10/02/2025
🇵🇭Filipino American History Month Reflection…
41 years ago, I immigrated from the Philippines to the U.S. as a little girl who didn’t speak English well. I remember feeling out of place, being bullied, and struggling to find my voice. At times, I wondered if I’d ever belong.
But those challenges became the foundation of my story. They taught me resilience, gave me strength, and fueled my passion to create spaces where Filipinos, women, and those often overlooked could feel seen, celebrated, and free.
- I founded Malaya Botanicals, the first Filipina-owned cannabis wellness brand in the nation—breaking barriers in an industry where representation was scarce.
- I opened , a home for community, wellness, and entrepreneurship - created to provide opportunities and uplift others on their own journeys.
- And I co-created —because I wanted to honor our culture, our food, our music, and our artistry in a space that uplifts and celebrates us together.
Everything I do is rooted in the meaning of Malaya—freedom. Freedom to be who we are, to tell our stories, to take up space with pride.
And right now, with so much heaviness in the world, it feels more important than ever to hold each other close, to uplift one another, and to stick together. Community and connection aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential for us to heal, thrive, and keep moving forward.
As we celebrate Filipino American History Month, I honor my journey, my parents’ sacrifices, and every Filipino who came before us—paving the way so that we could stand tall today. I also honor the new stories we are writing now, in real time, for the next generation to look back on with pride.
Maraming, maraming salamat for being part of this journey with me.
💚,
Pia
