In my Filipino family, gatherings are not the same without karaoke. At parties, I am excited to eat food and spend time with family, but something that I always essential was singing karaoke. No matter the occasion, as the party goes on and settles down, the karaoke microphones are taken out to my relatives who are dying to sing. Instantly, the clinking of utensils on plates and conversation ceases, and all attention is spotlighted on the living room. An instrumental begins to play and my grandfather stands up to sing. With a straight stance, he holds the microphone with one hand, and his other is held out, elevated to his side. Every breath is used to perfection as he sings “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley with a deep clear melody. At the end of his song, he looks at my grandma and there is a loud applause. Since I was a little child, this has been a tradition at parties. I would watch my relatives in awe at their vocals and the messages of the songs. Since only my grandparents migrated from the Philippines, karaoke has also been a way to connect back to the culture through Tagalog songs. Karaoke nights became a bridge between generations, a way for me to understand the experiences of my parents and grandparents. As I sang alongside them, I felt a deep sense of pride and appreciation for the sacrifices they made to provide us with a better life. Karaoke strengthened the bond between us, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of unity within our family. Karaoke became a language that transcended cultural barriers and celebrated our shared heritage.

– Dylan Aguilar

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant