On the Vancouver Tragedy

"When violence strikes one of us, it strikes all of us."

These words from our British Columbia-based contributing writer Lani Domaloy hits home for Filipinos everywhere following the shock of the recent tragedy in Vancouver where a mentally deranged Asian man drove through a large crowd of Filipino Canadians at the tail end of the Lapu Lapu Day Festival last Saturday, April 26. What started out with such joy -- a Filipino gathering of thousands can't help but be a grand celebration (and kudos to FilCans for honoring the first Filipino anti-colonial, a hero that FilAms barely know) -- ended up in collective sorrow. Eleven dead so far, including a five-year-old girl. WHY? 

At this point, there are no answers, only more questions. And outrage. A vehicle as a weapon for mass killing has happened several times in the US in recent years. But in Canada?

We join our northern neighbor -- and kababayans there -- in mourning, not just the dead and the wounded but also its loss of innocence.

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In an agrarian economy like the Philippines, land reform is not an abstract idea but a living, breathing organism that determines the livelihood and survival of the millions who rely on the land for subsistence. This week, writer/photographer/social activist David Bacon discusses a little known (at least to the general public) issue that has immense repercussions on the Philippine economy: the World Bank is financing a program that will dismantle farm cooperatives, which have helped small farmers gain collective ownership of big plantations, in favor of splitting ownership of land into small parcels. This is a new twist to the very fraught issue of agrarian reform, for which insurgencies have been fought and lives lost. Bacon provides a comprehensive overview of what's happening and what the resistance has been doing.

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We introduce two books and their women authors in this issue: Kalayaan: Filipina Heroines of World War II by Kathryn Serrano, as featured by Elaine J.E. Degale; and Dirty Kitchen: A Memoir of Food and Family by Jill Damatac, as reviewed by Anthony Maddela. Both books are about Filipina warriors, in war and against domestic abuse. 

For our Video of the Week, here’s a short trailer for the film on Larry Ramos, created by independent filmmaker Rick Quan. Larry was one of the lead singers of the iconic Grammy Award-winning group of the 1960s, The Association. He was the first Asian and Filipino American Grammy winner. He died 11 years ago today. For more about Larry Ramos, Read Again our story on him below.

Read Again

Along Comes Larry by Peter Jamero

A D.C. Springtime Concert Born in Manila by Titchie Carandang

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In The Know

Despair Blankets Scene of Car-Ramming Attack at Festival
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/28/world/canada/vancouver-festival-attack.html

Five year-old girl and her parents among 11 people killed in the Vancouver festival attack
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/vancouver-car-attack-victims-philippines-festival-b2740927.html

Why the death of Pope Francis is hitting me so hard
https://www.thediarist.ph/why-the-death-of-pope-francis-is-hitting-me-so-hard/

The brilliance and humanity of Nora Aunor
https://www.thediarist.ph/the-brilliance-and-humanity-of-nora-aunor/

Fil-Am blasts rival over ballot fight, alleged affair with NYC mayor
https://usa.inquirer.net/170990/fil-am-blasts-rival-over-ballot-fight-alleged-affair-with-nyc-mayor?

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Goodbyes at Easter

Just as we were still mourning the unexpected death of Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, we were shocked by the news that the Philippines’ only superstar, Nora Aunor, died. Nora is Pilita’s balae: Nora’s daughter Lotlot was the long-time partner of Pilita’s son Monching Gutierrez, and the two big stars of the entertainment industry shared three grandchildren.

And as we were still witnessing the pomp and circumstance of National Artist Nora’s funeral (watch our Video of the Week), we got the news that Pope Francis who many Filipino Catholics idolized, passed away. At the end of the same day, another death – Hajji Alejandro, one of the biggest singing sensations of the ‘70s. In the US, 82-year-old Patrick Adiarte who as a young boy played the role of the crown prince in the much beloved musical, The King and I, passed a few days earlier. (PF Correspondent Myles Garcia updated his feature on him, link below). 

All this sadness happened within two weeks of the Easter season. It’s as if we don’t have enough stress and sorrow already as we watch the world as we know it implode before our eyes.

But we plodded on, searching for silver linings.

Like pride in our kababayans who have been elected or appointed to important government positions in their adopted countries. PF’s list, compiled by our publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco, is proof that Filipinos are a positive force wherever they may be. 

Like wonderment in the beautiful bonsai creations of ex-ad industry executive Angelito Pangilinan, who is not just a bonsai enthusiast but also an acknowledged advocate of the art.

