I think most Filipinos abroad intentionally build connections with our fellowmen more than we do back home. We can become critical about it because we crave for belongingness. Most of us leave the country “para makipagsapalaran.” Therefore, being surrounded by familiar culture is more welcome than being alone adapting to the new world.
During my first few years in Dubai, I have an urge to connect to any Filipino. One, I don’t have friends here. Two, sense of solidarity speaks louder than ever. There is an indescribable pride in finding a kabayan in another country. This is a typical OFW mindset.
I find joy in it too.
However, there are instances where we push the patriotism too far, putting it in a different light. Let me give you 7:
1. Kabayan naman eh
Usually, in service-related conversations, we try to seek favor by emphasizing that we are both from the Philippines, therefore, we should help each other easily then. The conversation may go as far as heritage and provinces and common friends (kilala mo si ganito…) hoping to score better favor.
One time, I heard this chitchat, “…isingit mo na ako sa appointment, kabayan naman tayo eh!” Some of us can go overboard as if we are entitled to higher importance.
2. Presyong kabayan
3. Kabayan pa man din
There is a popular opinion that Filipinos are generally good citizens abroad – that when we see someone loses his cool, people say in shame, “Nagawa nya yun? Kabayan pa man din,” as if we’re created perfect, that we cannot make a mistake in a foreign land. (If you only know…)
I don’t understand… do we care or do we judge?
4. May kabayan sa inyo?
Those inquiring about job opportunities in another’s workplace may ask, “May kabayan ba sa inyo?” trying to get an idea if he’ll be alright or not. We can attribute this questioning to finding an assurance. Apparently, we are more comfortable when at least one kabayan also works in a company – especially to the new ones. Otherwise, bahala na si Batman.
5. Hello, kabayan?
We’re good on this assumption. On the phone, 9 out of 10 times we can correctly tell if the other person is Filipino or not. If yes, we start talking in Tagalog. This is cool and I’m okay with it. Everybody does it naman.
One time in my previous work, a colleague passed me the phone because the person on the other side insisted to speak to a Filipino. I don’t think she was not good at English. She was just more at ease to talk with emotions with another Pinoy.
I’m wondering, if two Indians can talk in English, Filipinos should do too – consciously or unconsciously. A global mindset should know no profiling.
6. Buti na lang may kabayan
7. Sana walang kabayan
I want us to rethink how we look into ourselves and in our values and refocus on where we are right now, not by the kind of work we do, but by simply changing how we tell the world who we are.
Keep the kabayan pride in its true context. If we are indeed proud to be Pinoy, raise your flag wherever you are, whoever you are with.
Kabayan, upgrade soon.