As we celebrate #stonewall50 and #worldpride2019 this weekend, we honor all heroes of all ages who fought for visibility of the #LGBT movement.
Enjoy a snippet of our LGBTLivingHistory video.
Chapter 01: LGBT Identity.
In honor of #Stonewall50 and #PrideMonth, @nextdaybetter collaborated with @AARP to tell an inclusive story of the #LGBT movement since the 1800s. We honor the diverse leaders that have pushed the movement forward. We know that the history of the #LGBTQIA is still being written. By understanding our history, we can create a better future for everyone, especially for our aging older LGBT adults. Watch full video in the link.
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#Stonewall50 #WorldPride #NYC #pride #PrideNYC
Represent: Create Space for Diversity
A Somali migrant story about diversity in the workplace as told by filmmaker Samira Musa:
“I had very little recollection of my homeland because I left at such a young age. As I got older I felt like I was battling with myself as I tried to carve my identity; I navigated this crisis by embedding myself in the British culture in whatever way I could, while learning about my home culture from my family who fed me films, music, and poetry by Somali and African artists.
The supermodel Iman was the only person in my childhood that looked like me—at least when it came to popular culture and successful role models. Growing up in the United Kingdom, I didn’t see many Somalis outside of the stereotypical roles, in mainstream movies, TV shows, commercials, or on billboards.
I’m lucky that London is multicultural, but I still felt like an outsider and an imposter in some work environments. After a lot of hard work, I now find myself at the decision-making table as a creative and a consultant. It helped tremendously to be surrounded by good people—of various colors, creeds, and backgrounds—who spent hours to help me. Without this support mechanism, I wouldn’t be where I am. So I pay it forward: I have to recognize when other outsiders, other people like me, need help and to pull them up to spaces that they are having difficulty getting into.
I’m setting up a production company with creatives from different backgrounds and cultures. I want to produce the stories of those, like me, who are seeking to see themselves in popular culture and society. It’s my chance to change the conversation—not for me, but for the next generation in my family or that stranger who just needs to see a person who looks like her is making things happen, so she knows that her voice matters too.”
About:
In this series powered by MailChimp, we reimagine a narrative that celebrates immigrant women as innovators, successful entrepreneurs, job creators, and industry disruptors.
NextDayBetter Storyte
The Arrival: Filipinos in America #AAPIHM
Did you know that before the founding of America, there were already Filipinos in the United States? Let's continue our celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month #AAPIHM
Enduring Stories: World War II Filipino Veterans & Military Fa...
This Memorial Day, we honor fallen heroes and their families, especially in particular, Filipino World War II Veterans and recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal Recipients.
Thank you to The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project for their powerful work to recognize and honor World War II Filipino veterans. #MemorialDay
Trailblazing: A Pioneering Filipino American For The Next Gene...
In celebration of #AAPIHM, we celebrate the story of Filipino American trailblazing actor, Dante Basco. Read his full story below.
“Being cast as Rufio in Hook changed my life. I’ve done a lot of cool things since. Being the voice of Zuko for Avatar: The Last Airbender has been unexpected. Being part of The Debut was a proud moment. I got to represent my family and friends when the Filipino community had not had a face or voice onscreen for a very long time.
There’s some pressure to be a Filipino Hollywood actor—and a person of color. For a lot of people, I’m probably the only Filipino kid they have seen onscreen. It’s a big deal. I know that other Asian Americans also find some resonance in the characters, who remind them of themselves in a very personal way.
There has been so much joy, but also some anxiety, about the work. I have a fear of failure, of not doing well, or of getting fired! I’ve been lucky to have been a working actor for over 30 years. I live the life I want to live as an artist and actor in Hollywood. But Filipinos have fewer roles available than other Asians. We’re the minority of minorities! You’ve got to learn your craft, get really good at it, so it’s undeniable. See, the better you become, the luckier you get.
This is a lifestyle, not a job. No one sees the 20 years of acting classes, the years of dance classes, the endless auditions you didn’t get, the times you didn’t get called back. Many will never understand why you’re staying up all night for this character or writing songs or programming a beat or learning a dance routine. There’s all this stuff that people deem regular but is a matter of life and death to us as creatives.
I’ve set up an Asian American arts collective to cultivate the next generation of creatives. The world has changed. I’m really hoping that my legacy lies not just within my own work. There are so many beautiful artists—we’re filmmakers, singers, actors, writers, poets who are all Americans who happen to be Asian. I
Aging & Alone
In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we ask: how might we give care to our Asian immigrant elders living in social isolation?
NextDayBetter, in collaboration with AARP, presents "Aging & Alone" - a short film following the day in the life of Mrs. Chu, a Chinese American senior that lives alone in New York City. Our challenge: "how might we end social isolation among seniors?"
More than half of all seniors aged 75+ in the United States live alone. Living in isolation without strong support significantly raises the risk of injury and illness. Seniors in the Asian American Pacific Islander community are especially vulnerable, often facing the added burdens of poverty and language barriers.
To learn more about ending social isolation, please visit Connect2Affect powered by AARP Foundation at https://connect2affect.org/
Thank you to Hamilton-Madison House for supporting this story. Hamilton-Madison House is a non-profit settlement house established in 1898 to improve the quality of life for NYC. It operates senior centers in Chinatown/Lower East Communities with 5,000+ members citywide offer health, social and nutritional services to seniors over 62.
Lead Producer: Jesse Whiles
Storyteller: Karen Baker
Animation: Katwo & Nico Puertollano
Support: Le Yi Chen
Asian Parents & Their LGBT Children: On Unconditional Love
This unconditional love story between Asian parents and their LGBT children is about creating loving families and stronger communities.
