Can an Ilocano immigrant achieve the American Dream?

[gr8-one]

I want to believe - "brown-skinned people are minimum-waged people" - as just a clich?, but there seems to be a reality on the phrase. Take Hawaii for instance, probably one of the largest concentration of Filipinos in the US.

Although there are indeed Ilocano/Fil blood (who, by the way, are living the American Dream) running in the veins of the Hawaii legislature, the number of Filipino laborers is among (if not) the largest in the state. You go to a fast food resto and you will almost always see a Filipina(o) on the counter.

I guess a better question is: "How does an Ilocano immigrant achieve the "American Dream?"

[Roldan]

Siguro gr8-one, nasaysayaat no maamuan tayo nga umuna no ania ti "American Dream" nga makuna. Saan ngata?

[Anakin Skywalker]

Big cars, big house, stable, high-paying job, yearly vacation to the Carribeans and other exotic places. That my friend is the America Dream - and Anakin's Dream. But I don't know when it will be realized. :) :) :)

[dynamiclinklibrary]

Is there such thing as a Filipino Dream? curious!

[Greggy]

I think this is a very interesting issue/topic and I would like to offer an explanation.

As much as I would like to be fair and contrite, I'm not a scholar or a guru and so I would like to warn you that this is just my simple and personal opinion and should not be taken againts me.

Most Filipinos, especially Ilocanos have relatives in the United States. Immigration is a fairly easy process: As long as you have relatives there, you can hope that someday, somehow you'll be able to join them. And this is done through the so-called "petisyon."

Because immigrating to the US does not require one to have a high level of education (as in any other country I suppose), anyone can petition his/her relative. And the relative who was "petitioned" will "petition" his son, and the son will go to PI and marry his girlfriend and eventually petition her. Then she'll petisyon her parents and then the parents petition their 70-90 year old parents and so on...

So you see, there is a "domino effect" here and sooner or later, Filipinos will comprise the largest ethnic community in the US.

So those Filipinos who came to the US without education, will have to settle for the "minimum-waged jobs" at McDonald's. And believe it or not, many are contented with what some might consider new-found luck. They don't dream.

And they don't "think outside the bun.":)

[gr8-one]

Furhter to your post (Greggy), I've heard people say "Ay! Apay aya nga agbasa ka pay laeng ket mapan kanto la ngrud idiay America'n?" I don't see any point here but sad to say that this happens. And this probably explains why a lot of Filipinos come here without education. Not to mention the many "old folks" (70-90 somethingers).

I've seen older Filipinos sweeping floors in malls and other jobs you'd think are too hard for their age. And I've heard people say, "Why in the world did they ever come here just to do this kind of jobs?"

But can we really blame them?

Filipinos in general believe America is a land of oppurtunities. We are right. I for one don't condemn these people because our motherland are struggling to provide them even with this kinds of jobs.

I guess the bottomline is, we all have dreams. The only question is what is it?

[TCardona]

... or, "Where do you want to be after so much years?"

Everyone dream big dreams - who doesn't, and people do things to attain these dreams in different ways. Some take the short cut, some misses it.

Para kanyak laeng, maragpat tayo iti arapaap tayo no la ketdi buyugan tayo met babaen iti disiplina ken panangipa-pusom iti trabaho uray ania iti klase na (pwera dagitay dakes nga pangwartaan a).

[Ayyong]

Adu dagiti Ilocano nga adda met nga talaga nga "kunkunada". Kina-agpayo na ket adu met dagiti abaken da nga pupuraw no kinasayaat iti panagbiag iti pagsasarita-an. Uray man ket saan ka nga naka-adal idiay Pilipinas nu agtrabaho ka. Agtaraken ka no maanusam. Haan mo nga ibain iti trabahom nga minimum wage nataneng la ketdi. Kitam no di ka agakup iti dolyar uray minimum wage lang nga makuna. No maurnong ay ket umadu met sika. :)

[BenLopez]

Uray met asino ket arapaap na dagita. Financial security is every family's concern. Haan lang met nga Amerikano, pati Pinoy di ngata?

[CLONED]

Madaawannak ngamin ta mapan kayo pay laeng dita. Dikay latta agyan ditoyen ta pa-pao-itan ka lattan! Nasay-sayaat pay iti biag mo ditoyen ta adda monthly'm. Uray haan ka nga agtrabahon, kasla tay am-ammok. Kanayon nga B-1 ken galyera!!! :) :) :)

[TCardona]

People can't "think outside the bun" because they are sometimes limited by their knowledge and capabilities.

What they should do is try to complement whatever education they have and enroll in short term programs. There are a lot of state-sponsored programs here in Hawaii that aims to help new-immigrants or "bagong-salta" to find jobs "outside of the bun".

