Thelma and Kyera at Alabang Town Center in the Philippines for Kyera's ballet performance
I spent the first eleven years of my life mostly in the Pacific Northwest. My dad was in the Air Force so we moved a few times. We lived in Houston, Texas; Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, Washington; and then back to Portland, Oregon, where my dad lost his battle with cancer and my mom decided she wanted to return to her homeland.
She sold our house, packed everything inside, and moved us to Manila, Philippines, leaving behind everything I had known.
Thelma and Kyera during their office photo shoot this year.
Fast forward sixteen years, my mom had a massive stroke and passed away five days after her sixty-fifth birthday.
Before becoming an orphan, I became a wife, ex-wife, single mom, newscaster, broadcast announcer, executive assistant, secretary, production manager, production assistant, Mickey Mouse dresser for Disney Live, band manager, race-car driver publicist, model agent, theater actress, morning show host and professional voice talent… among other things.
In 2007, after twenty-seven years, I moved myself and my daughter back/to the U.S, returning me to my first homeland and moving Kyera away from everything she had known at the age of seventeen.
Sometimes I feel more American than Filipino; other times, more Filipino than American; sometimes, equal parts.
But mostly, I feel like a pseudo expat; a non-foreign foreigner. Like I don’t really fully belong to either of the two but somewhere in between where I can comfortably call either country home.
After living in Florida for more than a year — where I worked as a club concierge for a four-diamond property, and Kyera as front desk support for an eye center — we started calling Nashville, Tennessee, home with our adopted Yorkie, Rocco, and rescued Mini-Pinscher/Chihuahua mix, Kirby, and newly adopted Havanese, Oscar.
sorry to leave a thousand comments on your site, but where did you live in the pacific northwest (read: I’m from seattle!!)
hey sorry just found this! =( i’m from portland, or! we also lived in vancouver, wa. i’ve been to seattle a couple of times. space needle! =) and of course, from there we crossed the border and visited the other vancouver. hahaha!
would love to go back some day even for just a visit.
Hi Thelma. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I see you like the Ocean Mist theme, too. I didn’t know I was quoted by RBJ again.
My cousin also used to do radio in the Philippines. He was on K-LITE 103.5. He met his present wife there.
Good luck on your move back to the States.
Hey Thelma! I had no idea that you moved! I’m not sure if you remember me but we’ve bumped into each other a couple of times at Victory. :-p
I am now in Seattle… moved here in 2006.
Kyera is not the little girl I used to see at church.. She’s all grown up… wow!
Have a good one!
Hi Tanya! I do remember you.
And I think I saw pictures of Mayen and Steve with you and your hubby in Seattle. Am I right? Took a peek at your blog! I’ve been to Seattle a couple of times but I was a kid so I’m sure it’s changed. I’m hoping to visit my beloved Portland some day and will definitely make sure to stop by Seattle. Let’s have coffee! 
Merry Christmas!
Just saw your site tonight. Consider me as one of your blog readers from now on. Like your Philippine-American insights.
Kinda into that thing. Kinda new in the blogging world though [a year and a half].
And wow!…Kyera is now a lady too! How time flies. I still remember how young she was when we went to Corregidor [with the Gibbs].
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both!
Hi Liz! Thanks so much for stopping by! I’m so glad you did. I’m actually still figuring out what this blog is about but it’s a process that I’ve been told you will just grow into through consistency. That’s the part that I’m working on now. LOL. Let’s just do it and keep on keeping at it.
Yeah she is! I get sentimental when I realize she’s an adult. Have a great blog-filled 2010! 
Yeah! Mayen and Steve have visited Nick and I for a couple of times na. And it’s always good to have them over.
Yes do stop by Seattle and let’s have some coffee… lots of good coffee here that are of course better than Starbucks. :-p
I’ve heard about the awesome non-Starbucks coffee shops! My friend’s family is from there and they don’t think highly of Starbucks. LOL. Will definitely let you know when I’m heading that way and please, I need to see the Space Needle again!
It’s been years!
Hi Thelma!
It’s me Jeng! From St. Paul’s Paranaque — we were classmates in HS! How are you? I stumbled upon your blog and love it! I would love to keep in touch with you offline! Do email me!
Jeng! So glad to hear from you! Wow it’s been aaaaaaages! LOL. Yes, let’s stay in touch.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Hi Tita T! For some reason, I did not realize you were torn between being filipino and american, just like me. How that managed to totally bypass me in the years I knew you, I do not know. But anyway, I find comfort in your life of ups and downs. Though my life has been mostly up, my emo half-half self is often down. I always remember you as a super cheery lady and I still don’t know how you do it. I guess what I’m trying to say is that you truly inspire me to seize life and be happy. Thank you for that =)
Awwww, thanks, Leanne! It’s oversaid but has to be said: the Grace of God amazes.
hi there! I was surfing the web immediately in between school work (reflections) after hearing of NU 107′s demise. I’ve now lived in the UK for 6 years and hearing this was really like a punch in the gut or a kick in the n–s. I’ve tuned in on friday bia live stream when I heard the news on FB and lo and behold you and zach were on for the last time. Just wanted to say thank you fo rall those mornings of joy and laughter.
Rock on!
It was really wonderful getting to meet you today and I am super excited to be able to keep up with you on this here technology. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your story with us readers! Be Blessed!