French | Filipino

Photo credit: provided by subject

My Mom is from the Philippines and my Dad is from France. They met in Saudi Arabia, my Mom was a nurse in a military hospital and my Dad was there for work. My Mom was traveling before meeting my Father, his French accent charmed her. They taught me tolerance, respect and love. 

I grew up with two totally different identities. I was born in France, with a European life. My Mom is my hero, she taught me and my sister good manners, I am lucky to have the life I have. I think when choosing a partner, I would want them to have the same spirit of my Mom, and her good soul. My Mom taught me what makes you different makes you stronger, people will remember you based on who you are. My family have never been against interracial relationships. My grandparents, both French and Filipino knew that love is not a race. Love is love, no matter where you are from.

My Mom, she's my superhero. My Dad was sick before I was born, he had multiple sclerosis. He has two sons with his previous wife. Before my sister and me. My Mom took care of all of the family; my Grandad, my ill Father as well as me and my sister & my 2 big brothers. Growing up I never saw my Mom or Dad complain. They were really strong. My Dad passed away 13 years ago, when I was 15. I realise now, how it was so difficult for them, especially for my Dad. To see your own children give you food, change the clothes, clean him. At the end he couldn’t do anything with anyone. But for me I always felt we grew up like a normal family. My identity will be different today without the upbringing I had. It makes me so respectful and also resilient. I try never to complain. When you grow up with parents like this you can only admire them. Of course there are little things I would change if I could, but when you are kids sometimes you don't realise the situation. They shared so much love, they are my superheroes. 

After my Dad passed away we went to the Philippines to see where my Mom grew up and see all the family, we couldn’t visit before as it was dangerous for him in case of infection. I could see my Mom was right, we were lucky my sister and I. But now I see Filipino people are some of the beautiful people I have ever met in my life. I can see where my Moms power is from. They have the minimum and they are the happiest people in the world. They spread love and respect, the food is amazing too!

I would never change any part of me, I’m proud of my roots and upbringing. I work at Soho House. I'm lucky to work in a place where everyone is welcome. So, for me never mind what you are into or where you are from, it’s the personality of the people that counts. 

If I had the opportunity to be reborn I would return as the last baby of my line, I wish to share the soul I have and the perspective of it. I believe in destiny and karma. And I repeat My Mom, the superhero.