[Roldan]

I wish successful Ilocanos can share their stories by, maybe writing a book, detailing how they managed to succeed in a completely different environment so that others like us can succeed, too.
It would be good if one of these days or in the near future I?d walk into a bookstore and find something like: ?How an Ilocano Immigrant attained the American Dream?.

What do you think, huh, successful Ilocanos?

[gr8-one]

Kunam TCardona ket nag-WorkHawaii ak nga immuna. Adu met nga talaga iti natulungan da ken uray no haan ka nga new immigrant tulungan da ka latta. Libre, ited da amin (most of it) ti masapul mo no agbasa ka.

[gr8-one]

Ala ngarud Roldan, irugi mon ti agsurat iti librom tapno maamuan mi met iti sekretom. Ania ti ammom amangan no agbalin nga best-seller dayta librom. Sukatam laeng diay title na iti kastoy: "How an Immigrant attained the American Dream".

Ikkatem diay "Ilocano" na tapno amin nga immigran ket basaen da.

"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" nabasamon?

[Alistair]

"Brown-skinned people" does not only pertain to Filipinos but to other nationalities as well, like most asians, even latinos.

I believe that the younger you got into the US, the greater your chances to achieve this so-called dream. Of course there will always be barriers such as language, climate and other cultural or natural barriers.

As a youngster you will have more time to adjust to your adapted country, and you can go to school. Work your way to college and get a degree because there is no other easy way to financial security/success than having the right education. There are a countless immigrants (not only Japanese, Italians or Irish immigrants) who achieved the dream.

So can an Ilocano immigrant be successful in another country? Of course :)

[Windoc]

Madaawannak ngamin ta mapan kayo pay laeng dita. Dikay latta agyan ditoyen ta pa-pao-itan ka lattan! Nasay-sayaat pay iti biag mo ditoyen ta adda monthly'm. Uray haan ka nga agtrabahon, kasla tay am-ammok. Kanayon nga B-1 ken galyera!!! :) :) :)
Husto ka, Cloned.
Ammom dagitay kaarrubak idiay Bacarra nga adda kabagyan na idiay US, naka-Van kada naka big bike da. No agsasarita kami ket aspiraran da la unay met ti makapan idiay.
Kuna diay classmate ko nga adda idiay US ket narigat kano. Atiwek kano pay ta adda "katulong" ko nga para laba kada para luto. Isuna ket awan ta isunto pay lang ti agluto inton sumangpet piman. Ti la pagsayaatan na ket push-button amin nga gamit da ngem no nam-ay, haan nga paatiw tay nabati nga kabagian ni taga Amerika. :lol: :lol:

[BB-M]

Ti pagarup tayo ngamin ket paraiso ti America.

Talaga nga nanamnam-ay dagitay adda dita Pilipinas nga adda kabagyan na ditoy US ta tay kas kunayon, adda "monthly" da. Ma-spoiled da iti dollar ket gapu iti kasta, siyempre ti ammoda no isuda iti adda iti America ad-adunto manen iti dolyar da a ta adda da la ngarud ditoyen. Ti ammoda nalaka iti agsapul.

Maka-ala ka aya iti katulong mo ditoy?

[AoteaRoa]

Nu maminsan basol tay adda abroad ta "spoilen" na met diay kabayan na. Husto koma met ta sagpaminsanen a. :)

[Anakin Skywalker]

gr8-one,

"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki, they say is a BIG LIE!

Taga-Hawaii ket isuna, di ngamin?

[Kilroy]

It's not a question of "How can or how does?"

It's a question of: "Do you have what it takes?"

[gr8-one]

Mr. Roboto (Kilroy), nice avatar! :)

[Anakin Skywalker]

Some people fail financially because they don't know how to balance their checkbooks and they just doesn't have the knowledge of handling their money.

If all of us have good money-managing skills we would be able to live comfortably even if you are a street-sweeper.

[sadiri]

Dagiti 5 nga aramidem tapno naragragsak iti panagbiag

1. Balance Your Checkbook
2. Save 5% of what you make
3. Make A Will (as opposed to make a wish)
4. Donate to Charity
5. Talk to your partner on what you plan to charge

:) :) :)

[FlushedMX]

You mean "Financially", right? Otherwise
I think you missed one very important thing.

[Greggy]

Dagiti 5 nga aramidem tapno naragragsak iti panagbiag

1. Balance Your Checkbook
2. Save 5% of what you make
3. Make A Will (as opposed to make a wish)
4. Donate to Charity
5. Talk to your partner on what you plan to charge

:) :) :)

- I don't need to balance my checkbook if I work at McDonald's
- If I save 5%, nothing is left of my paycheck
- What should I put in my will if I live from paycheck to paycheck?
- I already saved 5%, the rest went to my day-to-day expenses. There's nothing left to charity :)
- Charge? Don't even think about it! :)

[Windoc]

Just because one works at fastfood restaurant does not mean he does not need to balance his checkbook.

