#just filipina tings

[midnightexpressproductions]

Demo (TBA)

Content warnings (This IF has situations and themes that might be distressing to others): mentions of death, depictions of bodily harm, body horror, gore, anxiety/panic attacks, stressful scenes, claustrophobia, violence, car crashes, amaxophobia, astraphobia, use of weapons (guns, knives, etc.), explicit language, and sexual content though this is optional.

Dark smoke curls all around you, the black ash clogging up your nose and choking your throat. The sound of sirens is muffled in your ears. The base of your skull feels like it's split in two, a sharp pain blooming on the back of your head. Your eyesight is blurry but you can just make out the body writhing around on the ground.

You're hurt and blood seeps out of your wounds. You should be dead. You shouldn't be able to move, but here you are struggling to breathe. The acrid air in your lungs burns. Your vision tinges red. You can't help but watch as the body across the street from you sits up, rotten eyes fixed on your own.

It's jaw unhinges as it lets out an unearthly scream. It's hungry– no not hungry, ravenous– filthy drool dripping down it's chin. In a flash it descends upon you.

Starving.

Yearning for something to eat.

Desperate.

Yearning for food.

Famished.

Yearning to tear your flesh apart.

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In your senior year of high school, you remain the sole survivor of a brutal car crash that kills your father. Grief stricken, your mother decides that it's time for a fresh start. You soon find yourself shipped away to the other side of the country in bustling New York City; a completely different world from your previous rural Louisiana town.

A fish out of water, you're content with staying in the comfort of your own bedroom, living out your life in complete solitude. However, fate has other plans and after four years of isolation, you are forced to leave your room and venture into the outside world.

You just had to pick the day when everything goes to shit, didn't you?

The dead have begun to rise, violent and angry and desperately ravenous for human flesh. Finding yourself separated from your mom, you team up with an unlikely group of survivors as you begin your journey across a ruined New York in hopes of safe haven.

Who knows what might happen when the dead wake?

Play as male, female or non binary; you have the chance to set your own pronouns.

Play as straight, gay, lesbian, bi/pansexual, demi/asexual or aromantic.

Customize your MC's personality and appearance.

Choose from five RO's (plus a sixth RO who you'll meet at the end of the game) to romance or befriend. Or betray.

Build up your stats.

Make alliances or enemies with rival gangs.

Steal a cop car.

Adopt some dogs.

Your choices matter. You and other characters from the main cast can die.

Javier Delgado | he/him | 23 | ISTJ-T | Puerto Rican American

Javier has short, dark brown hair that curls just slightly around the edges. His down turned eyes are light brown and speckled with green. His golden tawny skin is lightly smattered with freckles across his cheeks. Javier is 5'10" and he has a thin, lanky build which makes him seem much taller than he really is. A pair of plastic-rimmed, light green glasses sit on his hooked nose. He says that they're just for reading but in truth, his eyesight just really sucks. His thick eyebrows are almost constantly furrowed, causing people to think that he’s always upset. Javier favors more muted, earthy toned colors in what he wears. He's not particularly fashionable however, wearing whatever is clean and comfortable.

Carmen Bautista | she/her | 23 | ESFJ-A | Filipina/Brazilian American

Carmen has long, wavy hair that stops just below her shoulder blades. Her hair is dark brown turning into a blonde ombre the further down it goes. She normally keeps it pulled back into a low bun or a French braid. Her wide eyes are almond shaped and dark brown. Carmen’s olive skin is completely flawless. Her full lips seem to be set in a perpetual smile, showing off the deep set dimples on her cheeks. She is 5'9" and has a plump, hourglass figure. She can normally be found wearing jewelry. However, Carmen doesn't wear rings, saying that she prefers to keep her hands free of any obstructions. She does have her nails painted a bubblegum pink though. Carmen favors pastel colors and soft clothing that she can easily move around in.

Max Friedman | she/they | 22 | ISTP-A | Jewish American

Max has wildly curly, dark copper hair that reaches just below their ears which is choppy since they cut it themself. Their eyes are a pale stormy gray and droopy, giving them a sleepy appearance. However, paired with her thin lips that seem to be constantly set into a scowl, it only highlights Max's less than friendly demeanor. Max has pale skin with warm undertones. She's covered from head to toe in freckles. They have a small cut on the right side of their upper lip. Their nose is slightly crooked, having broken it from a skateboarding accident. She's the shortest out of the group (not including Gwen), standing at 5'2" and she has a lithe build though the baggy clothes she wears make it seem that Max is skinnier than she really is. They carry around a skateboard wherever they go. 

Eun-Woo Park | he/him | 20 | ESTP-T | South Korean

Eun-Woo has short, pencil-straight black hair that's been styled into an undercut, his bangs left longer than the rest. Thick eyelashes rim his monolid eyes. The irises are a brown so dark that they're almost black. Eun-Woo's milk white skin is spotted with moles, the most notable being the two that sit underneath his left eye. His hands are covered with old calluses and jagged scars mar his knuckles. Eun-Woo stands at 5'7" and has a sinewy, toned build. His ears are double pierced and he has a helix piercing on his right ear. Eun-Woo's nails are painted black. He likes wearing black clothing however, he always wears a red SSG Landers cap along with a NY Yankees letterman jacket.

Derek Campbell | he/they | 24 | ISFP-A | African American/Caucasian

Derek has dark brown, shoulder length dreads. The ends are dyed a light honey brown though he's constantly changing the color. He normally keeps his dreads tied back in a loose ponytail or bun. Their full lips seem to always be set in a sweet smile. Their dark brown eyes are round and wide set, emphasizing their friendly demeanor. Light stubble softens their sharp jaw. Derek has light brown skin, having two scars on his face: one that runs down the corner of his left eyebrow and the other running across the bridge of his nose. He's the tallest of the whole group, standing at 6'5" and his chubby, thick-set build seems imposing at first. They're really just a big marshmallow though. Derek seems to favor more athletic wear, though they'll wear whatever feels comfortable to them. They like bright colors, especially pink and yellow.

Elijah/Elizabeth Watts | he/him or she/her | 26 | ENTJ-A | African American

Eli has dark umber skin with cool undertones. Jagged, old scars crisscross all over their body. They have a full sleeve tattoo of a snake surrounded by lotus flowers on their left arm. F!Eli has long, tightly coiled black hair which she normally keeps tied back into a low ponytail or a braided bun. M!Eli has short, tightly coiled black hair that's cut into a fade, his coils either left free or tied back into cornrows. Even if they're not upset, Eli's eyes seem to be constantly narrowed, the warm honey brown irises standing out against their dark skin. Their full lips hide a gap-toothed smile. Both M!Eli and F!Eli stand at 6'0". They have a toned, muscular build. They wear no makeup or jewelry, other than the dog tags that they keep hidden underneath their clothes.

Gwen Nguyen | she/her | 10 | Vietnamese American

Gwen has warm toned, honey skin and wide, black eyes. Her chubby cheeks are dusted red, only further highlighting her innocent appearance. However, the sneaky rude gestures and hidden eye rolls show that she's much more cheeky than she looks. Gwen likes to wear anything soft and pastel colored. She always has her favorite pink bear plushie with her. Gwen is also deaf, so she wears a pair of sparkly hearing aids. Other than using sign language, she also communicates with a small whiteboard that she keeps tucked away in a pastel yellow backpack.

Pa and Ma Hazel:

Pa is a 10 year old German shepherd and Ma Hazel is an 11 year old cocker spaniel. Pa is short coated and his fur is a dark sable color with his underside being a honey brown. His muzzle is also lightly streaked through with gray. Ma Hazel is medium coated and her fur is a brown roan. Her muzzle is also slightly graying and her nose is spotted. In lieu of collars, Pa wears a forest green bandana around his neck. Ma Hazel doesn't wear a collar at all.

[thxnews]

PH Crackdown Intensifies on POGO Human Trafficking

In a renewed push to combat human trafficking in the Philippine offshore gaming industry, prosecutors heard gripping testimony from Chinese workers detailing alleged rights abuses at a major Pasay City operation. "The victims' accounts provide a disturbing look into the inhumane conditions some were forced to endure." Said Winston Casio, spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), his voice tinged with concern.   Key Points: Testimonies from 10 Chinese nationals against 7 compatriots Allegations of forced labor, human trafficking at Smart Web Technology Corp. 731 workers, including Filipinas, rescued in October 2023 raid Self-contained compound with entertainment facilities uncovered   The testimony marks the latest development following last year's dramatic raid on the Smart Web Technology Corp. compound in Pasay. Authorities discovered a veritable self-contained city, complete with living quarters, entertainment amenities like a KTV lounge and massage parlor, restaurants, and even a small clinic.  

Pasay-raid. Photo by Joann Manabat. Rappler. However, the opulent facade belied a darker reality, according to the PAOCC. Chinese workers showed signs of physical abuse and claimed they were being held against their will and subjected to forced labor practices. "We cannot turn a blind eye when basic human rights are being violated in this manner," Casio stated firmly. "The Philippine government has no tolerance for these kinds of nefarious activities on our soil."  

