2006
2003
"Growing up
Filipino in America is like growing up with conflicting
identities. At home my parents lectured me in a language that
I barely knew, and told me to behave properly according to
traditions that I didn't understand. I never felt Filipino
enough. At school I was the token Asian kid whose mother cooked
exotic Oriental food at the school potluck. I never felt American
enough.
My six week trip on the PEACE/PSP program allowed me to reflect
on what it meant to be a Filipino and an American. I learned
about the rich culture and history of the Philippines through
daily workshops, lectures, and films. I visited different
communities including the urban poor, factory workers, rural
farmers, and indigenous tribes to observe the everyday lives
of Filipinos. I attended Wikang Filipino classes and practiced
my Tagalog every day while giving directions in taxicabs,
making "tawad" at the palengke, and ordering food
at local restaurants. The lectures and discussions also allowed
me to be critical and conscious of issues like globalization,
poverty; gentrification, social stratification and how those
problems affect Filipinos worldwide. I spent six weeks of
my summer living and learning my Filipino heritage, and for
once in my life, I actually felt Filipino enough."
ALEX MONTANCES
PEACE/PSP Alumni 2007
Seattle, WA
"Learning, living, and connecting with my colleagues of the PEACE Program this past summer was a rewarding experience that has positively influenced the way I live my life today. It being my first time in the Philippines, I was challenged by the dynamic sights and inspired by the unique relationships I developed. The program had a wholesome curriculum that stimulated thought with activities outside of the usual classroom setting. I cherished the opportunities I had to communicate with people of various communities, and I soaked in the culture of the country my parents call “home.” It’s a rare privilege to be able to connect with international professors, students, and leaders, but the PEACE Program’s amazing coordinators helped make it possible, everyday. At the end of the six weeks, I took home thousands of pictures, a suitcase of pasalubong, and priceless memories to share with friends and family. I love the Philippines, and I’m thankful that the program has helped me realize that it is my home away from home."
LAURENE JOY DOBLE
PEACE ‘07
UC Irvine, Business Economics Undergraduate
"I was privileged enough to be a part of the
pioneering group of the PEACE program. While the PEACE
program borrowed certain aspects from the
Philippine Studies Program (PSP) such as history,
cultural, economic, and Filipino language classes
taught by UP Diliman professors, the PEACE program
emphasized exposure trips into different communities
and exchange with progressive groups. My group members
did not only receive a thorough overview of the rich
history of the Philippines, but we also integrated
into communities such as the urban poor in Smokey
Mountain, ill-treated factory workers in Cavite,
indigenous people of the Cordilleras, and peasant
farmers in Bulocan. We exchanged dialogue with their
community and union leaders who are at the forefront
of the progressive movement, and were able to
participate in activities promoting international
solidarity. If you have ever wondered about the
history of the Philippines or its current economic
state, the government and its relation to the United
States, or are simply curious about your role as a
Filipino-American, this program is for you. It will
open your eyes to a whole different world, and you
will become better for it. As an added bonus, the
people I met and my fellow group members are some of
the most genuine, open-minded, and big-hearted people
I have ever met. I not only learned about my roots,
but I gained friendships that will last a lifetime."
KATHLEEN PEREZ
PEACE '07
UC Irvine '06, B.S. Neurobiology
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