Awesome Filipinas

One of the delightful benefits of putting out a magazine is getting stories of Filipinos who are so inspiring that merely reading about them makes one feel elevated. On the occasion of International Women's Month, enjoy these stories by women aboutwomen who are definitely worthy of emulation:

Dr. Reinabelle Reyes, a young astrophysicist, recognized by the international scientific community for leading a study that proved Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Carleen Sacris, herself an accomplished educator, profiles this awe-inspiring woman in "Seeing Stars with Dr. Reina Reyes."

Dr. Helena Z. Benitez, educator, civic leader, former senator and former president of the Philippine Women's University, is lovingly written about by her niece. Read Again "Travels With My Aunt" by Lyca Benitez-Brown, a well-known TV producer, who wrote this story when Dr. Benitez was 99 years old. She's now turning 102 and still going strong. 

Clemencia Lopez, one of the founders of the Philippine Feminist Association in 1905, dared go to the White House (the first Filipino to do so) to talk to then-President Theodore Roosevelt and plead for the freedom of her brothers who fought in the Philippine-American War. This is another Read Again by Lyca whose illustrious genealogy includes Ms. Lopez.

Award-winning author/journalist Criselda Yabes reveals her thoughts about "Manila Life" today, the stark reality of which is that it is quickly becoming unliveable. 

Speaking of inspiring, the two winning essays of the 30th Anniversary EDSA/People Power Essay Writing Contest, by young Filipino Americans Josh Severn and Jon Luigi Abella Caña, present some worthy food for thought. 

And a peek into Positively Filipino Correspondent Myles A. Garcia's new book, "Thirty Years Later...Catching Up with the Marcos-Era Crimes," to be launched at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco on Friday, March 11 (everyone is invited): "The True 'Tail' of the Persopolis Bash 45 Years Ago."

For our Happy Home Cook feature this week, a perfect dish for Lent: Adobong Okra from the late culinary diva, Nora Daza. 

Finally, do you think the Philippines is paradise? See for yourself in our Video of the Week feature. 

Tragedy and Enchantment

Almost two months have elapsed since the tragedy in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, but the story is still very much alive in the military, the media and especially in the Aquino administration, which continues to suffer in the fallout.

This week we feature guest contributor Randy David, UP professor of sociology and political movements, who explains to us the bigger context of the tragedy: a police operation vs. the peace process that the government is trying to rebuild in Mindanao. Randy is known for his consistently illuminating pieces and this one is no exception.

From tragedy, we switch to enchantment and we have two stories to do just that: Engkanto Falls in Naga City in the Bicol region is where spirits of the supernatural variety dwell, according to legend. Excel V. Dyquiangco takes us there in "Romance of the Falls."

Likewise, our publisher, Mona Lisa Yuchengco, gives us a glimpse of enchanting India as she traveled with her sisters and some friends and encountered Filipinos, among others. "Pinoyspotting: Kababayans in India" continues our Pinoyspotting series, and we'd like to hear from you too about your travels and your encounters.

We continue to celebrate Women's History Month and this time, we'd like to point you back to enchanting women we have featured:

"Travels with My Aunt," by Lyca Benitez-Brown is about the formidable stateswoman and educator, Helena Z. Benitez, who at 100 years old, is still going strong.

"The Thoroughly Modern Sofia de Veyra" by Titchie Carandang-Tiongson introduces us to a little-known but definitely a memorable Filipina who, as wife of the Philippine Resident Commissioner in 1917, astonished and impressed Washington, DC with her intelligence, energy and charm.

"The Untold Story of Sugar Pie DeSanto" by Ben Pimentel is another eye-opener because Sugar Pie is not well known among Filipino Americans but was a big name in the jazz world.

Our Video of the Week transports us to enchanting Paris as bloggers Randy Diaz and Joyce Ibardolaza sample the culinary creations of Chef Aaron Isip of Restaurant Dix-Huit.

Wishing you a life of enchantment.