With a great deal of pride and joy, we celebrate our colleague in journalism, Maria Ressa, for winning the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. The first Nobel in Philippine history, her triumph and that of her co-winner Dmitri Muratov of Russia is a significant statement that freedom of the press is a sacred democratic right and must be fought for when autocrats try to smother it.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa (Source: Reuters)

You've seen the iconic photo and the many posters spawned in its wake: a door with a sign that says "Positively No Filipinos Allowed." As PF contributing writer M.T. Ojeda notes, the caption usually just says "Stockton hotel, circa 1930s." Ojeda's archival digging reveals a clearer provenance, however, and it involves the author Wallace Stegner and Look magazine. Read the interesting backstory here: "Positively No Filipinos Allowed."

Filipino Freemasonry has a long illustrious history, with such well-known members as Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio. Filipinos in America have continued the tradition with Mason lodges sprouting up in California and other states. PF contributing writer James Sobredo gives us a rare close-up of this age-old fraternity in "Behind the Growing Popularity of Fil-Am Freemasonry."

Part 2 of "We Stand on Their Shoulders," PF's list and bios of Fil-Am pioneers no longer with us, focuses on historians and archivists; legislators, politicians and government officials; and a multiple Olympic gold medalist.

October 11 this year was declared Indigenous People's Day for the first time by President Joe Biden. A federal holiday, the commemoration was known as Columbus Day. PF Correspondent Cherie Querol Moreno explains why Fil-Ams should find solidarity with our indigenous brothers and sisters in "Did You Say 'Happy Columbus Day'?"

A timely Video of the Week features Alaska-based Fil-Am psychologist E.J. David talking about raising his children as both Filipinos and Athabascan, his wife's people.

When the weather turns colder, nothing beats Arroz Caldo for a warmer-upper. Here's a repost of an Instant Pot Arroz Caldo recipe from PF Correspondent and foodie, Elizabeth Ann Quirino.

In The Know (Philippine Election Edition)

As the Philippine election season heats up in preparation for the actual voting in May 2022, Positively Filipino will be posting links to stories from other publications that we hope will clarify issues and prod overseas Filipinos to vote.

Philippine presidential elections open, dominated by fascistic and far-right forces
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/10/11/phil-o11.html?fbclid=IwAR35wAJHwRkh4biKuzYx7g1EkNxbZF6_6d-vfnR8aGQDl5pHGtHfHXVxL30

Electoral Merry-Go-Round Update
https://www.getrevue.co/profile/mlq3/issues/manolo-quezon-is-theexplainer-newsletter-issue-37-electoral-merry-go-round-update-786987

Turning Point: The Changing Political Area
https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2021/10/turning-point-the-changing-political-arena/