CARLOS MANALO | digital ENGAGEMENT coordinator

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Pasifika Culture: Chamorro

About Carlos Manalo:

Born and raised on the island of Saipan, Carlos moved to the US in 2014 where he studied at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, OR. Since graduating in 2020, Carlos has been in the work force as a brand designer in the automotive-marketing industry.
Carlos is an avid fan of animation and cartoons, films, and music. In his downtime, he enjoys illustrating, painting, baking, or playing video games.

What is your favorite Islander Food?

Too much to list! Most notable foods that bring comfort would be Salmon Kelaguen with hot rice and donne’.
Honorable mentions include: Chamorro Shrimp Tempura, spam fried rice, and when I’m feeling ocean-y and fishy, Tataga (unicorn fish) with hot rice and Fina’denne.
Åhu and Lantiya for dessert to round out the meal. I love to eat!

What is your most meaningful memory with someone who is a member of the QT/PI community or with your culture? 

Food was a great source of comfort, especially in moments of celebration or noteworthy events. My cherished memories involve going to my grandparents homes whenever they made specific dishes made with labor and love. My grandmas’ soups were heartwarmingly delicious, and my dad’s BBQ were foods I miss eating to this day! Having the family sit and eat at the table was I look back fondly of and think how lucky I am to have memories like these.

What are you most excited to do or achieve during your time at UTOPIA PDX? 

I want to do my part in uplifting the voices of others who resonate with my experiences growing up and struggles they face today by western and patriarchal ideals in the Pacific Northwest. By exercising my creative skills I’ve grown to refine, having a profession that tackles both creativity and my values it really makes the initiative all the more worthwhile for me and my own identity navigating the complicated world today.