#399: SPOTLIGHT: Chris Muller-Tabanera
#399: Chris Muller-Tabanera
September 10, 2024
A Backbeat of Community
Question for Chris:
Does one particular travel experience come to mind (whether travel for work or vacation) that had a substantial and LASTING impact on your life?
Chris' Response:
In the summer of 2005, I visited Manila, Philippines. It changed my life.
For those of us coming from an ethnic minority context, we often learn about our past from our families or what the 'master' narrative tells us. But growing up, my family only joked about our history and being Filipino. Humor was the main tool we used to cope with immigration, and a history of colonization and perpetual war in the Philippines. I can see my uncle Alan dancing and speaking in an exaggerated Filipino accent about how “we were just so sexy everyone wanted a piece.” Relatedly, American history of the Philippines gives a very positive spin to our two countries' relationship (e.g., the USA granted Filipinos independence).
But during this trip to Manila my ethnic identity took on a much different meaning. Through museums, classes, and extended family members, I was introduced to a much fuller narrative that captured an unabridged history of the islands—a history of violence against us, resistance, and resilience. It was there where I first learned of Lapu Lapu, who is regarded as the first national hero of the Philippines. Lapu Lapu was the only native leader who defied Ferdinand Magellan and defeated his forces in the Battle of Mactan, delaying Spanish colonization of the islands for 44 years. I read old tattered pamphlets from José Rizal, a poet and novelist who wielded his pen to expose the abuses of Spanish rule. I learned about revolutionaries like Andrés Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo, who both fought against Spain and the USA for national sovereignty. I discovered female heroes, like Melchora Aquino, who was arrested, jailed, and later exiled for her role in supporting the nationalist movement. Through all of their stories, I gained a new perspective on American history. A history told from the voices of the Philippines, one that exposed the blatant hypocrisy, racism, and violence of the US empire during that time.
Almost 20 years after this trip, I can say that who I am today and how I live was radically transformed by these narratives. By wielding stories of violence, resistance, and resilience, we combat a distorted 'master' narrative about us or what was done to us. The voices from the source, voices on the 'margins,' help defend our dignity, proclaim the Imago Dei in our people, and help shape a much more dynamic identity as a Filipino American.
I suspect Chris would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Chris' email… pip
Joe Bruzzese's thought…
Chris, thank you for bringing a fuller picture to the narrative that has guided your life. Your writing reminded me of the power that narratives have to shape culture, community and the lives of individuals. I wonder about the current narratives that guide who we are and what we might do to both question and reshape those same narratives for future generations. I think your experience adds to the fabric of who we all are as humans. Thank you Chris.
- Joe Bruzzese
