KEY POINTS
- Widely employed to describe women in relationships with foreigners, AFAM can evoke varying reactions, with some finding it offensive due to its perceived negative connotations, while others remain unaffected.
- Nurse Aizel Villaremo admits that the word AFAM is not personally offensive for her but she expresses frustration with the societal perceptions surrounding such relationships.
- Aizel candidly shares her initial preference for a Filipino partner, citing comfort in shared cultural backgrounds. However, her experience in Australia broadened her horizons, leading her to consider dating individuals of different ethnicity, including Caucasian men.
Widely employed to describe women in relationships with foreigners, AFAM can evoke varying reactions, with some finding it offensive due to its perceived negative connotations, while others remain unaffected.
Originally coined as an acronym for "A Foreigner Around Manila," AFAM has transcended its geographical origins to become a label for both tourists and expatriates in the Filipino context. Moreover, it has become synonymous with a specific dating demographic, persisting even when encountering such individuals outside the Manila region.
In this interview, SBS Filipino spoke to Aizel Villaremo, a Filipina nurse residing in Melbourne, whose romantic journey with British chef Jordan serves as a testament to the universality of love.
"I met him through a dating app. Our online interaction began last October, and after incessant messaging, we arranged to meet face-to-face within a week or two. Over the course of a month, we enjoyed each other's company, culminating in Jordan's heartfelt question, which solidified our commitment to one another."
Aizel candidly shares her initial preference for a Filipino partner, citing comfort in shared cultural backgrounds. However, her experience in Australia broadened her horizons, leading her to consider dating individuals of different ethnicity, including Caucasian men.
"I initially leaned towards Filipino partners for comfort, but my time in Australia opened me to new possibilities. Interestingly, most of my matches on dating apps were with white men."
Regarding the label "AFAM," Aizel admits to not finding it offensive personally but expresses frustration with the societal perceptions surrounding such relationships.
"I'm not personally offended by the term AFAM. However, I do take issue with the prevailing mindset regarding AFAM relationships among Filipinos. It's disheartening to witness the assumption that dating a foreigner automatically leads to financial security for Filipinos. It's a disappointing generalisation."
She emphasises that her relationship with Jordan isn't driven by financial motives, as both navigate their respective immigration statuses independently.
"Jordan is a British citizen on a working visa, while I hold permanent residency in Australia. Our relationship isn't based on financial gain. Filipinos are resilient, and we possess the drive to uplift ourselves from adversity, regardless of our partners' nationality."
Through Aizel's story, we gain insight into the complexities of interracial relationships and the importance of challenging societal stereotypes, affirming that love transcends borders and stereotypes.
'Love Down Under' is a podcast series on SBS Filipino that explores love, relationships, and family stories.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
Interracial relationship: Should I be offended if my partner is called AFAM?
SBS Filipino
03/05/202431:26
