This American family is living in the PHL and loving it!

Meet the Folkmans, an American family that’s been living in the Philippines for nine years, and they're totally digging Pinoy culture!

Their home is full of folk art and native furniture like the currently in vogue Peacock rattan chair, their staircase features numbers written in Filipino.

Mrs. Folkman, Amber, tells Unang Balita that her kids like eating galunggong and suman, and credits Yaya Chanda for always cooking these delectable delights for the three Folkman kids.

“My son requested for his birthday meal to be galunggong,” Amber continues.
Amber first started her Instagram account, @amommabroad, “to show my friends back home what life is like back in the Philippines.”

And nine years later, her IG and blog have become a staple in the Filipino IG network, occasionally hitting viral status, thanks to her undeniable love and appreciation for Filipino culture.

 

Magandang Hapon! Hello to new followers. ????I had no idea where all the growth was coming from until I saw the article I wrote for @smartparenting had been published. I had no idea whatsoever how popular it would be or I would have edited a bit better. LOL ???? Next time talaga! Welcome to A Momma Abroad! This is a place where I chronicle our kaloka lives as an American family in the Philippines. We moved here in 2009 for my husbands job and have grown as a family here ever since. We have lived in BGC, Eastwood, Makati (San Lo/Salcedo) and are now proudly Pasigueño. I try and see the good and everyday magic Manila has to offer and share it here. Need a pick me up, follow #perksofpinas and share also po. I don’t really give parenting advice because I’m a hot mess most of the time but I do try and share about my #3PinoyBoys (7,5,3 years na) growing up here and sometimes a few thoughts on motherhood. You can hear Kuya speaking in Tagalog by clicking here #DinnerConversationsWithA. You don’t have to be a parent to enjoy A Momma Abroad, there’s something for everybody here. Thanks for your kind and encouraging words, I am forever humbled and grateful. It’s easy to love the Philippines because of incredible Filipinos like you! Please feel free to ask question below. {Pinoy Halloween circa 2016, Family Photo December 2018 @jeffandlisaphotography and a huge Salamat po to @smartparenting for giving me this amazing exposure. NAKS!}

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Mar 29, 2018 at 11:56pm PDT

 

Guys, you ready for a bit of honesty? I’m tired of playing super heroes, light saber battles and action figures! I used to think I was a bad mom because it didn’t excite me and I would half heartedly get through the dedicated amount of time I told the kids I would play. It was G R U E L I N G! Then I realized I’ve been playing for S E V E N years, dedicatedly! No wonder there was a bit of burn out. I learned a few valuable lessons; there are seasons to motherhood and I might not be in love with them all (this one was hard for me) and also that I needed to re-engage in a play that I wanted to be a part of. I am a doer by nature so finding an activity that allowed me to create and learn with my kids was instrumental. @olisboxship sent over a box last year and I have been forever a supporter of their campaign. It checks all my boxes for my #3PinoyBoys but also for me! It’s been a game changer that has allowed me to dedicate time with my kids where we are both learning and creating TOGETHER! If you’re in a parenthood rut give @olisboxship a go, I promise you won’t regret. Be a little kinder to yourself too. ???? {if you want a 10% discount you can use my code: playfulmum10 this isn’t a paid post, just something we are both passionate about} #NoBadDays #MomSoHard

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Mar 25, 2018 at 6:43pm PDT

 

Gong Xi Fa Cai! ???? I never knew how preserved Chinese culture was until I went to Binondo last year the week before CNY. You guys weren’t lying, that place is LEGIT! And yes, we took a water ferry there with a double stroller, I don’t recommend it. ???? The Pilipinas has it all! #perksofpinas Here are a few memories from our visit last year. #CNY #Binondo

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Feb 15, 2018 at 9:59pm PST

 

Just living out my dreams in Taal Heritage Town. #BecomingFilipino

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Dec 30, 2017 at 1:10am PST

 

#PROBINSYANAHITS One step closer to #BecomingFilipino, hand washing laundry #labendera style. I love the Philippines and all the sachets that are convenient for travel size. I brought Downy’s Sweetheart sachets because the smell is so strong and I want to cover up the damp swimsuit smell. You know the one! @downyphilippines @airbnb #??????????

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Nov 25, 2017 at 4:37pm PST

— LA, GMA News