06/12/2026
Today is June 12.
In 2024, The Sideco House, the house of my family’s direct ancestor Crispulo Sideco, was designated a National Historical Landmark.
In 2017, Georgio, Myles, Markus and I were accompanied by my pinsan, Nanay Fel, to Nueva Ejica, and not only were we able to see the house, but we were reluctantly allowed inside by the caretaker at that time.
Markus, on Google Maps, then found Sideco Street nearby; an alleyway confirmed in name by the locals working in the photocopy shop on the street.
On this June 12, Araw Ng Kalayaan, I am reminded that, as I aim to accompany people into our collective histories as Filipinos in America, I too am continuing to my own identities✨accompanied with & alongside my loved ones.
On this Araw Ng Kalayaan, I hope for each & everyone of us to strive for the Kalayaan inherent in us already; to see each other as companions in it, and to fiercely gigil amidst the awesomeness of it.