Humans of the Islands - Manuia Fruean

My full name is Manuia Fruean. I'm 23 years old and I was born and raised in Sacramento California. My father is Samoan and my mother is Caucasian. I was born in my home - my father delivered me because my mother went in to labor so fast. He watched his mother give birth at home many times so he wasn't afraid to do it himself. His name 'Eugene Fruean' is on my birth certificate as the "Doctor" who delivered me.

 

"Most Polynesian people would describe me as "Afakasi" which means Samoan and White. It's kind of a joke for not being full Samoan but it's never bothered me. We live in a society where everybody wants to fit in. Instead, we should stand out and embrace our differences." @manumental 

 

Do you have any treasured memories of growing up with two different cultures between your parents? 

I never really considered my Caucasian side as a culture. I hope that doesn't sound ignorant but it almost seems that people only recognize me for being Samoan. I don't see my family very often due to the distance between many of my aunts and uncles but my most cherished memories belong to the family reunions we share together once a year. This is with my Samoan family since I don't know anyone from my Caucasian side. I enjoy the music we play together, I enjoy the traditions we share such as roasting a huge pig and praising God as we all enjoy each others company.

 

Do many of your peers know much about Samoa or where it is?

I would have to say they do, at least after I explain it to them. People always wonder what my ethnicity is because I look a little different than most people. After explaining it to them I think it's more common for people to know what Samoan is now. All of my friends know a lot about my island culture and where it's located. I think I have a lot of friends I relate to so that may be it as well - I have a lot of Polynesian friends.

 

What challenges have you faced being Afakasi Samoan?

I'm very confident in myself so I think I may have accepted this challenge better than most people especially growing up during a very diverse era. I do get some crap from my poly friends for being half white but it's usually all jokes and nothing serious.

When I was younger I was a little more embarrassed about it because I didn't speak the language and some of my family would make fun of me and my brothers when we were at family functions but over the years it started not to matter. I learned to take pride in myself and I became comfortable with it. I started to take pride in both sides. I've always been a proud Polynesian because they are not very common and I like to be different.

For the most part, the people I have met in my life have usually been intrigued by my ethnicity and interested in my culture. The challenges were usually in my own head trying to accept myself.

The hardest part about growing up Samoan was explaining to people how to say my name! This was very difficult in school and I ended up having to go by 'Manu' which was still difficult for people to say. Growing up I wish I had a name that was more simple because it used to frustrate me but over time I learned to love it ad embrace the meaning of it which I felt like described me perfectly. 

Can you talk a little bit about your journey in becoming a professional bodybuilder?

I played baseball in college and always thought I would do that for a living. After I realized I couldn't make it to the next level I stepped away from that and kept working my butt off in the gym. I've always been a bigger and more muscular guy than many of my peers and I guess I was made for the sport. I was convinced from a friend to try competing in Men's physique and I did my first show in March. I won first place and went to Nationals two months later and won first place again. I turned pro in only two shows which is very uncommon. I'll be doing my first pro show next March. 

What are you studying?

I currently major in Business Management and marketing at Sacramento State College. I also have my NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) personal training certificate so I study the body and athletic training all the time on my own to improve my knowledge and better educate my clients. 

What's your perception of Island females?

When I think of island girls I think of family and tradition. Growing up with a Samoan father this is pretty much what I was taught that was most important to us and it's something that I truly believe in. I also think of strength. I think all poly women are strong mentally and physically. I believe this to be common and I think of my sister and other women in my family.