july 2024

My cousin recently got married, and had the wedding in Manila. It was my first time visiting the Philippines, a country that has always intrigued me because of the close historical ties between the Chamorro people and Filipinos, as well as our shared colonial history with Latin America.

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Seeing the Spanish ruins of Intramuros in an Asian setting was a surreal experience, as I had only seen such architecture in Latin America or Spain before. The Philippines is rich in cultural heritage, offers unique food, and is home to incredibly kind people. I definitely plan to return and explore beyond Manila.

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I'm thankful that after my Philippine trip, I was able to return home to Guam and reconnect with my family and friends. It's always a blessing to be reminded of the slower pace of life there. While America often feels fast-paced, Guam reminds me to slow down, and I'm grateful for that.