Initial Research

I started by digging up some old photographs I took of my family's farm in Claveria, Cagayan, Philippines. I decided to set this story in a rural area of Philippines because the cities are quite busy and dull in comparison to the gorgeous mountains, stretching grasslands and beautiful views of the ocean. The aura in Claveria is just so magical, which is why I think it's the perfect place for a dreamy trip to the past.

A Bit About Our Farm

This farm has been in my mother's side of the family for a few generations but since my mother and uncles all live in the city or abroad, the farm will be inherited by one of my mother's cousins. On our farm, we grow rice on the fields, where a water buffalo and her son often graze during the day. We also have rambutan trees, a fruit similar to Lychee, and buko trees (young coconut). During summers, my family would stay with our grandparents during the buko and rambutan harvest, where we'd pick the fruits and eat them fresh under the shade of the palm trees. We also have many little chickens and ducks running around the place.

The River

A short ways from our farm is a river, where my family loves to have picnics and paddle in the water. My uncles would drive their cars right into the water and set up a little tent so we could have a bit of shade while we paddled.

Traditional Filipino Houses

Most Filipinos living in rural areas live quite modestly. However, on one of my holidays in the Philippines, I was able to visit a big traditional house where a historical figure used to live. I really like this house because it very clearly shows its Philippine culture through the woven wood details on the rocking chairs, as well as a Spanish-Asian blend of furniture. For example, the paneling on the wall has clear western influences while the ornate chairs have an oriental aura. Though the house is quite big, the furniture is definitely something I see in many Filipino households. In my family's townhouse in Manila, we have matching ornate furniture sets made of Narra wood.

Preproduction Environment

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