Description:

Self-analysing my upbringing opened the opportunity to create a piece of design that resonates with Second Generation Filipinos like myself and to somewhat replicate the space my parents created. Growing up in New Zealand, the opportunities to engage with the Filipino culture were limited, especially when there wasn’t a Filipino community to surround yourself in. I would often find myself questioning certain Filipino actions and whether these actions brought from the Philippines fostered positive engagement with the culture.

Balancing a personal and cultural identity was challenging for many second-generation migrants like me. Some struggled to maintain a balance between their personal and cultural identities, while others prioritized assimilation into Aotearoa. As I move away from home and enter adulthood, I wondered how we could continue to live a life in New Zealand whilst maintaining connection to a Filipino identity.

"Pangako Ko" translates to "My Promise", my promise to uphold the Filipino teachings of my parents into my life. The term is grounded in two Filipino proverbs: "those who do not know how to look back at where they came from will never reach their destination" and "pick up what is good and discard what is bad." The content consists of transcribed interviews with my parents and personal recounts which communicate both internal and external understandings of the culture.

The z-bind publication allows two entry points into my Filipino identity. The light cover embodies ‘Pamana’ (inheritance), reflecting identifiable practices that upheld my cultural connection in the Filipino home. Interactive inserts guide readers through my upbringing, in addition, archival photography, saturated visual treatment reminiscent of the streets of Manila and traditional colours and patterns inspired by traditional formal wear are seen throughout the publication. Conversely, the dark cover delves into ‘Ka looban’ (inner-being), exploring complex Filipino concepts such as ‘Crab Mentality’ and ‘Utang na Loob’ (debt of gratitude), shedding light on conversations rarely expressed within Filipino households. Hand-crafted and stitched, the publication emphasizes the familial bond inherent within Filipino culture.

Hand-crafted and stitched, the publication emphasizes the familial bond inherent within Filipino culture. The box it’s cased in is inspired by the “Balikbayan Box” normally sent by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) back home to maintain connection to family, normally filled with items found overseas. I take that concept and allow Filipinos abroad to bring a piece of the Filipino culture with them as a way to stay connected with their culture outside of the family home through publication design.

Pangako Ko is not only a promise to Filipino parents, but a self-promise for second generation Filipino migrants to stay connected to our culture. By recontextualizing and justifying Filipino values, the project provides clarity and guidance for individuals navigating their cultural identity and serves as a reference point to the culture. The project encourages dialogue, education, and incorporation of Filipino ways of living. This intimate expression of upbringing aims to educate and inspire future Filipinos to maintain their ties to being “Filipino” as they come into adulthood.