Last month, I took the most eye-opening and memorable trip of my life. We really are what we come from, and seeing my mom's home in the Philippines and hearing her story has given me invaluable lessons and appreciation.
I felt like I resonated with this video. I was born in London and have lived here all my life, my parents are from Kenya and Tanzania. They moved here as immigrants as well with the intention of providing their children with better lives. My parents always talked about stories of back home and their childhood, families, the freedom. But to me they were stories for the most part so I could never do justice in understanding where their joy stemmed from when talking about their life there. Last year I traveled for the first time there at 18 years and I could finally see the stories in reality, I could automatically see the happiness and freedom my parents would show when they were there, I had never seen them smile so much before. It honestly broke my heart of the thought of how much of a sacrifice it had been for them to move away from their home and family, how lonely it must have been to no longer have 10 different family members living in one street. It definitely made me have a greater appreciation for the both of them, especially my dad ❤️
I feel like you captured the sacrifice but more importantly the pride that results from immigrating to a new place and leaving everything behind, thanks for sharing your moms story it was so amazing to hear
Growing up in the Philippines and spending most of my life in the USA, I learned to treasure and appreciate life's simplicity and tiny details. I feel fortunate to have witnessed my grandparents and parents' hardships while growing up. I saw firsthand the struggles of having nothing and then gaining something. Philippines is a special place no matter the circumstances it’s a paradise for some people. It’s a humbling experience to go and see your roots
Hi Chris, I just returned from my father's hometown of Barcelona Solsona, . ILOCOS NORTE . This was my first trip to the Philippines, meeting with cousins for the first time, my father grew up in Solsona, migrated to the united states early 1930's but he never returned to the Philippines. I appreciate your story, my father left for economic reasons. I felt it was my time to make this trip in his honor. Also, I'm half Filipino and my mother was mexican. I wish you all the best. .
By saying "I've always believed in the importance of knowing and having pride in where you come from", I totally agree. I am a Mongolian who grew up in Mongolia and spent 17 years of my life there. My parents used to always share their stories and memories about their childhood and how they grew up in communism. At that time, I took it for granted and felt ashamed of my country which was absolutely wrong of me. Now I have been living in South Korea for an year, and finally realizing how much my home country meant to me. To whoever reading this, regardless of what your country has been going through or went through, please appreciate it while you are there. And thank you Chris for putting such a heartfelt and warm content.
you are a young man filled with wisdom and gratitude. you will go far, Chris. And thank you for recognizing your mother's sacrifices and journey, and her identity as yours as well. All the best!
Very nice tribute and you told your mom’s story so well. Congratulations! And continue to be proud of and love your mom, an amazing and generous woman!
Omg!! Your mom is Chavacano like my mom.. it was so cool hearing her speak.. love the video.. thank you for sharing.. one day I would like for my mom to go back home she been in the US for 45 years and never has gone back..
Thank you for sharing. My mom and I don't have the greatest relationship, but once we talked for hours about her pregnancies and it was so sweet to see how proud she was of what she endoured and the children she raised. Although sometimes it's hard to connect to her, it's so fulfilling when it happens.
Isn’t it wonderful to have roots and culture? Answers a lot of questions and doesn’t at the same time. It suddenly just feels like you belong. Good for you and your sister.
Your content is so different from most creators. Its very insightful and reflective instead of consumeristic and it makes me want to sit down and have a genuine conversation about random world topics with you lol. Keep creating!!
