May 31, 2023

Maternal Instincts

May 31, 2023/ Staff

Since the beginning of May, we've been asking for and posting travel stories to help you with your post-Covid travel plans.

What we haven't done yet is post stories about people and places in the Philippines that travelers, both local and foreign, should include in their itineraries. One of them is the PatisTito Garden Cafe and B&B in San Pablo, Laguna where its main attraction, the superbly talented fashion designer-artist-social activist Patis Tesoro lives, works and displays her singular creations.

Patis, despite her successes, is no stranger to pathos and tragedy but her story is one of survival and passion. PF publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco tells us about her visit to the colorful, eclectic world of Patis Tesoro.

A month that honors mothers should rightfully end with a tribute to a remarkable mother. The late Estrella Macute Echavez was one dynamo of a woman who never let anything - not war, not immigration, not economic difficulties - stop her from shining. Her son, Tim Salaver, honors her and invites readers to concerts in her honor.

Speaking of mothers, here's some very welcome help for new, overwhelmed ones: Chiyo, a New York-based meal delivery service has a nutritious meal kit for mothers that can be delivered anywhere in the US. The company is co-founded by Fil-Am postpartum chef Jennifer Jolorte Doro, who is also the company's Chief Culinary Officer. PF contributing writer Claire Mercado-Obias profiles the chef and the unique service.

Author/world traveler Cecilia Manguerra Brainard tours Belgium and unexpectedly digs up information about her alma mater, St. Theresa's College in Cebu and Manila.

This week marks the 6th anniversary of the Battle of Marawi, a tragedy of epic proportions. Read Again PF Correspondent Criselda Yabes' excellent reportage on the war: In the Rubble of Marawi — Positively Filipino | Online Magazine for Filipinos in the Diaspora

Our unique offering for the Happy Home Cook this week is shared by Jennifer Doro of Chiyo, an ideal dish for postpartum mothers: Kelp Noodle Pancit.

In The Know

Fil-Am musician AJ Rafael announces ‘The Take Me Back Tour’ after 9-year hiatus

https://nextshark.com/aj-rafael-interview-take-me-back-tour

Meet Rural Rising: this social enterprise saved farmers and their produce when they needed it most

https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/philanthropy/rural-rising-social-enterprise-ph?utm_source=tatlerasia.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=PH_DIG_ODETOFILIPINOCREATIVITY_FULL20230519

Communists Crumbling in the Philippines

https://www.asiasentinel.com/p/communists-crumbling-philippines?utm_source=direct&r=l2k5o&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&fbclid=IwAR1F5kWGJIZ4oDiZAlCnwVScjRM40xTZ1icLwgqiRvXX82ec63pCq30rX7Y

Meet the Davaoeña introducing Pinoy food to one of Manhattan’s coolest neighborhoods

https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/food-drink/restaurants/05/06/23/choly-where-nys-greenwich-village-goes-for-pinoy-food?fbclid=IwAR2lj9dtmNWOlCClPsRbpDyFaJaifYo4JMsPzgQCK7TY8h3S7qcOqGSSAQQ

September 15, 2021

One Man and the Sea

September 15, 2021/ Gemma Nemenzo

For over 30 years, Roberto Ballon, aka Ka Dodoy, spent most of his days fishing for a living in the West Philippine Sea and, more consequentially, organizing his fellow fishermen towards a collective effort to replant and revive the mangrove forest in Concepcion, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay. It was a long, tedious operation that took years and a lot of grief and challenges. But Ka Dodoy and his group persisted. Today they are reaping the rewards with more catch and more income. This year, Ka Dodoy is one of the awardees of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Awards which, since 1958, has been giving due recognition to outstanding Asians whose "selfless service has offered their societies, Asia, and the world successful solutions to some of the most intractable problems of human development." PF contributor Manuel Hizon from the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation tells us Ka Dodoy's story. ["One Man's Journey to Save the Seas"]

As the 49th anniversary of the declaration of martial law in the Philippines comes up (the official date is September 21), veteran journalist and PF Correspondent Criselda Yabes explores in depth "Marcos Legacy and the Philippine Military." Find out how and why Marcos' strongest weapon ultimately led to his downfall.

