Last Christmas in Chicago

Apt 1202 in Barr Tower

1978 December 24: Chicago, Illinois. This may be Christmas Eve since all the presents have not been opened. When we were kids, we oponed Chistmas gifts in the morning.

We lived at 856 W Nelson St, Chicago, IL 60657, USA. Our first apartment was Apt 805, a 1-bedroom. The last two years, we lived in 1202, a 2-bedroom apartment. Lola was with us when we made the move to Apt 1202.

California was not yet a twinkle in our minds.

Jonjo, Nati & Joy. Photo: Ronnie

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By: J.F.R. Perseveranda

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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.