Skyline College/North San Mateo County Oral History Archives, Skyline College Library
Student project for LSCI 110 – Digital Oral Research Project, Skyline College

From The Heart Of A Filipino Immigrant: Helen Roque

Click here to read the research essay, “From The Heart Of A Filipino Immigrant”, by Rizelle Mae Y. Calamucha

Click on the links below to hear audio segments from an April 2012 interview by Rizelle Mae Y. Calamucha with Helen Roque, who spent most of her life in the US, yet still considers the Philippines her home.

Helen in the 70’s

Table of Contents:
1. Reasons To Migrate
2. Life Under Martial Law

3. Feelings About Leaving the Philippines

4. Regrets About Leaving

5. The American Dream

6. Overcoming Culture Shock

7. Abu Sayyaf Kidnapping

8. Is the Philippines Still Your Home?

9. The Second Generation Filipino-Americans

10. Building A Dream In The Philippines

Segment 1
Reasons to Migrate (00:38)
Helen talks about why she migrated to the US.

First Trip to the US

Back to the Table of Contents

Segment 2
Life Under Martial Law (00:50)
Helen describes how the Philippines was under Martial Law

Girl Scout induction in the Philippines

Back to the Table of Contents

Segment 3
Feelings About Leaving the Philippines (00:54)
Helen explains how her family left for a better life and reunification with her sisters.

Helen with her Mom

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Segment 4
Regrets About Leaving (00:44)
Helen talks about the changes in the Philippines that made her realize how lucky she was to be given an opportunity for a better life.

A game of volleyball with some friends

Back to the Table of Contents

Segment 5
The American Dream (00:45)
Helen explains her vision of America when she immigrated.

Junior Prom and dressing up with friends

Back to the Table of Contents

Segment 6
Overcoming Culture Shock (00:55)
Helen talks about how she made her first friends.

Friends from the Filipino Youth Club

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Segment 7
Abu Sayyaf Kidnapping (02:04)
Helen describes her experience when her family was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf.

Soaking under the General Santos Sun

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Segment 8
Is the Philippines Still Your Home? (01:43)
Helen talks her outreach program in the Philippines.

The “Hatid-Biyaya” team in Tondo General Hospital

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Segment 9
The Second Generation Filipino-Americans (01:04)
Helen talks about how her daughter fell in love with the Philippines like she did.

With her daughter, Nowie

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Segment 10
Building a Dream in the Philippines (01:19)
Helen explains how she is settled with her life right now.

With her late husband, Nelson

Back to the Table of Contents 

*These audio files may be played with Windows Media Player or Real Player.
To download a free copy of Windows Media Player, click here.
To download a free copy of Real Player, click here.

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last revised: 4-29-10
by Eric Brenner, Skyline College, San Bruno, CA
These materials may be used for educational purposes. North San Mateo County Oral History Archives, Skyline College Library.
All commercial rights are reserved. To contact the coordinator, or send comments or suggestions, email: Eric Brenner at brenner@smccd.edu