I am from Zamboanga and lives in the UK now, I love my hometown, life is so simple, people see you as equal, no competition totally different in big cities. We are originally from Bacolod, My dad is a soldier too and was working in Jolo and Basilan during the conflicts hence why we lived in zambo since it is closer and my mom is from Zamboanga Del Sur. I love speaking chavacano with my friends 🥹
Doing an internship and living for 3 months in the country of origin of my dad really changed my perspective on a lot of things. I also lived in a country where water coming out of the tap and electricity were not guaranteed. Things like this really forces you to check yourself
I usually never leave comments on TH-cam videos (in part because 80% of what I watch is people building catios in their garden), but did end up leaving one on your last video because as I said then, I found your outlook on technology as someone who's from the same generation as me exceptionally refreshing. And wow, this new video just pops in my feed tonight, and I've just got to leave another comment now! I was born and raised in France, but my father is also an immigrant. He is from Algeria and moved to France when he was 25, to work and build a better life. I'm also white passing and people never ever guess I'm half arab! I'm also met with doubt anytime I tell people, and for the longest time, I would just never volunteer that information to anybody because I felt like I would have to explain myself, or face biases I did not have to deal with in the first place. It's really a weird place to be in. Sometimes people say horrible things about immigrants and muslims in front of me because they don't know. And well... that sure is awkward! It's a really strange situation to be in, I feel like a silly undercover little spy sometimes. But at the end of the day, you are right, it is a privilege to be the child of an immigrant. To experience first-hand what family means not only in western culture, but in other countries, where it can be much more central to a person's identity. To feel connected to a part of the world which is alien to most people in your daily life. We live in a world where people are so scared of one another, I think it is priceless to be able to look at the globe and to know that the people who live far away are not scary strangers: they're kind, you've met them. When that bridge exists in your mind, the whole world is a much less hostile place, I think. In any case, thanks a lot for this video, this appealed to me in a way which I did not expect. Keep up the good work, I'm really rooting for this channel to grow!
Man, this is why I make videos. The fact that other people can relate and be provoked by my own feelings/thoughts is a beautiful thing. Thanks for the kind words, I hope the channel grows too haha
This is very humbling man. I am also half Filipino and half American and I feel like your Mom and my Mom they both have the same old stories that they would share when they were still younger. The only difference is that, I didn't really grow up with my Mom as she was in UK and I had to stay with my Grandmother. Thank you for sharing this side of you.
Hola, Chris! Como esta tu familia? I just want you to know that I felt healed after watching your video. I'm going through some tough stuff with my family right now, and it's like you and your family are telling me that family matters. Kudos to your mom too, I am a nurse like her. Our job is not easy and for her to raise her entire family is beyond difficult. Mabuhay kayo, and may you continue making inspiring videos in the future.
hi buddy, this is such a heart warming story. boy, you have a very excellent way of story telling. very wonderful narrative of a son's love for his mama. kudos to you chris & more nice content in your vlog.
It’s hard being Filipino-American! We don’t have that sense of connection. But connecting and learning about our culture, it gives us that sense of self and connection.
@ Christofu I started at least five times trying to put my feelings together in words so I could leave a comment that actually makes sense. I failed at that. And it's unbelievable and unexpected to me that I'm feeling ultra emotional from watching this video. So I guess it's best for me to just say thank you for sharing. And thank you to your family for sharing with us.
omggg i knew you because of your video about how deleting social media greatly impacted you and that video gave me a huge boost of motivation to do it also!! and now, im soooo surprised that you’re a half filipino cause i am a filipino too!!
The truth is. Many of us Filipinos are more aware of the world than most americans. The fact that we are exposed to american media, we use and study english all our lives, and more filipinos are spread around the world, really develop in us a more wholistic view of the world despite living in a developing country. Compared to americans who grew up ignorant of the philippines or even other countries, who lived their whole lives living only in america, and only closely enclosed in america's own bubble. Being a Filipino, growing in the philppines, i believe has more disadvantage than being american raised Filipino. So you are right, there is no need to pity us, we know more about life and the world than most of you guys. The only big advantage you have against us is that you earn more than us, not necessarily bcuz you work harder or are better than us, but because your country has a better economy.
Chavacano de Zamboanga (mixed of Spanish and Visayan)...there are other Chavacano varieties all over the Philippines..e.g Chavacano de Cavite (Spanish-Tagalog mix), Chavacano de Ternate (Spanish-Tagalog).
@@nunyabiznes33 True. Apart from Zamboangueño, only the Caviteño and the sub-variant Ternateño still gasping for life. Well, if the speakers will not do something to preserve them, that 2 Tagalog mixed creoles will die out.
