Arlene was born in the Philippines but grew up in America and is a survivor of the Illegal Adoption Trade in the Philippines. While fleeing from an abusive home in Texas, she became homeless at 16 years old.

Years later, she was reunited with her family in the Philippines. This family reunion brought to light a deep loss - loss of family, language, traditions, and a sense of belonging. This marked the beginning of Arlene’s path to reclaim her lost identity.

Her journey was filled with grief, healing, and discovery. Along the way, she realized that hospitality and shared spaces have always been at the heart of cultural connection.

This revelation inspired the concept behind Consolation Project:

Filipino Inspired Hospitality

Arlene named the organization in honor of her birth mom, Consolación, which is “consolation” in English:

con·so·la·tion /ˌkänsəˈlāSH(ə)n/

“the comfort received by a person after a loss”

Arlene finds great comfort in honoring her heritage and sharing it with others through the warmth of hospitality. Every detail is a love letter to the culture she was separated from but ultimately found her way back to.

Consolation Project is more than hospitality—it is reclamation. It is proof that even after displacement and disconnection, it is possible to return, to honor, and to build anew.

If you know the pain of displacement or even loss, may you feel the love of a heritage restored in every experience here.