Prescott, Arizona

Just an hour and forty minutes from Phoenix, Prescott offers more than fresh mountain air, it offers a gentle pause for those learning to balance two worlds. Nestled at over 5,000 feet, this former capital of the Arizona Territory welcomes you with pine-covered hills, peaceful lakes, and a slower pace that feels familiar to anyone who’s ever missed home. For Filipino families adjusting to life in Arizona, Prescott is a comforting day trip: a place where kids can run free at Courthouse Plaza, elders can enjoy the shade and stories, and everyone can share a picnic that tastes like home. Whether you're hiking around Watson Lake or browsing local shops that remind you of tiangge back in the Philippines, Prescott feels like a town that understands the value of community. It’s a place where you can breathe, reflect, and remember that even far from home, you’re never far from belonging.

Lonely Car

This photo was taken during my time at Pearson. I always arrive early, and I was always the last one out the door. Even on a salaried contract, I made sure to put in a full eight hours or more each day. That’s just how I’ve always worked: with discipline, integrity, and a sense of responsibility that doesn’t punch a clock. It may look like midday, but this was taken past 7 PM during a Phoenix summer, when the sun lingers, just like I did.

 

Hanna-Barbera Days

 

Captured in the early '90s during my time at Fil-Cartoons. Back then, it felt like an extension of college life. Your co-workers were like classmates, people you laughed with, teased, shared stories with, and grew close to. We’d gather in the cafeteria for lunch, split meals, and head out together on paydays to celebrate. I truly miss those days.

Now, we mostly connect through likes and comments on social media. Quiet, but still meaningful.

And one of the more sobering “adult” moments? Seeing those tax deductions on your paycheck and trusting the government to put them to good use, especially on infrastructure and flood control projects.

To all who work, create, and contribute. Here's to the friendships we build along the way. Happy Labor Day!