[hollywood_a]

I'm Filipina and am very proud of my heritage. I was born in the Philippines but raised in the United States. My adoptive parents are both Filipino and are older adoptive parents. Meaning, there's an entire generation gap between us.

So, it was difficult growing up in this household because of the age and culture they grew up in was so significantly different from the one that I grew up in.

But I've taken notice that knowing my heritage, knowing the language, culture and customs makes me feel more a part of them than if I were of a different race. For all I know, I could be a different nationality, Japanese, Chinese - but I grew up Filipino.

I have Asian friends who are adoptees from Korea and their mannerisms in terms of being comfortable in their own skin is so much more different than my own. Their parents are Caucasian and although ultimately this makes no dramatic significance in their demeanor, a part of them wishes that they could know more about where they come from, as we all do.

I was lucky to be raised in a Filipino household, in an Asian household to connect me to my roots. But, even though I do feel comfortable around people of my own ethnicity in my own family, I still segregated myself from them by associating with other Caucasian people. It doesn't mean that I've forgotten my heritage but I see that it's allowed me the best of both worlds. I feel comfortable knowing that I'm a filipino-american, and an American, and a Californian.

This is all my own opinion and I just wanted to share it, thanks!