Paper short abstract:

In the paper I will discuss the figure of the balikbayan who embodies the imaginaries of migration in the Philippines, and the positive branding of migration by the state. I will also analyze the expectations connected with ”going abroad” - that opportunity awaits just beyond the border.

Paper long abstract:

In the proposed paper I will discuss the figure of the balikbayan who embodies the imaginaries of migration in the Philippines, and the positive branding of migration as done by the Philippine state. The balikbayan is a long-term migrant who returns home (Rafael 2000), and she/he represents well the expectations and achievements connected with "going abroad". The paper is based on extensive fieldwork in the Philippines and in Filipino communities in the US.

Due to the long-term impact of out-migration from the Philippines, "going abroad" is seen as the only path towards a "better life". In the shared and reproduced imaginary of "going abroad", the exact country of migration is of lesser importance, as opportunity awaits just beyond the border. Migration is seen predominantly as an opportunity, also as sacrifice, but almost never as a danger or risk. Immigrants actively shape this imaginary through supporting their families financially, sending the so called balikbayan boxes full of foreign products, and occasionally visiting the home country. Balikbayans also judge their relatives' way of life, and through this propagate their own vision of success.

I will also look at the positive branding of migration as done by the state - the Philippine nation is identified as a migrant nation and those who work abroad are seen as new heroes. Although the economic significance of migration might be comparable to other countries, the Philippines is an especially strong example of how the state can influence the imaginaries of migration.