Don’t ask me who designed the Sydney Opera House because I wouldn’t have a clue.
Don’t ask me to sing the country’s national anthem either because I only know bits and pieces of it (like being girt by sea).
Most of all, don’t ask me if I like vegemite because that would be like asking me if I want my bread rubbed against my uncle’s sweaty armpits.
As Australia Day approaches, and you ask me whether I’m Australian, I can tell you that most things iconically Australian are alien to me. I will always have a soft spot for Jose Rizal (the Philippines’ national hero), I can sing Lupang Hinirang (the national hymn) in my sleep and dinuguan is one of my favourite dishes.
But don’t let that fool you. I am as Australian as they come. I can tell you the best places to eat in Sydney. I can drive from the city, along the M4, to Blacktown in record time. With my eyes closed. Except that would be illegal.
And yes, I cried alongside every other Australian when Cathy Freeman crossed the finish line at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
What I’m trying to say is that being ‘Australian as they come’ is more than about loving cricket or footy, surfing on the weekend or having Weet-Bix everyday – all those things that people use, jokingly or not, to say who’s Australian and who’s not.
Being Australian means I can be who I am, live as I please and embrace all the cultures that have flourished here through the years.
The Philippines will always be my heart, my soul and my roots. But Australia is my best friend, my family and my home.
Nationality is not black and white. I am proudly Filipino and Australian. Not even a freakish spread like vegemite can change that.
Other post/s by Michelle Baltazar
- Manila for writers - October 2nd, 2010
About Michelle Baltazar
We are very lucky to have such a proud Aussie – fantastic sentiments!
Thanks Narelle!
Hi Michelle,
I totally relate to your last 5 paragraphs. I couldn’t help but laugh when you mentioned your uncle’s sweaty armpits and vegemite – it paints a revolting picture.
Nonetheless, I love vegemite. If I can eat ‘ginamos’ (bisaya anchovies), I can eat that. I love it with cheese and have you tried it with peanut butter and jam? It’s also marvelous cooking it with lamb.
Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!
it is funny. I can eat ginamos but I can’t eat vegemite. very weird.
but thanks for your comment! see you at the next radio gig eh?
I take it you did not win the competition of naming the new vegimite.
It is great what makes Aussies proud. For me it is the great mate ship in Australia.I work with new arriving Phillipinos (457 workers)who quickly fall in love with Australia.Australia has a proud union history, with mates working along side mates and looking after each other no matter what your skin colour.
“see ya at the footy mate”!
lol! yes, unfortunately, vegemite’s got my face on a dartboard in the office somewhere.
i agree with you, Australia is a very easy country to fall in love with!
thanks for dropping by!
Michelle
oi!oi!oi! good one Michelle. likewise one need not
like bagoong to be a Filipino:)
that is true. although I don’t know why but I can eat bagoong, ginamos, daing, etc, but not vegemite. maybe if the put vegemite in fish-shaped bottles, I might change my mind!
thanks for saying hi here!