Labor Trafficking Accusations

Prosecutors are now weighing whether to file charges against seven Chinese nationals identified as the alleged operatives behind the illegal practices at Smart Web. The PAOCC asserts the men were involved in deceptive hiring and human trafficking through schemes like the forced "selling" of workers between POGOs. Defense lawyers have pushed back, claiming workplace misunderstandings and cultural differences were the root causes of the situation. They decried the "heavy-handed" raid as an overreaction.   Oversight and Prevention The jarring case has amplified calls for increased oversight and prevention measures in the billion-peso POGO sector. Legislators have proposed tightening licensing requirements, enhancing regular inspections, and mandating workers' rights training. "Left unchecked, this underbelly of exploitation threatens to tarnish our nation's reputation as a sound investment environment," warned one Senate leader. "We must get our house in order."   Next Steps Prosecutors now have 60 days to render a decision on pressing charges based on the evidence presented, including the powerful worker testimonies. The PAOCC has also hinted at upcoming cases against other POGO firms. Casio said: "This is just the opening salvo in regaining control over a valuable sector that has spun out of control. We will be relentless in rooting out these kinds of abuses." As the investigation unfolds, the fates of the firm's operators, the rescued workers, and the future of POGO oversight in the Philippines hangs in the balance.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[gerberbabey]

debut | prologue | pope heyward w/filipina!reader

a debut mini series bc i miss my debut

also kook academy aint a thing, aaaaand the whole gold thing just like....didn’t happen yikes. 

summary: You have exciting news.

masterlist | previous | next

warnings: cussing

prologue - ♫ Through and Through by khai dreams  ♫

After a long day of fucking around and being teenagers, settling down and chilling by the bonfire was a typical way for the Pogue’s to end the night. Wrapped up in sweaters to fight the chill of the night air, yet wearing shorts to keep themselves from over heating, the group talked over how in only a few days they would be starting their senior year. 

“’Outfit ideas for our last-first day?’” Kie mocked as she scrolled through her instagram feed. It was only during these cool down moments did the Pogues ever really find themselves on their phones. Usually they spent their days wrapped up in each other’s tomfoolery. 

“Man I still can’t believe we’re gonna be seniors,” JJ scoffed, “I thought I’d have dropped out by now to be honest.”

“Yeah me too,” John B teased and the brunette laughed as JJ flicked sand at him. 

“Can’t wait for all those senior events,” Kie grinned but the boys only groaned. They weren’t the type to care much about dances or football games or typically any school santioned events. But Kie being Kie was involved in a lot of school stuff like that. Pope was involved in school sure, but only academically. The last time he’d gone to a football game he nearly got his head busted open when a fight had broken out and he and his friends had gotten caught in the middle of it. 

“C’mon you guys. Last homecoming? Senior picnic? Pro-”

“Pope!” 

The group of four turned in surprise and watched with wide eyes as you ran  your way over to them, practically leaving clouds of sand behind you at how fast you were rushing.

“(Y/N)?-” Pope grunted as you barreled into him the second he stood from his seat. 

“Oh my god, you’re never gonna believe it-oh shit, hey guys,” you greeted Pope’s friends and they greeted you back though the confusion was clear on their faces. Outside of the Pogues you were Pope Heyward’s absolute best friend. The two of you had known each other since quite literally the day you were born considering your mom and Pope’s mom were the best of friends. 

You didn’t usually hang around the other Pogues though. They were Pope’s group. You were friends with them of course, and you definitely spent a lot of your time with them. But outside of Pope you tended to hang out with your teammates. 

Despite that, you and Pope made sure that you saw each other almost everyday. When he didn’t decide to sleep over at the Chateau he was either at your house or you were at his. When he did decide to sleep over at the chateau you’d find yourself there with him at the end of the day. Even if he spent an entire day with just the Pogue’s he reserved time to be with you. And you, him.

“Ok-I’m like losing my mind!” you panted and Pope laughed as he steadied you. 

“Jeez (Y/N) take a breather,” he told you and you let out a breathless laugh before taking a moment to gather yourself. 

“Ok,” you giggled, “Sorry. But I was just with the girls right? And my mom calls me and guess what?” 

“Whaaat?” Pope dragged out and his friends watched in amusement as you shook his entire body. 

“My dress came in! Ah! Oh my god I’m so excited!” You squealed as Pope’s eyes widened a wide grin stretching his features. 

“What? seriously?”

“Yes seriously!”

“Uuum, dress for what?” Kie decided to pipe in and you turned to her with a bright expression. 

“My dress for my debut! My mom’s aunt or something is like a dress maker in the Philippines and we sent them my measurements like 3 months ago. And it just got shipped in!” you were talking at 100 miles per hour at this point and Kie, JJ, and John B were having a hard time catching up, “I’m supposed to pick it up tomorrow afternoon I think, but I was just so excited that I had to tell Pope!” you turned back to Pope who hadn’t taken his eyes off you, his expression soft yet excited. 

JJ turned to Kie, silent for a moment as he gathered his thoughts, “...What?” he whispered and Kie snorted as she shoved him away. 

“Your debut...that’s like your 18th right?” John B questioned and you nodded at him obviously a bit surprised that he remembered. You could barely remember telling the other Pogues about this. You only tended to talk to Pope or 1 or 2 of your teammates about it. 

“Yeah, I can’t believe you remembered,” you laughed and John B smiled. 

“What?” John B questioned as JJ and Kie both shot him looks of confusion. You were lost to their interaction as you began to ramble to Pope while he listened intently, nodding along or humming in response to you. You’d always been the more energetic one of your pair. You were there for only a moment longer before you decided it was time to head out.

“Ok, I’ll go now,” you laughed waving to the Pogues after you gave Pope a hug and the usual kiss on the cheek, “Good night you guys!” you bid and Pope and his friends waved back at you as you turned and jogged back over to your car full of teammates that they hadn’t even noticed. 

“Bye (Y/N)!” Kie called just as you were about to enter the car and though they could barely see you in the dark, they knew you were blowing them kisses. They silently watched the car drive away before Pope finally settled back down into his seat. 

Looking up he blinked as his friends stared him down. 

“What?” 

“C’mon Pope,” JJ urged, “Senior year man, are you finally gonna ask out (Y/N) or what?” Pope’s eyes widened at that and he sputtered as he tried to come up with a response.

“Wh-what?! What man no! That-that’s (Y/N). My like best friend since we were babies!” 

“Yeah, that means you guys are basically soulmates, Pope,” Kie teased and Pope could feel the heat on his cheeks and the tips of his ears. 

“Hey, if you don’t wanna ask her out,” JJ wiggled his eyebrows, “I’ve been holding back y’know?”

“Shut up JJ,” Pope threw a handful of sand at the blonde.

“This is your last chance Pope,” John B insisted, “Before you head off to college to play with dead bodies, and she heads off to college to be a college athlete.” 

Pope scoffed at that as he looked down and played with his the ends of his sweater. 

“It’s not like that ok?” he tried to argue but they only shot him knowing smiles. 

“Just sayin’. Senior year’s the year man,” JJ raised his brows at him and Pope could only scoff as they dropped the subject. 

[twoblueheartslocked]

Mini Para: November Flashback

Rating: PG/PG-13

Pairing: Seblaine.

Sebastian: @colorsicantsee

Blaine: @twoblueheartslocked

Time: Four years before the events of ( Hold On To The Memories, They Will Hold On To You ) Events taking place in November of Blaine’s Senior Year and Sebastian’s Junior Year. Blaine (17) Seb(16).

Location: Blaine’s House. Westerville, Ohio

Info: A little glimpse into the month of November and the progression of Sebastian and Blaine’s relationship. Blaine invites Seb to his small family Thanksgiving dinner. Cooper embarrasses Blaine a bit and Seb makes him feel better.

Warnings: Teens cursing, kissing, touching.

Extra Warnings: (This RP is not Kurt Hummel friendly. You’ve all been warned.)

Notes: Some canon events remain in place while others have been changed. Some things may even be out of order. You can consider this sort of canon divergent AU. A few changes are that Blaine’s parents are different from the show (His mother is Filipina), he didn’t cheat on Kurt or date Dave and Sebastian is younger than Blaine. Feel free to send a message if you have any questions!

Blaine’s POV:

Blaine paced nervously at the foot of his stairs as he waited for Sebastian to show up. He wasn’t late by any means, but Blaine was beside himself trying to get to the door before Cooper, who was in town from Los Angeles,  managed to throw it open and scare him off. Cooper had been harassing him about his relationship with Sebastian for the last two days, making ridiculous faces and taunting him with stupid questions that made Blaine blush. Oooh, going after the bad boys now? Oh my god, do you think you’ll survive college? Oooh, are you in love, Blainey? At least you get to dress yourself now, that’s a step up. Coop had been relentless and Blaine was sort of regretting inviting Seb to come over. He was now terrified that Cooper would say something dumb about love and actually chase Seb off with his idiocy.

It didn't help that he was a little afraid of how Seb might see Cooper. He’d never met him and if he saw him on the television then he’d never fessed up to it. But, people tended to like Cooper better than they liked him and Blaine couldn’t help but feel a little bit nervous that Seb might see his brother's six foot frame and blue eyes and forget he was even there. He remembered how cute Kurt had thought Cooper was and how in awe he’d seemed and the flair of jealousy Blaine had felt and now he was fighting as hard as he could to keep the jealousy at bay this time.

Blaine sighed, a little annoyed with himself because he knew better now. Sebastian seemed to only have eyes for him, seemed to only ever make time for him (and occasionally Hunter) So He knew he should calm down. Over the last month he and Sebastian had managed to get even closer. They’d spent the rest of October after his incredible birthday night in spooky bliss-Seb actually went to a Haunted House with Blaine and Sam and didn’t scream once, just clung to Blaine like a lifeline, but Blaine hadn’t minded at all. And since the start of November they'd taken more walks in parks with autumn leaves falling overhead and stepping over blankets of the crunchy ones with hot cider than he could count. And now Seb was going to be sitting at the family table with his mom, dad, Cooper and himself and he was giddy with it all.

His cheeks hurt with how happy he was. He couldn’t remember ever smiling this much before and if he had, whatever he’d been smiling about suddenly didn’t compare to the sight of Sebastian Smythe’s cheeks tinged a pinkish red whether from the cold where he got to sneak frozen kisses or from Blaine’s hands or mouth in their intimate moments as Seb sang out his name in a chorus that seemed to only be for Blaine. He was closer than ever to letting his feelings for Sebastian slip past his lips and he didn’t know what that might do to them. He’d made a promise to himself to keep it in for a bit longer, see how tonight went and maybe get through the New Year, but every day that Blaine spent with him made it harder to keep the pitter patter rhythm of I love you I love you in his heart to himself.

