Tribe /trib/

a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, or religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect, typically having a recognized leader

The Flores Family

If you've ever been around a Filipino family you know three things. First, take your shoes off when you come into the house. Second, go greet everyone that's older than you and make bless (grab their hand and place it on your forehead). Lastly, never say "No thanks" when being offered food. But you know for sure, before you leave the house to go back home, your belly will be full of food, stomach cramping from all the laughter, and heart will be filled with joy and contentment.

Guess what year with the hairdo's?

Having an extended Filipino family is quite the blessing, both on my mom and dad’s side. My mom had seven brothers and sisters. You can only imagine the get togethers when there are twenty kids running around, clearing the fridge of all the food and leaving everything in shambles like a tornado ripped through the living room. How patient my Aunties and Uncles were, picking me up from the airport, letting me visit and putting a roof over my head for months at a time. Now the family continues to grow, all my cousins have kids, and the cycle continues.

This has become tradition

I never skipped a beat, every year I’d come to visit my cousins in NorCal, the good times, the food, and the laughs were always there for sure. I’ve learned as I get older and I’m watching my own kids grow up, how important those blood-ties are that we call family. Asides from the good times there was also the pain and sadness that comes from adversity and loss. I’ve always been naïve to it when I was younger and had my first real taste of it when she passed. My Lola has been the hub of my mother’s side of the family for as long as I can remember. She’s spent time and raised almost every single one of my cousins and I. She was the first to teach me some of the most important lessons in life.

10 years later

I have distinct memories of sitting on her bed together watching soap operas on her little analog TV, always snacking on some fruit or candy, and sneaking them into my hand to share. She would always have a warm smile, a big hug, and words of encouragement. She always made time for you, and no matter what, there was always an extra seat at the table for dinner. It’s the little things that matter the most, right? But it’s those same things that we often take for granted when we’re younger.

RIP Lola, We love you

It’s the unconditional love, respect, and support to her family that my Lola taught me. It’s the same thing she passed on to her kids and her family. When family is struggling financially, marriages are falling apart, or when loved ones pass, you know you need to be there for your family. It’s the same unconditional love, respect, and support that my mother and father shared with me. For that I will be eternally grateful. I’m just glad that my son was able to meet her before she went up to heaven. For my extended Pinoy family, love you guys.

-If you have any stories of Lola or the family, please share.

And just because. . .

The beautiful cousins

And the boys.