There are an estimated 325,000 Asian Pacific Islander (API) adults in the United States that identify as LGBT. Unfortunately, in the API community, young people often see coming out as an act of shaming and dishonoring their parents and their ancestors, but staying in the closet takes a greater toll, causing isolation, depression, and even suicide. Our call to action? Let’s encourage API parents to offer their LGBTQ child a lifeline, support their coming out, and keep the family strong and unified. For more information and resources: http://www.pflagnyc.org/api (API Rainbow Parents of PFLAG NYC)
NextDayBetter x AARP, a storytelling campaign capturing Asian American Pacific Islander love stories on unconditional love. Love is sacrifice. Love is family. Love is love. How you do love unconditionally? Tell us your love story in the comment below, using hashtag: #AAPILoveUnconditionally
At AARP, we want to help Asian American and Pacific Islander Families Get More Out Of Life
For more AARP AAPI resources and initiatives, click here: http://bit.ly/2ktWAVg
Resources:
NQAPIA x Asian Pride Project Multi Language Family Acceptance Campaign: http://bit.ly/1Fn7iiu
PFLAG San Gabriel Valley API: http://bit.ly/2l3iXEp
Out Proud Families Blog by Laurin Mayeno, Multi-racial Japanese mom of gay son: http://bit.ly/2kWmfXK
Acknowledgements:
Thank you to Clara Yoon and the Asian Pacific Islander Parents of PFLAG NYC: http://www.pflagnyc.org/api
Thank you to Aya and Miki for sharing their vulnerable moments.
Thank you to Asian Pride Project and NQAPIA
Thank you to Jesse Whiles, Joy Andrada and the Production Team!
Saleem Haddad: Being Gay, Arab, and Disrupting the Status Quo
Writer Saleem Haddad doesn't have one single identity. He's queer, he's Arab, has multiple nationalities, and it only gets more complicated from there. But he believes having these intersecting identities puts him in a revolutionary position to break stereotypes and change the status quo.
#ndbLDN #ndbetter #LGBT #LGBTQ #pride #London
We <3 our global sponsor: Mailchimp.
A Filipino American Story #FAHM
This Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we present the history of Filipinos in America since 1587. #AAPIHM
We present "A Filipino American Story" - an animated video presenting the pivotal moments of courage, sacrifice, and triumphs of Filipino Americans since 1587 and how they paved the way for the current generation shaping the future today. This story is powered by NextDayBetter and AARP AAPI Community for Filipino American History Month.
To learn more about Filipino American history, please visit the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) website at http://bit.ly/2xFJ3UC.
Represent: Create Space for Diversity
A Somali migrant story about diversity in the workplace as told by filmmaker Samira Musa:
“I had very little recollection of my homeland because I left at such a young age. As I got older I felt like I was battling with myself as I tried to carve my identity; I navigated this crisis by embedding myself in the British culture in whatever way I could, while learning about my home culture from my family who fed me films, music, and poetry by Somali and African artists.
The supermodel Iman was the only person in my childhood that looked like me—at least when it came to popular culture and successful role models. Growing up in the United Kingdom, I didn’t see many Somalis outside of the stereotypical roles, in movies, TV shows, commercials, or on billboards.
I’m lucky that London is multicultural, but I still felt like an outsider and an imposter in some work environments. After a lot of hard work, I now find myself at the decision-making table as a creative and a consultant. It helped tremendously to be surrounded by good people—of various colors, creeds, and backgrounds—who spent hours to help me. Without this support mechanism, I wouldn’t be where I am. So I pay it forward: I have to recognize when other outsiders, other people like me, need help and to pull them up to spaces that they are having difficulty getting into.
I’m setting up a production company with creatives from different backgrounds and cultures. I want to produce the stories of those, like me, who are seeking to see themselves in popular culture and society. It’s my chance to change the conversation—not for me, but for the next generation in my family or that stranger who just needs to see a person who looks like her is making things happen, so she knows that her voice matters too.”
About:
In this series powered by MailChimp, we reimagine a narrative that celebrates immigrant women as innovators, successful entrepreneurs, job creators, and industry disruptors.
NextDayBetter Storyteller: Candi
Jayson Atienza: Meet the Filipino American Don Draper
Meet Jayson Atienza - the Filipino American Don Draper. Hear his daring story about breaking barriers in advertising and the art world.
"For me to stand out in a very white-male-dominated industry, I needed to create work that was bold and stood out. I needed a voice."
#ndbetter #ndbNYC #filipino #changemaker
The 15 Hour Work Day: Chef Tim Luym
Watch our pilot - The 15 Hour Work Day feat. Filipino Bay Area Chef, Tim Luym.
On our first episode, we hang out with creative and award-winning Filipino American chef Tim Luym as he runs around the Bay Area to prepare for a last-minute pop-up dinner... with only 10 hours to spare. Will he pull it off in time? Watch and find out! #ndbetter
Know any other amazing people you think we should feature? Let us know in the comments!
Credits:
Associate Producer: Sherina Ong
Produced By: John Paul Andrada Capulong
Directed By: Chris Dela Cruz
Special shout out to Mailchimp, Mekong Kitchen, Royal Hawaiian Seafood, Western Pacific Filipino Grocery, Frozen Kuhsterd, Attic Restaurant, B Street Station, Kero One, & Pampalasa! #filipinofoodmovement #ndbSF
Filipino Titos & Titas Give Love and Sex Advice
Does your Filipina Tita or Tito give you random love advice? Well, watch this.
NextDayBetter x AARP AAPI Community, a storytelling campaign capturing Asian American Pacific Islander love stories on unconditional love. Love is sacrifice. Love is family. Love is love. How you do love unconditionally? Tell us your love story in the comment below, using hashtag: #AAPILoveUnconditionally
Through NextDayBetter x AARP storytelling campaign, we want to help Asian American and Pacific Islander Families Get More Out Of Life. Learn more: http://bit.ly/2ktWAVg
Thank you to our Production Team led by Jesse Whiles + Joy Andrada.
Limitless: Pushing Filipino Food onto American Consciousness
A #FilipinoAmerican story as told by chef and restaurateur, Alvin Cailan. Read his full story below:
“I started Eggslut inspired by the breakfast my father would set on our table on Saturday mornings when I was a kid. There would be a spread of plates on the table with pan de sal, sunny side up eggs, cheddar cheese, and fried spam. We each got to build our own sandwich just the way we liked it. Six years later, Eggslut is known as one of the best breakfast restaurants in the country, and I’m still tripped out every time I see people line up for it! It was just supposed to be a six-month pop-up!
I’ve never set out to be the leader of the Filipino food movement. I was just hanging out casually with a group of Filipino chef friends and exchanging notes about how to make a good, crispy lechon kawali or random ideas on the state of Filipino food in the US. Then another Filipino chef started coming, and another after that, and the next thing we knew, we had the best Filipino chefs from LA hanging out with us. This led to Unit 120, a kitchen incubator meant for people who wanted to cook Filipino food, or any food really, but who could not yet open a restaurant necessarily.
It’s a good time for Filipino food; we finally have the data to back this up. It’s pretty safe to put your money on it—just don’t make the mistakes I did. I’ve turned into an advisor for some Filipino chefs, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs. I’ve become the sounding board for their ideas, and I gave them a physical space to test their concepts. If they had a hard time running an operation where only five people showed up, maybe they shouldn’t open a restaurant yet, right? I want them to face the risks involved and realize for themselves how far are they willing to go for success. Promoting Filipino food is my passion, and I want us to uplift one another in the Filipino food community, instead of looking at each other as competition. We need to stick together and build a bridge.
Filipino food can be a
Unapologetic: A Filipina American Standing Up For Gender Equality
A #FilipinaAmerican Story as told by supermodel and transgender advocate, Geena Rocero. Read her full story below:
“When I joined my first trans beauty pageant, I felt like I was dreaming. At 15 years old, I became a trans beauty queen, and my world changed. I found support in the Filipino LGBT community while I made a career out of joining pageant after pageant. Then, at 17, my life as a diva was interrupted when my family immigrated to San Francisco. Suddenly, I was a young trans person dealing with a drastic change in culture and options. I lost the security of the pageant scene in the Philippines. I decided to move to New York and become a model; I could use my pageant training this way.
At auditions, driven to succeed, I hid that I was transgender. I thought I had a better chance as a cisgender model. In a way, that was true. I landed big jobs, like a lip gloss commercial for Rimmel Cosmetics, the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, and working the runway at New York Fashion Week. I even starred in The Weeknd’s music video.
Just as I was about to turn 30, I felt I had to come out to the world. I revealed my inner truth on one of the biggest stages in the world, at an annual TED Conference. It was a big risk I was willing to take because I felt so ready to be real. By luck, the timing was right because the world was starting to engage in conversations about gender identity.
That talk changed my life. It has been translated into over 30 languages, telling me that while I don’t represent every trans person or trans identity in every part of the world, I have a very global story. I started a production company called Gender Proud. I began advocating for equal rights for trans people that led to working with the United Nations, the White House, and with people back in the Philippines.
I know I’m no savior. I can't do it all. But I believe if you want to make an impact in this world, you must make personal success your biggest advocacy and empower people from where you
Enlighten: Tackling Sex Ed on a Human Level
A Filipino American Story on Sex Education.
“Everyone has sex. And most of us are a product of sex. It’s a great topic to explore. My husband and I run a production company and one of our projects is on sexual education for a youth audience in the US. We made an animated series tackling issues like consent, pen*s size, and virginity myth, and approached them in a fun, humorous, and relatable way.
We want to bring this show to the Philippines because there is still so much we need to do to normalize the topic of sexuality there. Sex is not a conversation that regular people have in the Philippines! Here, we debate on tampon tax; there, we might have to explain what tampons are first. So even if it’s the same project, we need to change the messaging. For the Filipino audience, we need to start at a very fundamental level and speak in a different way.
I am realizing how privileged I am to see the world from two perspectives. I want to bridge both cultures by telling more stories that deal with sexual health education and women’s rights advocacy. As a newly sworn American citizen who grew up in the Philippines, I am seeing a more universal thread of humanity, despite the blatant differences in rights and services that exist. Especially when it comes to sex—there’s so much to tackle but it all touches on the same basic issues: our relationships, our body image, and our emotional depths as human beings.
About:
In this series powered by Mailchimp, we reimagine a narrative that celebrates immigrant women as innovators, successful entrepreneurs, job creators, and industry disruptors.
NextDayBetter Storyteller: Candice Quimpo
A Filipino American Story #FAHM
This October, we celebrate Filipino American History Month. #FAHM
We present "A Filipino American Story" - an animated video presenting the pivotal moments of courage, sacrifice, and triumphs of Filipino Americans since 1587 and how they paved the way for the current generation shaping the future today. This story is powered by NextDayBetter and AARP AAPI Community for Filipino American History Month.
FOLLOW US for more Filipino American stories throughout Filipino American History Month. We will also share stories of Filipino American disruptors in a range of disciplines from community activism to tech entrepreneurship. These forward-thinking individuals are trendsetters, trailblazers, and problem-solvers in their respective fields, helping to push America and the Filipino American community forward through their leadership, creativity, and innovation.
To learn more about Filipino American history, please visit the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) website at http://bit.ly/2xFJ3UC.
#FAHM2018
A Call For Nominations - Asian American Pacific Islander Hero Award
Do you know an AAPI Hero? Win cash prize and a chance to be featured in a short film designed and co-produced by NextDayBetter!
This Asian American Pacific Heritage Month, NextDayBetter is collaborating with AARP AAPI Community to launch the 3rd Annual AAPI Hero Award. We're here to ignite a movement to celebrate these unsung heroes who serve the AAPI 50-plus community. Nominate someone today! http://bit.ly/AAPIHeroNominate
There are many unsung heroes in the Asian American Pacific Islander Community. Let's change that! Nominate a social worker, volunteer, community organizer, advocate and hero in your community.
Learn more at www.aarp.org/aapi #APAHM #APAHM2018 #AAPI
NextDayBetter Makers ft. Jhett Tolentino
Celina Agaton: Using Data to Connect Citizens in New Ways
How can data and mapping technology create resilient communities? MapPH Founder and Managing Director, Celina Agaton tells us:
“I believe we’re at the intersection of creating a new economy where makers, farmers, and citizens can support each other based on the shared values of inclusion, dignity, and development that includes social and environmental benefits. Internet and mapping tools can help create a sense of stewardship by empowering citizens and institutions to connect together in new ways to make more informed decisions about our communities.
A large focus of our work extends beyond mapping and into connecting progressive partners to help create sustainable and inclusive economic development opportunities. Our greatest priority is food security, where most communities have little to no access to safe, affordable nutrition near their home. Climate change and poverty amplify these challenges.
With tourism and agriculture as our main local economic drivers, we’re working to map tourism sites to highlight our many hidden gems. We’re prototyping ethical supply chains, testing climate change-resilient and premium crops and products for local and international markets that make purchasing decisions based on value and not just price. Our unique heritage and heirloom products can help provide sustainable livelihoods for indigenous and marginalized communities, but trying to compete in markets that demand lower prices hurts our communities so we’re helping create new markets.
We need the social infrastructure to empower local communities for the long term, knowing that the revolving door of international aid agencies and consultants exist on short-term cycles.
By developing MapPH in the Philippines, I hope to help strengthen our resilience when politics, emergencies, and trends shift or delay initiatives. Communities’ needs change every day. As long as we can validate good data and establish local community relationships, maps can help visualize priorities and o
Homecoming: Shaking Things Up Through Innovation
A Filipino story about giving back as told by Five by Five’s founding partner, Kat Borlongan.
“As an immigrant that has had the luxury of coming home frequently, it sounds strange to call this my homecoming, but that’s what it is. The innovation consultancy I co-founded, Five by Five, is the outcome of a long love affair with Paris. After 15 years away, I’m bringing it to Manila in the form of an innovation program I co-designed with our local team, the Metro Manila Civic Innovation Fellowship.
It is a kind of coming into adulthood in the country that I left during my adolescence. I’m using the skills and tools I’ve gathered elsewhere and bringing them home. I’ve grown and grown up a lot through my work in corporate and nonprofit innovation settings. Bringing that experience to try to solve real-world challenges in the Philippines was a natural next step. At the same time, it’s definitely brought me face to face with new realities.
On a personal level, my homecoming has left me to confront the foreignness of my own hometown or, more accurately, the foreignness of who I no longer am. The work ethos is different. I hadn’t expected how much I’d need to rely on our local director’s advice to navigate cultural differences, which also influences the way that we are running this program.
The stakes are simply different here. The program is designed to address a city’s challenges with a close and more human understanding of the realities of the people in it. While the Paris version of the program is centered on challenges like ‘How might we optimize health restaurant inspections?’, Manila’s challenges are more like ‘How might we improve the healthcare experience in public hospitals for mothers with infant children?’
It’s a good time to be back. The barriers to civic innovation have dropped. Bandwidth is cheap, knowledge is everywhere, and this generation is more motivated to make the world a better place. Our program is a little push in the right direction: giving extr
Asian Parents and their LGBT Children
"There was a fear in confronting my Asian family members. I think I was afraid of losing family... of people just walking away..."
Is the story different for Asian LGBT kids coming out to their parents?
Represent: Create Space for Diversity
A Somali migrant story about diversity in the workplace as told by filmmaker Samira Musa:
“I had very little recollection of my homeland because I left at such a young age. As I got older I felt like I was battling with myself as I tried to carve my identity; I navigated this crisis by embedding myself in the British culture in whatever way I could, while learning about my home culture from my family who fed me films, music, and poetry by Somali and African artists.
The supermodel Iman was the only person in my childhood that looked like me—at least when it came to popular culture and successful role models. Growing up in the United Kingdom, I didn’t see many Somalis outside of the stereotypical roles, in mainstream movies, TV shows, commercials, or on billboards.
I’m lucky that London is multicultural, but I still felt like an outsider and an imposter in some work environments. After a lot of hard work, I now find myself at the decision-making table as a creative and a consultant. It helped tremendously to be surrounded by good people—of various colors, creeds, and backgrounds—who spent hours to help me. Without this support mechanism, I wouldn’t be where I am. So I pay it forward: I have to recognize when other outsiders, other people like me, need help and to pull them up to spaces that they are having difficulty getting into.
