What was your favourite food growing up?
Ano po ang paboritong pagkaing kinalakihan ninyo?

Growing up, my favourite food was (and still is) definitely sinigang. it’s sweet and sour at the same time. White radish and kang kong are my favourite ingredients.

I just wanted to eat what my friends and schoolmates ate. Sangas, fish n chips, meat pie, sausage rolls, tomato soup in a cup, pav. But still not Vegemite! I’ve always loved batchoy. Would I ever have it for school lunch? No way! Says the primary school kid. Now? Sige po!

I remember before high school, armed with the week’s budget, it was my job to go to the market to buy ingredients for the day’s meals, delivered home by the kalesa while I head to school. I couldn't wait to eat freshly steamed alimasag and rice, with calamansi and patis for sawsawan. Ang sarap!

When was the last time you cried? Why?
Kailan po kayo huling umiyak? Ano pong dahilan?

Last time I cried was in class two days ago because I felt really sick and on top of that, I had a leg cramp. Lucky my friends are nice and comforted me :D

When my Lola passed away in 2021. It would be almost 10 years since I was with her. You really never know when it will be the last time. My mum was there right up until her last breath. We watched the funeral on Facebook messenger. My own Mother, frail, exhausted, broken, walking behind the hearse of my Lola. She lived mostly on her own. A young widow whose three children sought a better life overseas. She smiled through her loneliness. Now we’re alone without her.

I can’t think of particular time I last cried. Whenever I think of the last days I spent with my Mum, I get emotional. I ask myself if I have done enough for her. I miss hearing her voice. I miss when she calls me. She often asked ‘why are my children so far away?’ Am I guilty?

What advice would you give your past self?
Ano pong payo ang maibibigay ninyo sa inyong dati sarili?

Wait for a discount to save money.

Don’t wait for a discount. Get what you want!

Oh, and don’t hold your feelings in. You'll suffer. Let them out.

Things don’t always work out. That’s OK. You are exactly where you need to be. Because when you want something, the universe conspires in your favour. All in good time.

Take turns to describe yourself in three words.
Sa tatlong salita, maghali-halili tayong ilarawan ang bawat sarili.

Creative. Loyal. Sensitive.

Entrepreneurial. Curious. Overthinker.

Overprotective. Worrier. Resourceful.

What do you love the most about yourself?
Ano po ang pinakagusto ninyo sa inyong sarili?

My brown eyes and brown skin, and my loyalty to my friends.

My growth mindset. It's empowering.

My generosity and kind heart.

What is one fear you’d like to conquer?
Ano po ang isang kinatatakutan ninyo na gusto ninyong malabanan?

My fear of public speaking. Leaning into it makes it less scary. I’m eyeing that Ted stage. One day.

My fear of heights and deep water.

I’d like to conquer my fear of the dark. I hate it.

What is something that always brings you joy?
Ano po ang isang bagay na laging nagpapasaya sa inyo?

Journaling and deco, or anything creative to do with stickers. It’s really fun and calming, and makes me happy. And money.

Family, food and karaoke. Joyful on their own but much better together.

When I can fulfil my family’s needs, and see the smile on their faces.

What do you wish others understood about you?
Ano po ang gusto ninyong maintindihan ko tungkol sa inyo?

Self worth is self care. I’m learning to say no. I can’t give more on an empty cup.

Don’t let my suplada face fool you. I’m actually the opposite.

I forget things. Just like my Mother.

What would you do if money was not a problem?
Ano po ang gagawin ninyo kung ang pera ay hindi problema?

If only money can buy more time to make up for lost time. Everything is impermanent.

I’d solve all the world's problems requiring money and then give some away to my friends and family. Then, I can spend some to support small businesses, and grow mine!

I will provide for my family. I will invest in a family trust fund for my grandchildren. I will help the elderly with no family and the disadvantaged children.

What are you most proud of in your life?
Ano po ang pinakamaipag-mamalaki ninyou sa buhay?

My children and their families are living well, while my husband and I enjoy a simple life in retirement.

My business, and all the friends I’ve made along the way.

Living my truth. For myself, my family and community.

Sawsawan is a part of life.
Spicy, sour, salty, sweet.
Joy, fear, guilt, love, loss.
They all add flavour.
In food. In life.
Sabi nila, taste gets better with age.
What's your timpla?
I like mine with calamansi.

The questions were curated from the Parents Are Human card game. Available for purchase on www.merkado-market.com