A man who left the country he loves for a better life and to give his kids a better education

Interviewer: Emmanuel Filpo
Interviewee: Bladimir Filpo
Date: November 20, 2000
Relationship: Father
 

What is your full name?

Bladimir Filpo.

What is your nationality?

Dominican.

What is your date of birth?

March 7, 1963.

Where were you born?

I was born in the city of Cotui, Dominican Republic.

When did you (move to the U.S./move from somewhere else in the U.S.) to Philadelphia?

I came to the United States on February 20, 1981.

Why did you leave your country/State/former place of residence?

I left my country to see if I would find a better life.

What did you like/dislike about your home/country?

I like everything about my country.

Why did you choose Philadelphia/U.S?

I chose the United States because my brothers were here. And I wanted to reunite with them.

How did you travel here?/What type of transportation did you use/take to travel here? How would you change that?

I came here by plane. No, I would not like to change that because if I would have come here by boat I would have been getting sea sick all the way.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

As I said earlier, I came here to join my brothers so they had a place to live.

With whom did you travel? [Who did you travel with?]

I traveled with my mother and two other brothers.

Give 1 thing you remember most about your home town and why?

I have beautiful memories about my home town. I love my little piece of land. I miss the children and the schools.

How did your life change when you moved and what were the differences between the two places?

The difference is that here I can make something of myself and a great future for my children but my country is still the best.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

I expected a great future and other things.

What did you come here to accomplish and what else do you feel you still need to do?

I came to make something of myself as I recently told you and I still need to give my children what they want and need.

What are the differences between when you came here and now?

(Laughter) One big difference is that I did not have any kids to worry about, now I do. And hopefully they are getting a great education, something I did not get.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

My sacrifice was leaving my country which is what I love the most. And part of my family.

What problems did you encounter coming to the US/Philly?

Well, in reality I did not encounter any problems. Because my brothers helped me out with what I needed.

How much money did you have and where did you get it when you came to Philly/US?

When I came I was really broke, I came directly to my brothers’ house. They helped me financially.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

(Laughter) I'll tell you the truth, I think I haven't adapted well. I say this because I'm here to give my kids a good future. I still love my country

Why do you think it was worth all your changes?

Everything changed for the better, my children are getting everything they need. And in my country I might not have given them all they're getting here. I also work better.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

In my country I only went up to fourth grade, here since I came all I did and have done is work.

Do you [ever] regret moving? Why or why not?

Well, I'll tell you one thing I thank the United States a lot, but I've always missed my country.

What reason would/could make you go back to where you came from?

One reason is that in my country I would feel great because of the tranquility.

Describe your first job here. If you didn't have one, where did you get money?

My first job here was in a factory of brake bands for automobiles. I have also worked in discos, and other jobs.

Is there anything you would like to add?

That's all, I feel great!