Birds and Spirits

There's something about bird watching that brings out the poetry in everyone, particularly if you're already an award-winning poet/playwright like Reuel Molina Aguila. In "On the Wings of Bird Poems," contributing writer Ed Maranan, himself an award-winning poet and author, lets us soar on Molina Aguila's bird photographs that are accompanied by his poetry and Maranan's translations. 

Another uplifting story this week is Toronto-based contributor Maripi Leynes' profile of Arlene Oliveros, the first female Filipino certified sommelier. With the spunk and determination common among immigrants, Oliveros worked her way from caregiving to becoming a wine expert. Read "The Spirit Moves Her" and be inspired.

Father's Day happens in a few days and we wish to celebrate all fathers and mom-dads out there. Our publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco shares with us the touching story of her father, Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco, who passed away recently after living a long, colorful and substantial life. 

Here's our In The Know links for this week:

How ISIS Got a Foothold in the Philippines
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/04/opinion/isis-philippines-rodrigo-duterte.html?smid=tw-share&_r=1

Rape within the family: The Philippines' silent incest problem
http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/investigative/171457-incest-rape-philippines-sexual-abuse

Priest brings psychosocial help to Mindanao conflict zone
http://www.ucanews.com/news/priest-brings-psychosocial-help-to-mindanao-conflict-zone/79414

Former Pinoy dishwasher now owner of pizzeria in Italy
http://news.abs-cbn.com/overseas/05/30/17/former-pinoy-dishwasher-now-owner-of-pizzeria-in-italy

10 Must-Visit Libraries in Metro Manila
http://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/the-latest-news-features/69388/10-must-visit-libraries-in-metro-manila-a00171-20170223-lfrm

And our post-Independence Day Happy Home Cook recipe is Arroz A La Cubana from PF Correspondent and foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino.

Our Video of the Week: The Sing Philippines Youth Choir made up of 100 singers from from all over the country, surprise the commuters of LRT Line 2 with a flash mob performance.