When I was in college, I worked as bus boy in a restaurant but I didn't have to. The extra money helped me a lot but more than that, I was having fun and having free lunches :)

What do you know, that is only his/her part-time job? Let us not subject them to humiliation.....

[Ayyong]

Uray ania nga trabaho no legal mayat latta. Uray para punas ka laeng iti lamisaan dita restaoran. Ti madi ket diay agtakaw ka.

[Greggy]

Please pardon me, I don't intend to hurt or humiliate anyone. I am merely responding to sadiri's post. Okay, let's just say I am playing 'Hotshot".

My apologies!

[TCardona]

You don't need to apologize but it is accepted :) :)

[BB-M]

If an Ilocano immigrant dreams, it wouldn't be american dream but rather, it would Ilocano dream.

So...
Can an Ilocano immigrant achieve the American Dream?[/quote]
NO.

Can an Ilocano immigrant achieve the Ilocano Dream?
YES.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[CUPID]

Madaawannak ngamin ta mapan kayo pay laeng dita. Dikay latta agyan ditoyen ta pa-pao-itan ka lattan! Nasay-sayaat pay iti biag mo ditoyen ta adda monthly'm. Uray haan ka nga agtrabahon, kasla tay am-ammok. Kanayon nga B-1 ken galyera!!! :) :) :)

daytoy tay kunakon...ti impagarup dagiti nabati nga kapamilya dagitay immay nagabroad ket kasla akupen ti kwarta ditoy abroad. nu aggastu da (saan met amin nga tao ket kastoy, ngem majority ket kastoy) ket todo-todo...madida met ngarud ammo nga kakaasi diay kapamilya da nga agtrabtrabaho ti nasursurok ngem walo nga oras tapno adda la maited na kanyada...

[CUPID]

It's not a question of "How can or how does?"

It's a question of: "Do you have what it takes?"

this is so true. do you have what it takes?

american dream = financial success (big house/nice car/vacation/management level position at your job/have your own sucessful business, etc...)

[CUPID]

Ti pagarup tayo ngamin ket paraiso ti America.

Talaga nga nanamnam-ay dagitay adda dita Pilipinas nga adda kabagyan na ditoy US ta tay kas kunayon, adda "monthly" da. Ma-spoiled da iti dollar ket gapu iti kasta, siyempre ti ammoda no isuda iti adda iti America ad-adunto manen iti dolyar da a ta adda da la ngarud ditoyen. Ti ammoda nalaka iti agsapul.

Maka-ala ka aya iti katulong mo ditoy?

isu man ngarud ti kunak...

[Anakin Skywalker]

I don't think anyone's intent is to humiliate anyone.
I believe Greggy is "merely" responding to posts and that his words were just taken out of context.

This is indeed a very interesting topic - and sensitive as well considering its implications to fellow ilocano immigrants.

The way I see it, the field of healthcare is by far the easiest and most lucrative profession an Ilocano immigrant should try to undertake - that is, if "you have what it takes" as Kilroy says.

Come to think of it, everybody gets sick. :lol:

[Roldan]

Sensitive no sensitive but why can't we just "think outside the bun".
Naimas ngamin ket. :lol:

[Anakin Skywalker]

Is that a question or just a statement? :)

[Roldan]

It's supposed to be a question but never mind.

I would like to add to your post.
The american workforce is starting to get older, soon the baby-boomers will retire and demand for healthcare providers will rise isunga husto ta kunam nga lucrative ti healthcare business.
Uray agilo kan iti kimmot okay lattan!

[gr8-one]

Hmmm, wen, ditoy Hawaii nagadu iti Filipinos nga "agtartaraken" ket nagdadakkel iti bal-balay da. Kasla mansion.
Ngem nu "agtaraken" ka nga kunada, american dream pay ngarud ngata?

[TCardona]

gr8-one, ania ti plate # diay lugan mo?
gr8-1 wenno gr8-one?

Adda nakitak dita "Club Femme Nu" idi rabi-i. Idi naminsan adda met nakitak nga kasta manen dita "Aloha Tower"?

[gr8-one]

Ania aya diay nakitam?
Lokom, haanak nga map-mapan dita "Club Femme NU?" pare. :lol:
Naasawaan da taon sika. :mrgreen:

[TCardona]

haan nak nga sigurado ta nasipnget ngem kasla met circa '75 nga brazilla?

Hehehe. :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Onimusha]

It's supposed to be a question but never mind.

I would like to add to your post.
The american workforce is starting to get older, soon the baby-boomers will retire and demand for healthcare providers will rise isunga husto ta kunam nga lucrative ti healthcare business.
Uray agilo kan iti kimmot okay lattan!
Hehehe, panagilo gayam ti kimmot ti American Dream aya?

