By Junior Alyna Rei

My family is from the Philippines. I have family members back in the Philippines and some in the States. There’s no specific place in the Philippines that my entire family is from as some of them are from different parts, but in this cultural article, I will be talking about my grandma from my mom’s side. She is from Apalit, Pampanga. I decided to interview her about her experience of living there. The following is our text interview.

Alyna- “What is the atmosphere like there in Pampanga?”

Lola- “The atmosphere in Pampanga 

… is nice, quiet, peaceful and relaxing. 

Living there in general….

Is easy and comfortable with housemaids to give a helping hand. 

Cost of living is affordable.”

Alyna- “What places are a must to visit when you go?”

Lola- “Places to visit in the Philippines: 

Baguio 

… the summer capital of the Philippines.

… the weather is cool all year round. 

Manila 

… the oldest city in the Philippines. 

Boracay

… white sand beaches 

Cebu

… where the founder of the Philippines, Ferdinand Magellan, first step his feet”

Alyna- “What foods are recommended to eat there?”

Lola- “Food: 

Roasted pig

Chicken adobo

Noodles (pansit)

Egg rolls”

Alyna- “How is Pampanga different than the rest of the Philippines?”

Lola- “Pampanga is the center of the most part of the Philippines and it’s known for its good food.”

Alyna- “When you came to the states, how was living in the US different from Pampanga?”

Lola- “… the weather there are only two seasons in the Philippines–the rainy season and the dry season 

… the living comfort – the United States is highly industrialized country while the Philippines is not.”

Alyna- “What is your most favorite part about Pampanga?”

Lola- “… the authentic foods 

… the big shopping malls.”

Alyna- “What is your least favorite part about Pampanga?”

Lola- “… too much rain 

… hot weather”

Alyna- “Are there any other places you recommend in the Philippines as a whole?”

Lola- “… Clark and Subic (former US and Naval bases)

… Baguio, a place for fresh flowers and vegetables, 

Mountainous views like rice terraces.”

Salamat lola!

(Thank you Grandma!)