The rhythmic clap of bamboo poles echoes, the hop and skips of dancers sound off loud.  As a child of a Filipino immigrant, I was introduced to this dance early on, a bridge connecting me to my heritage across a very very wide ocean. My first encounter with Tinikling was during a visit to my mother's country. On the streets of the Philippines, I watched in awe as local children skillfully maneuvered between clapping bamboo poles. Their agility and joy sparked both envy and curiosity in me. Years later, back in the United States, my mother joined a line dancing group at our local parish. It was here that I finally learned the difficult steps of Tinikling. Through bruised ankles and sore feet, I finally learned it. As I "mastered" (got proficient)  the dance, my mother revealed its deeper history. Tinikling wasn't merely street entertainment; it was inspired by farmers' attempts to protect their rice crops from the tikling bird. This revelation offered a glimpse into my mother's past and the life she left behind. Tinikling became more than just a dance it was a tangible link to my moms history and culture. The bamboo poles, once simple instruments, now symbolized the ingenuity of my ancestors. Through this dance, I gained a clearer appreciation for my heritage and the sacrifices my mother made in immigrating to the United States 

– Daniel Amplo

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant