Filipino American Dream

A. K. A. Filipino American Dream Series I: Unscripted © 2013

Written by Glen Yumang Manese 

A. k. a. (F. A. D.) Filipino American Dream

Coming on stage is Driven, Director, and poor Charlie, part of the comedy crew.

“Check one, one. A little off the treble. Check one, one, and two. A tad bit more on the bass. Check two, two, and one. Are we ready, Chuck?” Driven asked Charlie.                                                      

“No, Elvis has left the building. I was told by those outside waiting.” Replies Charlie.          

“What is the problem, Chuck!?!” Driven replies back to Charlie.

“My name is Charlie, not Chuck.” Charlie says back.

“Whatever your name is Bob Marley.”Driven says.

In between them, Director interrupts the conversation.

“Where’s a.k.a. Filipino American Dream? I’m really going to scream! I’m getting mad, Chuck. Charlie better start quacking like a duck.” Director yells.

“He’s here. No one needs to fear.” Charlie insists.

“That’s better Chuck. I was going to make you into Donald Duck. Make you quack like a duck. The audience will be booing. You guys better duck. People will be screaming. Hurry, get FAD. Before everyone gets mad.” Director says impatiently.

Enters FAD on the stage…

Filipino American Dream © 2013

 

Amaze how we tolerate.

Do not discriminate.

Alienate those wanting a dream.

Seems we have come a long way.         

Today, who are us a citizen.       

Perseverance of who I am.

I am one voice, one vote I am.                                

I am Filipino American Dream.

 

I pledge allegiance to the flag?          

Snag that does not look like the one I know.   

Show me again there are way too many stars.                            

Bizarre what happen to the Sun in the middle?                            

Diddle let’s try this again with an edge.                                      

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

I plague a leg to the jet lag of the unique stats of Jamaica.        

Americana rhymes better next question.                 

Annotation, do you know who the president is?               

President is Bo rack O Gamma.       

No, his name is Barack Obama.            

You’re in the general ballpark.                                                    

Spark out of this, what do 50 stars stand for, take a guess?      

Yes, 50 Cents.                                                                              

Relent, he’s a rapper.                                                              

Answer is 50 states.

 

Amaze how we tolerate.                  

Do not discriminate.                                                                           

Alienate those wanting a dream.                                                 

Seems we have come a long way.                                          

Today, who are us a citizen.                                        

Perseverance of who I am.                                                    

I am one voice, one vote I am.                                                          

I am Filipino American Dream.

 

Welcome America at the age of 6, I was all in a mix.     

Fix, infused and suffused into this Melting pot.                     

Could not speak, could not understand.

Span I knew 2 words a yes and a no.

So I was Different Strokes.     

Denote looks back at that moment.                                        

Torment feelings I came here for a reason.                            

Lesson how this rhyme becomes my season.           

Affirmation I am saying these words.                                          

Forward I use to look at the dictionary from A to Z.    

Destiny came, just when all seems to conquer you? 

Ensue I just believed.                                                          

Believing what is true.                     

Blue skies are not so.                                                                  

Show you to sail beyond them.

Overwhelm life’s helm is harmony.

 

Amaze how we tolerate.              

Do not discriminate.                            

Alienate those wanting a dream.                                                     

Seems we have come a long way.                                                

Today, who are us a citizen.                                           

Perseverance of who I am.                                

I am one voice, one vote I am.                     

I am Filipino American Dream.

 

I’d pay back the gratitude.                                                     

Attitude got what was fealty.                                          

Family told me I could not be.                                                       

I’d join the U.S.M.C.                                                     

Wear the color become one a valor.                    

Honor, separation secludes you.                                  

Few are tested to courage.                                                                 

Discourage by the facts of commitment.

Achievement I’d see graduation day.                              

Per se, see my father and mother together in years.  

Boot camp was well worth the fears.                              

Peer these words keep flowing.                  

Dictating and following me now.                                                 

How this all started with a dictionary.                                        

Pictionary is a game from A to Z.                               

Education comes to be my key.

