Between roots and routes

I was born and raised in Monaco to two Filipino parents from Bicol. They arrived around forty-five years ago and passed on respect, hard work, sacrifice and a deep attachment to family.

My parents mostly spoke to me in English. Like many second-generation children, I understand Filipino without really speaking it. As a teenager, I wanted to come closer to the language and found my way into it through teleserye.

I grew up in Europe, but my Filipino imprint remained strong.

I danced tinikling, served as treasurer of the Philippine Association of Monaco, and watched my mother become its president. I grew up in Europe, but my Filipino imprint remained strong.

On every return to the Philippines, what mattered most was bringing my cousins together—giving everyone a reason to put problems aside and simply enjoy being with one another.