Tales from a Mindoro Childhood
The Philippines sounded very magical and mysterious to us, his Filipino American children, who were more familiar with baseball and barbecues, than the tikbalang or aswang.
Notes from 49 Valley Road
As with other houses in the neighborhood, my family’s on Valley Road was taken over by the Japanese military.
A Child’s Eye View of World War II
Cynthia was only three years old when Pearl Harbor fell in 1941 and does not remember the bombing of the Philippines that followed.
Love in the Trenches
In desperation, Dina pushed Tonio into a man-sized hole and promptly “sat” on his head, while extending her full skirts to hide his body.
Dad’s Love Letters
Dad was assigned in Coca-Cola Davao where he met my mom who was working as a nurse in the same province.
Arroz Valenciana a la Gloria
When earlier, there were distinct smells of seared meat, peppers, and boiling rice, now the symphony of the ingredients had created that heartwarming aroma that was unmistakably of my Lola’s best-kept secret recipe.
Angkong’s Kitchen and Awa’s Lukadan
In the home of my Chinese migrant grandparents, Angkong ruled over the kitchen, while my gentle Awa looked after the business.
Snapshots from the Seventies
Mom said that they couldn't marry because Dad was already betrothed to someone else from birth, as is the custom among upper-class Indians.
Papa’s Tattoos
These symbols were said to cover his entire body: from his chest, to his back, to the tops of his thighs and his shins. That's why he's always had to wear long-sleeved shirts, and was never seen in anything shorter than pants.
The Story When is a collaborative project that weaves individual stories into a casual anthology of family histories.
“It was interesting to hear my relatives react to my story being written down. Even for an aunt who had lived it, reading it was a revelation. I just wanted to paint a picture of the house and the family that lived in it.”
This project depends on a community of storytellers, supporters, and connectors. It is a venture to seek all our stories.
You can narrate a family story, collaborate as a co-creator, advocate for the project, or help cultivate its growth.
“I heard from cousins I haven’t spoken to. Everyone just really enjoyed reading about our grandparents. Stories are amazing. They bring back long-lost loved ones.”