For my first LiP article, I decided to publish a letter that I sent to Bob asking to be part of the LiP site. Here it goes:
I hope you are having or have had a good day when you open this email. If not, go ahead and close it. It is not that urgent.
For the longest time, I have been wanting to write a book about my childhood experiences. Someday, I always tell myself. Someday, somehow.
Anyway, that is still my plan but I have not been very motivated to start Chapter 1. Not until I found your site. LIP brings back wonderful memories. And for that I thank you, the site contributors and your regular readers. Like I said, I am feeling more motivated to finally start working on my “book”. Except, I have decided that I will be blogging about them instead, one story at a time.
This is a proposal. I would love to write my stories through a column on your site.
Why LiP? Readership. I know LIP has a good traffic and I would like to be able to share the life I lived in the Philippines to as many as possible. I know expats and other westerners will enjoy childhood experiences of a Filipina born in the early 80s and other stories that are very Filipino. I am sure you know by now that I am married to an American and so I may also relate these stories to my life now as a wife to a westerner. I know (based on comments) that a good percentage of your readers are Filipino. They too will appreciate stories where they can see either themselves or somebody they know and reflect on the culture that they and I share.
What good will it do LiP? Traffic. My personal peers, friends and relatives back home will for sure be interested in my writings. I also have a virtual network of other Pinays who are married or are engaged to westerners. Maybe I can add a few more readers to your site.
My articles will also add a little more understanding, if not open up a few more discussions about Philippine culture.
What good will it do me? A lot. I love being able to share my stories. I am a stay-at-home mother of two who nowadays refuses to go outside and socialize because of swine flu. I will then get a dose of regular although virtual, interaction through your site and still feel productive. In short, just so I can justify long hours of being on your site. I believe “hooked” is the accurate term. (What about when swine flu is gone? Don’t worry. Winters also make me just want to stay home.)
Kidding aside, I do have some time on my hands to turn nostalgia into readable materials.
I have already written my first story and I can email it to you upon request. If you do accept my offer, this letter will be my first article. I am afraid a “guest column” will not be enough though because I have 23 years of experiences to write about. And maybe just being a Filipino, I can even write about anything from the present and still represent some of my people and our unique practices.
If in whatever way, you feel that a column by me and about my childhood in the Philippines is not relevant and will not enrich or contribute much to your site, it will not hurt my feelings at all. I will still keep your site in my bookmarks. I appreciate your honest and quick response as I am very excited. Please and thank you.
Feeling positive,
Michelle
About Michelle
Hi Michelle
I would be interested to read about your life in the Philippines. You will have at least 1 reader
Hi Michelle,
I will be your 2nd reader too,,Im like to read everyday all the columns here in LIP.
Welcome Michelle, I’m interested in hearing about your life and your family here in the Philippines too. One of the huge hidden bonuses of coming here to live was the fascinating, loving family I gained … seems as if I meet anew cousin every day. I’m sure my wife Mita will be an avid reader as well, Mita has written some of her own family stories at http://www.mitams.com, but there are many more in every ‘family closet’ or family trophy case
And besides, you’re a Metro Manila girl, we northerners have to hold off the influx of all those southerners here. back in it’s last incarnation, my column here used to be called the ‘North Wind’.
As you get used to the place think also about this .. do not sell yourslf short on your story also of going to the US, learning how to ‘live American’, the differences ins starting a family there rather thna the Philippines, etc. There are many who will read, I guarantee.
And since I just wrote recently about steak …St, Lois, eh? Andria’s in O’Fallon, Il ..absolutely worth the drive and the price. It just may be the best steak place on the planet: http://www.andrias.com/ Write soon …
welcome home Michelle…Hope you have a good time ..Phil n Jess
Hi Michelle,
I will be reading your columns too, I am very interested in the Filipino way of life,that in many ways is like the Spanish way of life.
I am thinking also to put on paper my own life history some day,which I think is quite unusual.
have a nice day.
Kamusta ka Michelle,
Welcome aboard, I love the way you express yourself, can’t wait for future articles and stories from you.
Ingat, og salamat kaayo,
Danny
WoW Michelle ! what a great idea too. There are alot of journal sites out there but we get the pleasure reading the adventures of Michelle right here on LiP ! My wife will be interested to read about your integration into American life and the diversity you experience leaving the culture and surroundings you are and ahve been comfortable with your whole life. We are doing it a bit backwards, I am living in the Philippines before we move to the US (although if were up to me we wouldn’t ever leave) But she has to experience life away from nest too. Thnks for coming on board we look forward to your columns
hi michelle–welcome–i look forward to your writings–i lived in st louis for a while–buurrrrrrrrrrr–
Hello Michelle
welcome aboard it would be refreshing to have more philippina write
on LIP, who knows maybey my wife will write an article one day.
hi Michelle,
Welcome to LIP and looking forward to reading your adventures at home and at your new home. Been wanting to put a gravatar here or some photos in my friendster acct but for the life of me, as soon as i get home from work, all i want to do is sleep, but then there’s the dinner to think about for my hubby and me… Oh well.. that’s life in the States!!!!!
