Moments to Masterpieces: Manila, Philippines
Hi, I’m Vin!
Thank you, new friend, for coming to my blog. I hope you enjoy today’s content and find inspiration and joy as you read.
Ah, the motherland! Well, sorta. As an American-born Filipino, I find myself visiting the Philippines now and then. However, it’s been seven years since I’ve last set foot here.
Seven. Flippin’. Years.
The pandemic and a few setbacks in life have hindered me from traveling here more frequently. But lets look at the glass half-full. I have a much different perspective of the world compared to my much younger self. Many new experiences have shaped me over time, including the pandemic and deep diving into the network of fellow authors.
I won’t just be talking about my trip. I’m going to discuss how I view my family’s hometown through the lens of an aspiring author.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the perspectives of my Manila trip that shaped the novel I’m writing.
The Filipino Sense of Community: Celebrating Bayanihan and Togetherness
You won’t experience a sense of togetherness like you will in the Philippines.
When I first arrived in Quezon City, my cousin, Miggy, reached out to me to join my cousins for supper. From a vivid extrovert like myself, you already know my answer.
It led to an unforgettable night with my cousins over one of America’s favorite traditions—-bowling.
In the Philippines, community isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life. From close-knit families to supportive neighborhoods, Filipinos thrive on meaningful connections. The Filipino value of bayanihan—working together to help one another—shows the depth of their communal spirit. It’s about lifting each other up, quite literally in some traditions.
Therefore, I based the shantytowns in my novel off the community I believe the world can aspire to become more like. With division ravaging not only us, but various parts of the globe, I believe it’s important to remember the virtues of family that bind us together in harmony.
“By keeping bayanihan alive, we build stronger bonds, create lasting relationships, and achieve more as a community than we could ever do alone.”
2. Exploring Filipino Cuisine: Stories of Food and Fellowship in Manila
Where to begin? I tried at least one of every cuisine in Manila: Chinese, Japanese, Singaporean, Thai, Filipino, American, you name it. This country blends together a variety of flavors across all of Asia and the west together to offer the ultimate diverse experience.
Customer service goes above and beyond the norm you’d expect in America. I’ve even had the honor to share some nice conversations with the staff working in the places I ate. In the Michelin restaurant Putien, the waiter demonstrated his understanding of the Chinese-Singaporean cuisine crafted by the head chef.
Even the chefs of the luxury restaurants have their story to tell! My biggest regret is not taking notes about it.
Whether you are dining with your friends or enjoying a solo coffee, you can be assured you’ll be treated like family by the locals. Food goes beyond sustenance in the Philippines. As you walk through the mall, every restaurant is loaded with couples, friends, and families gathered in a fellowship of togetherness. It’s not just about what’s on the table, but about who’s around it.
While not many authors I’ve read go into vivid detail about the food their characters eat—I’ve taken the unorthodox approach to enrich my readers’ experiences by allowing them to eat what the pages serve. That, and my food scenes convey a sense of fellowship that is enhanced by the cuisine presented.
You will be introduced to a variety of cuisine options when you come to Manila.
3. Manila’s Slums: Resilience Amidst Struggles
The tragic reality for over four million Filipinos in Manila.
Alas, I’ve come to the elephant in the room. When I mentioned the shantytowns of my novel earlier, I’ve explored another layer of Filipino society that’s woven its way into my book.
This is a reflection of some serious systemic issues happening in the country–-a terrifying gap between wealth and poverty. Some of these problems include a lack of access to education, healthcare, and fair wages. You see it everywhere. Every cab ride in and out of the city will show you the reality of Manila and what the people endure every day.
Not a moment goes by where I wish I can do more for them. You can hold me accountable, but I do want to make it a long-term mission to contribute to the infrastructure and urban development of Manila. In the coming years, I’m hoping I find the answers on how to best serve this country.
Despite that, bayanihan lives on in the lives of all people here. I’ve seen this theme in every corner. They participate in karaoke, basketball, and fiestas as cultural pillars to maintain a strong community. The people foster a deep care for one-another through the struggles they face.
As I craft the poorer areas of my world such as the slums and the shantytowns in cyberpunk Los Angeles, I hope to better forge my world to convey the hope through hardship that the Filipinos perform.
Until next time! :)
V.A.L