Third Culture

I was chatting with a friend of mine, and we were updating each other of our locations - although she has been in Mindano for most of her life except for the time she was in Baguio for her studies. So I told her that I am currently based in two places, after having just arrived from a short stint at Aceh, Indonesia, and she said, "a, okay...one migration to another...mabuhay ang mga Third Culture Pips."
I had an inkling on what she meant, but asked her anyway:

clarice: third culture...those who have had experiences with migration...you don't belong to the original nor the present...you create one that is distinct...that's how sociologists term it... it is coined mostly for children of diplomats and missionaries...i think everyone who goes through migration tend to be like that...
LNR: like OFWs... yup.
clarice: ye...

Clark Kent had this idea that the millions of Filipinos abroad - OFWs especially, should have for themselves a separate province - their belonginess to that province is not geographically determined but defined simply because they are outside the Philippines.... a Third Culture - a new Philippines, maybe?

The Filipinos in Banda Aceh would sometimes gather to celebrate some occasion - a despidida, a birthday - and anybody Pinoy is invited - doesn't matter if you know the host or even know what the event is. Just be there, because you are Filipino - and it's a Filipino gathering.

It's nice - when just being Filipino - becomes reason for celebration.