Filipino American History Month
Most of you reading this might already know a little bit about where I came from but I figured I’d share a special piece about my childhood being born in the Philippines and immigrating to America. My parents separated after I was born and I have an older brother whom I’m very close to. My Mom immigrated to Los Angeles in the early 90’s, as many do to seek a better life and more opportunities. She left my brother and I behind with my grandparents whom we spent most of our childhood with. My Mom’s determination and hard work eventually brought us to reunite with her in America a few years later.
Spending my early childhood in the Philippines was different in a sense where the little things mattered the most. We appreciated the “balikbayan” boxes my Mom would send us filled with chocolates, canned goods and toys. My Grandpa had a lot of dogs and I spent most of my days helping feed and clean their crates. Every morning I would wait for the man walking around with two silver tins across his shoulder selling a breakfast snack called “taho”. It’s basically boba, soft tofu with brown sugar, one of my favorites. My brother would drive me around on the scooter and I’d pay him in pesos to take me around the neighborhood and the toy shop which still exists!
In recent years, my Dad and I reconnected. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021 and by December 2022 he was given 3-6 months to live. My brother and I decided to visit him in the Philippines this past February and spent a lot of time getting to know him and his family. Every time I go back to my country it reminds me so much of my childhood and is also a great reminder to appreciate what life has to offer. Most importantly, family. In our culture, we consider everyone family. I know most people joke around about Filipinos being nurses but it’s true! We are great care takers and we are all about hospitality. My Dad did just that. After all the years being apart he constantly apologized for missing out on our lives. He had all the Filipino dishes prepared for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’ve shared recently on social media that he left us in September just a few days after his 60th birthday. I find peace knowing that he is no longer suffering in pain and I thank everyone who reached out during this time. With that, I send you my love and hope that everyone gets to spend their holidays with their loved ones.
