Legacy of the Underground Movement in Modern Philippines

Chasing Windmills by Maya Butalid is a compelling political autobiography that follows her journey from Cebu City, Philippines, to the Netherlands. After becoming a political activist against the Marcos dictatorship, Butalid was sent to the Netherlands in 1983 to continue her activism. Her life there gradually evolved as she learned Dutch, earned a master’s degree in psychology, built a family, worked in Dutch institutions, and became a city councilor in Tilburg. Through a collection of personal stories, the book explores migration, cultural identity, family, political engagement, belonging, and the challenges of building a new life while remaining connected to one’s roots. Butalid reflects on balancing her Filipino heritage with Dutch society and the personal experiences that shaped her understanding of purpose, resilience, and belonging.