The day an Igorot woman met King Charles

MANILA, Philippines – Averil Pooten-Watan was told she was to give the King of the United Kingdom a quick and firm handshake. Make sure to let him move along, she was told. That was part of protocol.

She practiced her curtsy beforehand, bought a box of champorado mix, a pack of Ding Dong, among other items, for a hamper that was supposed to showcase all things Filipino.

Watan was born to two Igorot parents from the Mountain Province, but grew up in Walthamstow, east of London.