Loren King: Cultural Differences

Although there is only one race among the people, we come from many different cultures from around the world. It is interesting to see all the unique things that come from these different cultures. One of my close friends of five years is Filipino, and I am constantly learning something new about her cultural backgrounds. Loren King is eighteen, from Princeton, West Virginia, and is currently attending WVU. Her father is half Filipino. Her mother was born and raised in the Philippines. Even though Loren grew up in Princeton, West Virginia, she still follows most of her cultural traditions and beliefs. There are two major languages in the Philippines, English and Filipino. Americans express themselves with more words. Filipinos usually are

They are always spending free time with their family. Of course we all spend time with our family, but Filipinos spend time with ALL family. When I think of family, I simply think of parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents. When I was invited to a few of Loren’s parties or “small get togethers,” her entire family would show up. She didn’t just have her parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, cousins, and grandparents. They would have deep, extended family. Sometimes she wouldn’t even know the names of her family members because being “family” was just enough. I have been her best friend for five years and I am still meeting her family. When I have a party, I usually have about fifteen people show up. Loren’s sweet sixteen party had about one hundred and twenty people, twenty being just friends from school. A vacation isn’t truly a vacation without the entire family

It is the little differences I have noticed between our families that make our friendship interesting. My family enjoys between outside in the woods or riding four wheelers. Her family enjoys technology and spending a lot of time with each other. She has taught me a lot about her culture, and I plan to learn a lot more throughout our future years of friendship. Her family oriented ways has made me more of a family person. Because of her, I am now able to try new foods and stop being picky every time I am introduced to a new meal. I don’t think I will ever learn the Filipino language, but I have a few words memorized. Loren and I have talked about taking a trip to the Philippines. I love getting to know Loren’s family and traditions so I would love visiting the Philippines even