You cannot force someone to speak other language. Yes, Tagalog or Filipino (as the standardized Tagalog) was taught in school for non-Tagalog native speakers BUT Chavacano is her native language, NOT Tagalog. Their content, Their language. The Tagalogs are not the center of the Philippines that the others should please them.
Hi, I love this video soo much. You’re soo lucky to have such family. Please treasure it as much as possible, not all people got to experience that kind of family. 🥹🫶🏼
I felt like I resonated with this video. I was born in London and have lived here all my life, my parents are from Kenya and Tanzania. They moved here as immigrants as well with the intention of providing their children with better lives. My parents always talked about stories of back home and their childhood, families, the freedom. But to me they were stories for the most part so I could never do justice in understanding where their joy stemmed from when talking about their life there. Last year I traveled for the first time there at 18 years and I could finally see the stories in reality, I could automatically see the happiness and freedom my parents would show when they were there, I had never seen them smile so much before. It honestly broke my heart of the thought of how much of a sacrifice it had been for them to move away from their home and family, how lonely it must have been to no longer have 10 different family members living in one street. It definitely made me have a greater appreciation for the both of them, especially my dad ❤️
I feel like you captured the sacrifice but more importantly the pride that results from immigrating to a new place and leaving everything behind, thanks for sharing your moms story it was so amazing to hear
Growing up in the Philippines and spending most of my life in the USA, I learned to treasure and appreciate life's simplicity and tiny details. I feel fortunate to have witnessed my grandparents and parents' hardships while growing up. I saw firsthand the struggles of having nothing and then gaining something. Philippines is a special place no matter the circumstances it’s a paradise for some people. It’s a humbling experience to go and see your roots
The euphoric feeling when I finish watching every video of yours is impossible to express with words. Great vid
Secret why Filipinos are resilient and happy despite of many challenges, they Pray,family values are important
Hi Chris,
I just returned from my father's hometown of Barcelona Solsona, . ILOCOS NORTE . This was my first trip to the Philippines, meeting with cousins for the first time, my father grew up in Solsona, migrated to the united states early 1930's but he never returned to the Philippines. I appreciate your story, my father left for economic reasons. I felt it was my time to make this trip in his honor. Also, I'm half Filipino and my mother was mexican. I wish you all the best. .
Hi! How was your trip?
omg i’m from ilocos norte too
Hope you enjoyed the Philippines
Wow, your father migrated to the us early 1930??? Yall must be rich rich😮
By saying "I've always believed in the importance of knowing and having pride in where you come from", I totally agree. I am a Mongolian who grew up in Mongolia and spent 17 years of my life there. My parents used to always share their stories and memories about their childhood and how they grew up in communism. At that time, I took it for granted and felt ashamed of my country which was absolutely wrong of me. Now I have been living in South Korea for an year, and finally realizing how much my home country meant to me. To whoever reading this, regardless of what your country has been going through or went through, please appreciate it while you are there. And thank you Chris for putting such a heartfelt and warm content.
Chris, we are so happy you were able to visit us here in the Philipines, hope to see you again next time. We miss you❤ gracias
you are a young man filled with wisdom and gratitude. you will go far, Chris. And thank you for recognizing your mother's sacrifices and journey, and her identity as yours as well. All the best!
Very nice tribute and you told your mom’s story so well. Congratulations! And continue to be proud of and love your mom, an amazing and generous woman!
I cried a bucket full🥹 so heartwarming. Your mom is very selfless. Happy Mother’s Day po.
so beautiful and thoughtful, your mom + your family are lovely x
What a lovely video, Chris! It made me emotional; such beautiful sentiments. Your mom must be proud of you, too..
Omg!! Your mom is Chavacano like my mom.. it was so cool hearing her speak.. love the video.. thank you for sharing.. one day I would like for my mom to go back home she been in the US for 45 years and never has gone back..