The very heart that skipped a beat when Sebastian’s confident and steady knock rapped through the door and pulled him from his thoughts. Blaine surged forward, throwing a look at himself in the hall mirror and noting that a curl was loose and his fitted navy blue sweater was slightly disheveled- he couldn’t care too much though, he needed to beat Cooper. He could already hear his brother’s thundering feet as he tried to get to the door first. He grabbed the handle, trying not to slip on the hardwood floor as he pulled the door open to Sebastian standing in the brisk Ohio autumn, his cheeks tinged pinkish red front the cold. A smile broke out on his face as he reached out and pulled him in, wrapping him in a hug and giving him a quick hello kiss before Cooper could round the corner and make fun of him more.

“Hey you. I see even the cold couldn’t keep you away.” 

He teased, not wanting to let go. Suddenly the thought of sharing Seb with his family for the evening seemed tortuous, especially when they could just be alone. But, Cooper's little singsong of Blainey rang out and Blaine knew that wasn’t entirely possible. He’d have to introduce them sooner or later.

“Maybe we can get a few more of those kisses in later?” He whispered before leading his person into the family room where a defeated Coop had retreated.

“Coop this is Sebastian; Seb this is my brother Cooper.”

Sebastian’s POV:

If you would have told Sebastian a year ago that he would be regularly going on planned dates and lingering on doorsteps for goodnight kisses and getting invited to family dinners, he would have laughed in your face and said a few things that would probably hurt your feelings. But here he was, walking up to Blaine’s doorsteps with a pumpkin pie his cook had prepared. The bottom of the glass dish was warm in the palm of his hand as the chilly air whipped around him. Of course, Blaine answered right away to rescue him from the biting air, as if he could sense Sebastian’s discomfort.

“Hey B.” He leaned down for a quick kiss. He could sense an edge of nerves in the other boy. “Thanksgiving dinner? I wouldn’t miss that for the world.” Seb squeezed Blaine’s hand and hoped that it had comforted him some. Sebastian knew that he was on edge about his older brother being home for the holidays. Blaine had told him about how Kurt and the New Directions fawned all over him because he was in a few insurance commercials and was typically good looking. Sebastian had assured Blaine that a few commercials didn’t impress him and that nobody was him and therefore couldn’t steal his gaze away.

“I can’t wait.” Seb whispered into Blaine’s ear before he was tugged towards the Anderson’s family room.

Cooper was tall and handsome, sure but extremely goofy and cocky (an interesting mix). Sebastian could feel the puppy dog like energy roll off of him as he clasped his hand in an energetic handshake.

“Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” Sebastian figured it was best to keep things generic. Cooper grinned and clasped a big hand on Blaine’s shoulder but kept eye contact with Seb. “I can say the same for you, big guy. You ever think of doing commercial work? I could hook you up with a gig for Athlete’s foot powder. Lacrosse, right?”

Sebastian felt his eyes widen and his mouth drop open a tiny bit. Blaine’s cheeks turned bright red like the ribbons on the Christmas tree in the family room.

He recovered and shook his head, “Nah, no thanks. But yeah, I play Lacrosse. Season starts up in February.”

Sebastian looked around the room and could smell the scent of turkey and stuffing and cinnamon drifting into the room. “Where are your parents?”

Blaine’s POV:

Blaine’s smile felt far too big over something so small, but Sebastian telling him he wouldn’t miss Thanksgiving meant a lot to him. He knew that this wasn’t really Seb’s scene and the fact that he was here right now made Blaine happier than he could say. Little prickles of goosebumps broke out over his skin from the whispered words and Blaine was even more reluctant to share his time with Sebastian than he was before. Did he have to get that close to his ear? He was blushing when they entered the room and Cooper’s grin told him that he saw it too.

He stood there as Cooper looked Sebastian up and down, appraising him like one would a diamond and bit his bottom lip. Did Cooper have to make a show of everything? Athlete’s foot powder? Where did he come up with this stuff? He knew he was still blushing, the damn thing never seemed to go away when it came to Seb and he cursed himself for being so easy to read. He tried not to feel too self conscious standing in between the two of them but he felt so tiny next to them, he’d always felt that way next to Coop and with Sebastian being taller than Cooper he felt even smaller. And for the thousandths time Blaine wondered what Seb actually saw in him, especially with Cooper looking like a goddamn movie star.

“Don’t try to solicit Sebastian, Coop.” 

He groaned and shook his head watching as Cooper pulled his vibrating phone out of his pocket, his big brother gave a cheeky smile before excusing himself with a clap to Sebastian’s back and an overdramatic thumbs up to Blaine. Blaine wanted the floor to eat him up. He turned to Seb and gently took the pie from him with a shake of his head.

“I told you he was ate the hell up.” He laughed, “They’re both in the kitchen cooking away. My grandparents on my dad's side usually come but they had other engagements this year and mom and dad must have forgotten out of habit and have made too much food. Don’t be surprised if my mom tries to send you home with fifty pounds of mashed potatoes.” He grinned up at Seb. “Don’t worry though, you can say no.” He turned and linked their fingers, Seb’s fingers still warm from the pie before tugging Sebastian into the kitchen to greet his parents.

His father poked his head up from the oven, his blue eyes looking too bright in the autumnal colors of their kitchen as he smiled and greeted Sebastian with a, “Hey kid! Take your coat off, stay for a bit! Oooh, is that Pumpkin?” Before ducking back into the oven to mess around with their turkey. Blaine always felt a little useless on Thanksgiving, his parents liked to take care of everything and really didn’t let him help much in the kitchen, no matter how much he liked to cook- his mom always told him the meal was their gift to him and Cooper. Blaine appreciated but, but would much rather have been covered in cranberries than stuck listening to Cooper's harassment.

His mom wiped her hands on her apron and gratefully took the pie from Blaine and squeezed his hand before turning her attention to Sebastian, her dainty hands reaching out to squeeze both of his shoulders in a sort of but not quite hug. She’d gotten to know him enough that she knew what touching she could get by with. He watched the comfort with which they interacted, both of them smiling, and couldn’t help but smile himself. “Yes, thank you for the pie, Sebastian. And welcome to your very first Anderson Family Thanksgiving. Hopefully next year we’ll be better prepared and the food will actually be ready when you get here. Alas, you're all three going to have to wait a big longer. My husband underestimated his turkey cooking time.” She laughed and let go of Seb and looked between the two of them. “Why don’t the two of you go hang out for a bit, I think it’ll be ready in about an hour.” Blaine laughed a little as she shooed them gently away.

He nodded towards the stairs, trying to make a beeline to his room before Cooper found them again. He hoped his phone call was a long one and that his brother would get lost on his way to bother them as he pulled Sebastian into his room and closed the door. He probably should have kept it open, but his mom and dad were up to their elbows in dinner so hopefully they wouldn't notice. He turned to Seb and held out his hands for his coat.

“It really is too warm in here for you to be wearing that.” He smiled up at Seb and wanted nothing more than to cash in on those kisses right now. “Sorry about Coop, he can be a bit much.” He sat down on his bed and rolled his eyes. “Not that it stops my friends from adoring him.”

Sebastian’s POV:

Sebastian didn’t have time to ask if the Anderson’s needed any help, not that they would have taken it before they were shooed from the kitchen. He had never seen his parents interact together the way Will and Imelda did. Hell, he’d never even seen his dad prepare anything besides peanut butter sandwiches and he inherited his mother’s cooking ability, so figure that one out. It was really nice to see parents actually get along, nice to walk into a warm, inviting kitchen where there wasn’t a single staff member or catered food laid out. “I like your parents.”

Sebastian shrugged his jacket off and tossed it onto Blaine’s bed. “Now we have a reason to come back up here tonight. Can’t leave without my coat.” He sat next to the other boy and reached for his hand. Seb held Blaine’s hand in his lap and reveled in the feeling of his music worn hands. He never grew tired of his strong, calloused fingers. Sebastian would often get lost in thoughts of those hands on other parts of his body...

“Don’t apologize. He didn’t do anything too crazy.” He sighed and watched the other boy’s face. Sebastian knew that Cooper and B had a strained relationship and that the younger sibling often felt swallowed by the other’s shadow.

“But. Wait? Aren’t you...oh my god…” Sebastian moved to his knees and gasped dramatically, he wobbled a little unsteady on the bed. “Blaine Anderson?! Oh my god, I’m such a fan.” He pinned Blaine to the bed with one hand and gently tickled his side as he straddled him. “ You’re like, show choir royalty and you can play like, 465 instruments!”

Blaine’s POV:

Blaine felt a wave of emotion at the mention of his parents, he smiled softly up at Sebastian and nodded, “They like you, too.” He let out a little laugh. “Mom actually told me she was surprised that she liked you so much considering the whole slushie and almost blinding me in one eye bit, but she said that she likes the way I am with you.” He shrugged, a little embarrassed to admit her words. “She said that I’m, I don’t know, like way more myself with you than I was with Kurt, and my dad agrees. So, yeah, you’re their favorite, kid.” He teased echoing his dad’s nickname from earlier. “You’re mine, too.”

He watched as Seb shrugged off his coat and a little flutter of giddiness swept through him as Sebastian sat down next to him on his bed and held his hand in his lap. They’d been on this bed before, kissing and touching, but each time it made Blaine feel twisted up and out of sorts in the best way possible.

“Mm, and of course I’ll have to come up and help you find it.” He teased. He bit his lip as Sebastian looked at him, the sigh leaving the taller boys lips making him tense up a bit. Was Seb regretting spending the holiday with him and his family? “He’s a pain in the ass, that’s what he is.” He grumbled, rolling his eyes again before looking back up at Seb, his brow furrowing in confusion for a moment at Seb’s words. Once he realized what Seb was doing his face broke out into another smile and he let out an actual giggle.

