My aunt and cousin taking a picture in front of a sunflower field before her graduation. Photo by Dyul Cainglet.
Bumper-to-bumper traffic in the Philippines really means "bumper-to-bumper." Photo by Jerome Cainglet.
Basketball is a huge pastime. Almost every block has kids playing with a basketball. Photo by Jerome Cainglet.
The filipino kids enjoying the little things like playing basketball with their friends. Photo by Jerome Cainglet.
"In the Philippines, the drivers ignore pedestrian lanes and have no care about keeping intersections open." Photo and caption by Jerome Cainglet.
My uncle's view from above and exploring the great outdoors. Photo by Dyul Cainglet.
Getting everything prepared before cooking their food. Photo by Jason Cainglet.
Jeeps are big metal buses without doors and are a big mode of transportation. They are everywhere! Photo by Jason Cainglet.
There are crocodile farms in the Philippines (and they eat them as well)! Photo by Jerome Cainglet.
My cousin admiring the waves and beaches in the Philippines. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
School children line up and are ready to learn. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
The Philippines is made up of islands, so a lot of beaches to visit! Photo by Justin Cainglet.
A large tower of bricks sit miles in front os a tall mountain. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
My cousin waiting for the sun to set on the horizon. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
Passing a flower shop while walking through the market. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
A rowing team practicing while the large skyscrapers of manila towers over them. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
Boats line up on the edge of the ocean after a long day of work. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
Watching the sunrise from a hill while hearing the waves crash. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
Teaching school children with the use of arts and crafts! Photo by Justin Cainglet.
A boat about to set sail on a new adventure. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
A farmers market in the Philippines selling fresh produce. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
The boats filled with people watching the sun set changing day into night. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
After many steps up the stairs, my cousin finally reached his destination! Photo by Justin Cainglet.
My cousin sitting on a rock while admiring the view of the mountain as tall as the clouds. Photo by Justin Cainglet.
A winding road lead them to this view. Photo by Julia Cainglet.
"Filipinos are religious people. They are always working hard amidst everyday struggle with heavy traffic. Its beauty is one of a kind." Photo and caption by Jian Cainglet.
The big tree giving shade from the heat of the burning sun. Photo by Jian Cainglet.
Filled with adrenaline, my cousin climbed her way to the top. She is above the clouds and above the trees. Photo by Je-an Cainglet.
Karaoke is also a huge pastime in the Philippines. No karaoke, no party! Photo by Je-an Cainglet.
My cousin waiting in line just to get into a cramped vehicle. This is the reality of commuting in the Philippines. Photo by Josh Cainglet.
Photographed to highlight the importance of their job and bravery. Photo by Gifferson Pengson.
A meal of fried pig is often used as a main dish during a celebration. Photo by Gifferson Pengson.
The firefighters used teamwork to put the fires out. Houses are so close together that if one house is on fire, the whole block is too. Photo by Gifferson Pengson.
Award winning photo, "taong pulik," was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist who covered himself mud for he was not identified by those who wanted to kill him. Photo by Gifferson Pengson.
The Philippines is rich in fold dances and folk songs. This one in particular, "paruparong bukid," is performed by my cousin's students. Photo by John Mark Due.
The street lanterns are big and bright on the San Fernando highway. Photo by John Mark Due.
Photograph of Minalungao Cove. There are a lot of conservation tourists spots to visit! Photo by Crystel Due.
A common appearance of streets in the Philippines where houses pile up next to the road. Photo by Crystel Due.
Statue located in Mount Arayat called 14th station. Photo by Fernando Bong Tiongson Due.
This statue is located in Sta Rita Gua Gua Eco Park. Photo by Fernando Bong Tiongson Due.
A 22-hour flight and a $1,500 ticket to visit the country you were born and raised in. A 22-hour flight and a $1,500 ticket just to see your family. A 22-hour flight and a $1,500 ticket just to go back home.
Everything happens for a reason. At least that’s the way I think I look at things. I like to think that I am a glass half full and optimistic type of person, or am I?
Life isn’t fair. I was born and raised in Pennsylvania and am one hundred percent Filipino. My parents worked their whole life to get me to the place I am in today. They were born and raised in the Philippines and went to America for a better life, but the rest of our families were left behind.
Some people might think that I’m lucky and “better off.” Don’t get me wrong, I’m blessed and fortunate to be in this position, but imagine not growing up with your cousins. Imagine not being able to talk to your grandparents or not being able to see your aunts and uncles. To make matters worse, the countries we live in are completely different.
I was taught at a young age to be grateful for what I had. My parents wanted us to see the country they grew up in. However, we weren’t tourists when we visited. I saw the Philippines as it really was. It was a third world country. It is made up of 7,107 islands. Visiting was always hard for me. Everywhere I looked, there were people working just to have one meal for their children. There were hundreds of kids walking miles to school just to have an education. Those kids walked in flood water up to their knees because that’s the only way they make it to class. There was bumper to bumper traffic day and night because the roads created made it difficult to get from point A to point B. People showered in the rain because they don’t have enough money to pay for water bills. People struggled to keep a roof above their heads and clothes on their backs. We visited whenever we had the chance, but it’s not easy.
When I asked my relatives to send me pictures of things that are unique to the Philippines, they sent me pictures that I wasn’t expecting. My relatives saw the brighter side of everything. They sent me beautiful pictures of amazing places they got to visit in the Philippines. They sent pictures of the amazing Filipino food, and pictures of friends and family. The pictures inspired me to think positively and to be grateful for what I have.
I realized that just because we are halfway around the world and in different countries, it doesn’t mean one is more lucky. We are all on our own journey in life and we all have moments of ups and downs. I am grateful to have relatives who love me. I am grateful to have family members halfway around the world waking up at the crack of dawn to watch the live feed of my basketball games. I am extremely thankful for the memories we have together and I know I will always cherish those memories forever.
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