Thank you for sharing. My mom and I don't have the greatest relationship, but once we talked for hours about her pregnancies and it was so sweet to see how proud she was of what she endoured and the children she raised. Although sometimes it's hard to connect to her, it's so fulfilling when it happens.
Isn’t it wonderful to have roots and culture? Answers a lot of questions and doesn’t at the same time. It suddenly just feels like you belong. Good for you and your sister.
such a bless u suddenly appear in my recommendation this is so fresh Chris!
What a beautiful story, and so beautifully told as well.
Your content is so different from most creators. Its very insightful and reflective instead of consumeristic and it makes me want to sit down and have a genuine conversation about random world topics with you lol. Keep creating!!
Haha, aw this means the world. I will! Lots of ideas cooking up in my mind haha
@@christ0fu Seriously, you have amazing content! So fun to watch.
Your mom is adorable so as your family. I love this video so much 💕
Immigrant parents are superheroes! You told your mother’s story beautifully.😎👸🏻
Belated Happy Mother's Day to your mother, Christopher! 🥰
I am from Zamboanga and lives in the UK now, I love my hometown, life is so simple, people see you as equal, no competition totally different in big cities. We are originally from Bacolod, My dad is a soldier too and was working in Jolo and Basilan during the conflicts hence why we lived in zambo since it is closer and my mom is from Zamboanga Del Sur. I love speaking chavacano with my friends 🥹
Hi :) I'm Cherish (22 from London). I am so grateful to have stumbled across your channel. Your videos are beautifully authentic!
Welcome! Glad you're here
This made me cry because I lost my mom last year this month this very week. We had so many memories
Great video and journey. Thank you. 👏🏻👏🏻
Doing an internship and living for 3 months in the country of origin of my dad really changed my perspective on a lot of things. I also lived in a country where water coming out of the tap and electricity were not guaranteed. Things like this really forces you to check yourself
I was puzzled for a moment, I thought she was speaking Spanish until I read the comment section. Your local language is so good.
I usually never leave comments on TH-cam videos (in part because 80% of what I watch is people building catios in their garden), but did end up leaving one on your last video because as I said then, I found your outlook on technology as someone who's from the same generation as me exceptionally refreshing.
And wow, this new video just pops in my feed tonight, and I've just got to leave another comment now!
I was born and raised in France, but my father is also an immigrant. He is from Algeria and moved to France when he was 25, to work and build a better life. I'm also white passing and people never ever guess I'm half arab! I'm also met with doubt anytime I tell people, and for the longest time, I would just never volunteer that information to anybody because I felt like I would have to explain myself, or face biases I did not have to deal with in the first place. It's really a weird place to be in. Sometimes people say horrible things about immigrants and muslims in front of me because they don't know. And well... that sure is awkward! It's a really strange situation to be in, I feel like a silly undercover little spy sometimes.
But at the end of the day, you are right, it is a privilege to be the child of an immigrant. To experience first-hand what family means not only in western culture, but in other countries, where it can be much more central to a person's identity. To feel connected to a part of the world which is alien to most people in your daily life. We live in a world where people are so scared of one another, I think it is priceless to be able to look at the globe and to know that the people who live far away are not scary strangers: they're kind, you've met them. When that bridge exists in your mind, the whole world is a much less hostile place, I think.
In any case, thanks a lot for this video, this appealed to me in a way which I did not expect. Keep up the good work, I'm really rooting for this channel to grow!
Man, this is why I make videos. The fact that other people can relate and be provoked by my own feelings/thoughts is a beautiful thing. Thanks for the kind words, I hope the channel grows too haha
This is very humbling man. I am also half Filipino and half American and I feel like your Mom and my Mom they both have the same old stories that they would share when they were still younger. The only difference is that, I didn't really grow up with my Mom as she was in UK and I had to stay with my Grandmother. Thank you for sharing this side
of you.
beautiful video, greetings from chile
wow she’s so fluent in speaking Chavacano, a pure zambangueña.
i loved your vid talking about social media minimalism and I just learned that you are half-filipino 🤗 hope u enjoy your stay here in Ph
Hola, Chris! Como esta tu familia? I just want you to know that I felt healed after watching your video. I'm going through some tough stuff with my family right now, and it's like you and your family are telling me that family matters. Kudos to your mom too, I am a nurse like her. Our job is not easy and for her to raise her entire family is beyond difficult. Mabuhay kayo, and may you continue making inspiring videos in the future.
hi buddy, this is such a heart warming story. boy, you have a very excellent way of story telling. very wonderful narrative of a son's love for his mama. kudos to you chris & more nice content in your vlog.
