Province of Tasty Delights

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So much has been written about Filipino food lately even in mainstream US publications. Filipino restaurants are also sprouting up in various countries as more overseas Filipinos with culinary creds recreate and/or improve on the dishes that they grew up with.

But if one were to ask where to find the best Filipino cooking, the arrow will definitely point to Pampanga which rightfully claims to be the culinary capital of the country. How did "Kapampangan" and "good food" become natural correlates in the taste buds of food connoisseurs? Robby Tantingco, a Kapampangan cultural historian, gives 10 reasons. 

Meanwhile, here's a new reason to smile: trendy sneakers that's 100% Filipino sourced and crafted. And better yet, they're made using a sustainable process that meets international standards. Lakat certainly puts pride in footwear.

And a reason to laugh: Pinoy street humor in Funny Signs #17.

Just this week came the news that the new Philippine ambassador to China is Jaime FlorCruz, a retired international journalist (Time magazine and CNN) whose intimate knowledge of China was borne out of imposed 15-year exile in that country due to his being in the wanted list of the first Ferdinand Marcos. Jimi succeeds his co-exile and close friend Santiago "Chito" Sta. Romana who was Duterte's ambassador to China and who died in office earlier this year. Read Again Jimi's story: 

http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/2013/4/40-years-in-china-from-stranded-activist-to-international-journalist

Here's an inspiring story about the T'Boli weavers, they who craft such beautiful indigenous fabrics. Read Again Patricia Araneta's report:

T’Boli: It’s Better to Weave Than to Leave — Positively Filipino | Online Magazine for Filipinos in the Diaspora

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Staff

Sea Finds and a Desert Run

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Pearl is one of three birthstones for June, and PF Contributor Myles A. Garcia sends in a timely story about some of the biggest pearls in the world found mainly in Palawan, including the Lao-Tzu pearl whose provenance almost reads like a crime thriller. Read "Pearls of the Orient Seas" and be amazed.

What pushes a man to run the Badwater ultramarathon, the world's toughest footrace? Ben Gaetos, an LA-based architect and probably the first Filipino to finish this extremely rigorous race, explains why he did it in "The Stubbornness of a Long-Distance Runner."

It's considered a delicacy in northern Philippines but for journalist/food connoisseur Rene M. Astudillo, "pinikpikan" is a no-no in his book. Find out why in "Why I Won't Eat the Cordilleras' Popular Pinikpikan."

Be amused at some of the funny signs one encounters in the Philippines. 

One of the best essays about Rizal is a must-read in our In The Know list this week:

“Death Is A Night Wind”
http://www.caravanmagazine.in/reviews-essays/jose-rizal-poem-haunts-philippines-today

The wrecking-ball president
https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/205469-rodrigo-duterte-wrecking-ball-president

Manila City gov't is planning to destroy its last park
http://nolisoli.ph/44441/arroceros-forest-park/

Duterte signs Philippine Mental Health law
https://www.rappler.com/nation/205425-duterte-signs-mental-health-law-services-philippines?utm_source=The+Daily+wRap&utm_campaign=43223b578b-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_06_21_04_31&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b3868977d4-43223b578b-95400069&mc_cid=43223b578b&mc_eid=0c0639d4af

For the Happy Home Cook, another simplified version of a Filipino favorite -- cassava cake -- from Melanie Q. Suzara.

For Video of the Week, Safeguard Philippines features Norman King, the first Filipino Aeta to graduate from the University of the Philippines.

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Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino

The Incredible Beaches

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If you're in the Philippines and pondering a quiet, meditative getaway for the Holy Week, check out Manuel "EG" Hizon's very enticing list of "11 Great Beaches You Probably Haven’t Been To." These spectacular beaches are [still] hidden gems because they're far from the madding crowd (i.e. Boracay, etc.), which is where you want to be if you're seeking peace, privacy and a respite from the scorching summer heat.

A look back at a controversial historical item: San Francisco State University professor emeritus Dr. Penelope V. Flores  supports the view of historians and writers that "Magellan's Interpreter, Enrique, Was the First to Circumnavigate the World." She tells us why.

Switching back to the recent past, Randy David's postscript to the Philippine National Police's board of inquiry report on the Mamasapano tragedy is instructive and thought-provoking, as is usual of Professor David's writings. Read it here.

We have another compilation of Funny Signs for you, lest we "forget" that we belong to a nation of punsters and jokesters, and we never fail to laugh at life, no matter what.

And continuing our celebration of amazing women, Read Again some of our earlier postings:

"Blazing a Journalism Trail" by Benjamin Pimentel features Sheila Coronel's very impressive career trajectory from ace investigative journalist in the Philippines to dean of Columbia University's School of Journalism, arguably one of the best journalism schools in the world.

"3 Lessons from an Art Ambassador" by Dominique Padilla Gallego focuses on Lolita Valderrama Savage, the celebrated artist and citizen of the world whose paintings have been hailed in the art circles of Florence, New York and Manila.

"Model Mom" by Cherie Querol-Moreno reveals the woman behind California Assembly Representative Rob Bonta's success -- his mom, Cynthia Arnaldo Bonta, activist and educator, whose lifelong commitment to the fight for social justice has been her son's inspiration in becoming the first Filipino American to win a seat in the California legislature.

"Super Grandma" by Marianne Dayrit-Sison zeroes in on Consuelo Dancel Sison who recently turned 94 but is still as dynamic and energetic as anyone half her age. I met Mommy Elong recently and was truly amazed --  a fine example of the saying, "age is only a number."

Our Video of the Week is on the special delivery of food and guitars that Philippine military made to the soldiers on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, which is being claimed by China.

A blessed Easter to all.

 

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Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino