Visited the Philippines This Year

Here's some pictures taken lol, and I explain some perspectives & aspects of what I know about Pinoy Culture.

While I grew up in USA, I strongly believe it's important for me to be familiar where my parents came from, it's history, & overall just be knowledgable about why my culture ended up the way it is today.

Back in March, I visited the Philippines (specifically Manila, Makati, & Boracay) for family- because if there is anything my fellow pinoys & pinays know, family is everything [& it doesn't matter if you're miles away].

It was my Lola's 90th birthday week & we decided to stay from March 11th to the 25th [about two weeks],

basically stretched out day one's daylight because of time travel haha.

Walked through Los Baños' general areas.

Not only do you have to aggressively drive here, but you gotta be an aggressive walker. You gotta make your own way within walking in traffic- literally. Because over there, people share the roads with the drivers, including the stray dogs and cats! People are really good at paying attention to where they're going because they have to.

I've always been used to the presence of local swapmeets due to the fact my parents had sold roses, orchids, & other types of greenery, and i've helped them since age 5-6 (which is how your girl made that dollar as a baby haha). Seeing underground markets like this & my aunt's shop helps me feel connected to my roots.

In addition, having kids so they may help out with the shop is a very normal thing in the Philippines, and it's an important part of making your daily income.

At the bottom left, you may see signs where they state, "Justice for Kristel Tejada" in front of UP Manila's statue. This outcry is a result of lack of support from UP's college system- they insist on imposing fees onto their college students despite the free tuition law already being there. As the article states, "There are the high costs of fare, accommodation, food, etc.". Ms. Tejada, an aspiring Doctor unfortunately took her own life after being forced to file a leave of absence because of being unable to pay her P10,000 tuition ($541.74 United States Dollars) While you may believe this is cheap to us, this is unfortunately not so cheap for a lot of local folks. A whole $20 blll is worth a lot over there.

Philippines National Museum of Fine Arts

There's a section in this museum that dedicates art relating to the Philippines' involvement in World War 2. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Commonwealth of the Philippines was attacked by the Empire in Japan in 1941. At the time, the U.S. controlled the Phillippines and of course, now had to be involved in the war.

Depending on what you look at, It was also interesting and especially humbling to just see painted figures who look just like you.

Fun fact, the day the Philippines earned their independence away from the U.S. is on July 4th, 1946.

National Hero Rizal Park/ José Rizal National Monument

This monument and park is dedicated to José Rizal, a key member of the Filipino Propaganda Movement. He advocated for the Philippines for the end of Spain rule. He was executed by the Spanish government for rebelling and preaching Philippine Independence. Rest in Peace.

If there's something we all love, it's the damn food.

Boracay weekend! Everything was just so gorgeous.

1st time I read Hunter x Hunter! Loving it so far!

Danced with some chefs my 1st day here, Puka Shell Beach was just so gorgeous.

Helmet diving for the 1st time!!

Established in 1594, Binondo is known as Manila's Chinatown.

Captain and Steve spotted in Boracay!! <3