Quote by Jessica Hagedorn: “Filipinos are natural storytellers, weaving magic from hardship, laughter from tears.”

This quote celebrates the inherent storytelling ability of Filipinos, suggesting they possess a unique capacity to transform difficult experiences into enchanting narratives and find humor and joy even in sorrowful situations. It highlights resilience through art.

Hagedorn frequently discussed her Filipino heritage and the cultural resilience of her people in interviews and essays during this period, emphasizing their vibrant artistic expression and ability to navigate adversity through narrative and humor.

Filipino-American novelist, poet, and performance artist, born in Manila in 1949 and based in New York City. Her debut novel Dogeaters, shortlisted for the National Book Award in 1990, is a vivid portrait of Manila under the Marcos dictatorship, blending pop culture, history, and literary experiment.