Guiding Light

A few days ago, on September 28, the Philippines lost one of its most esteemed citizens, Bienvenido L. Lumbera, National Artist for Literature and beloved by many as writer, professor, activist and guiding light. Here's why his legacy will forever be revered  in the annals of Philippine arts and letters, from the web site of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, where Bien taught for years.

Positively Filipino joins the Filipino nation in paying tribute to this national treasure. 

Bienvenido L. Lumbera

A writer’s truth: The legacy of National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera

Meanwhile in Broadway, Fil-Am actor Marc delaCruz made history when he played three major roles in the much acclaimed musical, "Hamilton," -- the lead role of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr (Hamilton's "ideological foil", and King George, the British monarch who was the enemy of the revolutionaries. In the still relatively un-diverse New York City theater world, DelaCruz's singular feat is an important breakthrough. PF contributor Walter Ang, author of "Barangay to Broadway: Filipino American Theater History", writes about "The Talented Mr. delaCruz."

With part 30 of the very long list, "Fil-Ams Among the Remarkable and Famous" will take a break to give way to another important list in October. Watch out for it starting next Wednesday.

There is no stopping the remarkable and famous from getting well-deserved honors, however. Irene Natividad, one of the most prominent community leaders, was honored by the French government recently for her gender activism. Washington D.C. community leader Jon Melegrito reports.

"Kuhol" (snail in English, escargot in French) is a relatively new delicacy in mainstream Filipino cuisine. PF Correspondent and cookbook author Rene M. Astudillo gives us the dark origins of this exotic dish and shares two recipes for it for the Happy Home Cook. 

For Video of the Week: One Down features Food Insecurity in the Filipino Community

In The Know

Filipino, Vietnamese, Thai students ‘invisible’ victims of STEM inequality
https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2021/09/asian-stem-disparities.html?fbclid=IwAR1MVwxoOuurl9Vs0Cnp_1OXeec5KMjYip2F1u6hIe5GERTssS_PBsIkKoQ

Dante Basco reflects on diversity in Hollywood as a child star: 'No one even knew what a Filipino was'
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/dante-basco-hook-avatar-the-last-airbender-child-actor-are-the-kids-alright-150049635.html?soc_src=yahooapp

Washington DC version of Jollibee spaghetti is among best dishes of 2021, says Food & Wine mag
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/food-drink/restaurants/09/23/21/jolly-spaghetti-homage-among-best-dishes-of-2021?fbclid=IwAR2uo058_-EOxoIYINMyQUZO99ze-ZucZpaSkrmrgAlsIzepg_oovVSQZSk

The making of “Squid Game” and why Pinoys can’t get enough of it
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/movies/09/28/21/the-making-of-squid-game-and-why-pinoys-are-watching?fbclid=IwAR1ZT2OLL0m02yEtXAYJEvU-HMJM6E7M2VrIHBU_ZmUczbULGPeivww3RWM

Tatler Spotlight: The International Icon Of Elegance, Style, And Beauty, Isabel Preysler
https://www.tatlerasia.com/the-scene/people-parties/tatler-spotlight-isabel-preysler?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2jJS_IrDlAHq03mLAat7-toKJ3nKWoVvHHfWHRIqEklKCok6U4wkMUfsE#Echobox=1632366815

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A New Generation Heeds the Call of the Times

Our generation who grew up in the Philippines has had our share of pivotal historical moments when we felt the world shifting, for better or for worse. The First Quarter Storm of 1970, the declaration of martial law in 1972, the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, and the biggest one of all, the EDSA People Power Revolt in 1986 --  all these were monumental events we have lived through. Now, I can’t help but watch with pride as younger Filipino Americans across the country take action. 

In the past week we've witnessed an uprising--in reaction to the brutal murder of George Floyd--unlike any other I’ve seen since moving to the U.S. in 1988. Many from my children’s generation, and even younger, have shown their support by joining the massive protests that have sprung up in large and small cities, and surprisingly, even in some rural towns not typically known for mass actions.

What I am most intrigued about are all the new ways to show resistance beyond the protest signs. Of those who are not at marches, many are at home grappling with the larger questions: Why were Fil-Ams able to ignore how we treat black rights issues for so long? How can I start a conversation with my parents and relatives? How do I challenge casually uttered racist comments when they come up?

