Update! I haven't been ignoring everyone out there, I've just been very busy. Following the tragedy in South Asia, I joined the Jobs for South Asia Coalition and I've been working with them to help South Asian countries overcome the disaster. Expect some big announcements from us in the near future!
I'm a multiracial newspaper reporter available for both general reporting as well as specialized coverage from my unique multiracial perspective.
I was born in the Philippines, but raised in the U.S. My background is as varied as the stories I've covered in my career!
I am one-half Filipina (indigenous Asian/Pacific Islander), one-quarter Hispanic, and one-quarter African-American. My varied background gives me a unique perspective on the news of the day.
"We're a small newspaper with limited resources and a small number of reporters. Melissa was a godsend for us! She will be a benefit to any media organization." - Bob Beckenbridge, editor, the Springfield Gazette
One of my most popular reporting assignments concerned my disability. Due to complications from my transgender-related surgeries, I partially lost hearing in my left ear.
Throughout it all, my many cultures have kept me strong!
"Her many cultures give her a unique perspective on the news and allowed us to reach a broad spectrum of our readers in a very cost-effective manner." - Ronald Petlon, executive editor, the Washington County Journal
My African-American grandfather faced oppression in the U.S., and as a result was an immigrant to the Philippines. I had a close relationship with him, and I learned much about his struggle.
Of course, the Philippines has been a contested land for hundreds of years, and we have faced oppression from various countries. Many Americans are not aware that as late as 1946, the Philippines were a U.S. colony. Prior to colonization by the Americans, for over 300 years the Philippines had been a Spanish colony. Because of the oppressive colonization by the Spanish, like many other Filipinos, I am part Hispanic.
And, of course, the Philippines were a contested land during the Second World War. Our land was invaded by the Japanese in 1941 and we were not liberated by Allied forces until 1945. During that period we faced a brutal, oppressive Japanese occupation.
Today, the Philippines is an independent country. However, many vestiges of colonializm remain, and we still have U.S. military bases on our land. Our struggle continues as many Filipinos are employed as near-serf labor in Japan, Korea, and the Middle East.
Despite it all, I am quite proud of all of my constituent races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. If you would like to take advantage of my many unique perspectives - Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, African-American, disabled, transgendered - don't hesitate to send me an email.