I’m setting up a production company with creatives from different backgrounds and cultures. I want to produce the stories of those, like me, who are seeking to see themselves in popular culture and society. It’s my chance to change the conversation—not for me, but for the next generation in my family or that stranger who just needs to see a person who looks like her is making things happen, so she knows that her voice matters too.”
About:
In this series powered by MailChimp, we reimagine a narrative that celebrates immigrant women as innovators, successful entrepreneurs, job creators, and industry disruptors.
NextDayBetter Storyte
Enlighten: Tackling Sex Ed on a Human Level
A Filipino American story as told by Native to Noise director, Katwo Puertollano.
“Everyone has sex. And most of us are a product of sex. It’s a great topic to explore. My husband and I run a production company and one of our projects is on sexual education for a youth audience in the US. We made an animated series tackling issues like consent, pen*s size, and virginity myth, and approached them in a fun, humorous, and relatable way.
We want to bring this show to the Philippines because there is still so much we need to do to normalize the topic of sexuality there. Sex is not a conversation that regular people have in the Philippines! Here, we debate on tampon tax; there, we might have to explain what tampons are first. So even if it’s the same project, we need to change the messaging. For the Filipino audience, we need to start at a very fundamental level and speak in a different way.
I am realizing how privileged I am to see the world from two perspectives. I want to bridge both cultures by telling more stories that deal with sexual health education and women’s rights advocacy. As a newly sworn American citizen who grew up in the Philippines, I am seeing a more universal thread of humanity, despite the blatant differences in rights and services that exist. Especially when it comes to sex—there’s so much to tackle but it all touches on the same basic issues: our relationships, our body image, and our emotional depths as human beings.
About:
In this series powered by MailChimp, we reimagine a narrative that celebrates immigrant women as innovators, successful entrepreneurs, job creators, and industry disruptors.
NextDayBetter Storyteller: Candice Quimpo
Identify: Discover a Different Filipino Experience
A Filipino Canadian story as told by social entrepreneur and Cambio Market co-founder, Gelaine Santiago.
“Growing up, I never thought about race much. We lived in Scarborough, a neighbourhood in Toronto made up of immigrants from all over the world. When everyone comes from somewhere else, race doesn’t define you in the same way. I distinctly remember feeling proud to be Filipino, though what ‘Filipino’ meant, I had no clue.
When my family moved to the suburbs into a predominantly white city, I was suddenly just ‘one of the Asian kids’—devoid of personality or story and reduced to the color brown. Until that point, I had proudly identified as Canadian before Filipino, though iconic Canadian activities like playing hockey or eating maple syrup never resonated with me. I realized the word ‘Canadian’ would never fully capture me.
When I returned to the Philippines for the first time after 20 years, I felt electrified. There’s something special about visiting the town where my dad grew up, sleeping in the house where my sisters and I were born, and meeting the titos and titas and cousins I had only ever known by name. For the first time, there was something stirring deep inside me. I yearned to connect and belong.
After that trip, I began to research what was going on in the country. I was surprised to discover a vibrant community of Filipino social enterprises. These socially conscious companies were doing business differently; they were creating beautiful and innovative products, all while combating poverty and inequality. These businesses were run by young Filipinos who shared my desire to create change. I was inspired and found my calling.
I launched Cambio Market with my Québecois partner, selling handwoven bags and jewelry designed and crafted by Filipino artisans. In our products, I see beauty and craftsmanship and raw talent. I’ve traveled places across the Philippines and learned a lot about myself and my country in the process. This is my opportunity to b
#DIDYOUKNOW Before the founding of America, there were already Filipinos in the United States? Filipino families helped in forming #America. At @nextdaybetter, we tell the untold stories of the Filipino diaspora.
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Massive shoutout to @rezonate.ig
#FANHS #FAHM #FilAm #FilipinoAmerican #NextDayBetter #AARP #RezonateTV
Aging & Alone
NextDayBetter, in collaboration with AARP, presents "Aging & Alone" - a short film following the day in the life of Mrs. Chu, a Chinese American senior that lives alone in New York City. Our challenge: "how might we end social isolation among seniors?"
More than half of all seniors aged 75+ in the United States live alone. Living in isolation without strong support significantly raises the risk of injury and illness. Seniors in the Asian American Pacific Islander community are especially vulnerable, often facing the added burdens of poverty and language barriers.
To learn more about ending social isolation, please visit Connect2Affect powered by AARP Foundation at https://connect2affect.org/
Thank you to Hamilton-Madison House for supporting this story. Hamilton-Madison House is a non-profit settlement house established in 1898 to improve the quality of life for NYC. It operates senior centers in Chinatown/Lower East Communities with 5,000+ members citywide offer health, social and nutritional services to seniors over 62.
Lead Producer: Jesse Whiles
Storyteller: Karen Baker
Animation: Katwo & Nico Puertollano
Support: Le Yi Chen
Reimagine: Meet the New Generation of Somalia
A Somalian Diaspora Story as Told by Asli Ciyow
“Growing up, I learned that people would talk to me about either of three things when they found out I was Somali: it’s either famine, pirates, or civil war. It’s always the same words coming back.
My father raised my brother, sister and me to think of Somalia in a positive light. But I had never been to Somalia and I grew up in Luxembourg where there was no Somali community. When I went to London for the first time, I encountered many young, purposeful Somali women and men who were also working on changing our narrative and how Somalia and its diaspora are portrayed in the media.
Before I knew it, I was putting up a trade show to feature established Somali entrepreneurs who were not older than 30. My initial concern was people’s feedback and if anyone would be interested—they were! We had to turn people away! After the show, I was thrilled to find out that several of the featured entrepreneurs ended up with new partnerships, new products, or a new company.
I was not done. The next year, I put up my second trade show to follow up on the success of the first one. These events are my attempt to make sense of my identity. By highlighting this Somali generation that is young, dynamic, successful, and making a difference all around the world, I come out with a better understanding who I am and who my people are. We are the new generation of Somalia and we have a different story to tell.”
This is a storytelling series powered by MailChimp, celebrating the women immigrant CEOs and Founders across the globe.
NextDayBetter Storyteller: Candice Quimpo
Enduring Stories: World War II Filipino Veterans & Military Fa...
For Veteran's Day, we are honoring World War II Filipino Veterans (Congressional Gold Medal Recipients) and their military families by sharing stories of sacrifice, courage, and service. There are many untold stories. Let's tell them. Do you have a story to share? SHARE A STORY in the comment section below.
Thank you to The Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project for their powerful work to recognize and honor World War II Filipino veterans.
Credit:
Jesse Whiles, Video Producer & Editor
Karen Baker, Storyteller
Rezonate Team, Creative Direction
The Nisei's Fight For Honor: A Japanese American Veteran's Story
A Japanese American Veteran Story as told by Presidential Citizens Medal Recipient, Terry Shima.
“Seventy years ago, when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, there was mass hysteria in America against people of Japanese ancestry. As Nisei, the children of Japanese-born immigrants, we were given the draft classification 4-C, the designation for alien and unfit for military duty. We were viewed as being disloyal, as collaborators, and saboteurs of imperial Japan. In the US mainland, over 110,000 ethnic Japanese—over one-half of them US citizens—were forcibly removed from their homes on short notice and taken to internment camps.
“We did not lose faith in America. We petitioned the government to serve in combat and prove our loyalty. Fortunately, Washington listened. For this and other reasons, Washington announced the activation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated Japanese American unit. More than 16,000 Nisei fought in Europe. They racked up an impressive record and was tagged as the ‘Purple Heart Battalion’ in the press. Another 4,000 Japanese American served in the Military Intelligence Service in the Asia Pacific Theater. Some worked behind enemy lines to disrupt the enemy’s maneuvers. Their work saved many American lives. When the war ended, the US Army declared the 442nd RCT combat performance record as ‘unsurpassed’ and that it was the most highly decorated unit for its size and period of combat. They also suffered huge casualties; over 700 Nisei were killed on the battlefields of Italy and France.
“We had a mission: to remove the disloyalty accusation for the future generations of Japanese Americans. After the war, President Truman reviewed the 442nd at the Ellipse, the outer south lawn of the White House. He said, ‘You fought the enemy abroad and prejudice at home—and won.’ Truman’s post-WW II reforms created a more level playing field for minorities to compete with the best of the best for any job and rank. No longer constrained by prejudice a
The First Halal Food Pantry for Seniors in Brooklyn
A #PakistaniAmerican Caregiving Story as told by Mohammad Razvi of COPO (Council of Peoples Organization).
“My father came to this country for prosperity. After working here, he put some money together and brought us over from Pakistan. We were raised in the projects in Brooklyn.
The seniors at our center, like all immigrants, left their country for a better life for their families. They came here thinking, ‘I’m going to be here for five years, make money, and go back to Pakistan.’ Instead, those five years would turn into 25 years and they’d bring their kids to America. But the kids can’t afford to take care of them in their old age. Suddenly, they are living on social security and food stamps.
When we opened the Muslim Senior Center, someone came up to me and said, ‘I tried to go to these other senior centers, but I couldn’t stay there because I felt so out of place. There was no place for me to go. This became my home. If it wasn’t for you guys, I don’t know where I would be.’ When he got sick, his kids didn’t visit him. He felt so hopeless because nobody from his family was paying attention to him. That just kills me, how many of these seniors feel that nobody else cares.
That’s why we’re starting the first halal food pantry in Brooklyn. We want to meet the needs of a Muslim person who has lived his entire life following the guidelines of his religion. It’s not just about the meals; it’s also the cultural aspect. The services we provide acknowledge their traditional beliefs as important.
That’s not to say that others don’t need the help. The way I see it, all immigrant communities can service their seniors. What can we do for mankind? What can we do for our community? I ask myself those questions as often as I can.”
About: NextDayBetter x AARP AAPI Community is a storytelling campaign inspired by AAPI caregiving. How do you give care? Tell us via #AAPIshareyourcare #AAPIEnduringTogether #NationalCaregivingMonth
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Dignified: A Filipina Taking Pride in the Purpose of Caregiving
A Filipina Caregiving Story as told by Terry Villasenor of the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC).
“I’m a mother of six children and I’ve been away from my family for six years. I have experienced sacrifices I never expected. When I got my first job in Hawaii, I had to call 911 because I was being abused and treated like a slave. I was there for 22 days before I was rescued.
But I didn’t give up because I had to pay for my children’s education and sustain their personal needs. Year after year, I worked with many elderly patients. This changed my perspective on helping the community. Now, I’m happy to say that I’m a dignified caregiver and I think caregiving is beautiful.
I had a patient with multiple sclerosis who told me, “I think I’m ready to go.” That was the hardest moment for me because I could feel her emotions, her sadness. I felt what she felt because we were connected.
I encouraged her by saying: You might be in this situation, but the world is so beautiful. You can sleep, you can eat, and you can still see the world. All of us must go, but why not leave it up to our Creator to decide who goes next? You have a life to live right now. Let’s have faith that there’s a purpose why you’re here. Look at me, I’m miles away from my family; I can’t see my kids. Do you feel bad for me? I don’t because there’s a purpose. I’m here to help you.