“Don’t you dare tickle me, Sebastian.”

Of course Seb had sensed Blaine’s insecurities. His shoulder came up as if to defend himself from Sebastian’s tickles and his giggles intensified as he playfully pretended to bat the other boys hands away. He let himself be pressed down onto his bed, his body wiggling in an incredibly half hearted attempt to get away. It amazed him that Sebastian knew what he needed even when Blaine wasn’t actually aware that he’d needed anything at all. The other boy had this amazing ability to pull him out of almost any funk he’d found himself in. He’d been managing to do it even before they started dating.

“You’re so sweet.” He mumbled as he caught Sebastian’s tickling hand in his own and pulled it towards him so he could press his lips against his knuckles. Blaine loved it when Seb did things like this. Blaine was confident that nobody else had gotten to see him when he was like this; sweet, and kind and smiling at him with every perfectly imperfect tooth on display and it was all just for him.  “Come here.” He whispered softly as he tugged on Seb’s hand gently, pulling him down towards him. He tilted his head back against his pillow, his face up and open towards Seb’s. His wrist was still locked in Seb’s slender fingers against the comforter, but his other hand was free and he slid it around Seb’s waist to press them close before lifting his head to connect their lips and kissing him slowly and sweetly, his eyes slipping closed as he lost himself in the blissful moment.

There was this terrible fear in the back of his mind that Cooper would burst in and ruin the moment, but he couldn’t be bothered to stop. It would be his brother’s own fault and he’d have to live with the sight. He let his free hand slide up from Seb’s waist and let his fingers curl against the back of Seb’s neck, one of Seb’s favorite places to be touched, scraping lightly against the sensitive skin and pulling the other boy even closer, a tiny little gasp escaping his lips as he rolled his hips up involuntarily. He hadn’t meant to do it, but Sebastian’s lips and body felt good and heavy against his and he wanted nothing more than to roll them over and pin Seb down so he could slide his hands up his shirt and let his fingers dance against the sprinkle of soft hair on his tummy- just to watch the other boy squirm underneath him. He wanted to touch and kiss him all over all the time and each time they got to Blaine had to stop himself from asking Seb to take things even further. They’d done plenty; Blaine could still feel every touch, taste, and movement, but they still hadn’t gone all the way in the traditional sense, they never seemed to get enough alone time, someone was always lurking about but Blaine was so ready for for that connection, yet so incredibly scared to make that move.

He sighed into the kisses knowing that if he didn’t stop soon he wouldn’t be able to explain his swollen lips and tousled hair to his mom and dad and Cooper would totally know what they were up to. He nipped playfully at Seb’s bottom lip before letting his head fall back against his pillows feeling needy and suddenly hot even though it was freezing outside. He could feel his lips pulling down into a pout and he let his fingers walk up and down the back of Seb’s neck as he spoke.

“Do you ever wish that we could just have like, a night alone?” He could feel himself start to blush again with each word as he locked onto Seb’s green gaze. “I mean, I know we get to be alone some, but I mean like… alone alone. Where there isn’t a parent in an office next to the basement stairs or down in the kitchen.” He lifted his shoulder in a shrug. “I guess I’m just super selfish and I want you all to myself and there always seems to be something we have to do.”

Sebastian’s POV:

Sebastian sighed into Blaine’s mouth. He thought that he could kiss him forever and would even be content missing out on homemade mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce and fresh pumpkin squares if that meant rolling around in the other boy’s comfy bed. Seb could feel Blaine’s fingers on his neck and his hips pressing up into his and he couldn’t help but moan a little despite himself. He loved when B touched his neck and he would often daydream about his hands on his neck in a more intimate way. God, he wished that they were in that damn house by themselves and that Cooper Anderson wasn’t loafing around, probably trying to bust into the room at any given moment.

He bit his bottom lip. Of course he thought about alone time with Blaine. “Yeah. All the time. Like….all the fucking time.” Sebastian  fixed a curl that started to pop out of place in the other’s perfectly kept hair. “And about that…” Sebastian took a deep breath. “My parent’s will be going out of town at the end of December. They’ll be gone a few days and I’ll have the place all to myself. I...was thinking that you could come over, spend the night.” He leaned down and gave Blaine a small, slow kiss. “What do you think?”  

Sebastian smiled and laughed a little bit, his nose bumped the other boy’s which made them both laugh some more. “This is probably the best Thanksgiving ever and I haven’t even tried the food yet.”

Blaine’s POV:

Blaine shivered, the sound of Seb’s little moan sending a thrill through the lower half of his body and he wondered if Sebastian could feel how into him he was. He licked his lips and shifted his hips under Sebastian’s body a bit. As much as he wanted to keep this going, he knew they needed to slow down. He lets his fingers ghost over Sebastian’s sensitive neck once more before letting his hand fall away. He reached for Seb’s hand and linked their fingers the best he could from his position and held their tangled hands to his chest. He could feel the rapid thump of his heart against his fingers.

“You do?” His voice was soft and he watched as Seb removed his hand from his pinned wrist and reached out to brush one of his curls away. He let his eyes fall closed for a moment so he could enjoy the movement and he wondered, not for the first time, what Seb’s fingers might feel like tangled in his hair after a shower, before he put product in. The thought felt so intimate and Blaine felt like he was going to go crazy with how much he wanted Sebastian. How he felt like he’d never get enough of him. And from the sound of desperation in Seb’s voice he appeared to feel the same… At least he hoped.  He bit his lip and let his eyes meet Seb’s, trying to read him. His green eyes were heavy and he suddenly seemed a little nervous and god yes Blaine wanted to spend the night with him.

As he kissed Sebastian back, the slow press of their lips made his brain feel a little fuzzy. He didn’t know how he’d do it, he’d probably have to lie to his mom and dad about staying with Sam or something, but he’d get there. He could already picture Sebastian lying naked against the sheets, shivering under Blaine’s touch, the two of them getting to explore each other's bodies without interruptions. Blaine couldn’t wait to sleep wrapped around him, couldn’t wait to tuck Seb in his arms where he’d be warm and safe and he’d make sure he got to wake next to him so he could kiss his sleepy face good morning. He smiled up at Seb softly.

“Well, I think that I’m gonna make it happen, Seb. I promise.”

He laughed as Seb’s nose bumped gently against his, “Now that’s a serious statement. Thanksgiving dinner is some of the best food ever.” He teased, his face falling into a wide smile. “I hope you still mean that when Cooper interrogates you over dessert later.” His smile softened a bit as he looked up at Sebastian. “All jokes aside, I think this has been the best Thanksgiving for me too, Seb. I’m so damn happy you’re here with me.”

And as soon has he finished his sentence the jarring sound of Cooper pounding on his bedroom door and and making them both jump with his singsong voice, “Blaaineyyyy, Sebaaassstiaaan. Dinner time! You’ve got about twenty seconds to get decent before I open the door. Twenty, nineteen…”

Blaine sighed as Seb got off of him and Blaine scooted so he could sit up and adjust himself. “I guess it was nice of him to give us a warning, yeah?” He gave a little laugh before letting himself steal one more of Sebastian’s kisses. “One for the road.” He helped Seb straighten his clothes and then his own. He glanced over at Seb’s discarded coat, excitement about getting to kiss him some more in his room later and the thought of getting to spend a whole night with him kept him even happier than normal as the evening went on without a hitch. It really had been the perfect Thanksgiving.

/fin.

[tasksweekly]

[TASK 144: BRUNEI]

In celebration of Asian American Heritage Month, here’s a masterlist below compiled of over 130+ Bruneian faceclaims categorised by gender with their occupation and ethnicity denoted if there was a reliable source. If you want an extra challenge use random.org to pick a random number! Of course everything listed below are just suggestions and you can pick whichever faceclaim or whichever project you desire.

Any questions can be sent here and all tutorials have been linked below the cut for ease of access! REMEMBER to tag your resources with #TASKSWEEKLY and we will reblog them onto the main! This task can be tagged with whatever you want but if you want us to see it please be sure that our tag is the first five tags, @ mention us or send us a messaging linking us to your post!

THE TASK - scroll down for FC’s!

STEP 1: Decide on a FC you wish to create resources for! You can always do more than one but who are you starting with? There are links to masterlists you can use in order to find them and if you want help, just send us a message and we can pick one for you at random!

STEP 2: Pick what you want to create! You can obviously do more than one thing, but what do you want to start off with? Screencaps, RP icons, GIF packs, masterlists, PNG’s, fancasts, alternative FC’s - LITERALLY anything you desire!

STEP 3: Look back on tasks that we have created previously for tutorials on the thing you are creating unless you have whatever it is you are doing mastered - then of course feel free to just get on and do it. :)

STEP 4: Upload and tag with #TASKSWEEKLY! If you didn’t use your own screencaps/images make sure to credit where you got them from as we will not reblog packs which do not credit caps or original gifs from the original maker.

THINGS YOU CAN MAKE FOR THIS TASK -  examples are linked!

Stumped for ideas? Maybe make a masterlist or graphic of your favourite faceclaims. A masterlist of names. Plot ideas or screencaps from a music video preformed by an artist. Masterlist of quotes and lyrics that can be used for starters, thread titles or tags. Guides on culture and customs.

Screencaps

RP icons [of all sizes]

Gif Pack [maybe gif icons if you wish]

PNG packs

Manips

Dash Icons

Character Aesthetics

PSD’s

XCF’s

Graphic Templates - can be chara header, promo, border or background PSD’s!

FC Masterlists - underused, with resources, without resources!

FC Help - could be related, family templates, alternatives.

Written Guides.

and whatever else you can think of / make!

MASTERLIST!

F:

Hajah Norsiah binti Haji Abdul Gapar (1952) Bruneian - writer.

