Remembering

We've seen it happen many times -- from unimaginable tragedies spring unbelievable acts of kindness.We saw it in Houston, in Paris, London, Leyte, New Orleans, even in the war-ravaged countries of the Middle East. And we can never forget how the world became one in the aftermath of the 9/11 attack in New York. On the 16th anniversary of this tragedy of tragedies, as we reel from nature's wrath and political tsunamis, we are reposting first-person accounts that will forever be etched in our hearts. Remember 9/11 with "The Anguish Lingers," G. Mayumi Querubin's interviews of Filipino families who lost loved ones.

Read Again the memories of those who were there that day: http://www.positivelyfilipino. com/magazine/9-11-day-of-days.

We continue our Hometown series with writer/author/teacher Oscar Peñaranda's compilation of heartwarming stories of his boyhood days in Barugo, Leyte and Manila, where he and the Pasig River are "old friends." Peñaranda claims his share of oddball relatives and misadventures that spice up his recollections, making this one of the most potent distillations of childhood memories we've published so far.

And for this issue of memories, Manila-based writer Menchu Aquino Sarmiento tells us about her close encounters with the most famous Filipino writer of all time in "Love, Youth and Nick Joaquin." That those chance meetings with the inimitable -- and unpredictable -- author made an indelible impact on the aspiring writer is an understatement, and you'll see why.

A fitting back-to-school dish for your children is Misua Soup, where our resident foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino added a few of enhancements of her own to make this rendering not quite your Nanay's recipe.

And for your reading pleasure, our In the Know links:

Problem: A Massive Teacher Shortage. Solution: The Philippines https://www.nbcnews.com/politi cs/politics-news/problem- massive-teacher-shortage- solution-philippines-n793831

This Pinoy athlete had the SEA Games gold in the bag, but he happily settled for a silver.
http://www.interaksyon.com/this-pinoy-athlete-had-the-sea-games-gold-in-the-bag-but-he-happily-settled-for-a-silver-heres-why/

What it means to be a Palanca winner
https://www.rappler.com/ life-a nd-style/arts-and-culture/1808 66-carlos-palanca-memorial- awards-2017-butch-dalisay?utm_ source=facebook&utm_medium= social&utm_campaign=life-and- style

Zobel brothers share insights on surviving, thriving
http://business.inquirer.net/2 36223/zobel-brothers-share-ins ights-surviving-thriving

Last but not least, our Video of the Week: go back in time to the Philippines in 1950s through a promotional documentary by Coca-Cola.

How Did Your 2016 Go?

To look back at what I personally consider an emotionally challenging year (to say the least), we asked veteran journalist/editor (and community activist) Cherie Querol-Moreno to sum up what happened to our community, our homeland and our world the past 12 months. Her report, "The Year That Shocked," is supplemented by a personal year-ender from our publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco titled "The Year of Living Anxiously." And with these two pieces, I say 'nuff said.

We also end this year with a list of 15 Filipinos we can be proud of, each of them noteworthy for their achievements, their talents and their being good human beings. 

And for those who missed it the first time, Read Again poet/essayist/martial arts expert Rene J. Navarro's interesting take on Jose Rizal as a martial arts warrior. It was more than just genius or resignation that enabled our National Hero to face the last few days and hours of his life calm, composed and productive -- he wrote farewell letters to his loved ones and an immortal poem, among others. Navarro contends that it was thanks to "feral nerve" or what the Japanese call mushin no shin -- a mastery of self that can only come from the discipline of martial arts.

And with the New Year about to descend upon us, our resident foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino shares with us her recipe for ginataang bilo-bilo, a traditional merienda that meets the requirement of eating round things for good luck in the coming year.

For our last Video of the Week of 2016, we feature Coca Cola Philippines' latest Christmas commercial which honors the store employees who work during the holidays so that we can enjoy ours.