Fil-Am filmmaker sheds light on ‘Filipino Mafia’ culture in US Navy
| PHOTO: @chrissoriano/Instagram
When ordinary Filipinos hear the term “Filipino mafia,” they might initially associate it with something notorious or nefarious. Filipino American filmmaker Chris Soriano is reshaping this perception with his latest movie, “The Master Chief: Part One.”
This action-packed drama provides a glimpse into the world of the US Navy through the lens of the “Filipino mafia.”
In an Instagram post, Soriano elucidates that within the Navy, the “Filipino mafia” isn’t about wrongdoing but rather underscores the deep camaraderie and support among Filipino sailors.
“My dad would tell me a lot of stories when I was younger about Filipinos in the Navy,” he told Stripes in an exclusive interview as he gets inspiration from his father’s service as a ship’s storekeeper. “Whenever I’d hang out with him and his buddies, I’d always hear people say the words ‘Filipino mafia’ as a joke.”
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Drawing inspiration from his father’s stories and interviews, Soriano reveals that the term “Filipino mafia” was often used in jest among sailors, akin to secret meetings where food is exchanged, and he stated, “It isn’t really nefarious like the mafia mafia.”
Rooted in cultural practices of communal unity and cooperation, these bonds mirror the Filipino tradition of Bayanihan, where collective strength propels individuals toward success.
“These practices have not only facilitated their success within the Navy but have also fostered a sense of family and community among Filipino sailors, distinguishing them in a multicultural environment,” Soriano explains.
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Expanding on the significance of the “Filipino mafia,” the Fil-Am writer, director, and actor, Soriano also stars in the film as Gabe Rosario, a Filipino Navy recruit grappling with racial tensions and real-life scandals.
Born at Naval Medical Center San Diego, his upbringing imbues the narrative with authenticity, providing audiences with a portrayal of Navy life from a Filipino perspective.
Clocking in at 135 minutes, “The Master Chief: Part One” is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
