The Filipino American Woman Project

188: Life in the white promised land. — by Mari

29 min · 22 mei 2026
aflevering 188: Life in the white promised land. — by Mari artwork

Beschrijving

Who’s that one person where you think: if only I were them, I could finally be who I’m meant to be? In this letter, Mari grows up in the Philippines as “the white girl,” the only fair-skinned mestiza in her Filipino family. When her dad moves them to America, she’s excited to finally belong. But she finds herself sitting in an ESL class, staring into a mirror she doesn’t recognize herself in, and taking part in a years-long project of blending in. Then, in college, a Filipino woman shows up in her social media feed — proud, loud, and unapologetically Pinay. And Mari cannot stand her. But every time this woman appears in her feed, something in her ignites. So she does what any reasonable person does: she goes deeper into her feed. If you have ever followed someone online and felt a rage you couldn’t explain, this letter was written for you. Letter 188 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our AAPI Heritage Month edition. Question: I have a paid membership [https://tfawletters.com/subscribe]. Where’s my bonus content? Right now, bonus content will be provided in the off-season, starting June 5th. In the meantime, if you have any burning questions about any of our published letters, you can always ping Jen in our Family Potluck Group Chat [https://open.substack.com/chat/posts/27552dc6-b957-4725-825e-dc48846767d1] or reply to any of our newsletters. Messages are typically checked on Fridays. 💌 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

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Alle afleveringen

194 afleveringen

aflevering 194: I Don't Miss You, But I Hope You're Doing Well — By Sofie's Ate artwork

194: I Don't Miss You, But I Hope You're Doing Well — By Sofie's Ate

When’s the last time you blew up on your family — and was it really about them? In this letter, an older sister writes to Sofie, her younger sister. Despite the older sister being raised to raise Sofie, they were often mistaken for twins growing up because of how much they enjoyed being sisters. Even as their paths diverged — different colleges, different cities, and a decade apart — they still felt fondly about each other. At least, that’s what the older sister thought. When Sofie returns home, the older sister begins to see who her younger sister has become: a social justice warrior returning to save her oppressed mother. Soon enough, the older sister realizes who Sofie is saving their mother from. If you ever grappled with a family member coming home completely changed from childhood, this letter is for you. Letter 194 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Gisteren25 min
aflevering 193: I'm So Sorry I Just Got So Busy — By Nance artwork

193: I'm So Sorry I Just Got So Busy — By Nance

Reflect on past relationships that have grown distant, and ask yourself: Did I play a role in this? In this letter, Nance writes to Wanda, the loud-and-proud president of a Filipino student organization who felt like the big sister she never had. Even though she was too nice to say no, Nance found purpose and belonging with Wanda and the organization's members. But when the activism began to feel more than she could keep up with or express, she did what she’s always done when things get overwhelming. If you ever got too busy to say what you really wanted to say, this letter is for you. Letter 193 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

10 jul 202629 min
aflevering 192: You Don't Know Me Just Because I'm Filipino, Too — By Claire artwork

192: You Don't Know Me Just Because I'm Filipino, Too — By Claire

Who was the last Filipino person you were excited to meet — and did you ever stop to wonder if they wanted to connect that way? Claire’s new friend invites her to a dinner party, a refreshing change from the Filipino parties she’s used to. That is, until she meets Marco. The moment he finds out she’s Filipino too, the evening takes a sharp turn toward assumptions, unsolicited opinions, and questions she didn’t anticipate having to answer. Claire thinks very carefully about her response the next time her friend invites her to another party. If you’ve ever felt stereotyped by another Filipino, this one’s for you. Letter 192 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our Summer Edition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

3 jul 202622 min
aflevering 191: I Am More Than the Gender I Was Assigned at Birth — By Robin artwork

191: I Am More Than the Gender I Was Assigned at Birth — By Robin

How has rejection redirected you to reclaiming and expressing who you really are? In this letter, Robin writes to Lolo G, their late grandfather, who loved them deeply. But his love was expressed with gender expectations about how a girl should move, dress, speak, and carry herself. It was in Robin’s young adult years that they discovered the language and pronouns to voice who they really are, who they’ve always been. Then, before their 30th birthday, they’re ready to come out to their grandpa and family. If you’re finally ready to show and tell everyone who you really are, this letter was written for you. Letter 191 is part of The Filipino American Woman Project’s letters series, inspired by real conversations. This is our PRIDE Month special and Summer edition. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.tfawletters.com/subscribe [https://www.tfawletters.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

26 jun 202631 min