Interesting random observations. Well because Filipinos have probably the most diverse culture to start with, with 7000 islands and more than a hundred various dialects. Indeed it's very hard to generallize. Assimilation is a key factor for 2nd and 3rd generation Fil-Ams; it seems easier and more practical for them to integrate themselves and excel in the mainstream. I assume assimilation as a survival mechanism also applies to other Filipino-hyphenate communities. Indeed, now spread over 140 countries in the world, the Filipino diaspora is demographically, geographically and culturally complex. To date, there has been no known concentrated effort to collect and consolidate factual, visual, anecdotal and empirical data on the Philippine diaspora to more than 142 countries. The ongoing trials, tribulations and triumphs of Filipino workers abroad form a powerful narrative that must be celebrated by future generations as part of their heritage. At the same time, the astounding numbers and trends, in both migration patterns and remittances, need to be collected and consolidated consistently to provide scholars, policymakers, the media, think-tank groups and others with solid data for analysis in shaping and creating new policies that would better protect the rights and the voice of Filipino migrants and immigrants scattered across the globe. Re your observations of Filipinos' attitudes who are living and working in repressive vs freedom-loving countries are true.. How often do we read horror stories from abroad about Filipino teachers-turned-housemaids raped and physically abused—with some imprisoned for running away, while others await execution for killing their abusive employers? Surely, there are less tragic situations that don’t make it in the news: contract workers prevented from going home to the Philippines in the event of a death in the family, much less for Christmas or their children’s graduation. We also hear stories of overburdened and underpaid seamen, or performers forced into prostitution. These Filipinos bravely cross the borders even in the face of harsh challenges, sacrificing their own well being for a better life for their families. Needless to say, working overseas, away from their loved ones, exacts a heavy emotional toll. This is why stories of non-violent, rational individuals committing crimes abroad are becoming increasingly common. While our government and embassies do the best they can, they are often hampered by multiple mandates, budgetary and/or bilateral trade constraints to be able to cover the different needs of Filipinos immigrants, especially in troubled regions. During the first Gulf War, for example, dozens of Filipino domestic helpers in Kuwait, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf States, who took advantage of the chaotic situation to run away from abusive employers, were left stranded in embassies for a long time, either awaiting repatriation or placement with other employers. Our embassies did not have enough resources to cope with such a crisis and had to seek assistance from host governments. On the other hand, we witness developed countries, including the United States, recruit our best doctors, nurses, educators and technology experts in a cycle of brain drain that has been the byproduct of Philippine poverty. The kind of Filipinos we have in the USA as well as those in other developed countries, are Filipinos with so much to offer. Unlike their counterparts in Middle Eastern, European and some Asian cities, who are more often under oppressive circumstances, Filipinos in America, for the most part, are privileged to live in a society where they are not only free to avail of the idealized way of life, but are also given many opportunities to improve the quality of their lives, be it through continuing education, career changes, or volunteering. As a collective group, therefore, they form a rich pool of resources (doctors, nurses, lawyers, IT specialists, among others) just waiting to be tapped. With regard to religion, I remember an anecdote from Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila when he celebrated at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York in 2006. He mentioned that Filipino babysitters who were taking care of the children of some members of the royal family in Saudi Arabia ended up humming the Ama Namin while putting their wards to sleep since they could not practice their religion or express their faith openly. The amazing part is that the children eventually demanded from their yayas to hum that song each time, because they got so used to it and they loved the melody.

Hi Ody! Please refrain from referring Tagalog as the Filipino National language.  It is not!  The national language is Filipino( or Pilipino).  We in the academe prefer to use the one with the F.  While the national language maybe modeled from Tagalog, initially, it has gone much evolution, and has a long long way, since Pres Manuel L Quezon declared it as the national language.  The current vocabolary includes imeldific, balay, carinosa, and etc( which are definitely not Tagalog).