Most organizations take painstaking years to create while others are born out of personal horrible and heinous experiences.
AAP(I belong) is one of those, created as an aftermath of a vile hate attack that almost broke the spirit of a devout Catholic, Vilma Pardo Kari. Today, it is a safe space to share stories of racism, hate, and belonging.
It was probably one of the most viral and brutal anti-Asian hate attacks in 2021, as the security video was shared by millions and became headline news across the world. Vilma was the victim who was reluctant to come out in the open out of hiya, the Filipino word for shame. She did not want her name to be associated with the story. She did not want the humiliation and the stigma of being a victim, she did not want her friends and relatives across the diaspora to know that it was her.
“I was ashamed of myself. I did not want my name to be out there, to be associated with that shame,” Vilma recalled. “Then I finally came to the realization that all shame are not equal, that being a victim is not to be ashamed of.”
“Many nights I would wake up in the middle of the night crying, asking God, ‘Why me?’. I questioned my faith and asked Him ‘What did I do to deserve this? What have I done to You?’,” she shared. “The outpouring of love from complete strangers, friends, and family emboldened me. The messages of hope, prayers, well wishes, and support gave me the courage to be strong and do something.”
AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya
Liz was instrumental in convincing her mother Vilma to change her mindset and take back control of the narrative. She also told her that it was important for them to come out and express thanks to the…
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