Be the Iconic Asian
You Wanted to Be as a Kid
Happy AAPI Month! When I think about what it means to be an Asian American (specifically Filipina) in 2025, I think about honoring our culture, tradition, parents, family and ancestors in a creative, authentic and updated way. I think about coming together to eat food that feels like home, celebrate each other’s talents and have a good time. I think about real-life connections, one-to-one dialogue, genuine support, loud cackling laughter. I think about our history and collective liberation. I think about how our experience is ever-evolving, and we are in the process of shaping and better understanding this identity in the context of humanity. There’s layers to this sh*t.
I’ve been able to photograph some fun things lately. I went from not shooting much, to shooting all the time. Freelance life is seasonal, and I intend to embrace that more, instead of getting anxious about having too much time and space. Everything is temporary. We will never have this moment again.
I got to work with Sari-Sari Studio and Schema Agency a couple more times this month. Marielle Sales (my cousin) and Mal Tayag are two busy gals doing pretty amazing things, and it’s been great to work with them so much this year.
First, back on May 3rd, I photographed for the Marketplace at the 2nd annual Baryo Hi-Fi in Los Angeles, curated by Sari-Sari and Mayumi Market. Baryo Hi-Fi is “Historic Filipinotown’s annual community-led festival celebrating FilAm music, entertainment, food and creativity.” These were some of the FilAm vendors.
Second, on May 6th, I documented the release party of hAAPI Meal in Los Angeles. hAAPI Meal is a short documentary series about trailblazing Asian chefs in LA. (I also worked on 3 out of 4 of the episodes of hAAPI Meal.)
Finally, I did a photo booth for a screening party of the first episode of hAAPI Meal in New York City on May 13th.
I’ve been approaching photo requests with a different attitude. I ask myself:
Does this sound fun?
Will this lead to more aligned connections?
Can we create more good in the world through this collaboration?
Can I make something I will be eager to share?
I’m seeing the above as another form of profit.
Here’s the second episode of hAAPI Meal, featuring Jiyoon Jang of Modu Cafe in Highland Park, Los Angeles. We got to try her perfect pastries and beverages, watch her meticulous process, and spend a couple hours getting to know her.
Random life updates:
I took myself on an artist date to the Raveena concert at Brooklyn Steel. It was my first time going to a concert by myself, and it’s actually an experience I highly recommend. I bought a t-shirt that said, “I cried at the Raveena concert.” One of three times was during Close 2 U, when she mentioned that the song is about a long distance relationship, and I watched couples sway sweetly back and forth. (I’m currently in a long distance relationship, and it’s not for the faint of heart.)
I learned how to DJ! Now I must collect music and practice. (Scroll to the bottom of this post, and see that DJing was an intention I set at the end of 2023 for 2024. Sometimes it takes a little longer.)
My inner child is alive and well…
I went to Just Like Heaven Fest in LA, in my hometown of Pasadena, and portal jumped back to high school in the Foothills, listening to the likes of Bloc Party, Rio Kiley, Empire of the Sun and Vampire Weekend.
I attended a screening for one of my favorite childhood movies- Now and Then, at Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg, hosted by The Future of Film is Female. Never did I ever dream of seeing the movie in 35mm on a big screen. I had it on VHS.
I bought a Labubu, but I’m pretty sure it’s a Lafufu. Warning: do not purchase from Bubuland.
My inner child is showing up in other ways, too…
I need someone to hold my hand (literally and figuratively) through most things in life right now- my Buddhist practice, my upcoming surgery (removing a fibroid from my uterus), my sensitive feelings.
A high schooler recently asked me if I am also in high school (I’m 37). Sure, I’m happy to look young, however- that young??
The latest iteration of my pop-up photography exhibition series is closing with a celebration this Saturday, May 31st. ANYONE / ANYWHERE: GREEN, in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library, features 843 photos by 143 different people. We spent days labeling and hanging every, single 4”x6” print onto the walls, and this is the biggest turnout we have ever received. If you’re in Brooklyn this Saturday, May 31st, join us from 1-4pm at the Williamsburgh branch and take your favorite print home with you. Flyer with more details below. The event is free for all!
The new moon just happened in Gemini. Do I know what that means? Kind of, not really. But I do know that new moons are great for fresh starts and setting new intentions, so- what are you calling in? What positive shifts do you want to see in your life?
Thanks for reading. Until next time.