TGIF FEATURE: Online series is a journey of self-discovery for Filipino Americans

THE FILIPINO SCHOOL

The life-changing journey of these Filipino Americans can be viewed online.

"Who am I?" Some Americans of Asian descent spend their entire lives wondering, but never truly find the answer to that question.

For Ryah Hernandez, 18, a first-year student at Chico State in California, there was an awakening. “Growing up in a predominantly white school and wanting to be something I’m not, I realized that I should no longer be ashamed of my culture because it is filled with the most selfless, appreciative and humble people ever,” she said.

For Ryah, her "a-ha" moment came because of life-changing trip she took this summer with seven other Filipino American students to visit the home of her parents and grandparents.

The journey of a lifetime for the eight California students was captured on a new digital series, Filgrimage, which follows the young Filipino Americans' quest for identity. It is "a transformational experience that connects the next generation of Filipino Americans to their rich and proud heritage," describes Tony Olaes, philanthropist, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Filipino School.

On their pilgrimage, the eight students build houses; build opportunities for their fellow countrymen no matter where in the world they reside. The last episode of the series documents the Gawad Kalinga build of the students.

Filgrimage awakens and inspires these young Filipino American into becoming Filipino at heart. They begin to feel a deeper appreciation for their parents' sacrifices; a greater gratitude for their opportunities as Filipino Americans; a stronger desire to give back to their community; understanding the word "bayanihan"-- which means coming together for a greater purpose and ultimately, answer the questions: "Who am I" and "What does it mean to be Filipino?"

Get to know AJ Asuncion, 16, a Junior at Olympian High School; Gabby Almazar, 19, a Sophomore at UC San Diego; Jocelynne Montehermoso, 18, a Freshman at UC San Diego; Lauren Bumatay, 19, a Sophomore at San Diego City Community College; Luis Borromeo, 24, a graduate of The Ohio State University; Riana Hernandez, 21, a Senior at San Diego State University; Ryah Hernandez, 18, a Freshman at California State University, Chico; and Tyler Jacobs, 18, a Freshman at San Diego State University.

The journey was organized by The Filipino School, a nonprofit located in San Diego, Calif., where Filipino Americans get a chance to know more about their Filipino culture and heritage. The Filipino School was co-founded by philanthropist and entrepreneur Olaes, who made his fortune in the fashion industry.

The born-and-raised Californian, Olaes, experienced his own "a-ha" moment during a visit to his parents, who moved back to the Philippines. During his trip he discovered the resiliency and generosity of the people overcame the negative image of the Philippines often portrayed by U.S. media.

He returned to his San Diego headquarters and sought a way to share his experience of self-discovery and with young Filipino Americans, which led to the founding of The Filipino School and the annual Filgrimage.

While in the Philippines, Olaes was introduced to the Gawad Kalnga villages similar to Building for Humanity, where residents put in "sweat equity" to build their own homes. One of the highlights of the Filgrimage, the Fiipino American students help build some of the homes.

It was 18-year old Jocelynne Montehermoso’s first ever visit to the Philippines and one of the main things she realized is how “bayanihan is borne within all Filipinos around the globe and unites and defines us as Filipinos.” She adds, “After the trip, I felt more connected to my people.”

The 14-part series, Filgrimage, is now streaming on TheFilipinoSchool.com in honor of the Filipino-American History Month.