Jordan Clarkson took a break from the NBA grind to reconnect with his Filipino heritage, exploring pockets of Filipino culture across New York City in a feature episode of Off Day.
The episode, produced by Uninterrupted, follows Clarkson as he visits Filipino-owned spaces in the city, from art galleries in Chelsea to well-known dining spots serving traditional Filipino dishes.
“My grandma was from the Philippines. I came into the league, learning about my own culture, my own people,” Clarkson said. “Filipinos are the happiest people I’ve ever been around and met.”
During the tour, Clarkson highlighted his appreciation for Filipino cuisine, naming kare-kare, sisig, adobo, and lumpia among his favorites.
“(Lumpia) is untouchable. That’s elite,” he said.
He sampled different dishes at Renee’s Kitchenette in Queens, including lumpiang Shanghai and lumpiang sariwa, before heading to Kape’t Torta in Elmhurst, where he enjoyed halo-halo.
“It’s pretty dope to be able to eat some of that,” Clarkson said, referring to Filipino food being part of his upbringing.
Beyond food, Clarkson emphasized the importance of embracing and passing on his cultural identity to his family.
“It’s super important to carry my grandma, my mom, my little brothers, my little sisters, my daughter to know that she has some Filipino in her as well. That this is celebrated and a culture that we are a part of,” he added.
The New York Knicks guard also reflected on the Philippines’ deep connection to basketball, recalling his experience representing Gilas Pilipinas during the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila.
“Just having the opportunity to represent the country was just amazing. Representing my family, my grandmother. Just very special,” Clarkson said.
“You see a lot of Filipinos here. You see their love for the NBA and when guys go over there, it’s huge,” he added.