My name is JohnLee. I am born and raise in the Philippines in a small island of Bataan. A culture shock is a bit shocking when I moved here in the USA when I was 18, along with 2 of my siblings. I struggle a bit about everything from learning how to speak English and how to communicate properly or acceptably. Once I gain confidence, I started working as a steward at the Hard rock hotel and Casino. I learn to communicate a little with some of my coworkers. They thought me a little bit of their culture. Then i went to New York to study and that didn’t end well the moment I realize how much student debt I’m going to have after I graduate, so I quit.
I went back to Florida.
Playing music is always a passion of mine. So one day I thought myself how to play an ukelele. Then I went to an open mic religiously to gain experience on stage till I get a decent gig here and then.
I also have a passion of living a healthy lifestyle. One of the biggest influence for me is surfing and the love for the ocean. And also influence people to learn to love the ocean and not pollute. I am encouraging myself and people around me to use less plastic and more sustainable.
And I still do love going to open mic nights.
I met John Lee through Lucy, he did the percussion in her last videos. Six or so years ago his Mom sent him and his siblings from the Philippines to live in the US to have a better life. His parents stayed. One sibling lives in Philippines, New York, another in California, and he in Florida. Quite the distance for a family. On top of all of that mountain of change, he couldn’t speak English when he got here. “America is so organized,” he tells me over some drinks after the recording. He's definitely a refreshing guyto be around
- A Song Catcher Project -