This is an amazing job. It’s not easy, but it’s not difficult if you know how to manage this responsibility. Don’t be driven by the compensation because that will come later. Do the best job you can when caregiving, but don’t forget your dignity. Don’t hide the fact that you are a caregiver. Be proud that you are helping the community. Just do your part—heart, mind, and soul."
About: NextDayBetter x AARP AAPI Community is a storytelling campaign inspired by AAPI caregiving. How do you give care? Tell us via #AAPIshareyourcare #AAPIEnduringTogether #NationalCaregivingMonth
Enduring Together: Asian Americans & Alzheimer's Disease
"Enduring Together: Asian Americans & Alzheimer's Disease" is a caregiving story that presents the challenges and hopes of an Asian American couple and their battle with Alzheimer's Disease. They share their immigrant story and the sacrifices, fears, and hopes in enduring Alzheimer's Disease together. MSNBC News Anchor and family caregiver, Richard Lui ends with his personal story and insights about Alzheimer's, and a powerful call to action for all present and future caregivers.
About: NextDayBetter x AARP AAPI Community is a storytelling campaign inspired by AAPI caregiving.
How do you give care? Tell us via #AAPIshareyourcare #AAPIEnduringTogether #NationalCaregivingMonth
Thank you to CaringKind - The Heart of Alzheimer's Caregiving for collaborating with us. CaringKind is New York City’s leading expert on Alzheimer’s and dementia caregiving. With over 30 years of experience, we work directly with our community partners to develop the information, tools and training to support individuals and families affected by dementia.
Trailblazing: A Pioneering Filipino American For The Next Gene...
A #FilipinoAmerican Story as told by trailblazing actor, Dante Basco. Read his full story below
“Being cast as Rufio in Hook changed my life. I’ve done a lot of cool things since. Being the voice of Zuko for Avatar: The Last Airbender has been unexpected. Being part of The Debut was a proud moment. I got to represent my family and friends when the Filipino community had not had a face or voice onscreen for a very long time.
There’s some pressure to be a Filipino Hollywood actor—and a person of color. For a lot of people, I’m probably the only Filipino kid they have seen onscreen. It’s a big deal. I know that other Asian Americans also find some resonance in the characters, who remind them of themselves in a very personal way.
There has been so much joy, but also some anxiety, about the work. I have a fear of failure, of not doing well, or of getting fired! I’ve been lucky to have been a working actor for over 30 years. I live the life I want to live as an artist and actor in Hollywood. But Filipinos have fewer roles available than other Asians. We’re the minority of minorities! You’ve got to learn your craft, get really good at it, so it’s undeniable. See, the better you become, the luckier you get.
This is a lifestyle, not a job. No one sees the 20 years of acting classes, the years of dance classes, the endless auditions you didn’t get, the times you didn’t get called back. Many will never understand why you’re staying up all night for this character or writing songs or programming a beat or learning a dance routine. There’s all this stuff that people deem regular but is a matter of life and death to us as creatives.
I’ve set up an Asian American arts collective to cultivate the next generation of creatives. The world has changed. I’m really hoping that my legacy lies not just within my own work. There are so many beautiful artists—we’re filmmakers, singers, actors, writers, poets who are all Americans who happen to be Asian. I want to create opportunities for th
A #FilipinoAmerican Story as told by Filipino American World War II Veteran, Aniceto Ilanga Bagley. Read his full story below:
"When I was two years old, my adoptive American parents took me to live in San Francisco. When I was 5, we returned to the Philippines, and I grew up in an American household in the city of Bacolod, in Negros Island. Outside our American home, Filipinos had also embraced the democratic and freedom-loving ways of the United States. The American government flooded the country with its teachers, engineers, medical personnel, government specialists, businessmen, and other professionals. At school on Monday mornings and at every public gathering, the American and Philippines flags were both raised. English was the official language, and it remains widely used today.
I was getting ready to graduate from high school when World War II broke out. As the Japanese invasion became imminent, we evacuated to my birth parents’ hometown on Panay Island. My grandfather was one of the patriarchs of the town, and my family felt that my foster parents would be safer there under the protection of our clan.
I joined a guerrilla unit on the island of Panay, under the command of Macario Peralta, a Philippine Army officer who had refused to surrender. We had the components of a regular army organization at that time: infantry, field artillery, ordnance, transportation, signal, quartermaster, and medics. We had radio contact with the allied general headquarters in Australia and were one of the first recognized guerrilla organizations.
We might have looked different, but in our hearts, we thought of ourselves both as Filipinos and as Americans. We endured the occupation of our homeland and remained loyal to the United States throughout those terrible years. Filipinos fought and died side-by-side with American soldiers on Bataan and Corregidor. The Philippines may be independent now, but please remember the sacrifice that we made for freedom—yours and ours—during the y
Patriotic: Standing for All Valiant Filipino Veterans
A #FilipinoAmerican Story as told by Filipino American World War II Veteran, Aniceto Ilanga Bagley. Read his full story below:
"When I was two years old, my adoptive American parents took me to live in San Francisco. When I was 5, we returned to the Philippines, and I grew up in an American household in the city of Bacolod, in Negros Island. Outside our American home, Filipinos had also embraced the democratic and freedom-loving ways of the United States. The American government flooded the country with its teachers, engineers, medical personnel, government specialists, businessmen, and other professionals. At school on Monday mornings and at every public gathering, the American and Philippines flags were both raised. English was the official language, and it remains widely used today.
I was getting ready to graduate from high school when World War II broke out. As the Japanese invasion became imminent, we evacuated to my birth parents’ hometown on Panay Island. My grandfather was one of the patriarchs of the town, and my family felt that my foster parents would be safer there under the protection of our clan.
