Adobo simmers in my veins, a legacy passed down through generations. Wielding cucharas (spoons) and whispering lessons, I remember that every meal made with my elders was made with love. Their narratives passed down through taste and smell, whispers of triumphs and hardships were woven into each savory bite. Born in the Philippines, raised in America, I navigate a bridge between two worlds, longing for folktales whispered in Tagalog (or Bisakol) and the pieces of my family's past.

"Know history, know self. No history, no self." said Jose Rizal, known as the Philippines' national hero. His words resonated, motivating me to peel back the layers of my family's tapestry, picking up and continuing the journey I started in 2007. Weaving together the laughter and bravery of generations etched in bamboo spoons, and the whispers of forgotten dialects carried on the salty breeze.

So, I embarked on a pilgrimage, not just to the Philippines, but into the tapestry of my own being. One plate of kare-kare (with lots of bagoong, please) at a time, one record unearthed, I stitch together the narrative of my family. This website is my map, tracing the lines of laughter and sacrifice that bind me to those who came before. I am rooted in this journey, rooted in the discovery of my family tree…. a Rooted Pinay.