Photos from bellapoarch/Instagram
Filipino traditions became the foundation of Bella Poarch’s first major musical chapter.
The Filipino American singer-songwriter shared that her debut album “Picnic at the Cemetery” reflects the memories, customs and experiences that shaped her while growing up Filipino.
According to Poarch, the album title itself carries a connection to her family’s celebration of All Saints’ Day, a tradition observed every Nov. 1 in many Filipino households.
She explained that the name was inspired by the way her family honored their loved ones who had passed away while still celebrating life together.
“I mean it’s been brewing for a few years now. It’s very personal and it’s called Picnic at the Cemetery because it’s just rooted from the family tradition I grew up with where we celebrate All Saints’ Day every November 1st. I love my heritage and I love home,” she shared in the brief interview.
Poarch opened up about the personal meaning behind the project during her appearance on “Entertainment Tonight” at the VMAs earlier this week, where she highlighted her appreciation for her Filipino roots and the culture that shaped her.
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Beyond the music itself, the singer has been revisiting the everyday Filipino experiences that influenced the album. In an episode of “Takes Us Out,” Poarch visited Filipino restaurant Naks in New York City’s East Village, where she explored familiar dishes that reminded her of her upbringing.
From lumpia and a traditional Filipino breakfast featuring tocino, garlic fried rice and egg to ube desserts, Poarch reflected on how Filipino cuisine remains connected to her memories of family and home.
She also talked about preparing sinigang for friends and growing up around farm life and animals, experiences that helped shape the creative world behind “Picnic at the Cemetery.”
The album also became a personal reflection for Poarch as she explored stories she had carried with her over the years. In an Instagram post following its release, she described the project as a way of processing her past while celebrating her growth.
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