Welcome to the Filipino diaspora
Welcome to The Kultura, a New York City-based weekly newsletter that explores what it means to be Filipino in the diaspora through the means of food, culture, books and film, art, politics, and current affairs. What started out as a senior capstone project born out of frustration from the lack of Filipino representation, is now a growing and thriving community of Filipinos across the nation and overseas. Through this little newsletter, with all the people I’ve spoken to, I’ve learn so many things about the community, as well as the hidden histories and politics of my home country.
What is “Kultura”?
“Kultura” means “culture” in Tagalog. I believe that this noun represents all that I explore in my newsletter which includes the complexities of identity and its intersections with food, politics, history, and the arts. I explore the “kultura” of being Filipino-American in the US today.
This journey of self-discovery as I continue to write for The Kultura has been refreshing, as I dig deeper into the conversations of who we are, where we come from, and how we identify ourselves. I hope that what you read in The Kultura is just as ingenious as it has been for me.
Thanks for your support!
As an independent publisher and journalist, I love the support that my readers give me — whether that’s simply reading and sharing my content or engaging and participating in the conversation! If you love this community and my content, and want to continue showing your support, here are more ways you can:
Upgrade your subscription: For the price of coffee per month, you can become a paid subscriber! By doing so, you can have more exclusive content (including access to full episodes of podcast and personal columns on mental health and careers), a free copy of the print magazine, and participate in the Chat. Plus, you get to help me build and grow The Kultura with more in-depth reporting and other possibilities. Upgrade here.
Buy a print magazine: After receiving the CESJ Mini Grant, I printed several copies of my print magazine which are up for grabs for only $7! You can place an order here. (OR you can become a paid subscriber for $5 a month and get additional content 😉)
Send tips and contacts: I’m always open to interviewing and showcasing Filipino-led or founded businesses, individuals, and other exciting projects! If you’d like to pitch something, send me an email.
Why become a paid reader?
I’ve always had a vision for The Kultura, with a mission to grow this community of Filipinos - especially in the arts - and push our stories to the foreground and see more representation of people like us. I want to grow The Kultura in to a collective and create more opportunities in the media and in the arts - whether that’s expanding the podcast, organizing events and conferences, and evolving The Kultura into something bigger.
A little bit about the Writer
Nicole Abriam is a PR professional working with sustainable businesses across tech, climate, and impact investment. With a background in freelance, she’s been writing and creating content since 2015 and has written about culture, identity, and lifestyle for creative agency Adolescent and Rice & Spice magazine.
I’m a 20-something stumbling through life and navigating the concrete jungle of New York City. I studied Journalism + Design at The New School, with a minor in Communication Design and currently work as a publicist for an mission-driven agency in Manhattan. Born in the Philippines, I grew up in the suburbs outside London and lived in Florida for several years before settling into Brooklyn, New York after impulsively moving here in the middle of the pandemic. With my immigrant background, I love exploring my identity and the nuances of my experiences — something reflected through The Kultura.
Aside from writing and publicizing, I also enjoy reading and run my own book club, cooking and trying new recipes, and learning yoga.
