Flashback: Mama Helen & Veronica: August 12, 2002

J.F.R. Perseveranda 8/14/2025 09:58:00 AM

Advance HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mama Helen!

By J.F.R. Perseveranda

This #OnThisDay flashback takes us to August 12, 2002, when my eldest daughter Veronica — a proud second-generation Filipina-American born and raised in Vallejo, CA — just got home from cousin Ethan's birthday party in Fairfield, CA. Mama Helen was staying with us in Toni Ct. and would be celebrating her birthday in a few days.

Advance HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mama Helen!

Looking back, this photo is more than just an image — it’s a chapter in our family’s history. It’s a reminder that our stories are worth preserving, sharing, and celebrating, especially as Filipino-Americans raising the next generation.

Do you have a family flashback photo to share? Join the Pinoybuilt.com community and keep our heritage alive online.

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Labels: veronica, filipina, filipino, heritage, vallejo, california, bayarea, family, daughter, story, culture, secondgeneration, roots, identity, pride, tradition, community, resilience, flashback, photo, august 14

#Hashtags: #OnThisDay #FilipinoAmerican #SecondGeneration #VallejoPride #PinoyHeritage #FamilyFlashback

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.