Garlic Necklaces There were a few moments in my life that I’ve witnessed a hysteria of some sort. They seem to be the kind of memory that etches into that part of the brain similar to when someone carves their name or a statement on a wooden picnic table. The next person who chose to … Continue reading Garlic Necklaces
My sisters and I were only children when we first learned about the baby boy in church. I was about 7-years old, Jackie was about 5 years old, and the twins were only toddlers. We were living in Cavite City, Philippines at the time. The baby boy in church wore elaborate and sequined gowns, … Continue reading Santo Nino, and Heaven Points.
Here's an undeniable truth: I launched the Echo Muse because I wanted to continue writing long after all the research and creative writing papers for the degrees were done. When reflecting back, I realized that even as a child, I was also writing. And, as I went on my academic journey--I felt a bit … Continue reading Gratitude at 120.
I spent one weekend binge watching Chef David Chang of Momofuku and food writer Peter Meehan's Netflix documentary "Ugly Delicious," and I am not ashamed. I once binge watched an entire series of Netflix's "Chef Table" and was so inspired by the many stories--and the photos of food porn--behind what makes a chef so passionate … Continue reading When It Is Much More Than Just “Ugly Delicious”
I had been quite engrossed in my daily work at the office these days. This is the season in academia where we are ending the year with events, finals, and commencement. Where I work is no exception. My day job consists of juggling many balls in the air, and being cognizant of avoiding any … Continue reading A Grandfather’s Love.
My daughter has no idea how easy she has it. She walks into a Sephora and finds a plethora of make-up that will suit whatever kind of looks she wants to portray on her face on any given day. Smoky-eye with a wing eyeliner: available! Foundation color that suits her olive/peachy complexion: over 100 … Continue reading Surviving the 80s and 90s: The Filipina-American Version
Folks, this is so blasphemous to admit, but I feel that I must (soo dramatic, I know): I have had a frenemy relationship with adobo all my life. When I was growing up, I couldn't stand looking at it. I remember my aunts cooking them in the kitchen and I'd watch the pork drenched in … Continue reading Ma Vie En Rose: I hate you, Adobo. I love you, Adobo.
An excerpt from A Reason For Being Fairbanks, Alaska 1994 In 1994, my youngest sister became ill with encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain that could’ve been deadly. She had a mosquito bite on her ankle that she did not pay attention to nor bothered to tell me. My parents had separated at this time, and … Continue reading Sunflowers (an excerpt from A Reason For Being)
I was born in a small town outside of Manila City, Philippines. The first few years of my life was spent in a town called Cavite. The residents of this town all knew each other, and they knew each of the family’s history. The house I grew up in belonged to my paternal grandparents. When … Continue reading The Nobodies, The Nothings, and The No Ones.
The Echo Muse 