Paula Malai Ali (1974) Bruneian / English - actress, model, tv personality, radio personality, and veejay.

Jayna Oso (1981) Bruneian - porn actress.

Chloe Ting (1986) 1/4 Bruneian, 3/4 Chinese - youtuber (Chloe Ting).

Maria / Meria Aires (1989) Bruneian - singer-songwriter.

Eqah (1989) Bruneian - singer.

Wawa Zainal / Nur Hawa binti Zainal Abidin (1991) Bruneian, Bajau Malaysian / Tausug Filipina - actress and model.

Nina Iskandar (1991) Bruneian - actress and model.

Liyana Yus (1993) Bruneian - actress and musician.

Phoebe Chok (1994) Bruneian, Chinese - model.

Adira Salahudi (1996) Bruneian - instagrammer (adirasalahudi).

Muthiah Sabri (2000) Bruneian - singer.

Ezah Hashim (?) Bruneian - singer-songwriter.

Feez Madea (?) Bruneian - actress, singer-songwriter, tv presenter, and lyricist.

Aisyah Zulkarnain (?) Bruneian - musician and producer.

Harisya Hamzah (?) Bruneian - singer-songwriter.

Neecia Majolly (?) Bruneian, Indian - singer, pianist, composer, and conductor.

Siti Kamaluddin (?) Bruneian - director.

Dirah Wong (?) Bruneian, Singaporean - model (instagram: dirahwong).

F - Athletes:

Maziah Mahusin (1993) Bruneian - hurdler.

Maizurah Abdul Rahim (1999) Bruneian - sprinter.

M:

Zul F / Zul Faden / Haji ZulFakhari bin Muksin (1980) Bruneian - actor and singer.

Fakhrul Razi / Fakhrul Razi Ibrahim (1980) Bruneian - singer.

Isa Yahya / Mohammad Noor Isa Yahya (1982) Bruneian - actor.

DJ Daffy (1982) Bruneian - DJ.

Hill / Hill Zaini (1987) Bruneian - actor and singer-songwriter.

Jaz / Jaz Hayat (1993) Bruneian - singer.

Aziz Harun (1998) Bruneian - singer.

Syafiq / Syafiq Abdilah (1999) Bruneian - singer-songwriter.

Ibrahim Kamit (1999) Bruneian - instagrammer (ibrahimkamit).

Abdul Zainidi (?) Bruneian - actor and filmmaker.

Meez Feeq (?) Bruneian - rapper.

Azizi Sabri (?) Bruneian - rapper.

David Sepúlveda-Low (?) Bruneian, Chinese / Spanish - actor, stuntman, and choreographer.

K-Roll / Md. Khairul Anwar (?) Bruneian - singer and guitarist (D’Hask).

Syarif / Ak. Md. Syarif (?) Bruneian - singer and keyboardist (D’Hask).

Reme / Ak. Hairul Azmi (?) Bruneian - bassist (D’Hask).

Daus / Md. Firdaus (?) Bruneian - guitarist (D’Hask).

Luffy / Ak. Ahmad Lutfy (?) Bruneian - drummer (D’Hask).

M - Athletes:

Pengiran Mohamed (1961) Bruneian - darts player.

Zainuddin Kassim (1965) Bruneian - footballer.

Yunos Yusof (1965) Bruneian - footballer.

Rosanan Samak (1965) Bruneian - footballer.

Said Abdullah (1966) Bruneian - footballer.

Jefry Mohammad (1967) Bruneian - footballer.

Suni Mat Jerah (1968) Bruneian - footballer.

Rosli Liman (1969) Bruneian - footballer.

Alizanda Sitom (1970) Bruneian - footballer.

Moksen Mohammad (1971) Bruneian - footballer.

Ali Momin (1973) Bruneian - footballer.

Sallehuddin Damit (1973) Bruneian - footballer.

Haseri Asli (1974) Bruneian - sprinter.

Ali Mustafa (1976) Bruneian - footballer.

Ratano Tuah (1976) Bruneian - footballer.

Fadlin Galawat (1978) Lun Bawang Bruneian - footballer.

Norsillmy Taha (1978) Bruneian - footballer.

Adee Suhardee Muhidin (1979) Bruneian - footballer.

Rosmini Kahar (1979) Bruneian - footballer.

Subhi Abdilah Bakir (1980) Bruneian - footballer.

Rosmin Kamis (1981) Bruneian - footballer.

Jimmy Anak Ahar (1981) Bruneian - middle-distance runner.

Riwandi Wahit (1981) Bruneian - footballer.

Wardun Yussof (1981) Bruneian - footballer.

Sairol Sahari (1983) Bruneian - footballer.

Helme Panjang (1983) Bruneian - footballer.

Shah Azahar Abdullah Ahar (1983) Bruneian - footballer.

Tarmizi Johari (1983) Bruneian - footballer.

Haizul Rani Metusin (1984) Bruneian - footballer.

Mardi Mirza Abdullah (1984) Bruneian - footballer.

Hardi Bujang (1984) Bruneian - footballer.

Azman Ilham Noor (1984) Bruneian - footballer.

Abu Bakar Mahari (1985) Bruneian - footballer.

Amir Ajmal Tahir (1985) Bruneian - footballer.

Affendy Akup (1985) Bruneian - footballer.

Nurul Azami Hussin (1985) Bruneian - footballer.

Shah Razen Said (1985) Bruneian - footballer.

Yusof Matyassin (1985) Bruneian - footballer.

Hardyman Lamit (1986) Bruneian - footballer.

Sahan Mumtazali (1986) Bruneian - footballer.

Abdul Azizi Ali Rahman (1987) Bruneian - footballer.

Amalul Said (1987) Bruneian - footballer.

Baharin Hamidon (1987) Bruneian - footballer.

Rahimni Pundut (1987) Bruneian - footballer.

Helmi Zambin (1987) Bruneian - footballer.

Mu’izzuddin Ismail (1987) Bruneian - footballer.

Hendra Azam Idris (1988) Bruneian - footballer.

Najib Tarib (1988) Bruneian - footballer.

Reduan Petara (1988) Bruneian - footballer.

Adie Arsham Salleh (1988) Bruneian - footballer.

Azwan Saleh (1988) Bruneian - footballer.

Abdul Aziz Tamit (1989) Bruneian - footballer.

Fakharrazi Hassan (1989) Bruneian - footballer.

Naasiruddeen Abdul Wahab (1989) Bruneian - footballer.

Hamizan Aziz Sulaiman (1989) Bruneian - footballer.

Maududi Hilmi Kasmi (1989) Bruneian - footballer.

Nurrul Aleshahnezan Metali (1989) Bruneian - footballer.

Razimie Ramlli (1990) Bruneian - footballer.

Anaqi Sufi Omar Baki (1990) Bruneian - footballer.

Aqmal Hakeem Abdul Hamid (1990) Bruneian - footballer.

Adi Said (1990) Bruneian - footballer.

Ashri Chuchu (1991) Bruneian / Malaysian - footballer.

Afi Aminuddin (1991) Bruneian - footballer.

Abdul Mu’iz Sisa (1991) Bruneian - footballer.

Ak Hafiy Tajuddin Rositi (1991) Bruneian - runner.

Hazwan Hamzah (1991) Bruneian - footballer.

Mohamed Fakhri Ismail (1991) Bruneian - sprinter.

Fakhrul Zulhazmi Yussof (1991) Bruneian - footballer.

Rozaimi Rahman (1992) Bruneian / Malaysian - footballer.

Muhammad l'maadi Abd Aziz (1992) Bruneian - cyclist.

Khairul Anwar Abdul Rahim (1992) Bruneian - footballer.

Azri Zahari (1992) Bruneian - footballer.

Azwan Ali Rahman (1992) Bruneian - footballer.

Khairil Shahme Suhaimi (1993) Bruneian - footballer.

Nur Ikhwan Othman (1993) Bruneian - footballer.

Aminuddin Zakwan Tahir (1994) Bruneian - footballer.

Nadzri Erwan (1995) Bruneian - footballer.

Shafie Effendy (1995) Bruneian - footballer.

Abdul Khair Basri (1996) Bruneian - footballer.

Aman Abdul Rahim (1996) Bruneian - footballer.

Asnawi Syazni Abdul Aziz (1996) Bruneian - footballer.

Abdul Adiq Roslan (1996) Bruneian - footballer.

Yura Indera Putera Yunos (1996) Bruneian - footballer.

Suhaimi Anak Sulau (1996) Bruneian - footballer.

Zulkhairy Razali (1996) Bruneian - footballer.

Christian Nikles (1997) Bruneian - swimmer.

Hanif Hamir (1997) Bruneian - footballer.

Azim Izamuddin Suhaimi (1997) Bruneian - footballer.

Faiq Bolkiah (1998) Bruneian - footballer.

Muhammad Isa Ahmad (1998) Bruneian - swimmer.

Haimie Anak Nyaring (1998) Bruneian - footballer.

Abdul Hariz Herman (2000) Bruneian - footballer.

Problematic:

Putri Norizah (1991) Bruneian / Malaysian - singer-songwriter. - Supported the 2019 new laws in Brunei that targets LGBTQQIP2SAA+ people with punishments up to the death penalty as well as other harsh laws that target women, ethnic minorities, and religious minorities in Brunei (the punishment of death penalty for those with same-sex attraction and those who commit adultery have been overturned but many these harsh laws that criminalize these things still exist and nevertheless, she vocalized support whilst the punishment was still the death penalty).

[expandmedia]

Art courtesy of Mona A.

By Morgan Kuin

You May or May not know this, but the month of May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! I’d like to take the opportunity to highlight some awesome bands in the music scene that feature Asian members. Growing up as an Asian American, I wasn’t really introduced to anything music related (other than the local radio’s Classical station) until high school. And it was incredibly discouraging to discover the lack of Asian presence in that side of the entertainment industry as well. Often stereotyped as the “quiet race,” the Asian artists and bands listed below are anything but, and definitely deserve to be heard.

