Rich Conversations: 015. Katrina Certeza

Show notes from episode 015 of Rich Conversations with Katrina Certeza. Answers are cut down to fit into writing format.

How long have you lived in Chicago?

My family moved to the U.S. when I was fifteen and that was 2003. Then I went to UIC in 2013, so it’s been about five years. It feels like more.

What’s your neighborhood like?

I live in Humboldt Park. It’s predominantly Hispanic neighborhood. It’s very vibrant. There are layers of history here. Lots of different characters on the street. I used to live in a DIY space that used to be a Jehovah’s Witness church. I was surrounded by a bunch of artists.

If you have an open Saturday, how would you choose to spend it?

I usually like biking around. I always try to go to the park and be in nature. Doing something spontaneous or something I’m curious about appeals to me. Like recently my friend had an art gallery and I went to support her.

When you think of Chicago, what colors do you imagine first?

Chicago covers its graffiti with this disgusting brown shade. It’s hideous—like a paper bag brown/chocolate ice cream. If you go to Europe, they don’t try to hide that type of thing—it’s part of the city. I’d rather have the graffiti and street art rather than that brown. I understand the ties to gangs, but still.

What’s your proudest moment as a Chicagoan?

Having lived in a DIY space. Looking back, being part of underground music and art. It’s the ephemeral beauty in life. We can’t predict what will last or not.

If someone were to visit you from out of town, what restaurant would you take them to?

I would probably cook for them. Depending on my mood or what the season is. Either Filipino or Hispanic food. I shop at the local Mexican grocery store near me. My cooking is influenced by the foods they carry.

What’s your hidden gem in the city?

It’s a camera store. Central Camera. It’s kind of a time capsule there. All these vintage cameras and film. It’s close to the Art Institute on Wabash. For me, as a photographer, just being in that space is cool.

What sound do you most affiliate with Chicago?

The blues. It’s pretty obvious but it’s everywhere in the city. When I visited London, I went to a blues bar and it reminded me of Chicago.

What music influenced you the most during your time in the city?

I lived with a classical pianist. We had a baby grand piano in our living room. That inspired and influenced me. He was also in a Psychedelic band. Really it’s the music of my friends that’s influenced me.

If you were given secret information that Chicago were to be destroyed in one week, what’s one quality you would keep to rebuild the city?

The way it’s planned by Daniel Burnham. He implemented the idea of the grid where everything’s laid out in an orderly fashion. “City in a garden” is a motto here. All these parks here: Humboldt Park, Douglas Park, Lincoln Park, etc.

What’s one thing would you do to improve your neighborhood or the city as a whole?

I think I’m already doing it. I’m part of the public school system. It’s a long time of working with the kids. I also feel like I’m adding to the city because I know a lot of the students don’t normally see someone like me—and Asian person. When you think of minorities in Chicago, Asians don’t typically come to mind. It’s good for people to be exposed to other people that are different than them. There are different perspectives in the world.

When people learn you’re from Chicago, how do they respond and what’s your reaction?

People have this misconception that Chicago is a city steeped in violence. The media paints this bleak picture and perpetuates fear and the segregation. I think more initiatives to being the city together.

When you feel overwhelmed or need a mental escape but can’t leave the city, where do you go to clear your mind?

I usually go to Humboldt Park. I’ve considered moving to Colorado, New York, LA, and San Francisco but they don’t have Humboldt Park. Sure they have parks, but I wouldn’t be able to live right by it.

What’s something you’re curious about recently?

I’m just curious about everything. I’m always curious about the person next to me. I’m curious about people in general. The idea of where a conversation can take you. It’s always different. Sometimes it goes nowhere and sometimes it leads me to being on a podcast.

Within the past five years, what personal realization has improved your outlook on life the most?

Taking some risk. Changing things up. Talking to the person next to you. Something so small could change the quality of your day. Trying something different. It doesn’t need to be a grand gesture. Just being curious about the world around you and not letting apathy get in the way. Always being open. It’s like a muscle—the more you do it the better you get at it.

What’s something you’re excited or dream about in the future?

I have an insane wanderlust. I want to see more of the world. I haven’t seen the Philippines since my family moved here. More traveling.