Working on @ameliarampe’s Filipinx American History package for @thekitchn was a struggle, a triumph, and one big exercise in bringing my fullest self, ancestors, trauma and all through the process. This food is a mirror, holding us accountable to our principles and honoring our past. It brings up waves of personal and collective memories throughout generations. It will guide us and continue to do so for the next. It’s in these moments that I honor the joy you see here. Our togetherness. Kababayan, barkada, pamilya. There are so many Tagalog words that bring us out of our selves and in community with and for each other. Like our people, this food is fun as fuck. Our flavors are diverse, dynamic, grown out struggle, and tastes like victory in every bite, with rice. Each photo here felt like a tiny victory, and ones that I will keep close. My 15 year career working in media make these moments feel sweeter, as food media doesn’t share these stories often enough. The work continues to make this change. Maraming Salamat to the recipe developers for sharing their stories. They are tagged below and in the photos. Please read Amelia’s words and view the package in its entirety. Link in my bio. Developers: @flipeats , @dapscancook , @woldykusina , @g_villamora , @jeneatslife Food & Styling: @ameliarampe , @alyssaalwayshungry Photo Assist: @c1.studios