Filipino | Pakistani

Photo credit: Provided by subject

I’m a Pakistani Filipina in the Philippines, and I’m a Muslim. My Mom is from the Philippines and my Dad is from Pakistan. They both met in Saudi Arabia. She was a nurse and he was an accountant and when Mom went to cash out her monthly paycheck at the bank, my Dad fell in love with her hard to get attitude. 

They managed to combine their cultures somehow. They spoke in English at home at all times since they don’t really know how to speak each other’s language. When it comes to food, they both are really flexible in trying new items. They had a hard time when it came to each other’s country visits at first, but they’ve made their peace and are okay with it now.

My Dad requires me to marry a Muslim guy or a guy who is willing to convert their religion to Islam. I’m pretty open interracial relationships. I actually prefer them since you get to learn more of both worlds. Your kids would inherit the looks of both worlds. Back then people lacked flexibility when it came to understanding and respecting other countries traditions and customs. Nowadays people are more open to it.

The positive side of being mixed-race is the fact that you get to know both countries well and respect their lifestyle. I respect people from all countries since my perspective has gotten broader. The downside is regardless whether you are in your Moms or Dads country, you’ll always be a foreigner in their land.

Being mixed-race has given me a broader outlook when it comes to races. Right now, I have friends from almost all over the world because of my flexibility in making friends from mixed-races and respecting them as well as understanding them.

I believe I’m content with what I have right now and don’t see myself returning as anyone else.