[Alfe]

Ilocano migrant can achieve an American Dream(Australian Dream) if they know how...kasla koma ti panagbudget, kitaem dagitay mas importante nga kasapulan ti inaldaw...saan nga agpangas wenno uray no saan na nga kaya ket aramiden na...ditoy Australia most of the Filipinos own their houses, uray utang pay laeng ngem kukuadanto at the end...I noticed when I went to Hawaii 9 years ago nga kaaduan ket dua wenno tallo ti trabajo ti kaaduan nga Filipino idiay...saan dan sapay nga agawawiden no dadduma...no met ditoy no adda trabjo yo nga agasawa kaya mon ti gumatang ti balay...isu na laeng a ta mabayag bassit nga bayadam. :oops:

[TCardona]

Narigat ngamin nga I-cash iti balay Alfe. Man-mano siguro iti makabael. Dayta balay ket napintas nga investment.

Nu ut-utuben no inka ag-renta samo kwentaen ket parehon to met la diay rentam ken diay mortgage mo - gumatang ka lang ti balay mon. At least adda nam-namaem nga kukuam ken bukod mo. :lol:

[Alfe]

Narigat ngamin nga I-cash iti balay Alfe. Man-mano siguro iti makabael. Dayta balay ket napintas nga investment.

Nu ut-utuben no inka ag-renta samo kwentaen ket parehon to met la diay rentam ken diay mortgage mo - gumatang ka lang ti balay mon. At least adda nam-namaem nga kukuam ken bukod mo. :lol:agpayso ta kunam gayyem...I agree 100%...

[BB-M]

Ilocano migrant can achieve an American Dream(Australian Dream) if they know how...kasla koma ti panagbudget, kitaem dagitay mas importante nga kasapulan ti inaldaw...saan nga agpangas wenno uray no saan na nga kaya ket aramiden na...ditoy Australia most of the Filipinos own their houses, uray utang pay laeng ngem kukuadanto at the end...I noticed when I went to Hawaii 9 years ago nga kaaduan ket dua wenno tallo ti trabajo ti kaaduan nga Filipino idiay...saan dan sapay nga agawawiden no dadduma...no met ditoy no adda trabjo yo nga agasawa kaya mon ti gumatang ti balay...isu na laeng a ta mabayag bassit nga bayadam. :oops:
Saan la nga trabajo iti adu kadakuada nga taga hawaii, Alfe. sg-duduwa, tallo ti balay da idiay - sbali pay tay pagtaraknan da iti tao :lol:

[gr8-one]

Siyempre BB-M.
Narigat met nu kabbalay mo dagitay taraken mo :)

Wen, umanamongak ta kunam Tusi.
Say-sayangem la dayta kuartam nu ag-renta ka.

[FlushedMX]

Apay agtar-taraken ka met gr8-one?

Ni nanang ko agtar-taraken met...
TI BABOY!!! :lol:

Pwera ang-angaw.

[brown_rice]

:idea: The "American Dream" is very vague and concentrates more on earthly/material possessions, which every human, even the Ilocano immigrant, is capable of attaining. We need details and criterias in order for us to define the "American Dream"
For the time being, the Ilocano immigrant has to face the reality, with real world problems and solutions. The Ilocano immigrant has to battle along with other immigrant/minorities to survive and live better in America and take care of his/her relatives back home as well. Now, this is more like the "Ilocano Immigrant Reality" in America. And for most every Ilocano, this is just perfect and the only dream they needed to make them feel successful, satisfied, and invaluable.

[Maharlika]

Did a google search on this so-called American Dream and the closest I got is this: http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2003/0303.florida.html
...and man is it really vague.

Sorry folks, I don't understand it either :lol:

KEEP DREAMIN'

[saluad]

the american dream mean different things to different people. the american dream, however, can be simply described as the given opportunity to achieve something which would otherwise be impossible to achieve anywhere else in the world (for example..the poor irish man who comes to america who later becomes a the grandfather to a john f. kennedy or the son of a single mother who grew up in a place called hope, arkansas and becomes president of the united states or, closer to home, the child of plantation workers who becomes the first asian-american congresswoman, the first non-caucasian governor ). how does one have such an opportunity? freedom.

immigrants come to this country, hoping and seeking a better life. because, here, they have the freedom to do it. it may take one generation to achieve the dream. it may take two. it may a hundred years - but it will happen - as long as there is a desire to achieve it. a dream will remain a dream if one does not take the initiative to make a reality.

whenever i am out and about and see the filipino - working in the hotel as a janitor, on the otherside of the counter taking my order, or doing the landscaping in some kahala mansion - i feel inspired. why? because, as someone who people might consider as having achieved some semblance of the american dream, i feel i owe it to them to do well in my chosen career - to make them feel proud - that they're sacrifices do not go unnoticed. so don't be dismayed if you see more filipino's in the "fields" than in the "mansions" - there will be a day.

how do you get there? start with the youth. inspire them to go to school, do well, achieve, and aspire for greatness. if you're a parent - be a parent. if you're the kid - you owe it to your parents or grandparents who sacrificed coming to america - to give them something to be proud of.

just some thoughts.

