H.E.R. makes sure to pay homage to her filipino roots
MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Am singer-songwriter H.E.R. revealed how proud she is to be part-Filipino at her exclusive mixer event held on Dec. 27 at the Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay City. The Oscar and Grammy winner’s “homecoming” was organized by ABS-CBN Global and MYX.
“I want people to see us and know our culture and understand how we move and what our community is like — how important community is. It’s so important for me to represent who I am,” H.E.R. told the press, including The Philippine STAR, during the mixer event.
Born Gabriella “Gabi” Sarmiento Wilson, the 25-year-old has had raised the Filipino flag in the international scene with her accomplishments, including her nabbing the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration, which will be streamed on Disney+ this coming January 2023. As the first Black-Filipina to play the role, H.E.R. made sure to leave a mark with the Baybayin script hand-painted on her Belle costume, which immediately made the rounds on social media.
She added during the event that acknowledging her Filipino roots through her works has always been important for her, as she also pays tribute to her Filipino mother.
“It’s a big part of who I am and I come from (San Francisco) Bay Area, where there’s tons of Filipinos. And I notice that when I leave the Bay Area, a lot of people don’t know about Filipinos. They don’t know who we are. They ask me questions, ‘Do you eat with chopsticks?’ etc.,” she told The Philippine STAR in an interview.
The award-winning singer-songwriter expressed her delight that she was given opportunities to represent Filipinos in the American entertainment industry.
Growing up close to her loved ones just like a typical Filipino family, H.E.R. came back to the Philippines to rediscover her mother’s homeland as she spent the holiday season here.
H.E.R. said that she capped off her busy year by treating herself to a much-needed vacation with her family in different spots in the country. Among the local destinations ticked off her list is Amanpulo in Palawan, where she got to enjoy the pristine waters and peaceful ambiance of the island.
Apart from exploring different local getaways, two other things she did on the trip were trying out various Filipino dishes and delicacies, and practicing speaking in Filipino.
“It’s been amazing (spending time here in the Philippines). I have my family over here so we’re having a blast. We’re eating a lot of Filipino food. I’m brushing up on my Tagalog. I’m having a really great time,” she further shared.
Not only is singing her greatest feat but also cooking as H.E.R. proudly shared that she knows how to cook her favorite Filipino food kare-kare. “You know my favorite (Filipino food) will always be kare-kare. And I can cook it, too. I make really good (kare-kare). That’s my favorite,” she added.
When asked for a word to describe what being a Filipino meant for her, H.E.R. told this paper that a single word wasn’t enough to describe it but if ever there was one, it would be “buhay,” as the Filipino identity has always been ingrained and very much alive in her.
As the night came to a close, H.E.R. interacted with some Filipino talents like Ben&Ben’s Paolo and Miguel Benjamin, Agnes Reoma, Pat Lasaten, R&B singer-songwriter Jay R, and artist Ace Banzuelo during the mixer event. She also left a promise that the Philippines would surely be a part of her next tour.
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