Japanese Breakfast (a.k.a Michelle Zauner) 

Japanese Breakfast, the solo project of Little Big League’s Michelle Zauner, really embodies lo-fi indie pop, creating light, colorful melodies layered with dreamy vocals and emotive lyrics. A current favorite song of mine is “Everybody Wants to Love You,” which is a definite bright, catchy summer jam. Zauner, who is actually Korean despite the name of her project, also showcases her songwriting expertise in her other band Little Big League, which has a clunkier, emo sound, but is also worth listening to. Japanese Breakfast will release a new album titled Soft Sounds From Another Planet on July 14th.

Jay Som

If you heard of Japanese Breakfast, you probably already know about Jay Som, a Filipina American dream pop artist. As demonstrated through her recent album, Everybody Works, her sound features a range of genres, rotating between prominent R&B bass lines, shoegaze-tinged vocals, and sweet, pop-influenced keyboard or synth. Som’s lyrics are often intimate and familiar, which is shown through, “Baybee,” a funky, warm tune that I’d highly recommend listening to.

Mitski

Mitski is a Japanese American indie rock artist, who often explores the turmoil of being Asian American and reconciling with each identity, as she reflects on her most recent album, Puberty 2, “[Being] half Japanese, half American but not fully either.” Her raw, melancholic lyrics really hit home, and are reinforced either by distorted guitar playing or swelling vocals. Mitski’s sound dips between punk and dreamier, ghostly sounding tracks, but her sincere, introspective lyrics stay true throughout. I’d recommend listening to her punk rock hit, “Your Best American Girl,” which most explicitly displays her angst with heartache and being Asian American, and how the latter caused the first.

Yuck

Hailing from London, England, Yuck is everything ’90s rock. Whether their sound includes urgent, fuzzy guitar playing or smoother, stripped melodies, they maintain a refreshing, youthful rebellious energy. Yuck also features bassist Mariko Doi, who immigrated from Hiroshima, Japan. I recommend listening to “Cannonball” off of their most recent album, Stranger Things. Or have a listen to their Southern Skies EP, which deviants from their usual high energy songs, but still offers a chill, shoegaze vibe.

Dum Dum Girls

Dum Dum Girls are a rock band whose sound is comprised of crooning vocals, heavy reverb, and traditional rock guitar rhythms. In terms of Asian representation, the band includes a Vietnamese American bassist, Sandy Vu. Their track “Coming Down”, which is a love song that has grounding, head-bobbing drum beats, is absolutely worth listening to.

Tangerine

Tangerine sites their influences as “The Clash, Sky Ferreira, Mazzy Star, Charli XCX, the Pixies, and more.” This ’80s sound is the most apparent in their recent EP, Sugar Teeth, which contains a strong, rocking guitar presence and matching, drifting vocals. The band features two Korean American sisters: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Marika Justad, as well as Miro Justad, who sings backing vocals and plays drums. Regarding her ethnicity, Miro said in an interview with Korean Indie, “Being multi-racial, female musicians means that [my sister and I are] pushing into territory that’s not commonly occupied by people who look the way we do, and I’m always aware of that. How can you not be?”

No Vacation

This five-piece band features three Asian Americans, including frontwoman Sabrina Mai, synth player Nat Lee, and drummer James Shi. Their sound is described as a combination of “college nostalgia and surf-tinged bedroom pop.” I’d give their song “Lovefool” a listen; its sunny vibes will make you feel like you’re having a lazy day in a summer afternoon. No Vacation is set to release a new album in June, so be on the lookout!

SALES

Since summer is practically here, nothing feels more appropriate than binge-listening to SALES. The indie pop band creates simple songs, accompanied by easy rhythms and breezy vocals. SALES is comprised of two members, vocalist Lauren Morgan and Jordan Shih, a Chinese American guitarist and sample programmer. My favorite song of theirs is “Chinese New Year”, which showcases light, upbeat bass and guitar riffs.

Yuna

If you like Glass Animals or Sylvan Esso, be sure to check out Yuna. Yuna is a Muslim, Malaysian indie pop artist, whose music is a fusion of smooth vocals, honest lyrics, and a multitude of genres. While her earlier work can be described more as folk-pop, her most recent album, Chapters, has more of a smooth, R&B sound. Definitely have a listen to “Crush”, and the entirety of Chapters while you’re at it!

Cathedrals 

Laced with cheerful synth and powerful vocals, Cathedrals is an electro-dream pop duo composed of vocalist Brodie Jenkins and Johnny Hwin, a Vietnamese American multi-instrumentalist. Their sound inspires movement and energy; you can’t help but dance along to their songs! You can check out their most recent piece, “Try to Fight.”

The Naked and Famous

You’re probably already familiar with the bright, synth-infused hit “Young Blood,” by The Naked and Famous, but you may not know that the lead singer, Alisa Xayalith, is Laotian. If you like “Young Blood,” you’ll like the band’s most recent record, Simple Forms, which maintains their youthful, upbeat vibe.

Conan Gray

Known as a vlogger on Youtube, Conan Gray is gay, half-Japanese and posts covers as well as original songs on his channel. He recently released his single “Idle Town” on music sharing platforms, and he announced an EP is in the works. From the simple lyrics to the full, slow melody, “Idle Town” perfectly captures the feeling of nostalgia. Gray’s vocals remind me of Florence and the Machine or Seafret, drawing upon comforting, indie rock vibes in his music.

Run River North

Run River North is an all-Korean American indie folk-rock band that formed as a way to provide “conversation for immigrant family kids to talk about, or just to have some kind of space to share their family histories,” according to lead singer Alex Hwang. They are active advocates of Asian representation in the scene, and their lyrics reflect that. Accompanied by sweet, violin harmonies and warm vocals, I recommend listening to their song “Monsters Calling Home.”

Young Rising Sons

Young Rising Sons’ sound includes fun, folk-rock melodies and relatable, comforting lyrics that can be belted down the freeway. This pop rock band also features Julian Dimagiba, a Filipino American bassist. I recommend listening to their catchy, hit song, “High”, but also be sure to check out their recent single “Carry On.”

Hunter Hunted

Similar sounding to Young Rising Sons, Hunter Hunted is an indie pop band that has an uplifting sound, incorporating driving guitar rhythms and sometimes ukulele or lively synth. Their music really has that classic summer, pop rock sound, and is paired with simple, pleasant lyrics. This band duo includes vocalist and keyboardist Michael Garner, as well as Dan Chang, who is a Taiwanese American bassist and vocalist. Have a listen to “Lucky Day,” to immediately put yourself in a good mood!

[twentyminutemiso]

Saturday 23:28

Sitting on the sofa with the window gaping on a breezy Summer evening, I think my favourite high is overhearing people’s stereos turned up loud while they drive past. It’s the best part of summer evenings. liankuai daoshi hen liankuai. Though maybe that makes me sad for living vicariously off other people’s enjoyment.

Monday

Went to see Joe, bought a beef and potato empanada in Nags Head Market which had a really spicy salsa with coriander in it. We shared a tofu pad thai and i dipped the tofu in the salsa. We went to morrisons and bought hot chocolate and pink panther wafers, then I put on a TV programme about Sonia Boyce and Li Yuan Chia and the Black Arts Movement. I went home, but first I left my thermos, then I left my wallet, then I left my oyster. Joe went upstairs twice to get stuff for me and by the third time even I was tired!! So I’m picking it up later.

Tuesday

Stayed home, did administrative shit for daikon. Edie phoned me around 4, we met in Edmonton Green for ice cream (she got vanilla and raspberry from the cafe I’ve never been to) but I ended up getting barbecue “wings” (small charred drumsticks) and we went to the playground next to Salmon Brook just outside of the shopping centre. I was trying to convince her that she’s wasting her time with Daniel. Then I mentioned how I might break up with Leo.

Wednesday

I went to Iniva, reshelved, tried to catalogue a chinese zine and couldn’t really, saw we received our copies of ‘intimacies’ (astoundingly good) and I took some pictures of art from Kwangju Biennale, then I scanned some chapters of ‘Inside the Ivory Tower’ (I need to read these. Maybe I can share them with Angela, Amrita and Bernice. And Kay obviously.) I met Jess for lemon and ginger tea. Then I went to yoga.

Thursday

I interviewed Ting Ting Cheng, who is the most lovely and down to earth and friendly person I have ever met. She gave me some interesting links to follow up. I need to edit our interview. Later in the evening Sam Sim and her husband came round to get me to help them with taxes, and I got in a bit of a muddle.

Friday

Visited Jessie on a sweltering afternoon. Wore mum’s knee length denim skirt and it was ok for shin breeze but not very great in the waist area. Wet face all day. Jessie made us both tall glasses of ice tea and had Murray’s ATP match on. It was quite a tense match. We ate Mr Kipling cakes and chocolate cookies. I showed her the latest draft of daikon #5 and she thought it was great. She has a Filipina cleaning lady and there’s Kay’s interview with FDWA. Later I met Ella in FP and we walked to waitrose to get some almond butter. I described Taro’s place. She talked about this boy she knows from the gym who was touching her up inappropriately at a party.

Saturday

Spent today doing my job application for the museums thing. Hope it’s worth it.

[dpinoycosmonaut]

CAVS ROCK THE NBA WITH DEADLINE TRADES

by Bert A. Ramirez / February 10, 2018

               There’s no question that the this year’s trading deadline in the NBA was one of the most frantic in recent memory, but no other team made a bigger splash than the Cleveland Cavaliers, who made not just one or two, but a total of three trades on that frenzied, busy day last February 8.

