Subi's Insights

In the Weave of Culture: How Being Filipino-American Fuels My AI Ambitions

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by

Andymar Subijano
in

What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?

Introduction: In the Crossroads of Two Worlds

Being a Filipino-American isn’t just a tag on my passport or a tick-box on a form; it’s an identity that shapes the contours of my life, my ambitions, and my dreams. In this unique tapestry where Filipino warmth and American innovation meet, I find the driving force for my work in AI, my passion projects, and most importantly, my commitment to family.

The Filipino Essence: Family Over Everything

Let’s start with the essence of Filipino culture—family. Family isn’t just an important thing; it’s everything. It’s the bedrock upon which all other values are built. It’s a dedication so deep, it’s like the code running a complex program—unseen but essential. This unwavering focus on family is what drives me to excel, to venture into the uncharted waters of AI, and to dream big.

“Bayanihan” in the Age of AI

In Filipino culture, there’s a beautiful tradition called “Bayanihan,” where a community comes together to help one another, be it lifting an entire house to a new location, or helping someone in need. Bayanihan is the open-source culture of yesteryears, and it’s the essence of my approach to AI. Whether it’s tackling a new ChatGPT project or working on groundbreaking AI models, the communal spirit of helping, of advancing for the collective good, is always at the forefront.

The American Spark: Innovation as Second Nature

Then there’s the American in me—the innovator, the dreamer. The side that looks at a challenge and says, “How can we make this better?” This is where my cultural strands intertwine because it’s the innovative mindset that allows me to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AI, driven by the familial commitment of my Filipino heritage.

Family: The Ultimate Endgame

Let’s circle back to where it all begins and ends—family. All my endeavors in AI are not just a pursuit of personal glory or even communal advancement. They are a way to provide, to secure a future for my loved ones, to make sure that the next generation has a foundation as strong as the family traditions that have held me up.

Conclusion: Uniquely Positioned for a World of Possibilities

Being Filipino-American is not just a duality; it’s a fusion that offers a unique vantage point. It allows me to bring the warmth of Filipino community spirit to the often sterile world of tech. It propels me to innovate, powered by an American ethos of “yes, we can,” and anchored by a Filipino sense of responsibility to family and community.

In the fusion of these two worlds, I find my purpose, my drive, and my endless possibilities. Here’s to a future where our roots empower our wings!

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