MATAMIS

I don't have many pictures because conversations are hard to capture.  Two years ago I met a lot of family and made many friends, and on this trip I put effort into saying 'hello' to all of them. It's hard to call this trip a vacation, it has been very difficult, but meeting my goddaughter, playing with my baby cousins, and drinking with my friends has been all very much worth it.

In my heart I have a lot of frustration, even hate, but mostly love for this country, but conclusions haven't been reached, for I still have much to see and learn. I'm Filipino-American, and like many of us, I don't know what that means.

In the Philippines, the hills are green, the palm trees are tall, and I've heard there are beaches with white sand and clear water. The people are nice and they smile when you speak English. 'Tagay' is what they say to take a shot of alcohol, and if you've  been friendly enough you'll feel the honor to be called 'pare'. I'm going home because I was born in America, but I'll keep thinking about this sweet, sweet place.

COUSIN & GODDAUGHTER

PALM PALM

BARKADA

REDUBLO

PENITENSYA