new

A short introduction, lovingly written by my sister in the best birthday card I have ever received for my 23rd. Life goes a little something like this...

"In the small and sleepy fishing village of Lianga, Philippines, HVR burst into the scene ready for something, anything. Loving the spotlight, she energetically danced and sang her way into people's hearts. Destiny had bigger plans for this vibrant girl, and at the age of six, she was whisked away to America, the land of possibility, when her father transplanted the family of four to pursue new opportunities. "G" assimilated just fine in the relatively large city of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, where she enjoyed the love and comfort of family and many, many friends. Naturally outgoing and exuding magnetism, she easily befriended anyone she met and joyfully kept them for years. Simultaneously, she excelled in school and steadily paved her path towards higher education. Graduating high school with flying colors, she attended Barnard College in New York, the city that quickly filled her -- mind, body, and soul. In those formative years, she tasted the good life, experiencing scholastic challenges ad success, the thrill of dance, breathtaking travels, great food, and of course, even greater friends. Having just graduated from college, G is beginning the rest of her life by working in her favorite city, excited for the adventures ahead. This strong, beautiful, and independent Barnard woman is indomitable."

I do not believe a short introduction is adequate in telling the story of a life that is constantly referred to as a highly erratic and attention-demanding "experience" by my closest and dearest friends. However, these few words serve the greater purpose of describing my background and the experiences from which my thoughts stem. I am a Filipino American young professional who was born into provincial poverty, raised in a predominantly Hispanic inner urban city, bred in a prestigious liberal arts institution that constitutes one of the four undergraduate schools in the only Ivy League university in the largest city in the world. Wow. that was a mouthful. Translation: I have seen a lot, but I thirst for more.

The purpose of this blog is simply to highlight my experiences in New York City. A highly eclectic individual with creativity oozing through my pores, I have had experience in a range of different realms; from music to the culinary arts to dance, art, poetry, and fashion. Thus, the sole cohesive connection between each thoughtful post, I anticipate, will be only this: they are my own. Oh and of course, they are never boring.