TAMPA, Fla. — Mia Prom and Dr. Abby Hamilton have been friends for a long time. 

The two are of different generations, but often connect over something very important to both of them: their Filipino heritage. 

What You Need To Know

  • Dr. Abby Hamilton has mentored fellow Filipino American Mia Prom for years

  • The pair often see each other at the Philippine Cultural Foundation, a nonprofit in Tampa

  • The Philippine Cultural Foundation aims to preserve and present Philippine heritage and culture as its legacy for future generations and to contribute to the diversity of this region and the State of Florida

“My experience is being Filipino and American at the same time," said Hamilton, who is an officer at the Philippine Cultural Foundation. "And I've made it my own. Because you can't be Filipino enough; and you can't be American enough. But you're still always enough, because you're the best combination of both."

Prom said she feels the same, though she is half Filipino and half Cambodian American. 

“People would make fun of me for it in elementary school, because I was different," said Prom, who is America's Ideal Miss FL Jr. Teen. "But over time, I joined the Philippine performing arts company and I was with people like me. And I realized that if I can embrace my background and where I'm from, then I can encourage other people to do the same."

"I've represented the Philippines on an international scale in pageantry, and that's really taught me that when you embrace your background," she added. "It's something that no one can take away. It's my blood, it's where I'm from, and I should never be ashamed of that."

For Hamilton, she has long embraced culture and often shares how tough it is to balance Filipino and American values. 

“I’ve had to take that respectful, obedient Filipino value and match it with how to be respectful but still be firm and to say the things that are important and stand up for what's right," said Hamilton. 

She shows others to do this too through TED Talks and everyday mentorships, like the one she has with Prom, who is 15 years old. 

They both find themselves coming to the Philippine Cultural Center in Tampa weekly. 

“It makes the Filipino traditions generation friendly for them so that they can love it," Hamilton said. "They come and practice every single Saturday for what?"

"Five, six, seven hours," Prom and Hamilton said in unison with a laugh. 

They both share an immense love of Filipino dance, and both encouraged anyone with Filipino connections to get involved with the Philippine Cultural Center.

For professionals, there is also the National Association of Asian American Professional Tampa chapter.