Grand Widow

Love for our grandparents is innate in our culture as Filipinos. As our parents grow old, we make sure that they are given the treatment they deserve. The sacrifice that they have given us throughout our life is acknowledged the moment we are able to show our responsibility as children. As a Filipino people, we give assurance that they are cared for just as they have cared for us.

This portfolio gives viewers a glimpse of my grandmother’s simple and surprisingly active life at 83. Throughout the production of this piece, I spent the night with her, carefully observing her simple rituals such as praying, watching her favorite shows, and organizing her medicine for the week. Because of this project, I was given a new perspective of what my grandmother’s everyday life is like. I have always heard her complain of how hard it is to live alone and this project has made me realize that it is indeed difficult.

Documenting the life of my grandmother developed my relationship with her. I grew into a grandson with a better understanding of her life encouraging me to make the most out every chance that I get whenever I am with her.