| She’s in her 30’s. Confident, she walks with her head held high. She enters a room and everyone notices her immediately by her quiet demeanor, yet strong presence. And with a warm smile and twinkle in her eye, she can command an entire boardroom without saying a single word. She never became a nurse or a teacher, like most Pinays. In fact, she studied business, thriving on the power she feels when she’s in a black, pinstripe business suit with well manicured French, white tip nails.
Intelligent, she holds a Masters Degree, yet doesn’t feel that her education makes her who she is. She never has to brag about her credentials, they speak for themselves. Incredibly sexy, she’s not a size 5, but a size 10; well proportioned in every way, and always giving Beyonce credit for putting the ‘big girls’ on the map. When she walks her hips sway, and only a real man could appreciate her curves and not be intimidated by them, along with her thunderous laugh and occasional coarse jokes.
She doesn’t fit into the traditional Pinay role, and she never has. She didn’t marry a Pinoy, in fact, she’s dated all races which has driven her parents crazy all her life. She has children, and takes care of them herself, which gives her great pride. When she speaks, you won’t find an accent on her. This breed of Pinay was born and raised in America, first generation. She speaks a dialect which she jokingly calls ‘Taglish.’ Don’t make her mad, because as white-bread American as she is, Illocana blood still runs through her veins. The blood of her hot headed descendants of which she could never deny. She is sexy, sassy, spunky, and feisty all rolled into 5’1”, (5’5” if she’s in her stilettos), a true force to be reckoned with.
Opinionated, her mother always taught her to speak her mind and never be afraid. However, she only chooses to speak her opinions at the appropriate time because she’s graced with class. You won’t find this woman attending Mary Kay or Tupperware parties. This woman is too busy for that. She’s out fixing the car, riding motorcycles, or working on the yard after a hard day’s work. Her home is spotless, and she’s a wonderful cook, however she’s fine with eating out as long as it’s healthy. She finds no nutritional value in white rice, so she chooses brown rice instead. And when she has time to herself, she’s enjoying a cold beer at the Padres or Charger game with the girls.
She is today’s Pinay. And yes, she is single. Happily single.
Whether we choose to accept it or not, this breed of single Pinay is growing rapidly. All you have to do is open your eyes. They are all around you. She is your sister, your friend, your co-worker, your neighbor. She is the new generation of Pinay, strong and intelligent. She is not in a rush for marriage, and doesn’t believe that having children is a good enough reason to stay in a marriage if it is abusive or unhealthy. She stands up for what she believes in, despite what her family, culture, and society tell her. You won’t hear about her on the news. You won’t find her on the internet, because this Pinay works quietly behind the scenes to get the job done. She doesn’t need public recognition, because she already knows she is awesome. She’s a go getter, a change agent, and a ‘grab the bull by the horns’ type of girl. She is career minded, goal oriented, focused. To her culture and to her parents, she is somewhat of an embarrassment. But to her children, community, and all the many lives she has personally touched, she is a true hero.
In the weeks to come, this column will explore the adventures of today’s single Pinay. Together we will focus on her life, her opinions, her trials and tribulations, and her relationships. I hope that this column will inspire you to have a greater respect for this unspoken, growing breed of women, superwomen. By CK |
