PinoyBuilt — Stories of Filipino America

Valencia, Bukidnon • August 2026. Balikbayan: Chesca vs. Rambutan, 2012 vs. 2026. balikbayan, chesca perseveranda, valencia bukidnon, mama helen, garcia family, rambutan, tagalog, fil-am, filipino american, philippines Valencia, Bukidnon • August 2026 Balikbayan: Chesca vs. Rambutan, 2012 vs. 2026 Fourteen years apart, same rambutan, same house in Valencia, Bukidnon — and a text thread, half English, half hard-won Tagalog, that made a father's whole week. Chesca in July 2012, back at Mama Helen's house in Valencia, Bukidnon — her first visit was 2004-2005. I woke up before the sun rose per usual, and got her text around 6 a.m. in the 707 from my bunso. It was 9 p.m. in the Philippines, and Chesca had just gone back to Valencia, Bukidnon — back to Mama Helen's house from the farm, the house where her mommy grew up — and done something nobody asked her to do. She'd found the same spot, picked up a rambutan, and recreated a photo of he...

Celebrating the bunso who's bday is in July Eskinita . M Hizon St. Manila, Philippines. Eskenita is alley in Tagalog. Here's Baby Joy checking out my favorite cap gun. Dad, did you take this pic or Lolo? Manuel Hizon St, Santa Cruz, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines "The youth is the hope of our future." -- Dr. Jose Rizal 📣 Calling All Filipino-Americans 🇵🇭 Whether you're a first-generation immigrant who journeyed here from the Philippines, a second-generation Filipino-American born and raised in the U.S., or like me—a 1.5‑generation Filipino —you belong here. PinoyBuilt is a space for all of us to celebrate our roots, share our stories, and build community. 🌟 Words That Inspire “I’m Olivia Rodrigo. I’m a Filipina, I’m a lumpia fan, I’m a daughter, a granddaughter and a great‑granddaughter.” — Olivia Rodrigo “I wanna say proud Pinoy ako, my Tagalog isn't so go...