EASTSIDE: THE LONG WAY AROUND
EASTSIDE: THE LONG WAY AROUND
By Victor Aquino
Anyone who unflinchingly says they are from East San José is proud and has guts.
Regardless of the generation, prefacing your city with that extra descriptor is a badge of honor. From the pain and struggles of acclimation and adaptation to the continued discovery and appreciation of culture and diversity, we are rich.
It might have taken some of us old-school East Siders to realize that richness. We had to catch up in terms of emotional intelligence that only experience could provide because our schools, and yes, even family units, could not truly understand the world we had to grow up in.
It was and still is in so many cases for our younger ones today, a psychological battle to survive and thrive in the vicious cycle of the status quo.
The younger generation has more resources to better understand the interconnected world. Still, even they can’t shortcut the need for personal values and a sense of true north. It starts with understanding and appreciating your culture and your family, which feeds your soul, humanity, and purpose - that in itself is the shortcut.
“From the pain and struggles of acclimation and adaptation to the continued discovery and appreciation of culture and diversity, we are rich. ”
Creative Common Ground
For this Filipino on the backside of being 50 years old with 30 years of corporate life (because we were “supposed” to), married 32 years to a Mexicana also from the Eastside, the urge to write or play music or photograph or video or just be an oddball was suppressed because it wasn’t going to get you anywhere. Well, it leaks out regardless.
If creativity is innate, it seems clear to nurture and support. Pursuing creative passions is difficult, even if you have that God-given talent.
Thus, parents and educators have a taxing job, and society at large has a grueling job realizing the culture of art and the art of culture is the other half of being human. Understand, too, that the enemies of art and culture are usually those who don’t faithfully have it - worse off, they’re usually the ones who control or have the money, too.
“... parents and educators have a taxing job, and society at large has a grueling job realizing the culture of art and the art of culture is the other half of being human. ”
Selflessness through selfishness
For this artist who unknowingly took the long road, it took other creatives to call this artist an artist and to fully understand years later: that it’s never too late. By constantly learning, improving, and being curious about supporting worthy stories and unsung efforts, there were other kinds of success, happiness, creative energy, and human connections.
The juxtaposition of creative skills, and admittedly utilizing some skills from corporate life, led to various content creation opportunities, especially in creating an award-winning documentary - “The Muralists’ Beautiful Pain.” The documentary follows seven Latinx mural artists and cultural warriors who defy the gentrification of our communities.
In the end, know your values and purpose - be open with your paths, always listen and learn, keep nurturing your friendships, relationships, and connections, and maintain your health at all costs. All of it evolves into so many kinds of richness.
And consider, we have that extra toughness and unique bonds growing up in East San José! Know, too, that this overall journey can have joy.
“... know your values and purpose - be open with your paths, always listen and learn, keep nurturing your friendships, relationships, and connections, and maintain your health at all costs. ”