[Onimusha]

the american dream mean different things to different people. the american dream, however, can be simply described as the given opportunity to achieve something which would otherwise be impossible to achieve anywhere else in the world (for example..the poor irish man who comes to america who later becomes a the grandfather to a john f. kennedy or the son of a single mother who grew up in a place called hope, arkansas and becomes president of the united states or, closer to home, the child of plantation workers who becomes the first asian-american congresswoman, the first non-caucasian governor ). how does one have such an opportunity? freedom.

immigrants come to this country, hoping and seeking a better life. because, here, they have the freedom to do it. it may take one generation to achieve the dream. it may take two. it may a hundred years - but it will happen - as long as there is a desire to achieve it. a dream will remain a dream if one does not take the initiative to make a reality.

whenever i am out and about and see the filipino - working in the hotel as a janitor, on the otherside of the counter taking my order, or doing the landscaping in some kahala mansion - i feel inspired. why? because, as someone who people might consider as having achieved some semblance of the american dream, i feel i owe it to them to do well in my chosen career - to make them feel proud - that they're sacrifices do not go unnoticed. so don't be dismayed if you see more filipino's in the "fields" than in the "mansions" - there will be a day.

how do you get there? start with the youth. inspire them to go to school, do well, achieve, and aspire for greatness. if you're a parent - be a parent. if you're the kid - you owe it to your parents or grandparents who sacrificed coming to america - to give them something to be proud of.

just some thoughts.
This is everything I need to know about the American Dream.
Very insightful and I am so touched by every line and everything in between.

Thank You!

[gr8-one]

Very insightful indeed.

whenever i am out and about and see the filipino - working in the hotel as a janitor, on the otherside of the counter taking my order, or doing the landscaping in some kahala mansion - i feel inspired. why? because, as someone who people might consider as having achieved some semblance of the american dream, i feel i owe it to them to do well in my chosen career - to make them feel proud - that they're sacrifices do not go unnoticed. so don't be dismayed if you see more filipino's in the "fields" than in the "mansions" - there will be a day.
While I am not dismayed by Filipinos working difficult, manual labor, I don't feel inspired either. Please don't get me wrong but I (or any Filipino who hvae attained a considerable success in their chosen fields for that matter), don't think I owe it to them why we've made this far.

I believe it should be the other way around. Seeing their fellow Filipinos who are successful should inspire them to do better instead and not just say, Ala, lalaingem ta ilalaem na kami ngarud.

Just a note: I am not successful in my career that is why when I see Filipinos who I believed have achieved the American Dream - I feel the urge to do better and try to at least better my life.

I agree that "there will be a day", and each time we try to inspire ourselves by what others have accomplished in their lives - that day gets closer in sight.

Sulong Ilocanos/Filipinos!

[Quite_Slurp]

Nu maminsan, dagitay nadagsen ti trabaho na ti adu iti kuarta na. Isu nga saan tayo koma lalangen isuda ta amangan no ad-adu iti kuarta da ngem datayo :lol:

[gr8-one]

Nu maminsan, dagitay nadagsen ti trabaho na ti adu iti kuarta na. Isu nga saan tayo koma lalangen isuda ta amangan no ad-adu iti kuarta da ngem datayo :lol:
Husto ka met ditoy, QS.

[BB-M]

Obviously, the "American Dream" means a lot of different things to different people judging by what we have posted in this thread. And unless we have a consensus, or a clear understanding, a common denominator, as to what "this" really is , we may never be able to arrive at a common answer to the question, "Can an Ilocano immigrant achieve the American Dream?"

My initial understanding as to what the "American Dream" is, well, as some of you had said, "the good life": Big, fast cars, big houses, high-paying jobs, etc... These are the first things that strike my mind when someone says about someone, "That guy's living the American Dream"...

Until I read brown_rice's and especially saluad's explanation, in great depth, on their views on the "American Dream.

I also agree that we should get motivated by the success of those around us - to do better and make our lives a step higher.

MOTIVATION. I think that's what we need.

[Greggy]

Very well said, saluad.

But to be honest, I don't feel inspired when I see a fellow Filipino sweeping the floors at the mall, or cutting the tall grasses of my neighbor's humongous residence.

I feel a sense of accomplishment (for myself) disguised as sympathy (towards him).

I wish that I could be inspired as well but believe it or not, some sacrifice so much just to be able to buy some of the things that you, who have achieved some semblance of the american dream, have.

It?s not my business to criticize but on the one hand, I give them credit for going through that to be able to satisfy their whims and caprices. However, I just couldn?t draw any inspiration from someone who lives beyond his means.

