Being Filipino in America is a bit of a balancing act. For a long time, it felt like I was learning about my own history through someone else’s lens—like reading a story where we’re just a footnote in the American narrative. Not having our language or our history as the default frame of reference definitely creates a bit of a disconnect.

But then there’s the flip side of living in such a multicultural place. You’re constantly exposed to other cultures, and you start to realize how much we actually have in common. It’s been interesting to see how those pieces integrate into who I am, making my own identity feel like a blend of everything I’ve picked up along the way.

Being Filipino in New Orleans has been a real journey of discovery. I’ve been here for 15 years now, but my family has been part of this city since before I was even born, which adds a whole layer of depth to my experience here. It’s been fascinating to see the parallels between Filipino culture and the local culture here.

Learning about the specific history of our people in this city has been a real highlight for me; it’s like uncovering pieces of a puzzle that make me feel more connected to this place every day. It’s a unique feeling, living in a space where my own roots and the local history seem to mirror each other in such unexpected ways.