               The Cavaliers, seeking a measure of stability in a season that has seen them go 7-21 at one point before the trade deadline because of listless play particularly on the defensive end, ironically sent six players, practically half of the team roster, packing to other clubs in an attempt to shake up the team and, in some people’s minds, to try to convince franchise star LeBron James to stay home when his contract expires at the end of the season.

               The biggest of the moves saw former All-Star and All-NBA Team pick Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and a protected 2018 first-round pick go to the Los Angeles Lakers for Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.

               The second, on the other hand, had Cleveland sending through a three-team trade former league MVP but now-injury-prone Derrick Rose and Jae Crowder to Utah, and Iman Shumpert, a 2020 second-round pick coming from Miami and the draft rights to Dimitrius Agravanis to Sacramento in exchange for the Jazz’s Rodney Hood and the Kings’ George Hill.

               The third had the Cavs sending back former All-Star and James close pal Dwyane Wade to Miami for a protected second-round pick amidst rumors that Wade was not well received by his Cavaliers teammates and had become a locker-room issue as a result.

               Thomas’ departure alone didn’t come without a tinge of controversy considering that he was perceived as critical of injured former teammate Kevin Love and was being blamed for the Cavs’ defensive woes.  In fairness to Thomas, however, he’s still recovering from the hip injury that cut short his season in the playoffs while playing for the Celtics last year, as his below-his-norm averages with the Cavaliers had shown.  Through his first 15 games this season, the 5-foot-9 Thomas has normed just 14.7 points and 4.5 assists and career-low shooting clips of 36.1 percent from the field and 25.3 percent from the three-point line.  The 6-11 Frye, on the other hand, had been used sparingly by the Cavs, norming just 4.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 12.4 minutes.

               Their slots would be taken over by Clarkson and Nance, a pair of 25-year-olds who should inject some youth and athleticism into the Cavaliers’ previously aging roster.  Clarkson, who as a Laker had been eyed by the Gilas Pilipinas program for a slot as a naturalized player owing to his mother Annette being a Filipina, averaged 14.5 points and 3.3 assists in 53 games for the Lakers, while Nance, the son of former Phoenix and Cleveland All-Star Larry Nance, normed 8.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in 42 games for LA.

               But the trade that could pay immediate dividends for Cleveland is the deal that brought the club Hood and Hill.  The 25-year-old Hood, a four-year veteran who can play both wing positions (off guard and small forward) at 6-8, normed 16.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while making 39 percent of his three-point shots in 39 games for the Jazz.  The 31-year-old Hill is expected to provide the veteran smarts at the point-guard spot, averaging 10.3 points and 2.8 assists while shooting a league-leading 45.3 percent from beyond the arc in 43 games for the Kings.

               “Rodney and George bring passion and strength every game with a strong mix of toughness and ability to play all aspects of the game.  George is a great veteran fit with our group as he can play well on and off the ball and is a true two-way player.  Rodney is a talented, young competitor with great size at his position that can score in many ways and defend,” said Cavs GM Koby Altman, who replaced David Griffin at the Cavs’ front office before this season.

               The players for whom they came in, of course, had less-than-stellar play with the Cavaliers.  Crowder, for example, was part of that Celtics package with Thomas, Ante Zizic and the unprotected 2018 Brooklyn top pick that came from the blockbuster Kyrie Irving trade last offseason, but hardly made a difference for Cleveland the way he did in Boston.  Through 53 games with the Cavs, Crowder averaged just 8.6 points and 3.3 boards while shooting only 41.8 percent from the floor and 32.8 percent beyond the arc. The 6-5 Shumpert, on the other hand, was even worse, suiting up for just 14 games because of injuries and norming a paltry 4.4 points and 1.2 assists while making just 37.9 percent (26.9 from three) of his shots from the floor.

               Rose, of course, has been just a shadow of his MVP self, having been reduced to an oft-injured former high-flyer with norms of 9.8 points and 1.6 assists in just 16 games this year.  Wade, meanwhile, goes back to where he’s really wanted in South Beach after Heat president Pat Riley mistakenly refused to keep him there on account of contract issues when he became an unrestricted free agent last year. He may not be the player that he was (11.0 points, 3.5 assists and 3.9 rebounds in 47 games with the Cavs) but the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer would be more valuable – and wanted – with the rebuilding Heat.

               It would be interesting to see, of course, how the three trades would impact the Cavaliers’ campaign this year, and how that would eventually tell on James’ decision to stay or bolt his home-state team once again, but that’s another thing that should keep roundball fans, especially of the NBA variety, on the edge of their seats, particularly after what happened during this past trade deadline. (Photo from NBA on TNT)

[denise-major-dodge]

Growing up my mother was a very traditional Filipina woman that moved here from Manila, Philippines, to live with my Caucasian father. They met thanks to his service in the United States Navy. (This is a fairly common story here in the U.S.)

I later found out I was adopted, but it was for the better. My biological mother was also Filipina, and my biological father I found out through a DNA test was similarly Caucasian. The difference between my biological parents and my parents that raised me, is my biological mother was a schizophrenic, alcoholic, and unstable woman suffering from an explosive anger disorder. (Not her fault, she suffered a lot in life.) My mother who raised me seemed bat-shit-crazy compared to the other parents in my neighborhood, but she genuinely loved me and I wouldn’t have traded my life experiences with her for anything else in the universe. She taught me how to endure.

The older I got I learned that EVERYONE is bat-shit-crazy. My mother was a product of what she knew and learned, as we all are. Now what does that make me? It makes me a very confused millennial trying to balance my place in society, my true self, and the emotional desire to hold on to the memories and habits of my deceased mother like a ritual.

So in honor of my mom who is now deceased, I dedicate to you this article. I love you mom. Rest in Peace.

10. ‘tabo’ (water dipper)

In the Philippines toilet paper is a luxury. (SERIOUSLY) So growing up my mother was very mindful about saving money. She never deterred me from using toilet paper, but was very INSISTANT on the importance of cleaning my “pek pek” with a “tabo!” (You can laugh, its okay!)

Literally a tabo is nothing more than a water ladle. You wash yourself with the water ladle to clean away the stuff toilet paper doesn’t clean, or in replacement of toilet paper entirely. Once you’re done cleaning yourself, you then use a clean wash rag to dry off.

Literally, you will feel like your private parts just came out of the shower instead of sitting on a toilet.

I dare you to give it a try, unless your Filipino then it’s very likely you already have one of these.

If you plan on traveling to the Philippines you’re going to want to get used to going to the restroom like this, because the MAJORITY of bathrooms you visit while there, aren’t going to have toilet paper. Most people say, after incorporating this restroom method into their lifestyle, they prefer it over toilet paper. Less waste with a cleaner feeling. If you don’t want to do this at all, I recommend you bring baby wipes everywhere you go.

The fanciest tabo I have ever seen: Hinoki Wood Ladle made by Bartok Design Japan Co.

(Filipino’s aren’t the ONLY Asian’s that practice this method of using the restroom.) This tabo is extremely fancy because of its Japanese minimalist design, it’s made out of natural antibacterial & antifungicidal wood, and highly recommended for its wellness and health benefits.

Very rarely does a Filipino household have a tabo that nice though. Most tabo’s, when you come across them, are plastic and very plain looking. They typically hold around 1 liter of water so that you can sufficiently clean yourself without having to repeatedly go back for more water.

  Here’s a more common tabo: Water Ladle Leaf Series Green Plastic Economical

This plastic water ladle holds 1.3 Liter and is just as efficient as the fancy wood Japanese one for a fraction of the price.

Of course its not naturally antifungicidal or antibacterial, which means if you use this kind of tabo, be sure to clean it with soap regularly. Even if the tabo doesn’t touch your private parts, your hand holding it might be transferring bacteria and germs.

These Cottonelle Fresh Care Flushable Cleansing Cloths are perfect for on the go if you don’t trust the toilet paper or tabo’s wherever you go.

09. Flip Flops

In a Filipino household, traditionally, you take your shoes off at the door to show respect towards the homeowners clean floors. Many cultures practice this around the world.

But if you’re Filipino you know that flip flops simplify EVERYTHING foot related. They let your feet breathe, they’re easy to slip on and off, you can get them in a variety of colors and in varying prices. WalMart has cheap foam $0.89 ones if you’re truly desperate. But lets look at some of the brands I see most regularly on other proud-Filipino feet. 🙂

The first set of flip-flops I’m looking at is a Filipino brand, the sandals are designed and made in the Philippines, and it’s bragged by many Filipino’s that this is the most comfortable sandal on the market.

Islander All-Weather Comfortable and Stylish Flip-Flop Sandals

The women’s versions have thinner straps and a different set of colors.

The Women’s Islander Flip Flop come in a few colors you won’t find in the men’s version. My favorite is color is red, and I LOVE their red women’s sandals.

I’ve seen women wear the men’s versions as well with no problems or qualms. It really just depends on what style you prefer.

OluKai is a Hawaiian brand of sandals that are also very popular with many Filipino’s.

They are an extremely sturdy and comfortable sandal that can withstand a variety of terrains. I’ve heard of people sandal-hiking with this brand of sandal for its sturdiness. So if you’re looking for a reliable sandal that will last you longer than a summer season, OluKai will have you covered. They also design men’s AND women’s sandals in varying price ranges.

OluKai Men’s Kohana Kai Moss/Dark Wood Sandal

Olukai Paniolo Sandal – Women’s Natural/Natural

08. Brooms! Walis TingTing and Walis Tambo

Not all brooms are created equally. 🙂 In the Philippines its common to see people cleaning their outdoor areas with what’s called a “Walis Ting Ting.”

It’s basically a stick broom, typically made out of coconut sticks. My mother always had at least three of these around our property growing up. She used them for a large variety of sweeping projects outside the house. My good friend Stephanie and I were joking about how our mothers also used them for punishment. We often got spanked in the butt with one of these stick brooms. Looking back on it, it’s funny. We never got hurt and it seems to be some sort of Filipino Tradition that her and I decided NOT to carry on. Haha! However, we use these brooms in our homes regularly for cleaning, and not for spanking!

