Filipina. Woman. Physical Therapist. Author. Traveler. AirBnB Superhost. Investor. Always in Pursuit of Progress. 🌞 ♥️ 🇵🇭🇺🇸✈️🏡📈
This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the tangled mess of life that led me here—woven with laughter, tears, and unexpected turns. Grateful for the scars that narrate stories of resilience and growth, and for the silent moments that speak volumes. Grateful for the shared meals that nourish not only the body but also the soul. Above all, grateful for the patchwork of souls—friends, family, and strangers—who sprinkle kindness and light into life’s tapestry. Thank you, for being part of my journey.
Tony and I have been making an extra effort to dress well for each other when going out on dates and events. We started this dressing well journey together after 2021. Not really buying expensive pieces, but pieces that are classic and timeless.
We live in the Tricities, Washington where the norm are flannel, yoga pants, hoodies and sweatpants. And there is nothing wrong with that – to each its own.
And after going abroad several times, there is something culturally appealing to watch people who dress and carry themselves well. We decided to adopt that to our sense of style and evolution of self.
Let’s talk about the underrated art of dressing well, not just for your partner, but for yourself too.
First, there’s something oddly empowering about wearing clothes that make you feel like you could take on the world. I mean, slip into a sharp suit or a killer dress, and suddenly, you’re not just ready for that presentation or fancy dinner; you’re ready to negotiate world peace. It’s like a costume change for your confidence.
Now, for the partner perks – they may say they love you in your comfy sweatpants (and they probably do), but let’s not underestimate the power of jaw-dropping attire. Dressing up for your significant other is like wrapping yourself in a gift and saying, “Surprise! You’re dating a fashion icon.” Plus, it’s a sneaky way to keep the romance alive. Who knew a well-fitted outfit could be relationship therapy?
Let’s not forget the entertainment value. Ever tried to get into a pair of skinny jeans that you swear fit last week? The struggle is real, my friend. But hey, it’s a workout in itself. Dressing well is an adventure – sometimes a comedy, sometimes a drama, but always an experience.
And finally, there’s the undeniable truth that when you look good, you feel good. It’s like a magic trick for your mood. Suddenly, you’re smiling more, strutting your stuff, and turning heads like it’s your side job.
So, whether it’s for the confidence boost, the relationship spice, or just the sheer entertainment value, there’s no denying that dressing well has its perks. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be the stylish protagonist of their own life story? I always say you must romanticize your life anyway.
But for right now, on a Sunday afternoon… There is heaven in taking long naps and hanging out in your good ole sweatpants.
Today, I shouted at Tony, “Tony! Can you get the Ku-LER please?”
“What’s that?”
That one, as I pointed with my mouth and my finger. “That brown KUH-LER..”
“Oh you mean, COOLER!”
“Oo, same-same that’s what I mean.”
Thank heavens I have a husband who understands my Filipino quirks!
And my Filipino accent is just one of the facets of my being Filipina!
I used to view my accent as a hindrance, a quirky nuance that I needed to suppress to fit into the global chorus. But as I journeyed through the twists and turns of self-discovery, I realized that my Filipino accent isn’t just a set of peculiar sounds; it’s a treasure trove of culture, history, and a sprinkle of that irresistible Filipino charm. Naks!
Growing up, I felt the weight of societal expectations urging me to adopt a more “neutral” accent. I spent countless hours mimicking American sitcoms, movies and shows attempting to sound like the epitome of American english accent.
It kind of worked. I just must really enunciate my words and open my mouth more to become more eloquent… However, as I am growing older. It is getting a bit of a challenge to sound more American. Sometimes, it was like trying to squeeze into a pair of shoes that were never meant for my feet – uncomfortable, awkward, and ultimately, futile.
One day, as I was talking about it with one of my patients – she turned to me and said, “Why are you trying so hard to hide the music in your words? Your accent is the rhythm that makes you, you.” That struck a chord. My Filipino accent wasn’t a hurdle; it was a melody, a rhythmic dance of syllables that echoed the laughter of family gatherings, the wonderful aroma of street food, and the warmth of being Filipino.
Embracing my Filipino accent was like unlocking a portal to a universe of shared experiences. Suddenly, every “po” and “opo” became a nod to a heritage rich with respect and politeness. The sing-song quality of my sentences was a homage to the melodic languages that echoed through the archipelago. It was as if each word carried the weight of history – a living testament to resilience, colonization, and the unwavering spirit of a people.
Sure, there were moments when my accent played tricks on me, leading to hilarious miscommunications. But those missteps weren’t embarrassments; they were opportunities for laughter, connection, and a chance to bridge cultural gaps. My accent became a conversation starter, a way to share a piece of my world with others.
Today, I wear my Filipino accent like a badge of honor, a symbol of my roots and a declaration of authenticity. It’s a reminder that the beauty of language lies not in uniformity but in its kaleidoscopic diversity. So, to my fellow kababayans struggling to muffle the cadence of their words, I say, “Mahalin mo ang iyong boses! Love your voice! Let your accent be the anthem of your identity, the echo of a thousand islands, and the rhythm that sets your soul on fire.”
In a world hungry for authenticity, your Filipino accent is a gift – a melody waiting to be heard, a story yearning to be told. So, sing it loud, sing it proud, and let the world marvel at the symphony of your uniquely Filipino voice. Mahal ko ang aking accent, and so should you.
