Where Are You Going in 2018 (Literally)?

So here we are once again -- another year over, and what an emotionally taxing year it has been.

Now we get to start again and we send our wishes for a more peaceful and meaningful 2018 for everyone.

Will this coming year be filled with travel for you? Here's a reality check for one of the most desired destinations in our motherland -- Coron in Palawan. PF contributor Bella Bonner visited the place for the first time and shares her astute observations of what awaits you in one of the most talked about places in anyone's bucket list.

In another part of the world, Joe Santos posts his encounters with Filipinos of various kinds during his cruise earlier this year. 

And for a delicious New Year's meal, Elizabeth Ann Quirino once again puts together a menu consisting of Spanish-style Cocido, which is a complete meal in itself, and Coconut Leche Flan.

As for our In The Know links, we always try to give you a variety of stories for your reading pleasure:

Women of Manila ‘killing field’ count on power of silence
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/949345/war-on-drugs-drug-killings-extrajudicial-killings#ixzz52TTjA1gP

Decolonizing With Betel Nuts
https://medium.com/@margostebbing/decolonizing-with-beetle-nuts-3785731297fc

5 famous personalities around the world who have nothing but praise for Filipino nannies
https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoTimes/videos/1278772492230043/

What's wrong with this statue of a comfort woman?
https://www.rappler.com/nation/192301-comfort-woman-statue-roxas-boulevard-manila-issues

For Video of the Week, we wind up the year with renowned shadow dance group El Gamma Penumbra's rendition of Pentatonix's “Mary, Did You Know?”

Out of the Shadows

El Gamma Penumbra, a shadow play performance troupe from Tanauan, Batangas, bagged the first-ever Asia Got Talent gold with their mesmerizing dance routine -- a profound statement on climate change and the need to protect the environment. Watch the highly creative, winning performance of these 13 young Batangueños in our Video of the Week.

Another show worth watching is the revival of "Gigi" on Broadway starring Filipino American Vanessa Hudgens in the title role previously played by Audrey Hepburn and Leslie Caron. Myles Garcia writes a review, "Our Own New Gal on Broadway," that's also a backgrounder to this beloved musicale, while Ella Garcia (no relation to Myles) introduces her daughter Karla, who performs alongside Vanessa. 

Considering retirement in the Philippines? Think twice, as our Toronto-based contributor Maripi Leynes suggests in "Expat Retirement in the Philippines Isn't That Simple." While there's plenty of real estate to be bought, facilities or amenities geared towards the specific needs of seniors are sorely lacking. Maripi spent five months touring the motherland looking into places to retire in, if she decides to go home for good.

Lupus, that deadly autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women and communities of color (including Filipinos), has been found to have a strong genetic  component. Meaning if a close family member has it, there's a big chance you might get it too. It might be wise to get yourself tested, like Lady Gaga did. "Genetics May Be Key in Detecting Causes of Lupus" is a waker-upper from the Lupus Foundation, which is celebrating Lupus Awareness Month.

The Happy Home Cook recipe this week is "Longanisa Meatballs with Peanut Sauce," a quick, delicious meal that uses prepackaged Filipino-style sausage.

In my blog, I pay tribute to the Filipina nanny in "Mama Wasn't My Mother."

We'd like to hear from you so how's about taking a quick poll: Should Sen. Grace Poe run for president in 2016?

To our US-based readers, safe travels this Memorial Day weekend.