WHY MOVING ABROAD STRENGTHENED MY CONNECTION TO THE PHILIPPINES

There's this fear that I'll suddenly become ignorant of the things going on back home and that a lack of knowledge will mean I'm turning my back on the Philippines.

- By PATRICIA MANARANG

Since I moved out of the country, I've been consuming more Filipino culture than when I was back home. I'm more invested now in Filipino news, internet memes or jokes, celebrity culture, and more. I've been cooking and craving more Filipino food. Spotting Filipinos walking around here brings me so much excitement; I have to stop myself from approaching them because it might seem creepy.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, so they say, but why is that the case? I chatted with some of my amazing friends to get their perspectives on why we want to reconnect with our national identity more when we're away from the homeland.

MUSIC, MEDIA, AND POP CULTURE
My timing seems off when it comes to Pinoy pop culture. Bakit kasi lalong sumikat ang BINI kung kailan ako umalis at hindi ko sila na mapanood mag-concert? The best season of Drag Race Philippines aired when I couldn't go to viewing parties either. But are there really more iconic things happening now, or am I just seeking them out on purpose?

My friends gravitate more to Filipino movies and shows now than when they were readily available back home. My friend Issa Soliongco, a designer who pursued her Master's abroad, found herself going through funny Pinoy content accounts on Instagram. I'm the same way, too; it's a slight feeling of taking things for granted that's pushing me to consume more.