 

Amaze how we tolerate.                                   

Do not discriminate.                                                                          

Alienate those wanting a dream.                                    

Seems we have come a long way.                                               

Today, who are us a citizen.                                               

Perseverance of who I am.                                       

I am one voice, one vote I am.

I am Filipino American Dream.

 

Reviews

[AYVID N]

An amazing write. You bring the American Dream to life in this writing. It's a marvel, how long we have come. Only goes to show that nothing can come in the way of those who set out to realize their dreams in earnest. Bravo! Please accept my compliments.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Thanks for dropping by...and making your presence known...

[E G TEN]

Very nice writing bro" so proud of what you shared here and can't wait to read the later chapters" well done and thanks for sharing.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Thanks for the feedback...the latter ones have more to offer...after four series...I'm spent on F.A.D. --- onto the novel and other material for now...

[Briana O'Connor]

Very well written. Pride in your country, knowing what's wrong and believing what's right leaps from your words. I am inspired by your piece. It's good to know that their are few people left who appreciate where they live. Thank you for sharing.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Briana --- thanks for your feedback...and time...to view my work here at the WC...

[SquinklaPsyOps]

Brilliant imagery and great transitions!

I feel like I went on a journey and saw all those images!

Nice chapter!

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Thanks for your time and review...

[AYVID N]

You are welcome. It's such a pleasure.

[Ashira Macy]

This was absolutely fantastic. Great rhythm to it, definitely a poem to be recited during slam poetry or in a song. I loved the repeated verse, it let's you reiterate to the audience where you stand. Also has a great critical narrative view of how we treat people who are just trying to succeed and follow their dreams. Fabulous work Glen!

[Glen Yumang Manese]

I look often --- where this started from scratch...the preliminary works before the final version...and if you could see them...its been a helluva ride --- not looking back...forward I go...with this dream...

[Ashira Macy]

Looking back is important to remember where you have been and your hardships, but you don't want to dwell in it. The future is what is important now.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

as I went along with this series...you'll see the transformation...from one series to another...the aspect of fighting for what you believe...to the idea of what to expect or not...but that you have ultimately done what makes you happy...as a writer and from an individual standing point...

[Ashira Macy]

Love it, growing into yourself is a huge part of the process to be sure.

[Shirlena]

You know this almost has a rap ring to it Glen. Have you actually spoken this out loud? Very inspirational and written in such a "slam" rhythm. It's very hard to ignore such commanding words.

[Glen Yumang Manese]

I guess you're the first to notice --- I wrote the whole series in lyrical verse...with 16 lines and hooks with 8 lines..to get the reader into the read...yet as the series went on...I did experiment and change the order of things...but still stayed within the theme I wanted to go with this write...keep it real as much as I could with me in there and a story line...that presents FAD Series in a different light than my other writes...I wanted to say this stuff out loud --- but I do not have the equipment to put it in that format...thanks again...

[John Ryan]

I really enjoyed this piece

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Thanks for the read, JR...will make sure to return the favor...

[A. Amos]

I truly enjoyed your poetic story, I traveled to your beautiful country and I have many Filipino friends; I know myraid here are not aware how hard working nation you guys are. Most of the Filipino work aboard as I had experience for having Filipino staff. You guys sacrifice your life to provide better life for your families back home. One more thing no one party like Filipino's:) I was lost in your poetry...you're a great writer. You are the people who make people believe in their dreams...wish your book a wonderful success!

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Thanks for the commentary...here and do agree with you --- this Series and the the ones that follow really put a different style in my progression as a writer of the written word...

[A. Amos]

You're most welcome my friend

[gabrielle]

You penned so well your challenging adjustments and the realization of the Filipino American dream..by the way, we have a Filipino page (managed by Belle and Neil Aranda). you might want to check it here: http://www.writerscafe.org/pinoyako. if you have a poem written in Filipino, you may submit it there. :)

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Thanks for the review... and the invite...yet I do not write in Tagalog...just English...since I migrated to the USA at the age of 6...but I will look at the page...