[CLONED]

the american dream mean different things to different people. the american dream, however, can be simply described as the given opportunity to achieve something which would otherwise be impossible to achieve anywhere else in the world (for example..the poor irish man who comes to america who later becomes a the grandfather to a john f. kennedy or the son of a single mother who grew up in a place called hope, arkansas and becomes president of the united states or, closer to home, the child of plantation workers who becomes the first asian-american congresswoman, the first non-caucasian governor ). how does one have such an opportunity? freedom.

Does this mean we don't have enough freedom here in the Philippines because we don't have the same "great opportunities" as you have there?

[dynamiclinklibrary]

We have so much freedom that sometime opportunities are often overlooked.
Well, either that or we just don't know how to distinguish opportunity from an event and that we depend too much on luck.

[FlushedMX]

Very well said, saluad.

But to be honest, I don't feel inspired when I see a fellow Filipino sweeping the floors at the mall, or cutting the tall grasses of my neighbor's humongous residence.

I feel a sense of accomplishment (for myself) disguised as sympathy (towards him).

I wish that I could be inspired as well but believe it or not, some sacrifice so much just to be able to buy some of the things that you, who have achieved some semblance of the american dream, have.

It?s not my business to criticize but on the one hand, I give them credit for going through that to be able to satisfy their whims and caprices. However, I just couldn?t draw any inspiration from someone who lives beyond his means.
At least when they come home, you couldn't tell what they do back there.
If you know what I mean :) :)

[GenXer]

I don't know why we are making such a big issue on this.

My uncle "owns his landscaping business" and, true, he works very hard, and he makes a lot more money than my whole family combined. If the standard of living is measured in one's success in his endeavors, it is safe to say that he is way up there - even during daytime you see him at kahala mansion trimming grasses.

I don't see any reason why he, or the street-sweeper, should be faulted for what they do - they're just trying to make a living like the rest of us.

My uncle had a dream. And that dream brought him to where he is now.

[dynamiclinklibrary]

The answer to the question is either a "yes" or a "no". Is it not?

My answer is YES!

How?
GET YOURSELF AN EDUCATION!

Simple as that!

[TCardona]

We really have a difference of opinion as to what the american dream is and saluad's opinion is very broad.

Regardless, I can see that we all agree on something:
EDUCATION...

Well, then, let's keep the dream alive folks and have yourselves a very merry Christmas!!!

[FlushedMX]

I don't know why we are making such a big issue on this.

My uncle "owns his landscaping business" and, true, he works very hard, and he makes a lot more money than my whole family combined. If the standard of living is measured in one's success in his endeavors, it is safe to say that he is way up there - even during daytime you see him at kahala mansion trimming grasses.

I don't see any reason why he, or the street-sweeper, should be faulted for what they do - they're just trying to make a living like the rest of us.

My uncle had a dream. And that dream brought him to where he is now.
Agree!!!
But wait... who faulted who?

[Greggy]

I was going to ask that too!!!

[Alistair]

the american dream mean different things to different people. the american dream, however, can be simply described as the given opportunity to achieve something which would otherwise be impossible to achieve anywhere else in the world (for example..the poor irish man who comes to america who later becomes a the grandfather to a john f. kennedy or the son of a single mother who grew up in a place called hope, arkansas and becomes president of the united states or, closer to home, the child of plantation workers who becomes the first asian-american congresswoman, the first non-caucasian governor ). how does one have such an opportunity? freedom.

immigrants come to this country, hoping and seeking a better life. because, here, they have the freedom to do it. it may take one generation to achieve the dream. it may take two. it may a hundred years - but it will happen - as long as there is a desire to achieve it. a dream will remain a dream if one does not take the initiative to make a reality.

whenever i am out and about and see the filipino - working in the hotel as a janitor, on the otherside of the counter taking my order, or doing the landscaping in some kahala mansion - i feel inspired. why? because, as someone who people might consider as having achieved some semblance of the american dream, i feel i owe it to them to do well in my chosen career - to make them feel proud - that they're sacrifices do not go unnoticed. so don't be dismayed if you see more filipino's in the "fields" than in the "mansions" - there will be a day.

how do you get there? start with the youth. inspire them to go to school, do well, achieve, and aspire for greatness. if you're a parent - be a parent. if you're the kid - you owe it to your parents or grandparents who sacrificed coming to america - to give them something to be proud of.

just some thoughts.
Very nice thoughts.
Thank you for sharing.

[JOSHRAVEN]

Achieving the American dream is somewhat hard for new immigrants here because of what Filipinos was used to it when they recieve the new immigrants. Jealousy, sometimes arouse in the background and then somebody want to break you and want you down.

For a good man, remember a story of the Tree.
You have to fall, break and rotten, then rise and grow as a big tree. I was once a fruit that fall and break and beginning to grow.