I joined a guerrilla unit on the island of Panay, under the command of Macario Peralta, a Philippine Army officer who had refused to surrender. We had the components of a regular army organization at that time: infantry, field artillery, ordnance, transportation, signal, quartermaster, and medics. We had radio contact with the allied general headquarters in Australia and were one of the first recognized guerrilla organizations.
We might have looked different, but in our hearts, we thought of ourselves both as Filipinos and as Americans. We endured the occupation of our homeland and remained loyal to the United States throughout those terrible years. Filipinos fought and died side-by-side with American soldiers on Bataan and Corregidor. The Philippines may be independent now, but please remember the sacrifice that we made for freedom—yours and ours—duri
Integrity: Fulfilling a Life of Honorable Service
A #FilipinoAmerican story as told by Major General Tony Taguba. Read his full story below:
"In the 34 years that I served in the US Army, I am proud to say that I have done so honorably. In the beginning, I was attracted to the military’s manner of organization, discipline, and structure. Little did I know that I would be one of the very few Asian Americans wearing a uniform. I was not prepared for the racist remarks. Behind my back—this was at the height of the Vietnam War—I was called gook, slope, slant eye, and other names meant to insult the North Vietnamese. It was a time when many were uncomfortable dealing with non-white people like me.
Despite all these, I fought it through, working through my assignments and performing my duty. I entered as an armory officer because tanks fascinated me. I remember being in a tank company and maneuvering in Europe, trying not harm the landscape or run into the homes. It was a glorious time even if we had to control our behavior. When I was promoted, ahead of my peers, to become a colonel, 3500 people came under my command. Me, the short, skinny kid who had no friends.
During the investigation about the abuses in Abu Ghraib, I felt that there was a need for accountability and responsibility for the things that we do to protect our country. Ten years after the event, in 2014, the McCain-Feinstein anti-torture amendment was passed that prohibits any inhumane treatment of prisoners by the military and government operatives.
I think about how we can help other Filipino Americans rise in the ranks, in the military, and even in public service at large. By the time I retired, I had become the second Philippine-born American to be promoted to general officer rank in the US Army. I come from a family that has given service to the United States for many decades. My father began our family’s multi-generational tradition, and my son has also seen this as his path. My dad endured the Bataan Death March during World War II as one
Limitless: Pushing Filipino Food onto American Consciousness
A #FilipinoAmerican story as told by chef and restaurateur, Alvin Cailan. Read his full story below:
“I started Eggslut inspired by the breakfast my father would set on our table on Saturday mornings when I was a kid. There would be a spread of plates on the table with pan de sal, sunny side up eggs, cheddar cheese, and fried spam. We each got to build our own sandwich just the way we liked it. Six years later, Eggslut is known as one of the best breakfast restaurants in the country, and I’m still tripped out every time I see people line up for it! It was just supposed to be a six-month pop-up!
I’ve never set out to be the leader of the Filipino food movement. I was just hanging out casually with a group of Filipino chef friends and exchanging notes about how to make a good, crispy lechon kawali or random ideas on the state of Filipino food in the US. Then another Filipino chef started coming, and another after that, and the next thing we knew, we had the best Filipino chefs from LA hanging out with us. This led to Unit 120, a kitchen incubator meant for people who wanted to cook Filipino food, or any food really, but who could not yet open a restaurant necessarily.
It’s a good time for Filipino food; we finally have the data to back this up. It’s pretty safe to put your money on it—just don’t make the mistakes I did. I’ve turned into an advisor for some Filipino chefs, restaurateurs, and entrepreneurs. I’ve become the sounding board for their ideas, and I gave them a physical space to test their concepts. If they had a hard time running an operation where only five people showed up, maybe they shouldn’t open a restaurant yet, right? I want them to face the risks involved and realize for themselves how far are they willing to go for success. Promoting Filipino food is my passion, and I want us to uplift one another in the Filipino food community, instead of looking at each other as competition. We need to stick together and build a bridge.
Filipino food can be a
Tenacious - Breaking Records and Stereotypes on the Racetrack
A #FilipinoAmerican Story as told by Race Car Driver, Michele Bumgarner. Read her full story below:
“I won my first go-kart race in my second year of racing. I tasted victory, and it felt so good. I knew it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was 11.
I spent every weekend at the tracks. I sacrificed time with friends and a regular school life. I smelled like gas and burnt rubber. I just loved the atmosphere, the race weekends, the waking up, practicing, qualifying, and racing.
I joined the Asian Karting Championship and competed in five different countries against people from all over Asia. When I won all I could in Asia, I thought I was done. But there was still Europe—where the top drivers of the world race against each other. I actually ended up qualifying 11th out of 170 drivers in my very first race and realized I could go against the best of the best of the best! It was the most amazing feeling ever.
I decided to make a career in racing in the United States. By then I owned the track record in Carmona Philippines, had become the first female to win a heat race in a World Cup in Japan, was the first female to ever win the Rock Island Grand Prix (one of the biggest street races) and its first female back-to-back champion.
Most of my success has been on go-karts, and I want to mirror that into my car racing career as well. I am working my way to get to IndyCar and the Indy500, but it’s been tough. Many people think being a race car driver is so glamorous. They don't know the blood, sweat, and tears that go behind the scenes. Accidents happen multiple times. There are more downs than there are victories. You can be on a high after winning a race one day; the next day, your car won’t start, and it all goes away.
I feel like I still have so much more to show, and so much more to give, and so much more to prove to myself especially. Every day, I train to be ready for the next opportunity. I believe nothing good or worth it comes easy. You just
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