Interview by Charles Falivena
“Nanay” is the Tagalog word for “mother”. Which mothers inspired you to write this poem (“Love, Nanay“)?
I was inspired by many mothers, parents, guardians, and caregivers who raise children (whether it be their own or other children) to be kind and conscientious beings, especially the kids who grow up in a rough environment and are directly and materially affected by societal issues.
The poem speaks of ‘masks of politics and power’. What do those masks look like?
The masks can appear fun, charming, alluring, and/or hopeful but a part of you knows there’s something superficial about it. That it’s all a game of “pretend”.
Bathala na is the only line not in English. What’s its significance?
This is a phrase that a lot of my older family members & other Filipino family caregivers would tell me whenever I would ask for guidance on something. While the phrase is generally pronounced as “bahala na”, it can have a few different meanings depending on context: “leave it up to god”, “whatever happens, happens”, or “come what may” with the last one implying that one is ready to take on the issues that arise from a situation they can’t control. I’ve left a bit of room for the reader to decide what it means to them when a parental figure gives advice—to either ignore, accept, or take responsibility for the “big” issues that concern us as well as future generations.
Read Janella Katapang’s poem “Love, Nanay” here.
Queens-native Janella Katapang is a Filipino community organizer, Physical Therapist Assistant Student at LaGuardia, and martial artist. As a community organizer, they are attuned to the health concerns related to societal issues. As a healthcare student, Janella understands the necessity of making health and fitness accessible and people-first. Whether through Filipino martial arts or basic stretches, they promote wellness through movement, safety, and mindfulness.
