As a Filipino-American, family bonds are deeply rooted in my culture. Our gatherings are filled with laughter, delicious food, and stories that span generations. These moments of connection remind me of the importance of staying true to my roots while embracing new experiences and adventures.

 

Friendships, too, are a vital part of my life. My friends are my chosen family, and each relationship adds a unique and enriching dimension to my journey. From spontaneous road trips to heartfelt conversations, these connections bring joy and meaning to my life.

 

One memorable evening, I treated my girlfriends to a meal at a Japanese restaurant. After a delicious meal, I handed my AMEX card to the waiter. When the bill came, I couldn’t see the small print, so I asked my friend (GF1) to add the tip. GF1 struggled because the numbers weren’t lined up, and eventually added it, but I wasn’t comfortable, so I asked GF2 to double-check. GF2 looked confused, realizing GF1’s total was less than the bill. We passed it to GF3, who used her phone’s calculator to correct it. GF1 had subtracted instead of adding! We were all laughing, remarking how, despite being over 50 and college graduates, three of us (including me) seemed “defective” and without a “manufacturer’s warranty.” What a night! All in good fun!