The American Dream, is it something worth trying to get? Well I think it depends on your situation of your home country.
What’s your name?
– My name is M.J Ramirez and I am 24 years old.
What Country are you from?
– I am from Pamapanga, Philippines
When did you arrive to the US?
– Aug. 2009
Did you know anyone here before you moves and whom?
– Yea I knew my fiancé R.J.
Before moving to the US what was your prospective of the US?
Weather
– Living in a tropical country all my life, I thought it snowed everywhere in America. Obviously, I now know that it doesn’t. Also, I swear I studied geography but it seemed like in most American movies, there would always be snow in the winter.
People
– I though everyone in the States was rich and white, or a term I only learned from living here, Caucasian. Living here, I was very surprised to see homeless people and different races everywhere.
– I thought people mainly ate burgers, fries, and pizza. I still feel people here eat more fast food than they should.
Money
– I was a believer in the American Dream. I, like many people, felt it would be easy to make money if you lived in the US. My, was I naïve. I now try to explain to people still living in the Philippines that it is definitely NOT easy and culture here seems to revolve around working all the time.
Cleanliness
– Many areas especially cities are very polluted and dirty in the Philippines. I thought the US would be pristine and clean everywhere. Have you been to East Side San Jose? But seriously, I still think it is a lot cleaner here that’s for sure.
What made you think this about the US?
– From US films and movies
What was your prospective of the US after arriving and living here?
No Maids
– No one is cooking for me, cleaning for me. It’s a bit funny. Here in the States, people think maids are for the very rich and might make you think that someone with a maid is snobby or spoiled. In the Philippines, it is common for even lower class families to have a helper or maid in the house. This is also seen as helping out that person by giving them a job and pay.
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Culture
– The feeling of community. People here in the States seem to not really know their neighbors whereas in the Philippines, it is normal to know everyone in the community.
– People here love dogs! Some people treat dogs like children… which is crazy to me! In the Philippines, dogs are simply dogs. It’s common for stray dogs to be seen wandering streets and neighborhoods. And yes, some people do eat dog meat. Personally, I think that is gross.
– Here in the States, people seem to be a lot more career oriented and in a rush. Time is of the essence! In the Philippines, it is definitely more laid back. There might be a more laid back culture due to many families being supported by overseas workers. Many Filipinos try to work outside of the country to earn more money and support their families.
Food
– Food! The first restaurant I went to was Denny’s after arriving from the airport. It felt really weird. The menu had unfamiliar food and I have to admit, I was a little upset! Now though, I feel happy that I live in an area known to be a melting pot of races and cultures, mainly because of the food! I have been able to try many types of food. I’ve also discovered my love of a good bbq and rib eye steak! I feel veryAmerican saying that! Hehe.
– Another funny story is that when I first got here, I went to McDonald’s hoping to order spaghetti. I was laughed at for a while for that. The McDonald’s in the Philippines has spaghetti, chicken, and even rice.
Racism
– I did not know what racism was until I lived here. It’s kind of sad how some people are afraid of other people based on racism and stereotypes!
What made you change your prospective?
– Moving here for the American dream. I thought it was going to easy to make money but I was wrong
Picture Perfect Art 
