John Quidilla Needs Help

[StephD 4]

If you're even remotely involved with John's cause, it would behoove you to use proper grammar. Words are important, even in an informal forum such as this. Not being careful to use the right words, you risk losing people through miscommunication or, even worse, alienation.

Please elaborate on why you believe the bolded statement you made above. As a fellow Filipino-American (natural born), I know that there are different "classes" of Filipinos here in the U.S., and that some of them have a feeling of entitlement. But to come on here and make that kind of statement is truly insensitive, not to mention stupid. It's insensitive because a death in the family causes injury to every family. It's stupid because you're doing it while trying to appeal to people via sympathy.

I'm insulted that someone would actually try to portray John as a proponent of the Filipino-American. I have no doubt he may be active in a Filipino-American community youth program, but to align him with Filipinos only when it's convenient is disingenuous. A quick visit to his FB page, which arguably provides the best representation of one's persona today, shows that he has no interest in being Filipino whatsoever. If for no other reason than that, I think he should be allowed to stay.

He just needs to be a man already and fly from the nest. I'm sure that his sister and all the supporters will be there to help the family. Besides, living in the Philippines isn't that bad for an educated person. Many foreigners go there to work. Many more choose to stay, and don't care to leave because they have good jobs in International Companies like the one his father worked for. Not to mention there are many people who share the same interest in anime, photography,cosplay, etc. From what I've seen, they have some very good animators in the Philippines.

Based on the picture that was posted, my guess would be that a relationship factors into all of this. If so, the most obvious solution would be for him to marry a "USC", ala VJ members. That is, unless he's banned as a result of what is happenning now. If he isn't and is allowed to stay (one way or another), I sincerly hope he dedicates his life to a cause for the many other Filipinos who had "aged out" and were never allowed to come here to be with their family. I'm sure they miss their family just as much as John would...

I apologize if you found my previous comment insulting or insensitive as well as for any bad grammar that stood out to you. My comment wasn't directed at you but at those who were attacking John for being in his situation. I realize a death in any family is a very painful loss, however most families are not faced with deportation when their father passes away.

John's case was not posted on this petition by me, but by a fellow VJ member who thought it would be beneficial to bring this to the attention of this community. I am not on here to pretend that John deserves support because he is Filipino, and I certainly don't think he shows no interest in being Filipino. I don't live my life trying to follow anyone else's guidelines of what a person my race should do or be, nor do I think anyone should be expected to in order to receive support to be in this country.

I'd greatly appreciate it if you could explain what you mean by:

"A quick visit to his FB page, which arguably provides the best representation of one's persona today, shows that he has no interest in being Filipino whatsoever. If for no other reason than that, I think he should be allowed to stay."

But then you claim that he has a lot in common with other Filipinos as:

"Not to mention there are many people who share the same interest in anime, photography,cosplay, etc."

This really is not a racial matter and I'd appreciate it if you'd refrain from making it one.

We are asking for support of John because he is an exceptionally talented, selfless, kind human being and friend whose absence will greatly affect his family as well as our community. Ripping a man away from the life he lives and only family he knows is not something I'd expect anyone to wish on a stranger, and it's truly shocking to me that anyone would.

[DaRoq 36]

What a well typed out response! One question, have you ever been to the philippines? Do you think a 24 year old kid that just graduated college that grew up in American Culture is going to be able to step off the plane and go to work for a big international company as an animator? Are you familiar with how many people live in the philippines and the job ratio for them? You make it sound Wonderfull! Like a Fairy Tale!

I've only been to the Philippines a total of 6 times, but I try to go back every year for the maximum 21 days. I also keep up with the Philippines on a daily basis via the news and current events shows on TFC. I'm also acutely aware of how hard it is to make it there because I have many close friends/co-workers based in Makati. They have had to endure and overcome challenges, as well as be at the top of their class, in order to make it to those companies. Even I, with 20+ years in IT, wouldn't expect even an interview in the company I already work for because credentials are everything over there. So no, I wouldn't expect him or anybody to be able to step off the proverbial plane and go to work for a big international company there...or anywhere. Including America. Hindi ba? All of us have to pay our dues, whether we like it or not. How we view ourselves influences whether we "make tampo" about it or not.

To be honest, it doesn't matter to me if the guy stays here, illegally or otherwise. I was about to sign the petition until I read the post I replied to earlier. It reminded me of those "do you know who I am" guys in the Philippines that think too highly of themselves because they have a working-class title. The ones who insist on being called "Attorney/Engineer/Director Quidilla" even in non-work settings. Put a bad taste in my mouth...

No sáan nga makaammó nga nangtaliáw ti naggapuánna, saán a makadánon ti papanánna

[StephD 4]

I've only been to the Philippines a total of 6 times, but I try to go back every year for the maximum 21 days. I also keep up with the Philippines on a daily basis via the news and current events shows on TFC. I'm also acutely aware of how hard it is to make it there because I have many close friends/co-workers based in Makati. They have had to endure and overcome challenges, as well as be at the top of their class, in order to make it to those companies. Even I, with 20+ years in IT, wouldn't expect even an interview in the company I already work for because credentials are everything over there. So no, I wouldn't expect him or anybody to be able to step off the proverbial plane and go to work for a big international company there...or anywhere. Including America. Hindi ba? All of us have to pay our dues, whether we like it or not. How we view ourselves influences whether we "make tampo" about it or not.

To be honest, it doesn't matter to me if the guy stays here, illegally or otherwise. I was about to sign the petition until I read the post I replied to earlier. It reminded me of those "do you know who I am" guys in the Philippines that think too highly of themselves because they have a working-class title. The ones who insist on being called "Attorney/Engineer/Director Quidilla" even in non-work settings. Put a bad taste in my mouth...

No sáan nga makaammó nga nangtaliáw ti naggapuánna, saán a makadánon ti papanánna

I'm really not sure why or when you thought we said anything about John feeling self titled or calling himself anything like "Director Quidilla"...

I realize that at some point in my statement you got confused, as I was also confused by your comments about it.

To be clear at no point do I or John or anyone supporting him claim that we are high above anyone.

I attended the University with John and recently walked the stage with him. We are by no means fancy elitist intellectuals. We aim only to make video games and pretty art for a living. Which is by no means a luxurious nor high standing job.

Looking at it now I think it was perhaps my sentence about how John's family had been affected by his father's death that threw you off.

Since I noticed you italicized "The death of John's father caused greater injury to his family then most family deaths do to any common family."

I didn't mean anything about class separations. That was "common" as in "of frequent occurrence; usual; familiar: a common event".

Sorry if that was the confusion, I honestly thought you were being racists for a minute and was also terribly confused.

I'm not Filipino and did not realize there was such a large class difference or prejudice.

And as previously requested here's a picture of John.

[Krikit 1,164]

Thread closed for review.

[Krikit 1,164]

Thread will remain closed at the request of the OP. It has run its course.