Voices

From DIGITIZE (by Gabriella) – Going to Guatemala, I was excited to immerse myself in the culture and be with people who resembled me. I’m someone who loves her ethnic features and who views others with darker complexions and ethnic features as beautiful. I find that our warm toasted skin, round facial structure, and deep brown eyes, which come from our ancestors, are so beloved and sacred. So, it was shocking to come into Guatemala and see that this was not true for all.

From DIGITIZE (by Precious) – Although I’ve not experienced what it is like to be a breadwinner yet, I still carry the expectations of a breadwinner: the responsibility to take care of my family. And it’s not just implied–it’s spoken. As I grow older, I frequently hear things such as “Oh Precious kung meron kang pera, magbigay ka dito ah,” (Precious when you start earning, don’t forget to give us some money). Even things like “Precious, ikaw ang mag bahala sakin kung matanda na ako,” which translates to “Precious when I get old you better take care of me.”