12/06/2026
I’m a perfect example of a Filipino Third Culture Kid born and raised in the UAE. English was my dominant language growing up. I didn’t study in a Filipino school, and I didn’t have a traditional upbringing since I was born and raised outside the Philippines.
Still, there were moments when I was surrounded by a larger Filipino community—like Miss Teen Philippines events, Independence Day celebrations at Al Nasr Leisureland back in the day, YFC gatherings, and even ballroom lessons for OFW kids, which were so popular from the early 2000s onward.
I grew up knowing bits and pieces of my culture and traditions. Not because I didn’t want to learn or because my parents didn’t teach me, but because they wanted me to assimilate into the melting pot that is the UAE. This was the country they saw themselves living in long-term; it was a way to adapt and survive.
Even though I grew up surrounded by so many other nationalities—studying in an Indian and later British schools, and even being raised Austrian/Emirati by my second family—my Filipino identity stayed strong.
Over the years, trips back to the motherland and social media have helped me bridge the gap—reconnecting me with our food, fashion, pop culture, and modern-day OPM.
I'm proud of my roots and will never forget where I came from. Here's to more adventures and falling in love with my home all over again.
Happy Independence Day, Philippines! 🇵🇭
Love,
The Lil' K-Town (Karama) girl from South Manila
Side Note: It was so cool to see the Emirates loves Philippines video I was featured in during the Kalayaan 2026! 🥹
