I grew up in a matriarchy. Where the women were nurturing and kind, but can also snap to exhibit ruthlessness and self-harm. They did not cook, or stay home to do chores and look after the children. This was tasked to the yayas while the mothers built careers as the family's main providers.

In their later years, they've grown more calm. Learning to cook adobo at 59, spending the days watching TV, sleeping in. Now they've become aged rulers watching over their domain. Wishing us luck for the life we'll lead, with the life they've given us.

(Foreground is grandmother whose letters addressed to me is the basis for the work)