The saying, “Home is where the heart is,” didn’t mean much to me until I grew up and started to reflect on where home is as an immigrant from the Philippines. I moved at a young age and for years I’ve been referring to the Philippines as “back home” although I haven’t visited since moving to Canada. Now that I’ve lived in Canada more than I’ve lived in the Philippines, I question myself whether it would be valid to still refer to the Philippines as “back home”. 

 

Growing up, I felt like I was living in two different worlds. The world at home was different from the world outside. Back then, it was not “cool” or at times, safe to be different so many immigrants like myself kept their traditions, values, and opinions at the safety of their home. As time went by and as the world began to be more inclusive to the beauty of our differences, we all began to realize that although we come from different backgrounds, there are more similarities we share than differences. This shift helped a lot of immigrants live out their authentic selves. However, there is still a divide amongst ourselves; an internal battle all immigrants go through when it comes to choosing which value systems we believe in the most.

 

This is becoming more and more apparent as young immigrants grow up and start to have families of their own. Nowadays, it’s common to have blended families or families that are composed of more than one culture or religion. In my own case, if my boyfriend (who is not Filipino) and I were to start our own family, we have to think about what set of values we would raise our children by. If we choose to raise our children by both of our value systems from our culture, how would we balance it out? These are the questions that are being raised in our society today as blended families for different cultures become the norm.

 

I didn’t have to worry about what they thought if I choose to adopt Canadian values because I was blessed to have a family that’s open and understanding. It’s unique and freeing to be in a country that allows for us to choose our values. I mean, there are so many different types of cultures here that being influenced by one another is bound to happen! 

 

The freedom to choose who we want to be is freedom in its purest form. When do we not feel the most free than when we’re being who we truly are! Not only do I feel lucky but I am grateful to live in a country that celebrates such freedom. After many years, I still face the obstacle of picking and choosing which set of values I want to practice and instill into my life. It’s even harder now that not only am I influenced by Filipino and Canadian values but also by my partner, friends, coworkers, and acquaintances who come from other backgrounds. It may be harder to choose from a variety of choices but this practice allows for the pursuit of one’s authentic self. Once we are acting as our most authentic self, I believe, is when we are truly at home in the sense that we are one with ourselves. The comfort and peace of being one with yourself puts a whole new meaning to the saying, “Home is where the heart is."