I am from abstract paintings made by my grandpa

From taxidermied heads of deer hanging on the wall and old vinyl records

I am from a two story house with tall red gates, wooden floor and a backyard full of vegetables.

From the smell of spices from my mom’s kitchen

I am from the coconut trees

whose sweet juice was a favorite as I watched Pokémon.

I’m from big neighborhood dinners once a week outside my house and the big celebration of the girls when they turn 7

I’m from living with 5 women in one house,

From my dad who only comes home for 10 days in a year.

I’m from “mag-ingat” which means “be careful”

And from saying “po” and “opo” in every sentence you say as a sign of respect to the adults.

I’m from the song “Bahay Kubo”

From the saying “If you see a black cat, it’s bad luck”

I am from watching Manny Pacquiao fight

I’m from celebrating Christmas and loud New Years,

I’m from Olongapo City and Manila

From the language Tagalog

I am from only two seasons

From sunny and rainy

I’m from a whole roasted pig called “lechon” and sweet “buko” which are coconuts

From getting stuck in a high metal children’s chair and two firemen who had to saw through the metal to set me free

I’m from a country made out of 7,107 islands in Asia.

I’m from bittersweet memories that will never fade.