We're getting close to ending our listings of Fil-Ams Among the Remarkable and Famous, with part 28.

For the Happy Home Cook, Nina Daza Puyat, daughter of culinary icon Nora Daza, shares her recipe for Parmesan Chicken Cutlets with LGBP (lemon, garlic, butter, parsley) Spaghetti, a take-off from her mother's famous Fish Sticks recipe.

Read Again: A granddaughter writes about life with her famous grandmother and her equally famous friends, http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-muses-of-lvn-pictures

For our Video of the Week: Our Friend, Larry Itliong

Every week we post links to stories in other publications that you may have missed. We thank those of you who have sent us links and shared stories with us.

In The Know

PGH’s Bahay Silungan: The healer is a home
https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/newsmakers/2021/09/10/2126193/pghs-bahay-silungan-healer-home?fbclid=IwAR1gm7thg1o2XDnHO3pR9DvN_D83kfhVAuG8epd_XH6s0_-cn8KyvfAzYhE

John Arcilla: ‘For now, I want to remember the smiles’
https://www.thediarist.ph/john-arcilla-for-now-i-want-to-remember-the-smiles/?fbclid=IwAR0azfDonx9DmyjviCXwz9P_5i63hGmtHJgdLayvaNINi02sP9uaUqA1n_k

10 Interesting Filipino Coffee Table Books: Betsy Westendorp, Old Manila, And More
https://www.tatlerasia.com/homes/decor/10-philippine-coffee-table-books

PHL tycoons’ wealth surges by 30% amid pandemic
https://www.bworldonline.com/phl-tycoons-wealth-surges-by-30-amid-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR1gFMvMai8jt53HApOrvh9ozeTFrE5UGz-OV6W4Nc0E3bskCf-wld1gzHE

On The Job review: Filipino series matches Hong Kong's crime thrillers
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/on-the-job-review-filipino-series-match-hong-kong-crime-thrillers-053626515.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=ma

September 08, 2021

Death and Life

September 08, 2021/ Gemma Nemenzo

Death has not been a stranger to anyone this past year and a half. The steady and unrelenting drip drip of news of someone's passing has become a numbing reality. Some weeks are worse than others and the emotional toll can vary -- a little sadness for those you never got to know personally, a few tears for those you did know but were not that close to. And then there are those that are heavy as a mountain, when the loss leaves one deeply grieving. Such was the impact of the sudden passing of well-known revolutionary activist Sixto Carlos Jr. on my co-editor, Rene Ciria Cruz, whose poignant eulogy to his kasama and kabayan (they both grew up in Pandacan) is a fitting tribute to a man who lived a consequential life. ["My Friend, Sixto Carlos Jr."]

It's never all gloom and doom however. Positively Filipino publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco celebrates the long and eventful life of Delfin Gonzalez, who is now 107 years old and still hale and healthy. This man she calls Tito Delfin was the subject of her first film, "66 Years, 2 Months, 21 days…and Still Counting" made in 2009 when he was just 95. ["The Indefatigable Delfin Gonzalez"]

Contributing writer Leny Mendoza Strobel writes the inspiring story of Justin Jones whose quest to connect to his Filipino roots has given depth and impetus to his civil rights activism. ["Justin Jones – Black, Filipino, Civil Rights Activist"]

And speaking of inspiration, if you're a church goer, chances are you've sang "Time to Change," a popular inspirational song composed by Atek Jacinto, the musical director whose other claim to fame is his being the "creator" of the famous Circus band of the '70s. Many who remember the song say it's an appropriate time to revive it, considering the political situation in the Philippines. ["'Time to Change' -- How It All Began"]

Part 27 of Fil-Ams Among the Remarkable and Famous includes artists, community leaders, corporate professionals and the mother of Jo Koy.

Always delightful, always delicious. That's Sandy Daza's cooking as showcased in the Metro Channel's Casa Daza. For the Happy Home Cooks this week, enjoy Sandy cooking classic favorites: Kare-kare, Bistek Tagalog and Adobo.

For Video of the Week, we feature the episode of ANC’s “Our Fragile Earth” on Pujada Bay and Sarangani Bay.

[PARTNER] Deadline To Register For Overseas Voting For The 2022 Philippine National Elections