Lolo

An Interview

By Teaghan Frechette

My grandfather is from the Philippines. He was born in the municipality of Ilocos Norte, on the northern part of the largest island, Luzon. My family calls him Lolo, which means Grandpa in Tagalog, the national language of the Philippines. My whole life, I’ve always listened to his fascinating stories about childhood in his village. From these stories, he has inspired me to explore and be creative. He has taught me how to be humble and how to make the right decisions. But most importantly, he has emphasized the importance of family. “[The] family environment… that's your number one exposure… that's the engine for you to go on,” says Lolo. He believes that without his family he would not be himself today. Though he had to make sacrifices when he moved to the U.S., Lolo always stayed connected to his family back home. And even as a doctor with a busy job, he always tried to be there for his kids. 

Lolo made many sacrifices to support himself and his family. He left his home country for the U.S. to get the education he needed to become a doctor. He originally thought he would return to the Philippines, but he decided to settle here with his new family and job. Even though he made this sacrifice, he still stays in contact with his family in the Philippines. 

Lolo was a doctor for around thirty-five years and treated all sorts of people. Although this was a very time-consuming job, it set my mom and her brother up for success later in life. My uncle is now also a doctor, continuing his father’s line of work, and he lives close to Lolo. Despite being much farther away from her dad, my mother continues to stay in touch; she calls her dad almost every day. These calls are another example of how family is so important to him. 

Lolo represents the hardships and challenges that immigrants must face when coming to the United States. During this entire experience, he has stayed strong and always been there for his family. His value of family will be carried on for generations to come.

What is the most important value in life for you?

A strong family relationship.

If you could receive any award, what would you want it to be for?

I would like to receive an award for helping humanity, and the peace and safety of the world. There should be peace not for only our country, but for the whole world. Peace and health would be my concerns.

Who did you look up to when you were growing up? 

My father, my mother, and my friends. My brothers and sisters were also part of my influence, but my parents were the principal ones, especially my dad.

How did your parents leave a lasting impact on you? 

They passed away 20 years ago, but even now, I think of them on many occasions. I always think of their personal sacrifices and what they have done for me and for the family. Last night, I had a dream where I was with my mother and my father – which tells me that all that they have done for me has remained in my subconscious level for such a long, long time. 

What childhood experience shaped you into who you are? 

When I grew up, I could see the poverty and the absence of the good things in life. The Philippines were not like America. I saw so much inequality because of a fixed financial structure that limited opportunities. I was sad, but that is the system in any country like where I grew up. We didn’t have opportunities like we have here in America. When I was playing with other kids, I was the only one who had a bicycle. My brother had a pedal car, but the rest didn't have any.

How did immigrating to the U.S. influence some of your choices and later life?

I came over for my medical training. I thought I would be going back to serve my country, to teach what I had learned. But when I realized that the opportunities in this country are vast and unlimited, I took that chance to stay. The availability of good things in America is much greater. I took advantage of that.

What advice do you have for future generations? 

If you don't have the qualifications, you will not prosper. You have to have education. Of course, there are many who didn't finish school, who didn't have any college degree, who are nevertheless doing even better than those who have college degrees. But fundamentally, you have to have the correct education. Correct means that you can apply your college degree to both help general needs and attain professional satisfaction.

What lessons or values from your life do you want to pass on, and what do you wish young people would understand?

You should be able to share what you have with people who need it – or even those who may not need it. Be charitable and giving, not just to your family, but to whoever needs help. You don't have to be financially able to do that, but share some time and impart what you have learned to the general population. And be humble. Don't be arrogant and overpowering. 

Is there anything you want to add?

The family is number one. That's the engine for you to go on. If the family structure is weak, it affects you. The baseline is your family environment because that's your number one exposure. When you go to school and have friends, that's just secondary.