Maria Rheba Estante is featured in the April 2025 issue of Hope+Wellth!
In her deeply personal and moving article, “Genuine Life: Embracing My Cultural Identity with Integrity,” Maria reflects on the journey of discovering confidence not by conforming to external expectations, but by honoring and embracing her Filipino-American heritage. As a therapist and storyteller, she offers valuable insight into how cultural values, lived experiences, and ancestral wisdom can serve as powerful foundations for personal and professional growth.
With honesty and warmth, Maria writes about her experience navigating the complexities of modern life while staying grounded in her roots. She shares how narrative therapy has helped her reframe her story—not as someone straddling two worlds, but as someone uniquely positioned to draw strength from both. She discusses the role of cultural connection through food, art, language, and media, and the impact of professional communities like AAPI organizations in creating spaces for shared identity and mutual support.
Maria’s story is a celebration of resilience, authenticity, and the strength that comes from integrating all parts of who you are. It’s an inspiring reminder that true confidence comes from within—when we lead with integrity and allow our heritage to inform, uplift, and empower us.
To see more, continue reading below.
As a Filipino-American woman navigating the complexities of modern life, life has taught me that true confidence emerges not from conforming to others’ expectations, but from deeply embracing the self – including one’s cultural heritage, values, and lived experiences. Over the years I’ve collected intention practices in my personal toolkit for living in the now while staying close to ancestral wisdom.
Central to my journey has been the power of culturally informed narrative therapy. This approach has helped me reframe my story not as one of straddling two worlds, but as someone uniquely positioned to draw strength from both. Through therapy, I’ve learned to recognize how my cultural background shapes my perspective and to value these insights as assets rather than obstacles.
Maintaining strong connections with my heritage has been crucial. I actively network with AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) professional organizations and social clubs, where I enjoy camaraderie among others who share similar experiences. These spaces allow me to collaborate professionally while celebrating our shared cultural identity. I’ve found that success doesn’t require abandoning my cultural values – instead, these values often bring fresh perspectives to professional situations.
To stay connected with my Filipino roots, I make it a priority to follow news from the Philippines and enjoy Filipino movies and TV shows on streaming platforms. This keeps me informed about current events and cultural trends in my ancestral homeland, helping me feel connected to the broader Filipino community. During Filipino American History Month, I follow events about cultural celebrations that remind me of our community’s contributions beyond the Philippines such as Filipino martial arts and desserts like Halo Halo.
Cuisine is another powerful way to maintain my cultural connection. Learning to cook traditional Filipino dishes using family recipes passed down through generations is a daily form of personal cultural connection. Preparing dishes like sinigang or adobo is not just making a meal – it’s preserving the culinary heritage and creating a tangible link to my ancestors.
I also draw inspiration from Filipino cultural trends in pop culture such as fashion and beauty. Reading international editions of fashion magazines helps me stay current with “brown beauty” strategies that celebrate and enhance our natural features rather than trying to conform to Western standards. This has been especially empowering in developing my personal style that honors both my heritage and contemporary influences.
Through these practices, I’ve found that true confidence comes from authentically integrating all aspects of my identity. It’s about creating a life where my cultural heritage isn’t just acknowledged but celebrated as a source of strength and wisdom.
“Life has taught me that true confidence emerges not from conforming to others’ expectations, but from deeply embracing the self – including one’s cultural heritage, values, and lived experiences.”