Chelsea Laylo

"Sari-sari" is a Tagalog term meaning "variety." It refers to small, family-run shops that sell everyday goods and play an essential role in Filipino communities. Sari Sari Stories is a handmade publication that explores Filipino-owned stores in Earl's Court, London, also known as Little Manila. This publication examines how these shops preserve and adapt the essence of sari-sari stores in a diasporic context. Through oral interviews, photography, and publication design, it documents the stories of store owners, the spaces they create, and their importance to the Filipino community in London. Sari Sari Stories explores how these spaces nurture a sense of belonging, preserve cultural continuity, and strengthen intergenerational connections. As a second-generation Filipino born and raised in London, this project reflects my personal engagement with community and heritage. This project aims to preserve these stories for future generations while exploring themes of resilience, identity, and the cultural life of the Filipino diaspora in London.

Photo taken in Batangas, Philippines by Kimberley Laylo