As a longtime local resident of Washington state, I found it hard to connect with other Filipinos. I did not know anyone else who was Ilocano in my locality growing up. When I moved to Seattle in 2018, I was introduced to a more diverse community than ever experienced. I have met all kinds of people and I definitely have met people from The Philippines. I am thankful that this community exists far away from our ancestral homelands.

Thank you and salamat, Tiary!