Catalog Poem:

I am From
I am from stray dogs roaming the street in Laguna
To little kids playing basketball in the middle of the street in Pennsylvania.
From the sipping soda through a skinny straw
To drinking chocolate milk in a carton.

I am from a strictly, religious, church-going family

To unholy non-believing school friends.
From small carved saint statues on the home altar
To pals that love and practically worship celebrities but do not have faith in God.

I am from Brylle and Maddie

To Cecilia and Hadi.
From my aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins in the Philippines
To the countless close friends here in Philadelphia.

I am from the endless amazing chicken adobo my mom cooks

To the salty, crunchy, fried chicken from Popeyes.
From my mom remarking Mahal kita, anak
To the teachers saying Talk in English, sweetheart.

I am from the Philippines.

I am from Philadelphia.
I am from both of these places
Because my heart resides wherever home is,
And both contain my family and friends,
My home.