From Makati to California – My Filipino American Story

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Mabuhay and welcome to Pinoybuilt.com! 🇵🇭

I was born in Makati City and grew up in Marikina, a city known for its world-class shoes and strong sense of community. As a kid, I attended Marist School, while my sister went to St. Scholastica's Academy. On weekends, we often visited Malate, Manila to spend time with my mom’s side of the family—those memories of old Manila, bay walks, and bustling streets still live in my heart.

When I was 9 years old, my family and I immigrated to the United States. We landed in Chicago, Illinois, where I went to Catholic school and experienced snow for the first time. Then just before I turned 13, we moved to Vallejo, California. That’s when I transitioned to the public school system and started 7th grade, learning how to navigate life between two cultures.

Later, I attended the University of California at Davis, where I continued to explore what it means to be both Filipino and American. At UC Davis, I was a member of  Mga Kapatid (MK), "a social, cultural, and academic organization dedicated to supporting the Filipino/a/x American community."

This blog is where I share my journey—through stories, photos, reflections, and snapshots of life as a proud Filipino American. I invite kababayans from all over the world to join me in reconnecting with our roots, celebrating our shared experiences, and learning more about the richness of Filipino identity.

On Pinoybuilt.com, you’ll find:

  • My personal stories as a Filipino immigrant and Fil-Am 🇵🇭
  • Photos from the Philippines and the Filipino diaspora 📸
  • Reflections on identity, culture, and community ✍️
  • Invitations to connect, reflect, and celebrate being Pinoy 🫶

Whether you were born in the Philippines, grew up in the diaspora, or are simply curious about Filipino culture, I hope this blog helps you feel a little more connected. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts, memories, or even just say hi in the comments.

Salamat sa pagbisita and welcome to the journey!

— J.F. (or Jonjo) at Pinoybuilt.com

Location: Maui, Hawaii, USA

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