I finally feel seen. Thank you @Disney_UK and to the many of Filipinos in the UK and the World who are going to be far from home this Christmas. https://twitter.com/Disney_UK/status/1325589167003201536

The Mickey Mouse souvenir is a BIG thing. The Tatay (or Father) likely served alongside the Americans in the war and Mickey was the symbol of every Filipino kid's American Dream. To have that doll was to hold that dream in our arms.

Lola (or Grandmother in Filipino) seems to be a UK immigrant, probably a nurse or a housekeeper. It was in her generation where the UK saw an influx of Filipino immigrants that provided care and trust to the British via many occupations but mostly in healthcare and domestic work.

The daughter whose appearance is Filipino but whose heart and mind is now British represents a brand new generation of first, second and third generation immigrants. Though their bodies are very far and estranged from the motherland, their souls are tethered to home.

The Parol (Christmas Lantern) is made out of some bamboo sticks, glue, rubberband and colored paper. We called it Chinese paper mainly because we got the good quality paper from Chinatown. We'd hang the star (replicating that of Bethlehem) by the window during Christmas.

Lola is like millions of Filipinos around the world who had left their home in pursuit of a dream and a promise of a better life for their children and children's children.

The hardest thing for any Filipino is to be far from Family. But many Filipinos grin and bear it to provide for their Families back home.

That first gesture of the Tatay and Anak (Son OR Daughter it's the same word for both) is called "MANO PO". Where the younger person puts her forehead on to the back of the hand of an older person. This is a deep sign/greeting of love, honor and respect.

Loads of golden nuggets and hidden gems around and the backstory is rich. The Ganchillo (Crochet), the tin biscuit box, the cabinet of precious plateware and cutlery.