In continuing the Filipinos in Tech series, in this episode, I interview Marlo Carrillo and Ron Guerrero currently at Databricks but previously from Cloudera. We reflect on the significance of the Balikbayan box, symbolizing resilience and the importance of remembering their roots. We share personal and emotional stories of their own families' journeys to America, the struggles they faced, and the sacrifices made for a better life. We also discuss the challenges of growing up Filipino in different communities, feeling different, and trying to find connections. We highlight how Filipinos assimilate into new cultures while holding onto their heritage, and how language can be a marker of identity and assimilation. The episode explores the immigrant experience and the complexities of belonging to multiple worlds.

In addition to discussing our immigrant experiences, we focus on the impact of technology on the Filipino community. We speculate that more Filipinos will join the technology field in the future, including their family members. We discuss the preference for social and personal interactions that Filipinos may have, which could potentially explain the underrepresentation of Filipinos in the tech industry. We express gratitude towards America and its opportunities while acknowledging the unique charm of the Philippines. We also talk about retirement plans and the possibility of returning to the Philippines, with some expressing a desire to visit rather than permanently relocate.

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