Photographer Stella Kalaw is the Edge of Humanity Magazine contributor of this photo essay. From her project ‘Cubao‘. To see Stella’s projects click on any image.
I saw my grandparents once since migrating to America from the Philippines. It was right after I graduated from school in California. My heart ached as I sat next to Lola (grandmother). I held her hand. She had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes for years. Before I left, she was still vibrant and it was difficult to see her in this condition. Then Lolo (grandfather) came out from the dining room. I stood up and greeted him with a mano (I took his hand and pressed it to my forehead). I don’t know if he recognized me but I asked how he was doing. All he could mutter was “Ha?” He was hard of hearing. My Lola died in 2002 and my Lolo passed away a week before I took these photographs. Even when I was child, I hardly knew them in spite celebrating many birthdays, holidays and vacations together. My memories are few but visiting Cubao resurfaced many that I had forgotten.
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By Stella Kalaw
