According to ZipAltas, Virginia Beach has the largest Filiphino population of any city in Virginia. Senior Jashvy Vlan Lazaro happens to be one of them.

“I am very proud to be a Filipino!” said Lazaro.

Lazaro and both of his parents were born in the Philippines; Lazaro lived in the Philippines until he moved to Virginia Beach in the sixth grade.  

“Some [culture] from the Philippines that I brought back to America are some pesos for memories and the Barong Tagalog, the National Costume of the Philippines,” said Lazaro.

There is a large Filipino student population at Salem, and it provides teachers and students a unique opportunity to learn about the Filipino culture. Twenty-twenty graduate James Tieu took advantage of this opportunity.

“Through Jashvy I’ve been able to try a variety of Filipino foods, ranging from the common pancit and lumpia to, one of Jashvy’s favorites, sisig,” said Tieu. “Sisig is a dish that mainly contains pork stomach, and although it sounds peculiar, it’s quite delicious.” 

Much of Filipino culture is centered around family. 

“There are definitely a lot of things to be proud of being a Flipino,” said Lazaro. “One of them includes those big family gatherings and huge diverse types of foods on the table. Also, being religious is one of them, making friends at church, and learning more about [how] God helps us more towards relationships and such.” 

A common pastime at family get togethers is karaoke. 

“We love karaoke because it’s a somewhat cheap and fun way to conjugate and connect, even though some of us are horrible at singing,” said sophomore Ezra Decastro. “I find karaoke a way to display your musical taste and to have a good time singing your heart out laughing with your friends over how bad your voice is. Karaoke is also deeply rooted in our culture. During our childhoods as our parents and parents before have lived their generation through karaoke, and that has been passed down as an example for us.”

If you are interested in learning more about Filipino culture a local restaurant is a good place to start. Some great Filipino restaurants Lazaro recommends are Felynn Oriental Restaurant, Winnie’s Filipino Kitchen, and Lumpia and Company. 

“I have always been aware of and amazed at the way our culture works,” said Lazaro. “I try my best to influence and hopefully share some interesting stuff about our culture with people [so they will] be amazed the way I am amazed with my culture!”