Social media have opened up a new avenue for action, from reposting content, rapidly sharing petitions and letters to politicians, to enabling Fil-Ams to engage their circles more deeply. My daughter Maia launched ongoing discussion groups via Zoom for Asian Americans to unpack questions of identity, learn more about Asian American history, and build solidarity with their African American friends. She announced it on her Instagram account and expected 15 attendees, but 80 people showed up.

Her husband, Jensen, a passionate cyclist, rallied his friends and his bike community to donate to black causes by committing to bike one hour for every $100 donated. He expected $1,000, but raised nearly $7,000. Last weekend alone, he completed 37 hours. Friends joined him on the ride for hours at a time to show their support.  When they saw donations pour in for the largest foundations, Jensen chose four lesser known black causes for the collective donation, to raise awareness about them and redirect the next round of giving.

Their peers are buzzing with ideas about what they might do next to keep up the momentum: organizing teach-ins with other people of color; putting pressure on their employers; volunteering their time; offering their skills in video editing, graphic design, fundraising; and the list goes on.

All of these -- the questioning, the soul-searching, the creative initiatives, the springing into action -- have made a septuagenarian like me, already a veteran of marching and protesting, teary-eyed and incredibly hopeful. Yes, our children have taken up the baton of change. Yes, the world will be a better place in their hands. And yes, they might be able to talk sense to their elders (some of whom are saying some pretty ignorant, disgusting and wrong comments about the current turmoil), as long as they are willing to listen and learn. 

This week in Positively Filipino:

Why The ‘Anti-Terror’ Bill Imperils Philippine Democracy By Ernesto M. Hilario

How Filipinos Are Coping With COVID-19, Part One: Canada, Singapore, UK, Italy
By Cecilia Manguerra-Brainard

Mark Dacascos Defines Cool Onscreen And In Quarantine By Anthony Maddela

Fil-Ams Among The Remarkable And Famous, Part 5 By Mona Lisa Yuchengco 

[Partner] Reflections On June 12, 1898: Philippine Declaration Of Independence Amid A "Dangerous International Environment" By Dr. Frank Jenista 

Read Again: A Black Man’s Burden By Rene G. Ontal

Cook Again: The Happy Home Cook: Adobong Dilaw, A Timeless Recipe By Elizabeth Ann Quirino

Video of the Week: Wake Up in the Philippines from the Philippine Department of Tourism

ITKs: Timely Stories from other Publications

Stories from the Frontlines: Filipinos in the U.S. on George Floyd, Protests, Racism, and Fear
https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/george-floyd-protests-a00202-20200604-lfrm4?fbclid=IwAR0nwDoRwHlnlLIgH_RKKxmsHuACwBlWvssxtiK2PqMZXRBCw9BfpF_VP-Q

Shooting the Invisible, With Photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani
https://waytogo.cebupacificair.com/xyza-cruz-bacani-photography/?fbclid=IwAR3qXI1TGO3WlvE2lkU9mNByr6srsgVsR5PCd2pA-Ic3EcQOQmxvMGB9-rI

In a Philippine indigenous stronghold, traditions keep COVID-19 at bay
https://news.mongabay.com/2020/04/in-a-philippine-indigenous-stronghold-traditions-keep-covid-19-at-bay/?fbclid=IwAR13p6hXxv048tp-dfeMugOp_ocpFkiF18UxiQJb1asHzcifXr8i22foObQ

These horrifying ‘human zoos’ delighted American audiences at the turn of the 20th century
https://timeline.com/human-zoo-worlds-fair-7ef0d0951035

These Two Labour Leaders Were Assassinated 40 Years Ago In Seattle
https://philippinecanadiannews.com/canada/editorial-celebrating-the-legacy-of-filipino-labour-unionism/?fbclid=IwAR3lrHvkarFoqDiF6UlUZaM39WhDV3p1TiJg5CthPlfYSOpv4TbSzMGbvYo

Top 10 Books of Filipino Stories for Children
https://www.tagaloglang.com/top-10-books-of-filipino-stories-for-children/?fbclid=IwAR0r6kDOAmX6PzJYsx87QIIagRt6Nv2s0huRgM35ywiKnQKukTvOdjrcsY8