Stories that Stay with Us

SHARE YOUR STORY

Submit Your Story

At our inaugural event on October 10th at The Hoxton, Portland, we're launching "Stories that Stay with Us"—a special story-collection initiative where you can record a meaningful memory that becomes part of our community archive.

Share:
A culturally significant tradition or moment
A treasured conversation with an elder
A childhood memory that still shapes you
A family recipe with its story

One recorded story will be selected to feature in our April 2026 issue, woven together with Filipino history—continuing the narrative approach established in Prologue. Whether you attend our event or submit through our regular process, your story matters.

Submit My Story

Your Voice. Your Experience. Your Legacy.

Share your story and become part of the lasting collection we're building together.

WHY YOUR STORY MATTERS

Filipino American experiences are as diverse as they are meaningful. These stories illuminate how 4.4 million Filipino Americans navigate identity, family, and belonging in ways that are both uniquely Filipino and distinctly American.

Your narrative adds to the collection that future generations will treasure—helping them understand their heritage, recognize their experiences, and feel less alone in their own cultural journey.

DIWA seeks authentic narratives that capture the complexity of Filipino American life. Whether it's a moment of cultural insight, a family recipe with deep meaning, or a childhood memory that shaped your identity, your story helps build a more complete understanding of what it means to be Filipino American today.

Editorial Standards

We approach each story with respect for its complexity. Filipino American identity encompasses many experiences, and we seek narratives that contribute to a nuanced understanding of our community.

  • We believe in working with contributors to help their stories shine.

    Our editorial process includes:

    • Developmental feedback on structure and focus

    • Line editing for clarity and flow

    • Fact-checking and cultural sensitivity review

    • Final polish while maintaining your voice

  • Narratives that matter to the teller and will resonate with readers

  • Experiences that illuminate aspects of Filipino American life without stereotyping

  • Content that meets our editorial standards for clarity, structure, and impact

  • Stories that honor the complexity of our community and individual experiences

SHARE YOUR IDEA

Tell us about your story in 2-3 sentences. What happened? Why does it matter to you? What do you hope readers will understand?

EDITORIAL CONVERSATION

Our team reviews your idea and provides guidance on development. We'll discuss approach, focus, and how to best tell your story.

CREATE TOGETHER

We work with you to develop your submission. This might include feedback on drafts, suggestions for additional elements, or guidance on format.

Submission
Process

REVIEW & REFINEMENT

Stories go through our editorial process, where we collaborate to ensure your narrative meets DIWA's standards while maintaining your authentic voice.

PUBLICATION

Selected stories are featured in DIWA with full credit, compensation, and promotion across our platforms.

TIMELINE

Initial response within one week. Full process typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on story complexity.

What We're Looking For

  • • The traditions, conversations, and connections that shape us

    • Family recipes and their evolution across generations

    • Traditional practices in contemporary settings

    • Diaspora stories and settlement experiences

    • Intergenerational conversations and insights

    • Cultural celebrations and their meaning

  • • Navigating the complexity of Filipino American experience

    • Moments of cultural recognition or revelation

    • Workplace experiences and professional identity

    • Regional differences within Filipino American communities

    • Creative expressions of cultural identity

    • Generational perspectives on tradition and change

  • • The moments that make up Filipino American life

    • Community connections and discoveries

    • Neighborhood experiences and changes

    • Food stories and family meals - Cultural moments in unexpected places

    • Personal growth through cultural understanding

  • • Art, food, music, and culture in Filipino American life

    • Creative practices rooted in heritage

    • Contemporary interpretations of traditional forms

    • Cultural fusion and innovation

    • Community arts and cultural events

    • Personal artistic journeys

Multiple Ways to Tell Your Story

  • 500-2,000 words Personal essays, family narratives, cultural observations, community profiles, reflective pieces

    Guidelines:

    • Focus on specific moments or experiences

    • Include sensory details that bring readers into your story

    • Show rather than tell whenever possible

    • Honor the complexity of Filipino American identity

  • 8-15 images with captions Visual narratives that capture Filipino American experiences, family moments, cultural traditions

    Guidelines:

    • Each image should contribute to the overall narrative

    • Captions should provide context while allowing images to speak

    • Mix of close-ups and wider shots for visual variety

    • High-resolution images (300 DPI minimum)

  • 5-15 minutes Recorded family conversations, personal reflections, community sounds, oral histories

    Guidelines:

    • Clear audio quality essential

    • Consider including multiple voices when appropriate

    • Natural conversation preferred over scripted content

    • Include brief written summary with submission

  • 3-10 minutes Documentary-style stories, family interactions, cultural moments, creative expressions

    Guidelines:

    • Strong storytelling arc with beginning, middle, end

    • Good lighting and stable camera work

    • Clear audio throughout

    • Authentic moments preferred over staged content

COMPENSATION

Selected stories receive payment upon publication. Rates vary by story length and complexity.

CREDIT & PROMOTION

Contributors receive full byline credit and biographical information. Stories are promoted across DIWA's platforms with contributor recognition.

RIGHTS

Contributors retain rights to their stories. DIWA requests first publication rights and ongoing right to include stories in DIWA collections and archives.

How We Support Contributors

EDITORIAL SUPPORT

All contributors receive editorial guidance and support throughout the development process, regardless of whether stories are ultimately selected for publication.

COMMUNITY ACCESS

Contributors become part of the DIWA community with access to events, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Ready to Share Your Story?