigrated to the U.S. and worked multiple jobs to fulfill her dreams. As for many Asian communities, like the Chinese, many immigrant families sought better employment opportunities in the U.S. and dreamed of achieving the ‘American Dream.’ Though my family left their home country, they continued to embrace their ethnic identity, therefore, wear traditional dresses that represented their identity. Growing up in a predominantly immigrant women household, I have witnessed my family struggle to get jobs or attain a higher education due to ethnic differences. Being put at a disadvantage due to their ethnic background was the biggest challenge my family had to overcome; it tested their strength whether to abandon their ethnic identity and country or embrace it and yet fulfill their ‘American dream.’ As my family continues to live as Filipino-Americans and adopt America’s customs, we continue to celebrate our ethnic culture and identity. 

– AJE

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant