Happy Anniversary, Freedom!
I am writing this at exactly 8:00 in the evening today for a very specific reason. Today, at this hour, I celebrate the first year anniversary of my liberation.
Last year, I arrived at the Mabalacat Bus Station with my then three year old niece, Asia, bringing nothing else with me except my trusty laptop and the hope for a cleaner slate in life. You see, I was so confused with my life back then. I didn’t know where to begin picking up the pieces and I didn’t know how to rebuild the life that I lost in my desire to feed my carnal needs. I was an adulterer. And this day last year, when I boarded the bus for home, I found the courage to liberate myself from the bondages of my sinfulness, by God’s grace, I found the strength to make that leap of faith, to walk my very first step towards Christ.
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Homeward Bound to an Avenue of Rich Culture and Excellence
Philippine Independence Parade Madison Avenue, New York
On the 6 train, I was deep in my thoughts on what I should capture in the Philippines’ Independence celebration. I was contemplating on what is essential to me as a Filipino who chose to work in the Big Apple. Do I deserve to make a video about it knowing I have been out of touch with my culture for a long time? Would I sound credible to talk about Filipino customs that I do not observe regularly? Why do I have doubts that I feel like a lost “Pinay”; stranger to the heritage I was born and raised with when I decided to live in another country?
I was at Madison Avenue with my reliable director. While he was recording parts of the parade of Filipinos proudly waving the flag, I was at the back too shy to even talk to my fellow countrymen. I heard them speak in my native tongue which was an irony to my lips laden already with the New York “Twalk”. It was indicative that the day would be hopeless for me. Suddenly, my Hispanic Director called me to go in front to catch a better view of the parade. In truth, I was …..to continue reading, visit www.filteany.com
