Water Your Dreams
By Paulina Constancia
SARO, meaning “ONE” in my Dad’s native Bikol language, is the word that rings in my heart when thinking of the ocean. And my memory always directs me straight back to one particular seaside town in the Philippines which I frequented in my youth.
I am a Filipino-Canadian, born and raised on the island of Cebu, Philippines and immigrated to Canada in my early 30’s. However, my water story begins with my paternal great grandfather, Lee Chan, who braved the long journey from his hometown of Taishan, Guangdong Province in China to Manila in the Philippines, where he met my great grandmother Veronica and together they settled in the little town of Magallanes in the Philippines’ Sorsogon province.
Fast forward, in this same town in the 1970’s, I would spend the summer months at my grandparents’ home. The photo you see here was taken at Parola Beach (Bagatao Island of Magallanes) during a family excursion. I am the little girl with the big straw hat sitting on my grandmother’s lap. This was my first visit to Magallanes as well as the first time meeting all my cousins. My Uncle Gus and family were about to immigrate to the USA. Thus, my grandparents wanted us to be together.
Story by Paulina Constancia
Pagtitipon, an artist showcase collective
“I am a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in the Philippines and now living in Canada. I love the ocean! It’s the water of my birth. Its beauty and generosity are a constant inspiration. I always include it in my art so we are all reminded to care for it.”
Stories of Water and Change
In honor of World Water Day 2024, this online feature is dedicated to celebrating the profound connection between individuals and water, while shedding light on pressing global water issues. This diverse collection of personal narratives and photographs serves as a testament to the multifaceted relationships we share with this vital resource. As we immerse ourselves in these accounts, we are not only inspired by the depth of individual experiences but also reminded of the urgent need for collective action to safeguard our planet’s most precious resource.
