I first visited the Philippines when I was 29. I thought I would feel at home there, but I felt more out of place than I did in the U.S. I discovered I was more American than Filipino. It was shattering because I never felt quite at home in the U.S., either.
I'm fascinated by the Philippines because I'm from here. I was born here. I'm a Filipino.
If there's a Filipino flag waving, will.i.am whispers to me, ‘Filipinos are over there!' And then I wave towards that direction.
In every Filipino family, the children always want to help the parents… that was my goal.
I've started my own record label - Jeepney Music - and I want to put out my own stuff and also stuff by other Filipino artists.
I have introduced Filipino culture to the world.
It is very important for me to give forward in helping out every Filipino.
I want to encourage Filipino artists to be original, write your own songs and don't be afraid to go outside the box and try new things.
I'm really proud to be Filipino. Filipinos are really supportive, and I want to thank all of them. I love them!
My mom is Filipino and my dad is half Russian and half Irish.
