Manila (Philippines) 1938

A look at what my country was like back in the 40s. The culture, the places, the people.

Maria Clara

Maria Clara is a heroine from our national hero’s (Jose Rizal) novel “Noli Me Tangere” (Social Cancer) written in 1887, a portrait of an ideal woman, faithful, pure and modest.

She epitomized the Filipina woman back then, demure and wrapped in four pieces of clothing.

We’ve gone a long way since then from wearing floor length skirts (the saya) and bell sleeved blouses (camisa) but we’re still just as trustworthy, as chaste and as simple.

Though I was named after another great woman, I still hold the same values as Maria Clara.

Welcome to my site and let me introduce you to my culture, my language, my country; and everything that's Filipina.