By Teresita Zurbano Ruutu
With perhaps a few exceptions, the first thing that immigrants do as soon as they arrive in the country of destination is to find co-expatriates in the area. Even just one with whom they can share and compare their new and different experiences without fear of embarrassment or offending the local inhabitants. In experiences where co-expatriates are distances away, the acquaintance of immigrants from other countries are likewise sought.
As migrants, we all face the common problem of adjusting and keeping the balance between our own culture and that of the new, of one’s host country. It is difficult, if not almost impossible for an adult to alter a pattern of behaviour that has been practiced for years. Fortunately for us Filipinos, we easily camouflage our old way of life and we even share them with our Finnish acquaintances and relatives. I, for one, have stopped using the umbrella to protect myself from the sun, while my Finnish husband, though he cannot stand the smell of bagoong (fermented fish), he will rather use the spoon when eating rice.
In Finland, old traditions are being encouraged provided that they can be assimilated into the country’s practices and habits, and that they do not contradict with what is legally allowed in the country.
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