Walang Kapantay

A small red Timmy’s coffee cup is placed on top of two objects so it can be a tad higher than the giant red Jollibee Chicken Joy bucket.  The Timmy’s coffee cup is also leaning on the Jabee bucket.

And Winner Always Willing to Adapt ..

By Maria Berena

And Winner Always Willing to Adapt ..

I’m Filipino with a dash of snow
Rice in my bowl but ice in my toes
I love sinigang but freeze in the cold
I’m Canadian but speak with “po”
I’m a product of when two cultures collide
I’m like Jollibee - Kasi pag ako Ang kasama,
laging bida ang saya
But I’m also like Tim Hortons - always fresh…
fresh of ideas and excited to explore new possibilities
Jollibee use to be a luxury, a reward that had to be
earned - where a bucket of chickenjoy was a witness to
laughter and memories.
And the next thing you know, you’re eating the same
food, in a different country, surrounded by new people
in a new place you call home.
Chickenjoy in one hand and a double double in another.
from tricycles to streetcars and snow plows too,
But I’m willing to adapt,
because that’s my Filipino pride

—Maria Berena

Tet Millare

Tet Millare (they/them) is a Gen-X’er + long-time settler in Treaty 7, who is originally from the Philippines.  Tet is an artist of various expressions: photographer, writer, poet, story-teller, dancer, occasional singer and event producer.  Tet is a community builder and has volunteered for various orgs like 2010 Paralympics, Calgary
Outlink, Camp fYrefly, Treaty 7 Trans and Dyke March…and many more.

Maria Berena

Maria Berena migrated to Toronto in 2006 & has been living in Calgary since 2024! She is a hobby content creator, small business owner and always exploring new and fun ideas.