I’m sorry I can’t tell you more about it, I don’t know the history of them Mum via facetime 2021 I forget Mum was only in her twenties when she left the Philippines, so a lot of my enquiries come to a dead end. From then on she was immersed in a completely foreign culture,Continue reading “Nanay loved jewelleries”
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The thing about grapes
Mum has a thing about grapes. They were a bit of a luxury in Mum’s family in 1950’s Philippines. One Christmas we were alright with money so I asked Nanay if I could have a small bunch of grapes for Christmas. We spent Christmas in Caibiran, I was so proud of my grapes that IContinue reading “The thing about grapes”
The first Pineapple
There’s a Filipino folktale about how the Pineapple got it’s name. Thoughts of perusing the market with Mum in El Nido last time we were in the Philippines. Got a tricycle there cos it was too hot to walk, we spent hours roaming the stalls soaking it all in. Mum in her element haggling, chattingContinue reading “The first Pineapple”
OMG! Mum’s in the Guardian
Well, today was a total surprise! Mum’s photo featured in this Guardian article about the upcoming Heart of the Nation exhibition at the Migration Museum which launches on Monday. I’ve been collaborating with them during lockdown, they approached me via instagram and asked if I’d like to tell Mum’s story of coming here to workContinue reading “OMG! Mum’s in the Guardian”
Professional Status
Midwifery graduation. Cebu, Philippines 1963 Mum’s training at the school. She’s ready, had her hair done in a french twist at the salon, uniform is immaculate, red lipstick * Waiting for the call to attend the ceremony and join her classmates up on stage to collect her midwifery diploma and graduation ring. … “Sorry butContinue reading “Professional Status”
TALAGA
During my last big theatre job a young film maker Mona Bakht asked me if I’d like to be part of her documentary about Filipino heritage and identity. Was so nice to think someone was interested in what I’m doing and my experience but… TALKING. ON. CAMERA scared the shit out of me! By theContinue reading “TALAGA”
#filipinofood4NHS
I’ve been making these during lockdown I know most of us really don’t have a spare fiver at the moment, but if you do… You can either scroll to the top and click on shop or this link https://pearlsofthenhs.com/ribbon/ Thanks so much Lee xx
This is history
My heart has been so heavy these past few weeks. We’ve reached a tipping point. This is history. We’ve seen the best of people and the absolute worst. The socioeconomic disparities in health have become brutally apparent during this global pandemic. Recent events in America in particular the death of George Floyd are a painfulContinue reading “This is history”
REST IN POWER
Mum is so upset about the Filipinos working in the NHS/ care sector who have died after contracting Covid-19. “They came here to work hard” Leilani Medel Oscar King Jr Elbert Rico Arnel Ganias Linnette Cruz Elvira Bacu John Alagos Larni Zuniga Amor Padilla Gatinao
some light
Mum dancing at one of the hospital social evenings, the Filipina nurses were entertaining the staff and guests with some folk dances from home. This dance is called the PANDANGGO SA ILAW – Dance of Lights. I think it originated in Mindoro during the Spanish colonial era. Some say the candles were to mimic firefliesContinue reading “some light”
Thursdays 8pm
I’m not really sure where to start, been meaning to write for weeks Seems apt to start again on a Thursday evening when we hang out the window and clap for our NHS, carers, keyworkers. I can’t remember the last time I put a poster up in my window?! Now I have a massive bootlegContinue reading “Thursdays 8pm”
Birthdays
“Do you remember the first birthdays you had here Mum?” “Oh we had parties together in the Nurses home… lots of food!” You can see the can of tinned fruit cocktail in the second photo! My earliest memories of eating different food was at Filipino parties. There was always Pancit – fried noodles with chicken,Continue reading “Birthdays”
working class heroes
I can’t not talk my about my parents on Valentines day! A Fireman and a Nurse How lucky I was to grow up with so much L O V E in the house 45 years strong…
lots to say
but sometimes I get really stuck usually starting a collage helps being shy can be so frustrating when you want to communicate something and expressing myself visually is often the easier way
Meeting Grandma
My English Grandma was from Portsmouth. She was petite with velvety soft pink skin, thick wavy silver hair that was always short and the brightest blue eyes. She liked to wear Navy with a white shirt underneath, usually with a broach or neck scarf. “Oh your Grandma said she thought I looked like a Princess!…ItContinue reading “Meeting Grandma”
Hand carry
This is the handbag Mum came over with “What would you have had in it for the flight?” “Sunglasses, purse, sweets, passport …I bought it for myself in a very popular market in Makati, Manila…Manila was a new place for me. I wanted to bring some native things with me not just an ordinary bag”Continue reading “Hand carry”
Argos
I had romantic ideas of the gift of a watch “Where did you get your Nurses watch from Mum?” “Argos in Basingstoke” “Oh”
White socks
I’m pretty sure in 1969 – Mum was amongst some of the first Filipinos to come over to work in the NHS. I’m trying to find out more, there isn’t much written officially about Filipino nurses during this period, partly why I’m doing this I suppose! Mum came over with her friend Tanni, there wereContinue reading “White socks”
Pearls passed down
Mum recently gave me one of her pearl rings to wear. I’ve borrowed it before but this was more of an official thing. It was given to her on her 21st birthday from her Nanay (Mum) my Lola (Grandma) before she left The Philippines for England. “I was doing midwifery at that time so IContinue reading “Pearls passed down”
identity
perhaps I’ll discuss later but I’m more about the visuals…. feeling this like this lately
Pearls of the NHS 