Back in 2014, vlogger Kyle Jennermann—Kulas to his Becoming Filipino social media followers, was still settling into life in the Philippines when he had an eye-opening experience that many can probably still relate to today.
He recalled that while buying bibingka, he struck up a conversation with the vendor, mixing Tagalog and Bisaya as he mentioned that he was based in Mindanao. Instead of a friendly exchange, the vendor immediately responded with “Abu Sayyaf,” referring to the notorious extremist group that was making headlines at the time.
Kulas was stunned. With all the amazing things about Mindanao, why was this the immediate association, he thought. That moment solidified his belief that stereotypes persist when people lack firsthand experience.
“People who haven’t been, lived, and deeply immersed across the southern area of the Philippines. Chances are… they don’t really understand it. We have to respect that, he shared.
“I believe when we meet people, whether Filipinos or foreigners, we should do all we can to educate and inspire more learning in those individuals lives… in a positive way,” he added.
Now a naturalized Filipino, Kulas hopes more people will highlight Mindanao’s beauty and culture to erase the stigma of violence that once overshadowed the island.
