“I started looking in the mirror and only seeing a white person.”
April Werle April Werle

“I started looking in the mirror and only seeing a white person.”

A story highlighting the inspiration behind the painting “I started looking in the mirror and only seeing a white person.”

I couldn’t tell you when it first happened.

I remember looking at my reflection when I was 13. I kept the lights off in the bathroom, because the bright light would sharpen the features that were already hard to look at.

Inches away from the mirror…

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How to Eat Rice With Your Hands
April Werle April Werle

How to Eat Rice With Your Hands

Even before I learned to eat with a spoon, I learned how to eat with my hands—as most of us do.

But the way that I learned to eat with my hands was through a technique meant to be used the rest of my life. Not to expire after childhood. There is an entire etiquette and ideal form to it...

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Why Representation in Art Matters
April Werle April Werle

Why Representation in Art Matters

In recent years, we have had a growing amount of Filipino representation in mainstream media—primarily musical, because we all know that musical gene goes deep (I did not get it though)—from renowned artists like H.E.R, Ruby Ibarra, and Olivia Rodrigo.

But there is much to be said about the power of visual art that we see everyday in our homes.

Here are three powerful ways seeing yourself in visual art can improve your wellbeing and happiness…

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The Peacock Chair: A Symbol of Filipino Heritage
April Werle April Werle

The Peacock Chair: A Symbol of Filipino Heritage

You’ve probably seen the Peacock Chair in old images of Hollywood, the Black Panther Party, or even under the prestige derriere of Morticia in Addams Family. These images have made the Peacock Chair famous worldwide. But many people don’t know the origin story of the Peacock Chair.

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Are You Filipino Enough If You Are Mixed?
April Werle April Werle

Are You Filipino Enough If You Are Mixed?

If you’ve been asking yourself this question, I hear you.

I grew up in a small Pinay community in Montana, and when I got older and moved away I began having this complex.

Would full Filipinos believe me if I said that I was Filipino? Better to just tell them my mom is Filipino?

Here are my thoughts on 4 common things you might be asking yourself…

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