Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Jon and Sheila Duenas-Imme’s ‘The Hidden Dream’ sheds light on the plight of veterans and what it means to the younger Filipino generation.

THERE had been many stories and films made about the history between the United States and the Philippines. But only a few have showed a different perspective on the issues and concerns of Filipino-Americans.

However, The Hidden Dream: The Filipino Experience with America from the Bataan Death March to the 21st Century opens our eyes to what most Fil-Ams might have missed—why is it important for people, especially the younger generation, to know and recognize the sacrifices, contributions of Filipinos to American society.

A film by Shiela Duenas-Imme and Jon Imme, and hosted by Charmaine Clamor, The Hidden Dream reveals the little known stories of the Filipino community in America. Survivors of the Bataan Death March—a forced exodus of 60 miles under the tropical heat—relates first-hand accounts of the ordeal which claimed the lives of more than 10,000 Filipinos and at least 1,200 Americans. At the Japanese prison camp was no different—tales of hunger, disease and death haunt the survivors still.

But despite of the depressing situation, there were still little known acts of heroism that happened that time. One story is about Sgt. Floresca, a highly decorated veteran, who told his story about sneaking out the camp at night and walking miles just to get water for his companions.

Major Crescencio Abad, President of the United Filipino American Veterans relates reveals the tragedy of the tardiness of the rescinding of the Rescission Act of 1946 and why it is important for the United States to recognize them.

Last year, President Barack Obama signed the Stimulus Bill, which included a lump sum payment for qualified Filipino WWII veterans in the Philippines and US. Some 200,000 Filipinos served with American troops during WWII. Sadly, it took more than 60 years for these veterans to receive recognition, and by the time the bill was signed, only about 18,000 veterans were alive.

Two lands, one heart

Another interesting insight in the film is how Filipinos share their joy in becoming American citizens and how young Filipinos born in America express the conflict that comes from being citizens of two culture.

Kevin Nadal, PhD, author of Filipino American Psychology shares this view about the reasons why younger Filipinos know less about their history and culture. "One of the main reasons why I believe that a lot of these children aren’t learning about their history is not because their parents do not want to teach them about the history," he said in the film and continued, "But because their parents may have repressed a lot of these emotions."

Young Fil-Ams share their experiences about growing up Filipino in another country, noting their desire to discover more about their heritage and culture. The film also explains the Filipinos’ values on love of family and country, and the ideals we all share as a people.

Sunday, May 16 at 7pm, Monday, May 17 at 1am and Sunday, May 23 at 12am.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published April 29, 2010 in Something Filipino Magazine p. 2 )