CRIS, Thank you. It’s alright. That’s what my husband does -work, sleep, eat and do it all over again. He plans to retire early and get out of the rat race. Ah, dinners! Here’s my list: feed the kids, play with them teach ‘em, make sure they don’t kill themselves as they try to choke themselves quite often, clean ‘em up, and put them to bed! I’m practically their slave, on-call 24/7. Why do you think I like looking back pre-motherhood? Hehe. Oh, I didn’t even include the house and Jeff’s needs in that list.
Keep in touch!
Hello Michelle,
Welcome aboard Kabayan… I look forward to your next writings…
Cheers!
Welcome from Rhode Island!!
Hi Michelle,
Welcome,i look forward to your stories.
I am from the UK so i know all about cold winters LOL.
regards Chas.
Hi Michelle! I look forward to reading your comments. I will be looking forward to seeing how they compare to my own wife’s experiences when she first moved here( Houston TX) From Baybay Leyte twenty years ago. Like you I am “hooked” on Bob’s site, and now that I am retired I have more time to spend on the site. Igyat!
richard, Thank you. Wow twenty years! you just gave me an idea! We should have something like a special segment for Filipino-Westerner couples who are celebrating their anniversary! (What do you think, Bob?) I’m sure couples like you who have been together for so long will be such an inspiration to the rest of us and specially those who are still in the height of the adjustment period!
I, on one hand have to find time here and there (like in between emptying the dishwasher
) but I needed to channel my thoughts into something more productive other than talking back at the television. And this is quite perfect for me.
Hi Michelle, You are off to a great start. Trust me, you will look back on these playing with and teaching times, along with the “dishwasher emptying” times as some of the best times of your life. Those routines will turn out to be some very pleasant memories. Looking forward to reading all your posts. Put me on your charter member list.
Hi Michelle – I was wondering when you would start penning articles for LiP. Your responses to the columns and comments of others have always provided important, but often overlooked, aspects of the issue at hand.
Do I detect a little Ilocana in there?
Paul, Thanks. Wen, Manong. Ilocana ak ken nangisit ti sikok met.
Agpayso, Ading – ken napintas balasangko (both spirit and presence!)
(Sorry, my language skills are those of an un-school child!)
Welcome to Lip. We lived in Kansas City for five years in the late ’60 so I know how winter feels. I also enjoy reading this website and looking forward for your future articles! Cheers!
HI Michelle, I look forward to your writing here. One of many things I like about this website are so many of the true first hand experiences by writers and readers alike. I developed an interest in The Philipines quite by accident, spent hundreds of hours studying a small area of it and then finally went there to visit. Bob Martins websites, contributors and readers comments really enhanced my knowledge before going, and still do. I am happy you have chosen this website for your writing as I enjoy it here almost every day.
Hi Michelle, welcome on board. Your welcome letter? Great! Count me in as your regular reader although we are also ‘colleagues’ here in LIP. I am looking forward to read your next post…
Hello Michelle, Like all others I will enjoy what you write. I found this site by accident while looking for used car in Davao on internet. Went there to meet Josey, and on my last day there, instead of bring her her it was sugessted that maybe I shuld live there. That was it I made decision to move there. Without this site and people like you who just made comments I might have changed my mind. But now I am excited. I will read, as I do all writers here on lip, all your blogs. I look forward to your next.
andy and josey, Thanks. I wish you all the luck in your move. My next article should come out in two days. I, too can’t wait.
Hi Michelle. My daughter’s name is also Michelle. I adopted her in 1983 while I was living in Olongapo. She now is living in UT with a daughter of her own. About 5 years ago we found her biological family in San Juan, So. Leyte and would love to have a second home ther someday. I would love to hear about your life in the philippines when you where a child. I hope you love America too.
Hi Michelle,
Im looking forward to your columns. I would like to hear about growing up in the phils. what you did for fun, what kind of trouble did you get into, how you were punished as a child…typical childhood memories we all like to share with each other.
Ohio?…Thats nothing.hehe. I lived in Utah for ten years. I remember watchin the weather report and Anchorage Alaska was warmer than we were. Its good to be back in good ol’ socal
Count me in Michelle.. I will be your regular reader from now on… Ingat
Michelle, you see even the commits mean so much. Hudson just talked of COLD in Utah. He must have lived in Vernal. I was there two years ago to see may son I usually only see once a year in summer here where he grew up, California, for Christmas. Icicles 3 foot long all along roof. Now during that really cold weather he will get to come to Paridise and stay with me.
hi michelle
welcome to lip
im interested in your articles.
my filipina and son just arrived in usa 10 days ago and we waited awhile to get them here and im so happy and thankful.
again welcome.
salamat michelle
Hello Michelle,
Your articles brings so much joys and memories in the past…I like your writing, it’s very warm & can relate to it…I’m looking forward for more.
