The conversation around immigration is one deeply personal to me as an immigrant to this country at the age of 12. To this day, moving to the United States from the Philippines remains the hardest thing I've ever had to go through in my life.
I grew up quickly, witnessing my mother toil for years through so much bureaucracy, all with the hope of providing a better life for her family. When the time finally came, our family was separated, becoming oceans apart for close to two decades. Perhaps the most soul crushing of all was seeing my mom say goodbye to my Lola - her own mother - knowing she would no longer be able to care for her in her final years.
I am not disillusioned to the American dream. Migrating gave us better opportunities, but it also brought its dark chapters. And yet, we immigrants get up every day, in pursuit of a dream, hoping to contribute to this unfamiliar place we've come to call home.
#abolishICE
I always get sentimental at the end of the year as I look back on my own evolution. Candidly, my younger self was filled with a lot of despair, and never did I imagine that I'd hold the perspective that I do today: that life doesn't present us with challenges and experiences we're not equipped to handle.
Like any year, 2025 has come with its fair share of opportunities and challenges, from celebrity interviews to a wild police chase in Peru (emergency passport, anyone?) Yet this year, I've felt ready to take on both. My younger self would be proud.
Thank you to everyone that's stuck around for the journey! 2025, consider yourself handled-- with some style, a bit of grace (best effort...), and a whole lot of humor✌🏽
This post is presented by @lovedearflor — a Filipino American owned small business. Click link in bio for 40% off site wide! Portion of proceeds from now through Thanksgiving is going to typhoon relief efforts in Philippines.
A 6.9 earthquake in Cebu, followed by Typhoon Kalmaegi and then Super Typhoon Fung-wong, left families across the Philippines dealing with one disaster after another. More than a million people were forced to leave their homes, schools were damaged and many communities ended up without steady food, water or electricity.
Relief groups said the needs remained urgent, especially in areas cut off by flooding and landslides. If you’re looking for trusted ways to help, organizations like the Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF Philippines, NAFCON USA and Angat Buhay have been providing food packs, clean water, shelter materials and support for children and families affected by the storms.
Sharing verified resources helps more people reach relief efforts.
I had the privilege of speaking on @yamannyc 's Filipino American History Month panel, where I shared my perspectives on the immigrant mindset, my family's own immigration journey, 🇵🇭🇺🇸 media representation, and something we haven't talked about as a community -- the loss of The Filipino Channel.
While I've been vocal online, it was great speaking in person with our community and sharing the microphone & stage with such accomplished and thoughtful co-panelists who care so deeply about the Fil Am community 🫶🏽
Thank you @thelisareid@breid40ohz for organizing us together and fostering this forum!
#filipino #filipina #filipinx #filam #philippines #nyc #fahm
Sa akoang probinsyang natawhan,
Bisag asa pa ko ma lagput sa kalibutan, perme tikang gihuna-hunaan: ang tubig sa imong dagat, ang init sa imong adlaw, ang kalipayon sa atoang mga tao. Ang kadato sa imong yuta nga dapat unta para sa ampingan sa tanan, na adto hinoon sa mga bulsa sa uban. Kailangan na jud ma usab para wala nay laing malumos. ❤️🩹
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To my province & land of birth,
Wherever I may end up in the world, I am always thinking of you: the waters of your sea, the heat of your day, the joy of our people. The riches of your land that was supposed to protect us all, is instead in the pockets of others. Things need to change so no one else drowns. ❤️🩹
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Donate to affected communities of Typhoon Tino via @angatbuhay at /angat-pinas-inc
My birthday also coincides with the anniversary of my move to NYC, which is crazy to think that it's only been 2 years. Grateful to have met people that both show up for me and inspire me to the best version of myself ✨
Thank you to @tradicionalenyc for being the best hosts 🇵🇭🫶🏽
New year of life developing 🎞️
I remember crying some birthdays as a kid; now it's tears of joy 🥹 They say life only gets better but I've come to learn that it's only true the more grateful you become. It's been a journey getting to this point (iykyk ✈️) but I'm thankful for it all. To everyone that's shown me love along the way -- thank you 🫶🏽
Cheers to what's in store for this next film strip 📸#scorpioszn
