Maples to Mangoes

Posted by ReyFort Media

This August, the Commission of Filipinos Overseas and its Youth Leaders in the Diaspora (YouLeaD) program launched its collaboration with the Filipino-Canadian community. Aptly titled “Maples to Mangoes” for its participants, this two-week cultural immersion program in the Philippines intended for Filipino-Canadian youth who were born abroad or migrated at an early age, such that they are not very familiar with the Philippines. The program sought to help participants discover themselves and their identities as half- or part-Filipinos that they may have had growing up. I, a participant, got a taste of all things Filipino–seeking audience with government representatives, exploring the Philippines’ biodiversity and learning about the Indigenous peoples, and going to museums to appreciate the work of Filipino artisans. 

In those two weeks, I saw parts of the Philippines that I never would have if not for this program. The experiences were meaningful, as I was given the chance to be immersed in the culture and history I have only ever spoke of since beginning my work with Himig Kabataan Cultural Society.

The highlight of this trip was the people I met and the conversations we had. I felt very seen, sharing my project as a Filipino-Canadian aiming to preserve Filipino culture among youth like myself, so that it is not lost to future generations. This is an experience that I want other young people to experience, not only being able to voice their thoughts, but to also learn about Filipino culture through immersion as I think there truly is no better way. This journey with YouLeaD has changed my life, and I am happy to say that the sum of these experiences has given me a new meaning of what it means to be Filipino.

Many thanks to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas and their hard work, and I hope that this program is the first of many!