You ever wonder what other cultures are like? What traditions they hold? Let’s dive in and see what Lyndale Bondoc,  junior, had to say about her Filipino background.  “Our country was colonized by Spaniards; that’s why our language connects back to Spanish,” Lyndale explained.  

There are over 100 languages in the Philippines for each little part of the country. Lyndale’s family knows two languages where they’re from: Tagalog (which is the main language), and Kapangpang. Filipinos are very family oriented and mainly follow the Catholic religion. Filipinos are very friendly, and value close relationships with their friends and family! “Our culture is very involved in musical aspects, like a majority plays lively popular instruments, we sing, and dance, all that fun stuff,” Lyndale said. A traditional dance is called Tinkling where people coordinate with bamboo sticks sliding on the floor. 

Lyndale explained how her life has been different in the U.S. than how it was in the Philippines. “Some major differences I noticed is that a lot of families and close friends lived in the same place and were very close and connected to each other’s homes.” It took Lyndale a while to adapt in America at a young age, she felt the Philippines are more friendly, and comforting.

The weather was hot and humid most of the time. “It did seem less clean in the Philippines.  In some areas I lived in, I rarely ever saw cars driving around the street, because most people mainly used motorcycles and tricycles to go places.” Lyndale’s favorite Filipino dish is called Kare Kare.  It is a dish filled with a peanut butter sauce. Some well-known dishes are Adobo, and Pancit. Lyndale’s mom makes it regularly.  Another popular dish is Lechon, which is a roasted pig. “The food was better in the Philippines, it’s not really the same in the U.S. when it comes to Filipino dishes, in my opinion,” Lyndale said.

When Lyndale came to America, learning English was something new to her, she had been put into a speech class. Lyndale explained how frustrating it was, and she didn’t think it would be a good idea to be in America. “There were some students I met in my speech class who I made friends with, others were nice to me, there were some instances where they were making fun of me. I didn’t realize it until I fully grasped onto learning English fluently.”   After she had learned fluently, she then started to realize the things kids would say to bring her down.  “I never realized I was different from others, but when I started noticing people bringing me down for being and looking different, I did get self-conscious since I was only a little child. I had tried to fit in, but I didn’t really know how.” Because of the discrimination throughout her childhood, Lyndale never talked about her culture or where she was from because of the way others had treated her. As time went on, she started to see that being different is actually amazing! Now she is comfortable with herself. “I embrace who I am, and I have nothing to be ashamed of, and I wish I realized that sooner for myself,” Lyndale said. 

Lyndale is a part of Sahuaro’s Marching Band and Drumline. She is the Saxophone section leader, and  Assistant Drum-major. She has great pride, and spirit for her school, and always puts in effort to stay on top in school. She has come a long way, and has definitely opened other’s eyes to embrace yourself and to not let anyone bring you down for who you are and what you are!