Art, Nostalgia and Self-Identity

When I was growing up in the lowlands of Quezon City, Baguio City was a magical place for me, my personal Shangri-La, with its cool and fragrant air, the hills promising mysteries and romance. Visits there were always exciting and memorable, and the lovely memories have stayed with me all these years. Thus, it was quite a shock and a massive letdown when we visited Baguio a few years ago and saw how it has become a crowded, polluted metropolis. It was no longer the Baguio of my imagination and my memory, and it made me so sad.

Reading PF Correspondent Rene Astudillo's report, "When Art Conquers the Hills," on the plans of Baguio City to beautify the densely populated Quirino Hill provides some relief and hope. It's a small step and a pyrrhic victory for Baguio lovers but nonetheless a welcome one. We hope it will really happen.

One of the most important filmmakers today, the consummate artist formerly known as Auraeus Solito, Kanakan Balintagos, is the subject of PF contributor Agatha Verdadero feature piece, "A Palawan Artist Finds His True Self in Amsterdam." Verdadero was part of the student theater group then-Solito founded at the University of the Philippines, and she has followed his artistic and career trajectory since. 

Since we're on the subject of nostalgia, how about Reading Again "12 Mind-blowing Facts About Metro Manila," from list site Filipiknow.net. Things there that will surprise you. 

For our In the Know links this week, two items about the Philippines:

Fascinating Map of the World, Tagalog is the second most spoken language in Saudi Arabia
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4216084/World-map-reveals-country-s-second-language.html

One of the World's Biggest Fisheries Is on The Verge of Collapse
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/wildlife-south-china-sea-overfishing-threatens-collapse/

For our Video of the Week, APEC Philippines released its “Invest Philippines” video during its 2015 conference to entice businesses to come to the country.

And for our Happy Home Cook recipe this week: Elizabeth Ann Quirino's Shrimps and Vegetables with Quail Eggs, a delicious and easy-to-make meatless Lenten dish.