Motherhood July 22, 2026

I’m a Lucky Mom

Me: Mari, thank you for being my daughter. Mari: I should be the one to thank you because you’re the one who made me in your tummy, right? Me:…

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Stories of becoming, belonging, and finding home between two countries.

Motherhood · July 22, 2026

Me: Mari, thank you for being my daughter. Mari: I should be the one to thank you because you’re the one who made me in…

Pregnancy Journey · March 29, 2026

It’s almost midnight, but I’m fully awake. With my phone in my hands tapping letters on the screen, under the blanket. I’m feeling guilty. I…

Japan Living · March 31, 2024

The end of March is, in fact, one of the busiest times for moving companies, as university students relocate closer to their chosen universities or…

Diary · March 8, 2024

No one is ever ready to face the passing of a loved one, no matter how sick or old they are. It is the only…

Culture · January 21, 2023

I came to Japan in the spring of 2011 when my sister who lives in Japan invited me for a month-long spring vacation. During my…

Pregnancy Journey · July 16, 2022

Breastfeeding is hard in the beginning, harder in the end, and hardest when it’s over. I literally cried silent tears tonight afte my little girl,…

A note from Maryan

Stories to Tell is a personal journal about life, love, family, culture, and the everyday discoveries that connect the Philippines and Japan.