The glut of empty condo units in metropolitan Manila at present, however, is a mixed bag. While the oversupply may mean prices may go down for the moneyed intending to buy units, there is also the glaring inequity issue, as Manila-based PF Correspondent Rene Astudillo points out.

Despite the contradictions in our realities, we hope you enjoy this issue.

Read Again:

We’re on a Pope Mobile By Nitz Almazora

The Manila Boy Who Would Be King By Myles A. Garcia

Pope Francis and My Brother By Gemma Nemenzo

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In The Know

People Gather to Mourn and Honor Pope Francis
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/21/world/europe/pope-francis-photos-mourning-reaction.html?

Hajji Alejandro, OPM legend and balladeer, dead at 70 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSSg0DjX6uk

A Canadian Company Says It’s Fighting Pollution in the Philippines. Is It Cashing In Instead?
https://thewalrus.ca/plastic-credits/?lid=tyznz7alkt1s

Alexandra Eala: The reality of travel and difficulty of securing visas with a Philippine passport
https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/alexandra-eala-the-reality-of-travel-and-difficulty-of-securing-visas-with-a-philippine-passport?

Why the ICC should consider Sara in next round of arrests
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/why-icc-should-consider-sara-next-round-arrests/?

Clark County Commission establishes 'Filipino Town' cultural district
https://news3lv.com/news/local/clark-county-commission-establishes-filipino-town-cultural-district?

Joel Lamangan and Ricky Lee to honor Nora Aunor with biopic
https://tribune.net.ph/2025/04/20/joel-lamangan-and-ricky-lee-to-honor-nora-aunor-with-biopic

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If You're Stopped at a U.S. Port of Entry

Allow us this brief interruption of your Holy Week meditation or panata. 

If you're a returning resident (aka green card holder) to the US and you're stopped at your port of entry, here's valuable guidance on your rights  (yes, you do have rights) and what you can do to ensure those rights are respected. San Francisco-based immigration lawyer Lourdes Santos Tancinco lists down what can happen and how you can protect your status. "Your green card is your legal proof of U.S. residency, and you should not be pressured into relinquishing it. If questioned, detained, or pressured to sign documents, stand your ground, assert your rights, and seek legal advice," she states. 

"West Covina Councilman Ollie Cantos Can’t Do What?" Read PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela's profile of this dynamic, accomplished FilAm public servant who didn't allow his disability (blind since birth) to stop him from reaching the heights (including a visit to the White House Oval Office) as a civil rights fighter in government. Read on and be inspired.

Confused about what's happening in the US government right now? Rappler executive editor Marites Vitug talks to our own PF editor Rene Ciria Cruz to unpack the perplexing mayhem that is the current administration, in our Video of the Week. 

Finally, we pay tribute to two of the Philippines' most beloved icons: Superstar Nora Aunor, who passed a few hours ago, and Pilita Corrales, Asia's Queen of Songs, who died last week. A million thanks to both of you for the joy your immense talents and your music brought to our lives.  Check out our In The Know section below for tributes to Nora and Pilita. And Read Again: "The Timeless Nora Aunor" by PF contributing writer and film critic Mauro Feria Tumbocon, Jr.

We wish you all a peaceful and joyous Easter.

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In The Know

Nora Aunor, Superstar and national artist, dead at 71
https://entertainment.inquirer.net/606014/nora-aunor-superstar-and-national-artist-dead-at-71?

A tribute to Pilita
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lL5MIHGHo0

Exclusive: Fake accounts drove praise of Duterte and now target Philippine election
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/fake-accounts-drove-praise-duterte-now-target-philippine-election-2025-04-11/

Trump’s Tariffs Will Pummel Asia. But One Country Sees Opportunity.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/09/business/trump-tariffs-philippines.html

Dismantling a dynasty: Vico Sotto is redefining local leadership
https://pcij.org/2025/04/07/dismantle-political-dynasty-vico-sotto-redefines-local-leadership

Persistence Is Key: How The Agnew Sisters Overcame Injury and Doubt To Play Together At The Division I Level
https://ucdavisaggies.com/news/2025/4/8/athletics-persistence-is-key-how-the-agnews-overcame-injury-and-doubt-to-play-together-at-the-division-i-level.

How does deportation work, and how much does it cost? We break it down.
https://www.npr.org/2025/04/07/nx-s1-5308051/deportation-timeline-cost?

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