Thank you! I'm glad I could share my mom and I's story.
This is a great vlog.
I hope you have a wonderful stay😊🎉
It’s hard being Filipino-American! We don’t have that sense of connection. But connecting and learning about our culture, it gives us that sense of self and connection.
such a great movie
This is beautiful and so is your mom ❤ 15:28
Your mom is still fluent in chavacaco (Spanish creol).
@ Christofu
I started at least five times trying to put my feelings together in words so I could leave a comment that actually makes sense. I failed at that. And it's unbelievable and unexpected to me that I'm feeling ultra emotional from watching this video. So I guess it's best for me to just say thank you for sharing. And thank you to your family for sharing with us.
I'm moved that you're moved. I'm glad I could share my story
Timely story for Mother's Day
Nice. 👍💯
Whoah, you have some Fil blood too. Cool!
❤❤❤❤❤❤
omggg i knew you because of your video about how deleting social media greatly impacted you and that video gave me a huge boost of motivation to do it also!! and now, im soooo surprised that you’re a half filipino cause i am a filipino too!!
after watching this vid, it melted my heart and i almost cried TT
this video really made my day kuya chris, im grateful that i stumbled to the one of your videos last night :)
Iba ba itong Zambuanga sa Zamboanga!? ✌️
i love u
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Zamboanga City ata lol
ZAMBOANGA CITY
very similar to spanish
How come you never visited Ph for 18years?
The truth is. Many of us Filipinos are more aware of the world than most americans. The fact that we are exposed to american media, we use and study english all our lives, and more filipinos are spread around the world, really develop in us a more wholistic view of the world despite living in a developing country. Compared to americans who grew up ignorant of the philippines or even other countries, who lived their whole lives living only in america, and only closely enclosed in america's own bubble. Being a Filipino, growing in the philppines, i believe has more disadvantage than being american raised Filipino. So you are right, there is no need to pity us, we know more about life and the world than most of you guys. The only big advantage you have against us is that you earn more than us, not necessarily bcuz you work harder or are better than us, but because your country has a better economy.
What language your mom speaking? It not tagalog. Sounds mostly spanish
Chavacano de Zamboanga (mixed of Spanish and Visayan)...there are other Chavacano varieties all over the Philippines..e.g Chavacano de Cavite (Spanish-Tagalog mix), Chavacano de Ternate (Spanish-Tagalog).
@@jboycaceres2871so I heard. Apparently tho many of the creole have died out and only Chavacano Zamboanga remain in widespread use.
@@nunyabiznes33 True. Apart from Zamboangueño, only the Caviteño and the sub-variant Ternateño still gasping for life. Well, if the speakers will not do something to preserve them, that 2 Tagalog mixed creoles will die out.
That is Chavacano. If you can speak Spanish, then you can understand 80% of Chavacano.
Why you speaking Spanish??? Tagalog po pwede na. Usus.
They’re speaking Chavacano, not Spanish.
Still. Tagalog is enough.
@@bertauckland2392no it is not they are speaking their native language tagalog is not enough
You cannot force someone to speak other language. Yes, Tagalog or Filipino (as the standardized Tagalog) was taught in school for non-Tagalog native speakers BUT Chavacano is her native language, NOT Tagalog. Their content, Their language. The Tagalogs are not the center of the Philippines that the others should please them.
Get cultured
Hi, I love this video soo much. You’re soo lucky to have such family. Please treasure it as much as possible, not all people got to experience that kind of family. 🥹🫶🏼