Bacolod Barry, Thank you very much! The journey to my past will be a nice adventurous ride. I’ll be happy to take you along.
kostas kai juvy, Thank you. I appreciate the support.
If I can just add.
It’s the small, (almost insignificant?) differences between the cultures which I find most interesting. For instance, paying bills in UK can take under 2 minuites over the phone / internet, whereas in the Philippines can take almost a day with all the endless queuing and pointless paperwork to complete. Real fresh meat at the market compaired to pre-packaged here in UK. etc etc
This may seem boring to some people, but I think it gives a good insight into what life is really like in the Philippines.
Dave, True! And Mita is lucky to be living close to her family. I’ll find time to read her site. I do hope to entertain the readers with my experiences, where they happened and when they happened. And really I hope to relate how they molded me into who I am right now and the things I believe in.
Thank you for the input and I’ll tell Jeff about your steak tip. Drop by often.
Phil n Jess, I am having a good time already. Come join me, alright!
Antonio Marqués Sans, Thank you. I believe we do have many common practices. I believe it is always a good idea to write about one’s experiences. I know this will help me put together mine into something that my kids and my grand kids can enjoy long after I’m gone.
Take care.
Danny, Thank you. I actually have finished two already. I am definitely excited to have them published here!
See you around.
Tommy, That’s exactly what I thought. Why sit alone and wait for others to join me when I can just join the crowd, right? I hope you and her enjoy my future articles. It will surely be an adventure when she leaves home.
Thank you for the warm welcome.
james wilkinson, Thank you. More burrrr….. I was teasing Jeffrey about “lying by omission”. I think he cast a spell on me or a love potion of some sort for me to have lasted here this long!
Come on by, alright!
james, Thank you. She’ll probably enjoy writing, too. That’s always a good idea.
Say hi to her for me.
Bacolod Barry, Then you will like my writings. I think the smallest details have the most “culture” in them.
Ann, Thank you. It means a lot coming from you.
Ingat.
Neal in RI, Thank you very much.
chasdv, Thank you. Ah, winter! I have come to the conclusion that it is best experienced lookin’ out the window!
Hi Michelle,
Some animals have the right idea they just hibernate LOL.
R L Graham, Thank you.
David B Katague, Thank you very much.
Bob New York, Thank you. Like you, I like the first hand information on this site by the writers and readers alike. That’s also why I chose to write here instead of blog it elsewhere because I feel that my stories belong here.
Should have typed an “a” instead of “o”
Should read: Agpayso, Ading – ken napintas balasanka (both spirit and presence).
(Can’t even remember what [I thought] I have learned!)
Since I wrote my comment I see that Andia’s now has a branch in Chesterfield, MO … how conveneient, they have you covered no matter which side of St Louis you’re on
Paul, Agyamanak! I myself am not as fluent as I’d like. I can understand Ilocano only because my parents spoke Ilocano at home. I’m awkward when I speak it and it’s even more odd typing it. I have never lived longer than a week up north. My next article will touch a little about where my parents are from.
chasdv, Yup!
Looking forward to your articles, Michelle. “Ilocandia” is a wonderful place – worth exploring on your next vacation home!
(btw, I bet they’re not dark!)
Klaus, Thank you for the warm welcome.
Evelyn, Wow your daughter and I have a LOT of things in common! Does she frequent LIP, too? I hope her plans push through. Thank you for the support. I was reading your comment on my phone and almost typed an ‘auto-response’. But then I thought about your last statement and really wanted to search a little deeper for a more honest answer. Right now, I miss the Philippines terribly. Might just be a little LIP effect. America, of course has shown me a way of life that is different from just watching it on tv. My husband and kids are here. That’s what I love the most about America.
sorry, I ment to say St. Louis, Mo. I dont know where Ohio came from hehe
Hudson52, Thank you. Those are exactly the kind of topics that I will write about! This is essentially me, looking back at my life. And in the process, I may be able to feed curiosity and have other Filipinos remember theirs own past.
The weather has been nice lately. I know I am more worried about the swine flu than I should be. And it is really preventing me from fully enjoying this season that took forever to arrive!
andy and josey, somebody once asked me “Why did you leave a tropical country for the state of Missouri?”
FOR YOUR HUSBAND OF COURSE AND NOW YOU HAVE TWO KIDS ALSO. MAYBE AFTER ENOUGH YEARS HERE YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND WILL WANT TO GO BACK. VERY FAST PACE OF LIFE HERE AND I AM READY TO SLOW DOWN JUST A BIT AND REMEMBER MY PAST. MY KIDS WILL GET THAT CHANCE ON VACATION HERE. OH MY BROTHER AND HIS FILIPA WIFE WILL LIVE THERE IN A COUPLE OF YEARS.
Philmor, Thank you. Kaw rin, ingat. Daan ka palagi ha.
andy and josey, We do plan on living in the Philippines in five years or so. But I would of course love to travel in other countries, too. Ah, that’s just me daydreaming.
Ron W, Thanks and congratulations!