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

 Redentor San Juan Sr.

Click here to read the research essay, “The Life of Redentor San Juan Senior”, by Josephine Dy

Click on the links below to hear audio segments from a November 2005 interview by Josphine Dy with my Uncle Boy. 

 

Uncle Boy

 

Table of Contents:

1. In The Beginning
2. How They Got To America

3. Navy Life & Vietnam

4. Living In America

5. Returning Home

 

In The Beginning

Uncle Boy was born on November 11, 1949 in Pasig, Manila Philippines. Since he was the oldest boy he had to help support the family.

“Working young I”

When his father died at a very young age, Uncle boy had to take the place of his father as the head of the household.  He had to support his mother, Nanay as well as his brothers and sisters, Yoly, Bebe, Manding, Jun, Ellen, Marlon and Rommel.

“Working to Support Family”
 

Back to Table of Contents

  

How They Got to America

Uncle Boy tells us how the family was able to come to America
”Petitioned by Tatay”

 

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Navy Life & Vietnam

Upon arriving from the Philippines, Uncle Boy was notified that he had to join the military.  Since the draft was active, he decided to volunteer for the Navy division. 

“Smart Decision Making”

He tells us about the places that he was stationed during the Vietnam war.

“Vietnam Tour”

Uncle Boy with his wife, Auntie Vangie, describes his position held while in Vietnam.

“Fighting In Vietnam”

Uncle Boy’s reflection of his military experience.

“In Retrospect”

Uncle Boy and Auntie Vangie gives advice regarding joining the military

“Words of Wisdom”

 

Grandson Darius’s Baptism

Father-In-Law, Alfredo, Mother-In-Law, Felicidad, Daughter, Ericka,

Wife, Vangie, Son, Redentor “BJ” Junior

 

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Living In America

Uncle Boy describes his experience when he first came to United States.

“I Will Never Go Back”

Uncle Boy and Auntie Vangie describe how Filipinos interacted with one another in San Francisco in the 1970’s.

“Tension Between Filipinos”

As a young man in the Philippines, Uncle Boy worked hard to support his mother, brothers and sisters; now in America he works just as hard to support his new family.  Listen as he describes his work experience and loyalty to his family and co-workers for not crossing picket lines during the Greyhound strike.

“Always Working”

 

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At home in the Philippines

 

Going Back Home

Although Uncle Boy does not regret coming to America, he says, “this place is not for me”

“This Place Is Not For Me”

He talks about the advantages of being able to go back and forth to America and the Philippines.

“Balikbayan - Transnationalism”

He says that people come to America to work.  After working here, you have to think about what to do next, your retirement is usually not enough.

“The Plan In America”

We end our interview with Uncle Boy’s reflection of where he considers his “house” to be.

“Philippines Is My House”  

Back to 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.

last revised: 12-19-05
by Eric Brenner, Skyline College, San Bruno, CA
These materials may be used for educational purposes if you inform and credit the author and cite the source as: 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.net