I've always known I was mixed. My family and I fly down to Hawaii every few summers to see my moms Filipino side of the family. And growing up in Pennsylvania and the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia), we would drive down every few weeks to see my dads side on the east coast. From those experiences, it was apparent at a very early age that I'm a couple different things and I've always embraced that. I love being black. I love being Filipino. I don't value one over the other, because both are important in understanding who I am.
One of my funniest memories where being part Filipino may have come into play, is when some of my friends, all black, would come sleepover at my house in high school. Now most of the time friends come over, you shut yourselves off from your family and just sit up playing video games or something. On this particular occasion, my mom had the karaoke machine out. It may be one of the most accurate stereotypes ever created that Pinoys love singing along to their favorite jams. So instead of rolling my eyes and ignoring her, my friends and I hopped in and sang with my family all night. It was hilarious and the only times I laughed harder is every time I get someone to try Spam.
(Spam is amazing, I've never made it for anyone who did not love it.)