Hello & Welcome to PhillyPino!

A short introduction to my blog and what you can expect to see in the future!

Mabuhay!

Mabuhay! Welcome to my blog, PhillyPino! My name is Nicah Aguila and I am currently in my senior year at Drexel University located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am excited to share with you the snippets of Filipino culture that I have uncovered in the great city of Philadelphia. Filipino culture is represented in Philly in many ways that not many people realize, from food, to different associations and even art! But let me start by telling you why I created this blog and what you can expect to see.

Filipino Intercultural Society of Drexel University (FISDU) performing Pagapir (traditional women's fan dance)

Why I started this blog

As someone of Filipino heritage, moving to Philadelphia was a difficult transition. I was born in Manila, Philippines, and moved to Long Beach, California, when I was 10. I have always been surrounded by Filipino culture up until I moved to Philadelphia. I felt homesick and I didn’t feel like I belonged here. It has since been five years and I have come to realize that Filipino culture is represented in Philly, it’s just not as apparent as other cultures.

I want to share my knowledge to others, especially to those of Filipino heritage who are new to Philadelphia. If you are feeling “culture-sick,” I hope this blog can help you feel more at home! If you are a Filipino culture lover, I hope I am able to help you explore more of Philly’s Filipino culture.

Here’s what you can expect

PhillyPino will contain various posts about places in Philadelphia that have ties with Filipino culture, as well as my own personal input and other’ experiences. Philly is known for its vast art scene so this blog will include Filipino art and/or artists for you to check out! For all the foodies out there, I’ll be exploring Philly’s Filipino food scene so get your stomachs ready to feast! I’ll be researching and blogging about Philadelphia’s importance in regard to Filipino history and/or vice versa so let’s learn together. I will also be visiting Filipino communities and churches to gain further insight about Filipino life in Philly. I also plan to interview Filipino organizations and individuals who have personally impacted my life and influenced Philly. And many more! My posts are not strictly limited to the city of Philadelphia but may include nearby regions as well!

PS: Don’t forget to sign up for the mailing list so you never miss a post!

"Hearts Ablaze" Mural by Artist Eliseo Silva

Hanggang sa muli!

Nicah