You might be surprised to know that @mightymagulang, known for her explainers about historial events on Tiktok, is not a historian, nor is she a History graduate, she is a self-confessed “history geek.” She is also a genealogist—working with her clients to trace and study the lines of their family descent. She Talks Asia chats with the sharp, quick-witted and incredibly passionate autism advocate on the defining moments and realizations of her life.
What do you do for a living, and what are the things that make you feel more alive?
I am an NGO worker, a ninuno-hunter, and a content creator. I feel most alive when I travel with my family. I feel most peaceful reading a good book alone, in a bright library with big windows— I wish I could do it more often.
How old are you?
I am 56 years old.
I am most known for…
…being a content creator on Tiktok. I was an accidental content creator, as my TikTok on history and genealogy was a pandemic effort. Today, I am happy to participate in civic responsibility and digital literacy conversations.
I am most proud of…
…the impact of my work within the autism community. I served as the National President of the Autism Society Philippines for 10 years. In 2023, I stepped back to focus on the ASP Autism Works Program which aims to facilitate economic empowerment for adults on the autism spectrum.
What do you think is the biggest challenge, and the best thing, about being your age?
The best thing about being my age is being gifted with many opportunities to reinvent myself. I am also at the point when I am more self-aware. I can tell people my position on anything without being bashful about it. I have found peace knowing that the only thing I can be sure of is change. I look forward to rocking silver hair.
How have you grown wiser in the past few years?
I grew up with parents who encouraged us children to be introspective. My husband and I raised a child with a disability, which grounded us in what was truly important in life. I have lived "multiple lives" with careers in corporate, in a non-profit, and now in cultural heritage advocacy. All that has deepened the well from which I draw my resolve to do what I do.
What have been the most defining decades of your life, and how did it contribute to who you are today?
The 1980s was a dramatic decade as it formed the concepts I hold today around civic responsibility. It was a time of growth as this was when I discovered my voice as distinct and separate from my family’s opinions. The 2020s was also a milestone as my foray into content creation allowed me to ponder more deeply, write more often, and create content around history, genealogy, civics, and digital literacy. Everything else in between was a journey of discovery for which I am also thankful.
What are the best pieces of life advice you have ever received?
From my father: "You can be a kaminero (street sweeper), but be the best kaminero."
From my mom: "Family comes first"
From my husband: "Relax ka lang."
Who are the women you look up to and how have they helped shape your life?
My older sister Excelsis S. Magno, PhD has been a powerful presence in my life. She is the eldest of three sisters and I am the middle sister. The rebel in me used to fight her when I was younger—even if she was right. I admire her for honoring our parents' wishes and caring for her siblings, even when it was difficult. She always managed to bring us together. She is all about finding solutions to problems. Her joy is closely tied to being a protector of the family. I am "maldita" by default, and her voice is the voice of my conscience. When I grow up, I want to be like my Ate.
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