[Onimusha]

I don't know why we are making such a big issue on this.

My uncle "owns his landscaping business" and, true, he works very hard, and he makes a lot more money than my whole family combined. If the standard of living is measured in one's success in his endeavors, it is safe to say that he is way up there - even during daytime you see him at kahala mansion trimming grasses.

I don't see any reason why he, or the street-sweeper, should be faulted for what they do - they're just trying to make a living like the rest of us.

My uncle had a dream. And that dream brought him to where he is now.
Agree!!!
But wait... who faulted who?
Everyone is free to express his own opinion.
We should always remember that we are not obliged to agree on anyone's post if we have a different opinion for that is the true meaning of freedom of speech. If somebody disagrees with you, show respect. That's why we have our own heads.
And besides, it would be boring if we all agree all the time, right? :lol:

[gr8-one]

Achieving the American dream is somewhat hard for new immigrants here because of what Filipinos was used to it when they recieve the new immigrants. Jealousy, sometimes arouse in the background and then somebody want to break you and want you down.

Absolutely!
Crab Mentality? Tsk, tsk!

[FlushedMX]

Wen, imbes nga tulungam nga umangat met diay kasasaad iti panagbiag tay maysa nga tao, guyuden tayo met nga ipababa.
Daytoy ng kababalin.naigamer san iti lasag tayo nga Pilipino.

[JOSHRAVEN]

Isu nga datayo kuma nga ininaudi agtitinnulong tayo kuma ta baliwan tayo tay idea nga crab mentality nga kunayo.

One faculty of MMSU once told me this: Diay kuribot nu ikkam ti sangapulo nga kappi wenno kippi samo panawan madamdama awanen ta kappi (crabs) ti kunana, dagitoy nga kappi nga nu dadduma mapagkamalian tayo nga aggiginnuyud da nga agpababa ngem saan ta aggiginnuyod da nga rumuar iti kuribot.

Ania ket ngamin rigat nan gayyem.

[gr8-one]

This never occured to me - but it's true! :)

[BB-M]

Asinno pay ti successful immigrant ditoy apo? Ala man iburay yo man dagitay inaramid yo nu kasanu kayu nga nag-succeed kas maysa nga immigrant?

[Myrna]

American Dream?.....sounds so good.. we should not belittle anybody..whatever job they have... here in the mainland..they prefer to hire Filipnos because we are hardworkers...and we show up to work on time.... as long as you know how to save, oneday you will achieve that dream...

[kryzza]

yeah, we can always achieve the american dreams, just be patient.

[wild105fm]

yes!!! definitely!!! as an on air personality here in the U.S. (DJ) i believe that anyone can achieve any dream they want to, if they put their minds to it!!! Most of the people that works in the radio station where i work for are white americans!!
THERE'S NOTHING THAT YOU CAN NOT ACCOMPLISH IF YOU WORK HARD FOR IT!!!
I'm an ilocano but i represent the greatness of one true ilocano!!!

emjay!!!

[FlushedMX]

Way to go emjay!
Keep it up! And make your fellow Ilocanos back here proud!

[zachzech]

apay gamin ana aya gamin ti american dream kunak man ta kayat amin a arapaapen? awan la ti makuna a filipino dream koma wenno ilocano dream?hehehe just asking

[dynamiclinklibrary]

Isu man pay met tay saludsod ko zachzech.
Kastoy man ti kuna da iti American Dream:

Big cars, big house, stable, high-paying job, yearly vacation to the Carribeans and other exotic places. That my friend is the America Dream - and Anakin's Dream. But I don't know when it will be realized. :) :) :)

Wet dreams diyo la kayat? Hahahaha! :lol:

[zachzech]

uray anan hehehe...sabagay libre ti arapaap...just be careful you just might get what you wish and regret it in the end...hehehe

[Anakin Skywalker]

We have so much freedom that sometime opportunities are often overlooked. That is why we need another Marcos to guide us.

[SuperGlow]

Why not...Anybody can achieve their dreams..AIM HIGH sabi nga nila...Naalala ko nuong bagong dating ako sa America...I did not have any money...I did not have anything ..Ang dala ko lang eh lakas na loob...yes lakas ng loob...I always think kung kaya nila kaya ko rin... In reality, we have to go to school , finish college and believe in yourself...Yes BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and you will go a LONG WAY...

[auree]

Adu dagiti Ilocano nga adda met nga talaga nga "kunkunada". Kina-agpayo na ket adu met dagiti abaken da nga pupuraw no kinasayaat iti panagbiag iti pagsasarita-an. Uray man ket saan ka nga naka-adal idiay Pilipinas nu agtrabaho ka. Agtaraken ka no maanusam. Haan mo nga ibain iti trabahom nga minimum wage nataneng la ketdi. Kitam no di ka agakup iti dolyar uray minimum wage lang nga makuna. No maurnong ay ket umadu met sika. :)


Husto ta kunam Ayyong. Nagaget ka la ketdi .