Over time and with excessive use, the bottoms will start to fray and lose its sturdiness. Luckily, they aren’t that expensive. They’re actually cheaper and more economically friendly than a traditional broom you see in the United States.

STICK BROOM OR WALIS TING TING

Walis Tambo, AKA Whisk Broom

These brooms are typically used for only indoors. It’s perfect for tile, stone, and hard floor surfaces that you don’t want getting scratched up by the walis ting ting (the stick broom up above). Just like the stick broom, the walis tambo is  fairly cheap and economical. The very bottoms will start to break off or fray over time with regular use. Don’t be alarmed, it’s perfectly normal.

This particular whisk broom features “Baguio City” on the handle. It’s the location in which the broom is made, and also a popular location to visit in the Philippines.

Here’s a fairly cheaper one from Vietnam. (Again, the Philippines isn’t the only place these brooms are made and used.)

07. A Floral Rice Cooker

There’s millions of different kinds of rice cookers out on the market, but every time I visit a Filipino home, the rice cooker ALWAYS has flowers imprinted on the outside of it. I’m not really sure why, my moms explanation was, “maganda!” Which means beautiful. Filipino’s love their flowers, as did my mom, and myself.

This first floral rice cooker would have been my moms kitchen-wish come true. It holds up to 15 cups of UNCOOKED rice. That is A LOT OF RICE.

My mom would have been ecstatic though. This particular rice cooker cooks and keeps the rice warm for up to 12 hours without drying it or burning it. For anyone who has cooked rice on the stove top, you understand how difficult it can be to avoid burning or over cooking. This handy rice cooker does it all for you and you don’t have to keep an eye on it. It has a detachable moisture collector, retractable power cord to clean up counter clutter, and has indicator lights to show what stage your rice is in at that moment. You’ll also have enough left over rice to create enough fried rice to feed your whole family the next day.

This next rice cooker (Aroma Housewares ARC-914SBD Digital Cool-Touch Rice Cooker and Food Steamer, 8-Cup (Cooked), Silver) by Aroma House is the one I personally own.

There’s no flowers on it, but it does everything the previous one does, except with only 4 cups of uncooked rice. This is the perfect size if there’s only two people in the home. My boyfriend and I cook the 4 cups of rice, and turn the left overs into fried rice the next day. That’s also after eating steamed rice with our breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also comes with a steam tray to steam cook single portions of vegetables or meat while your rice is cooking, and a sturdy rice paddle.

  06. Ya Gotta Have A Machete Or A Bolo Knife

I know that sounds crazy to most people, but I know the way my mom raised me, having a sturdy machete available is never a bad idea (as long as you know how to hold it and use it.)

If you watch those reality tv shows where they go out into the woods and venture, live, and hunt… (ex: Alone, Naked & Afraid… etc…) more often than not, there’s a machete there to help make their situation more tolerable.

While most people don’t live in rural areas where a machete might prove useful, others enjoy having them in their home on display, or slid between the mattress and box spring incase someone tried to murder you in your sleep (which my mother was always prepared for). If you’re going to keep a machete for self-defense though, you might want to learn how to properly handle it first. It’s not like chopping onions in the kitchen. (My mother was a natural fighter that did splendorous things around our home with a machete. It had to be her favorite tool.)

Pinuti III Philippine Visayan Sword –

This is probably the fanciest machete I’ve ever seen. It’s less like a normal machete and closer to a fancy sword. But none the less, it’s a beautiful example of what a Visayan Sword would look like from the PI. I could see setting this up in my home for display. I don’t think it’s something I’d want to use around the house. Although, I’m sure it could be useful in an emergency situation if you desperately needed a sword for some reason. The handle is beautiful too. It’s very simple yet sturdy and still presentable.

U.S. WWI Model 1909 Bolo Knife with Scabbard –

The M-1909 Bolo Knife was designed to aid US soldiers with jungle foliage that they found themselves in with incursions into Cuba and the Philippines. It was designed to be carried as a belt knife from its first production at the Springfield Armory in 1909. This fine reproduction is constructed of tempered high carbon steel blade with proper markings of the era. Arrives razor sharp! 19 inches in length, weighs 2 lbs.

This is a really cool Bolo Knife with an interesting history behind it. Plus you won’t have to worry about sharpening it when it arrives!

Gerber Gator Bolo Machete

I’m a huge Gerber fan. (Not the baby food company, lol) My pocket knife that I carry with me everywhere is a Gerber. Specifically it’s the Gerber EVO Jr Serrated Fiskers. It fits perfectly in my pocket, easy to flip open when I need to, and always proves itself useful.

It’s the strongest most well-made pocket knife I’ve ever owned.

I know their full size machete’s have the same reputation and will last you your lifetime. If you EVER have a problem, all you have to do is call Gerber; their items come with lifetime warranties. I don’t know anyone that’s had to use the lifetime warranty since their products are so well made, but it’s nice to know Gerber offers it.

05. Your Kitchen Must Be Stocked With Soy Sauce & Vinegar!

If you didn’t know, you HAVE to have both soy sauce AND vinegar to make at least the most basic recipe’s of chicken adobo; one of the MOST popular dishes of the Philippines.

I know in America if you go to a normal grocery store, you’re probably going to be running into store brand soy sauce and vinegar, or something along the lines of Kikkoman.

As a Filipina, I have cooked with a large variety of soy sauce and vinegar brands, and I have to say that my FAVORITE is Datu Puti. It’s a product directly from and of the Philippines, and it has the best flavor for achieving the best chicken adobo possible.

If you can’t find Datu Puti brand of soy sauce and vinegar near you, Amazon can ship it for the same price you’d pay in a store. Even if you don’t cook chicken adobo, or Filipino dishes, try this brand for what you usually use soy sauce and vinegar for. You will notice a more enhanced and palatable flavor. I highly doubt you’ll ever go back to use Kikkoman after trying Datu Puti.

Datu Puti Vinegar and Soy Sauce Value Pack – 1 liter bottle of each

Cane Vinegar and Soy Sauce Value Pack 1 liter bottle of Cane Vinegar (33.8 fl oz) 1 liter bottle of Soy Sauce (33.8 fl oz) Product of the Philippines

This set of vinegar and soy sauce will last me quite a while. You’re definitely getting your moneys worth with this brand.

04. Coconut Scraper!! (Fresh Coconut Is Always The Best!)

My mom had a wooden stool with a stainless steel coconut scraper securely screwed to one end. She’d place a bowl under the coconut scraper, grab the coconut, bring it out in front of her, and slam it down on the stainless steel’s serrated edges to crack it open.

My mom was a very resourceful bad ass, however I don’t suggest doing what she did. There are other safer methods for cracking open a coconut. But being able to sit on the stool and scrape the coconut right into the bowl was a very convenient way to get the meat out of the coconut.

Handy Portable Fresh-Coconut Shredder With A Stainless Steel Knife – Serrated Edges

This pretty much looks exactly like the one my mom had. The blade was the same shape which made scraping coconut super easy.

Coconut Shredder & Scraper

If you’re not interested in having something so bulky, our home also had a small hand held coconut scraper. They’re cheaper and can be used on other fruits and vegetables. For example, you can use one end to turn zucchini into spaghetti noodles.

03. Jufran Banana Ketchup!

There are two kinds that I know of; Hot or Regular. I personally like the regular, and if I want it hot, I mix Sriracha in the sauce. No matter what though, they are both fantastic!

Every Filipino household KNOWS they have to keep this in stock for lumpia, marinades, grilling, and so on. For those of you who’ve never had it, it’s similar to sweet and sour sauce that you see in Chinese buffet’s. The difference is, there is no sour, it’s thicker in consistency, and has a deeper red color. IT’S DELICIOUS! I personally don’t taste banana when I eat it either. I don’t really know how to describe it. I also add it when I’m cooking my fried rice. It gives the rice a light red/pink color and adds a different dimension to the flavor of fried rice.

Jufran Banana Sauce (Hot) – 12 Oz [Pack of 1]

Jufran Banana Sauce (Regular) – 12 Oz [Pack of 1]

02. The Decorative Wooden Fork & Spoon

We had a set in our home growing up. It’s a Filipino tradition. Unfortunately, when my mom passed away I didn’t inherit them. I’m not sure what happened to the set she had. Her set had a woman and a man carved into each utensil. My memory is foggy, but they were probably 12 inches long and maybe 2 inches wide.

Wooden Utensils Spoon and Fork Set – Natural Palm Wood Servers

More Traditional Looking Filipino Wooden Fork and Spoon

01. LUMPIA WRAPPERS!

If you have NOTHING ELSE on this list, you HAVE to at least have Filipino lumpia wrappers stored in your freezer. A Filipina/Filipino/Pinay/Pinoy… whatever you want to call us, CANNOT live without the possibility of lumpia in their lives. 🙂 Amen!

Spring Roll Wrappers, 8″ Square – 500 Sheets, 12 oz (Pack of 20)

This is best for deep fried traditional lumpia.

Banh Trang Mekong premium Vietnamese Spring Roll Rice Wrapper (22cm) 12 oz x3 pk

This is best for fresh spring rolls, not deep-fried. (Healthier version.)

Let me know what you think! Feel free to leave a comment below. What else would you have added to the list????? I know there’s A LOT of things I missed.

For you mama, Segundina “Dina” Tupag Lagrosas Dodge. I wouldn’t cherish these things if it wasn’t for her love and influence on me growing up. I love you mama! Rest In Peace.

    Dedicated to my Mom; RIP! I love you! 10 Items Every Filipino Household Should Have. Growing up my mother was a very traditional Filipina woman that moved here from Manila, Philippines, to live with my Caucasian father.