"A Focal Point For The Filipino Diaspora"

Great way to start the year! –Steve Rood, Asia Foundation, Philippines

What a great magazine! –Lotis Key

Congratulations! The articles are excellent!!! –Karen Webb, Calif., U.S.A.

We really like the global perspective.  –Dan Gonzalez, SFSU, Calif., U.S.A.

I have been forwarding the articles to my sisters and friends, and they have the same reactions I did: very interesting and educational.  –Lori Ocampo, Virginia, U.S.A.

Congratulations! This magazine is great. I hope the circulation will go viral and encourage Filipinos all over the world to contribute. Very interesting, informative, not to mention funny. It’s also computer friendly for those who are not computer literate. Very easy to navigate! –Joyce Schumacher, New South Wales, Australia

Substantial, well laid out and easy on the eyes.  –Babeth Lolarga 

Nice magazine, good concept. Negativists, stay out, it has sent you a message already.  –Pinoyman

Wow, I came to this site not expecting liberal propaganda.  Shame.  –Kusit B.

Enjoyed the first edition. Beautifully done and much needed.  –Sonny Manuel Calif., U.S.A.

What a great-looking online magazine!  Congratulations, Mona Lisa and staff.  Looking forward to reading the issues and writing for you. Mabuhay kayo!  –Marites Sison, Toronto, Canada

Looks very good.  Wide range of interesting articles; solid writing. I think you have a winner, something that can be a focal point for the Filipino Diaspora.  –Rod McLeod, Israel

ON BIRTH CONTROL

The headline, which says “Birth Control Now Law” is inaccurate and dangerous.  Birth control is the most inclusive of categories in the area of birth prevention and includes abortion, the very item the Church has been harping on.  I am pointing this out because this headline can--and if a vacationing Opus Dei member reads it, will probably--“fuel the fires.”  –Mario Lopez

This makes me smile. No to ignorance and blind faith.  –Nick 

Nicely done and congratulations to the Filipino people. I hope this doesn’t end the progress for the women of this country. Divorce is the next subject that the people need to address.  –Don Davis

Now that the RH Bill is a law, Filipinos should really use common sense and practice “safe sex.” Practice it only with a girlfriend when her husband is out of town! Or with a boyfriend when his wife is out of town!  –NMolgado

ON PORTUGAL

May I add a little historical study I made that shows the Portuguese were the first Europeans to set foot on the Philippine archipelago, not the Spanish contingent led by Fernao de Magalhaes. Please see http://wwwhistoricalconundrums.blogspot.com/2009/09/Portuguese-were-first-to-reach.html. –Vicente Calibo De Jesus, Portugal 

Thank you for this nice piece.  My wife and I were able to see a little of beautiful Portugal especially Sabrosa, Magellan’s hometown, where we met the gracious and hospitable mayor Dr. Jose Manuel de Carvalho Marques, PhD.  I uploaded a video at YouTube of our 28-hour trip from Paris to Sabrosa using Eurail train, bus and taxi.  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVXIjsIOIFE.  –Vicente Calibo De Jesus

Congratulations, Dr. Marques for writing on discovering your roots and your mother’s initiative to bring you there. My husband and I were in Portugal for our second honeymoon when we went there (and Spain); loved the food, friendly people and scenery, and…the fisherman’s sweater is still worn by my daughter, now a lawyer, imagine!  –Menchee Fulgado, PhD, New York, U.S.A.

ON PACQUIAO

I think he still has it, but he’s got to stay focused on boxing and forget politics, religion andshowbiz and do more power punches.  – Pinoyman

ON SIGNS

I am sending this to all my pamangkin (nieces and nephews) so they can enjoy and share with their friends.  The “signs” cracked us all up.  Had to check that out first. Best of luck with the new zine. I know it’s go

ing to be a hit!  –Eva Monroe, Calif., U.S.A.