[gr8-one]

During my first few weeks and even months talaga maka-awawidennak met idi. Kanayon ko malaglagip idiay Ilocos. Idi kuwan nairuamakon. Anus pay ti importante.

Nagasatak ketdi ta adda nasayaat nga nagdagusak. Nu ar-arigen kasla ak ketdi nailinong nga kalding :) 8)

[elviz]

ANIA NGAMIN DAYTA AMERICAN DREAM? WHEN I FIRST SAW THE GOLDEN GATE IN SF KUNAK TI PANUNNOTKO URAY MATAYAKON NAKITAK METTEN TI AMERICA! EVERY INDIVIDUAL HAS HIS/HER OWN DREAM EITHER MATERIAL, SPIRITUAL OR WHAT HAVE YOU. NO MATERIAL TI PAGSASARITAAN NO IBAGAK NGA I'M EARNING 50 DOLLARS/HOUR DID I ACHIEVE THAT DREAM JUST BECAUSE I HAVE A NICE HOUSE , HAVE SOME EXTRA MONEY TO SENT TO THE PHILS ,CAN GET A PLANE AND GO TO CARRIBEAN WHEN EVER I WANT BUT I DID NOT GET I BACHELORS DEGREE HERE IN THE US? THE TYPICAL ILOCANO IN MY OPINION AS LONG AS THEY WERE ABLE TO HELP RELATIVES OR EVEN FRIENDS IN THE PHILS IN THEIR OWN SIMPLE WAY TO THEM THEIR DREAMS HAS BEEN FULFILLED. BASTA MAKATULONGDA FOR THEM THAT'S ENOUGH URAY NARIGAT TI BIAG DITOY KEN AWAN KATULONG.TI PANNAKA-ADDAK MO TI AMERICA IS ALREADY A DREAM.

[Hotshot]

Madaawannak ngamin ta mapan kayo pay laeng dita. Dikay latta agyan ditoyen ta pa-pao-itan ka lattan! Nasay-sayaat pay iti biag mo ditoyen ta adda monthly'm. Uray haan ka nga agtrabahon, kasla tay am-ammok. Kanayon nga B-1 ken galyera!!! :) :) :)Addan sa paspasagidam a? :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Hotshot]

Isu man pay met tay saludsod ko zachzech.
Kastoy man ti kuna da iti American Dream:

Big cars, big house, stable, high-paying job, yearly vacation to the Carribeans and other exotic places. That my friend is the America Dream - and Anakin's Dream. But I don't know when it will be realized. :) :) :)

Wet dreams diyo la kayat? Hahahaha! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[daguerrson]

SANKA-IKKI LAENG TI NAARAMIDAK TOWARD THAT DREAM BUT I'M CONTENTED AND HAPPY BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO BRING MY CHILDREN ALONG WITH ME TO THE USA. ISUDANTO TI MANGTONTON KADAYTA NGA DREAM. THEY HAVE A FAIR CHANCE TO MAKE THAT DREAM COME TRUE.

[SuperGlow]

SANKA-IKKI LAENG TI NAARAMIDAK TOWARD THAT DREAM BUT I'M CONTENTED AND HAPPY BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO BRING MY CHILDREN ALONG WITH ME TO THE USA. ISUDANTO TI MANGTONTON KADAYTA NGA DREAM. THEY HAVE A FAIR CHANCE TO MAKE THAT DREAM COME TRUE.


I agree COUSIN....

GOOD MORNING TO YOU COUSIN.....TGIF..... :wink:

[daguerrson]

SANKA-IKKI LAENG TI NAARAMIDAK TOWARD THAT DREAM BUT I'M CONTENTED AND HAPPY BECAUSE I WAS ABLE TO BRING MY CHILDREN ALONG WITH ME TO THE USA. ISUDANTO TI MANGTONTON KADAYTA NGA DREAM. THEY HAVE A FAIR CHANCE TO MAKE THAT DREAM COME TRUE.


I agree COUSIN....

GOOD MORNING TO YOU COUSIN.....TGIF..... :wink:


GOOD MORNING MET, COUSIN, YES TGIF :!:

[linda]

american dream?no ti kano met american dream ket to be able to go beach everyday kuna ni lakay ko...sangka kuna na nga no mapan kami diay baybay ket "THIS IS AMERICAN DREAM"

[Myrna]

likewise ading linda....my hubby 's american dream is just travel travel and travel.....

[CUPID]

adu definition na ti American Dream. dipende ti maysa a tao no kasanu ti definition na dayta. adda dagitay tao nga ti definition da ti american dream ket:

owning a pet dog, a loving family and have a house with a white fence
driving nice cars
earning a high salary
live peacefully
etc..