The piece I’ve submitted was created after I had started taking therapy amidst quarantine, and my first piece of advice was to think of a ‘happy place’. During this time, I found myself troubled by the idea of being unable to go outside. I left my house for only a few hours once every three weeks, and found solace in seeking help through old family photos. My family doesn’t travel very often, and when we do, it’s always to the Philippines. My mom was one of the only ones in her family who decided to move abroad for us back in the 90’s, and often misses her parents and siblings very much. Throughout quarantine, my mom and I grew closer, and as we did, I spoke to her about her favourite places in the Philippines. As to which, she replied: “Anywhere my family is.” My mother is the most selfless and loving person in my life, and if I could give her teleportation powers to see her family more often, I would, in a heartbeat. This piece was based off of one of our favourite places to visit in the Philippines, and one of my favourite photos with my mom... the beach! I’m not actually a big fan of the beach; I don’t like sand. It’s rough, and coarse, and it gets everywhere. But! It’s a big part of our family trips every time we’re there. The Philippines has so many beaches, like Palawan, or Coron... but, I guess, my favourite one would have to be whichever one my mom was at.
