Papal Protection

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David (better known as Bishop Ambo) of the Caloocan diocese has been getting death threats, ostensibly from people unhappy about his speaking out against the extra-judicial killings (EJK)  happening in his territory. When in the Vatican recently to attend a meeting of Filipino bishops with Pope Francis, the Holy Father gave Bishop Ambo valuable affirmation. Read his Facebook post about the memorable encounter, "Confirmed by Peter's Embrace."

A Filipino American named CyreneQ is a certified sensation on Snapchat as she enthralls her more than 200,000 followers with her stories, art and advise. PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela explores the often overlooked Filipina side of this social media influencer in "Another Side of CyreneQ."

World traveler Bella Bonner gets real about visiting Peru's high-altitude attractions: the city of Cusco and the heritage site of Machu Picchu. Despite the breathing challenges, she still considers Cusco as one of her favorite cities.

As we approach our Motherland's Independence month, here are some Read Agains that offer some historical knowledge:  

Michael Gonzalez, "Please Stop Calling the Philippines 'P.I'"

Penelope V. Flores, "How Filipinos Got Their Surnames"

Here are links to stories in other pubs that you may have missed:

This Philippine Library Keeps 30,000 Ancient Books Worth Billions
https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/heritage-library-keeps-ancient-books-worth-billions-a00293-20190528-lfrm?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20190528-fbnp-long-reads-heritage-library-keeps-ancient-books-worth-billions-a00293-20190528-lfrm-fbfirst&fbclid=IwAR0xKAsPL3fp76d4I29q285MAhQSmybSty6J4M4Sca1qX10RzXFCNbgCPtw

The Philippines Just Became More Authoritarian, Thanks to the People
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/24/opinion/philippines-duterte-election-senate.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage&fbclid=IwAR04mS5WEHAbA3q_hI-o7aaZ8iKGxCFBAlJAYy1IxRuloKq5t4nIFC3XSx0

‘Not Just a Maid’: The Ultra-Running Domestic Workers of Hong Kong
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/25/world/asia/hong-kong-maids-running.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&fbclid=IwAR2xcPsKBOKqQyUP0xolwWTdS6IAfKhYrTZMvAMoqq78WOcuEDi_k_BMcik

From accidental collector to art world force
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/art/09/27/18/dr-joven-cuanang?fbclid=IwAR13LW73bbStGXLlgoper5lybO4vvt-mC3veTCj1kqWdn6_MaapCQH_79c0

Filipino-American Immigrants Take Center Stage in Masterful New Song Cycle; In-Depth Review and a Chat With Creator Paulo K. Tiról
https://www.onstageblog.com/profiles/2019/5/18/filipino-american-immigrants-take-center-stage-in-masterful-new-song-cycle-in-depth-review-and-a-chat-with-creator-paulo-k-tirl

For the Happy Home Cook, how about Ginataang Langka, done the vegan way by Richgail Enriquez.

In our video of the week, Rappler’s Maria Ressa is featured as commencement speaker at the graduation of Columbia Journalism School’s Class of 2019.

Todos Los Santos

Growing up in the Philippines, I never experienced the fun and hassle of clan reunions and feasts in cemeteries on All Saints Day because our dead relatives were all buried in Cebu while we lived in Quezon City. Thus my take of Todos los Santos was  more geared towards the supernatural: the onset of darkness on October 31 and November 1 were white-knuckle times, when I would keep the light on all night to ward off the ghosts and goblins, the aswang and the maligno that were roaming the earth. Of course, I never really encountered anything remotely paranormal, but I'm one of the millions who-- if psychological studies are to be taken seriously -- actually take pleasure in being scared, for whatever escape or expiation it may relieve my psyche from.

In keeping with the spirit of Halloween, we hope you enjoy three stories of the supernatural contributed by our writer-friends: Elizabeth Ann Quirino writes about "The Old Lady and the Balete Tree," first-time contributor Kathleen Joaquin Burkhalter tells us the story of her childhood encounters of a different kind in "Supernatural Memories of a Tropical Childhood," and  Pete Sandoval relates a childhood story, "How My Cousin Jimmy Became a Butterfly."

Back to the real world, another first-time contributor Carolina Esguerra Colborn introduces us to an RV (recreational vehicle) lifestyle in "Cruising to An American Dream," a treat for seniors considering options for their retirement years. 

To cap our Filipino American History Month celebration, we go back in time with Helen Ragsac Sanchez's story of her brief appearance in a 1943 documentary called "Filipino Sports Parade" when she was 15 years old, as well as introduce to you the current roster of "Fil-Am Media Makers To Watch." It has been a long, storied journey to the American mainstream but we can proudly proclaim that Filipinos are not [just] in the farmlands anymore. 

For those who belong to the over-50 set, please click on the AARP button below and take advantage of the benefits that the organization offers. Our Partner post this week: "Filipino Americans Struggle with Caring for Aging Loved Ones."

And our Video of the Week transports us to Hong Kong: "The Evolution of Hong Kong's Maids"

A meaningful Todos los Santos to everyone.