'Daluyan' in Filipino means 'passages'. It tells about the intertwining immigrant journeys of navigating life in a new setting. Moving in and out of unfamiliar territories is an unsettling experience and is an often-overlooked narrative within our community, despite the constant influx of newcomers. Assimilating into a new environment whilst preserving your cultural identity is a challenge that deeply impacts one's life and sense of self; yet it is seldom openly discussed.

 

Through documenting my own journey and that of another, Daluyan aims to translate our stories into images to provide a deeper understanding of both my subjects' and my own world, reflecting on my experiences within these walls I once called “home”. Working into this project, I found not only a chance to revisit the experiences within these spaces but also mirrors held up reflecting on another's life journey. This project aims to foster empathy, connection, and a deeper appreciation for the diverse immigrant experiences that shape and transform our collective story.

 

Moreover, this project unearthed a shared grief present in the process of assimilation and the continuous rediscovery of oneself, inherent in adapting to new environments. Through these narratives, I hope to bring attention to the emotional landscapes immigrants go through while navigating the intricacies of identity and of becoming in new settings.