From Makati to California – My Filipino American Story

J.F.R. Perseveranda 7/02/2011 07:31:00 AM

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

By: J.F.R. Perseveranda

#PinoyBuilt #FilAmVoices #FilipinoAmericanStories

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Posted by: J.F.R. Perseveranda

Founder, Social Media Manager & Content Creator at Pinoybuilt.com. Photographer at JFPerseveranda.com. Former IT Product Manager at Pacific Gas & Electric. I'm a 1.5 generation immigrant—Filipino-born, U.S.-raised—sharing stories that bridge cultures. Share yours at PINOYBUILT.com. I’m still learning about our roots, and I invite you to learn with me. I was born in Makati City and raised in Marikina, known for world-class shoes and strong community ties. I went to Marist School; my sister went to St. Scholastica’s. We spent weekends in Malate—those memories of old Manila still shape who I am. At 9, we moved to Chicago, where I saw snow for the first time. At 12, we relocated to Vallejo, CA. Since then, I’ve lived in Davis,Glendale (SoCal), back to Chicago in my 20s, San Francisco & Fremont. I visit SoCal often for family. Chicago will always be special—but go Golden State Warriors! At UC Davis, I was a member of Mga Kapatid, where I had the chance to participate in Pilipino Culture Night and perform traditional dances like Bangko. Now, as a father of three, I’m doing my best to pass on our Filipino heritage. Let’s build something Filipino together. Mabuhay. Salamat.