The Philippines have had a long history of being represented on the international stage by Filipinos from all walks of life, including multiracial Filipinos. Pinoys have long been divided on this topic. Some are simply happy to have Filipino blood represented internationally, while others wish full-blooded Pinoys were recognized more. This time, the debate has sparked attention once again due to the criticism directed at Philippine karate star Junna Tsukii.

Filipinos celebrated Junna’s win

In the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, Junna Tsukii represented the country as part of the national karate team. Following her silver finish win, various congratulatory posts circulated on social media, as expected.

A netizen criticized her “Filipino-ness”

However, not everybody was happy about her win. Under One Sports’ post, a netizen questioned Junna’s “Filipino-ness”, claiming that the athlete’s name and looks do not conform to “being a Filipino.” Unfortunately for him, his comment caught the attention of Junna.

Another discourse on Filipino identity on Facebook, and Junna herself asking the important question. pic.twitter.com/xyVG5HkE2m

— Din Mark (@akosibluethree) May 6, 2023

Junna clapped back

The karate star shut down the netizen with a simple question: “Ano ang kahulagan ng pagka-Filipino para sa iyo?”

She followed this up with a Facebook post asking Filipinos about their “idea of Filipino-ness,” adding that she was born in the country to a Filipino mother and has even represented the Philippines for six years already, wearing the Filipino flag close to her heart in each match.

Her post received a lot of support from netizens and fellow athletes, including Julius Naranjo, a Guamanian weightlifter born to a Filipino father and Japanese mother.

“Trust me, I know how you feel,” wrote Naranjo, the coach and husband of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz. “At the end of this day, I am fighting for the Philippines, even if I’m not wanted nor recognized. We are Filipino by blood, and give [sic] our all to represent the country.”

Another netizen brought up an argument

On Twitter, where screenshots of the exchange also went viral, another netizen claimed that Junna “started their athletic careers elsewhere & then opted to compete for the Philippines upon realizing that the odds to make it to the national squad in their countries of origin are almost impossible.”

The article mentioned that she tried to be part of the Japanese national squad but got plagued by injuries. Easy to understand her decision to compete for the Philippines which isn’t a karate powerhouse.

Basically the same story of most Fil-Foreigners in our sports’ rosters.

— Adrian Lontoc (@adrianlontoc) May 7, 2023

Junna responded cordially

This also caught the attention of the karate star, who then explained her side. Junna shared that after a flourishing career in Japan and a subsequent injury, she “couldn’t find the passion there.” So when she received an offer from the Philippines “to help develop karate,” she took the chance.

Then I got an offer from the Philippines to help develop karate. That is one of the reasons why I challenge myself with my passion.
I don’t know how well you understand the article, but it does mention there that I was a champion in Japan, doesn’t it?

— 🇵🇭🇯🇵月井隼南🥋 (@junnatsukiiv888) May 7, 2023

The netizen expressed respect for her cordial explanation, citing another article that quotes Junna about her decision to choose the Philippines. “I respect your decision to compete for the Philippines. I respect more how you have made the Philippines your home & how you have stood up to other people, including me. Ouch. My apologies if I doubted your intentions,” the netizen wrote.

I think it’s difficult for us to understand each other in a conversation where we can’t see each other’s faces. But I also want you to understand my intention in what I say, and I want to understand what you and others say as well. I always try to speak openly. Thank you somuch.

— 🇵🇭🇯🇵月井隼南🥋 (@junnatsukiiv888) May 7, 2023

“When Tsukii returned to the Philippines in 2017, she was determined to learn the “Lupang Hinirang.” She would play the national anthem over and over again on YouTube and pore over the lyrics, practicing them phonetically.”

This definitely earned my respect.

— Adrian Lontoc (@adrianlontoc) May 7, 2023

What are your thoughts on this discourse on Filipino identity? Comment below!

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