As traveling to most of your countries of origin, there are family, family friends, etc etc. In these days, we did a few visits to an assortment of people around Manila. 

This will probably be dry and boring. It’s mostly about my family/some background of them/ things I felt. 

One person who is practically my aunt over here, was once a baby sitter/maid for my youngest uncle/family. She grew up with my family, shared secrets, knows the ins and outs of my dad and his siblings growing up, and we still keep in contact with her. She practically still fills the role as maid when we visit. She is super sweet. Her own family now feels like an extension. When we visited her house, I met her husband and one of her daughters for my first time. I felt bad for only meeting them for my first time though it’s my third time here.  And I know it’s the lifestyle here, it made me sad to see them in the poverish household. Granted, it’s nice to see they are doing well with great smiles when we visit. 

We visited my family’s old neighbor. Unlike in US, people are usually know every household along the block. This one neighbor was the closes to our family. From stories of my family, I’ve always heard her name and I apparently met her when I was younger but dont really remember. She was appointed god mother of my uncle and she still lives in the same house that was once neighbors of my family. My Lola gave her and her family a box of goodies: clothing, vitamins, food, and money; seeing how happy they are almost made me tear. 

Though I didn’t tear, I felt my heart feel truly bittersweet. All these second hand clothing and these little things made them happy. Which made me happy. But to see the dwellings and environment of which they live made me sad. It also made me feel ungrateful/grateful to be living where i do. And complain about the things I complain, just seemed so little. 

We also visited another family member who is straddling the idea of staying in America or the Philippines. My grandma gave them a good talking to and made her sister in law tear up. Which was also heart breaking. I’m not sure why, cause the tears she cried was of a bittersweet realization. That the American dream of living in the states wasn’t all that is cracked up to be and that living in her hometown in Project 2 is where it is supposed to be. She had to let go of the idea of the American dream that her and her husband has fought so hard for; to only live in America to have a hard time getting their feet on the ground and living the good life. 

Anyways, visiting my family in the PI was really nice and made me appreciate life. Where it has taken me. Etc etc. I know people always say that and then a week later complain about the little things again. At least I accept and aknowledge my feelings and thoughts and have this for record.