It’s been a rough weekend in the US — headlines filled with tension from Minneapolis, the Alex Pretti saga (and yeah, we’re still not over Renee Good), political drama, and that brutal cold snap that had entire cities frozen over. It’s been a lot.

But even in the chill, there were some bright, almost heartwarming moments. In North Carolina, a group of Buddhist monks continued their snowy “Walk for Peace,” trekking in their bright orange robes through ice and sleet on their way to Washington, D.C. (they’ll get there in about two weeks). And across the Pacific, tennis phenom Alex Eala continues to stir up the Filipino pride wherever she plays — triggering mini stampedes of support from fans every match.

For sports fans stuck at home and missing the action, there’s something to look forward to: the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, happening February 6–22. There are two Filipinos competing for the giant slalom and slalom events: Fil-Am Tallulah Proulx, 17, and Fil-Italian Francis Ceccarelli, 22.

Sadly, there’s no other Philippine team competing this time — not for lack of effort, though. The first-ever Filipino pairs figure skating duo and men’s curling team both came close but missed the qualification cutoff. PF correspondent and Olympic historian Myles Garcia breaks it down for us — though his feature this week focuses on a new book about the first Filipinos ever to join the Olympics, recently published by a small independent press back in Manila.

On a heavier note, there’s still no closure on the story of Filipino American activist Chantal Anicoche, who was recently found hiding in a forest cave in Mindoro after an encounter between the New People’s Army and the Philippine Army. What exactly brought her there? PF contributor Prof. Patricio Abinales, a former leftist revolutionary himself, unpacks the complex reality behind activism, idealism, and the danger of romanticizing a war that’s very much still real.

Two more stories we hope you'll enjoy: a grandson's recollection of his distinguished grandfather who was the first Filipino tobacco entomologist; and a profile of Rowena Federico Finn, a Fil-Am multimedia artist.

{Read It Again]

Ten Best-Kept Secrets of Olympic Ceremonies by Myles A. Garcia
When Spring Ran in Manila, a Sort of Book Synopsis by Amadio Arboleda

[Video of the Week] Why the Filipino Jeepney Is Dying–Here’s Why It Matters

In The Know

Alex Eala and the Quiet Discipline of Becoming
https://joyfulwellness.ph/2026/01/27/alex-eala-quiet-discipline-wellness

Fil-Am sa Washington D.C., ipinagdiwang ang ika-109 kaarawan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FdbVt0ZEto

Manila traffic not a condition, but a lifestyle: ‘How long does it take to get there?’ ‘Depende’
https://www.thediarist.ph/manila-traffic-not-a-condition-but-a-lifestyle-how-long-does-it-take-to-get-there-depende/

Filipina DH faces child abuse rap after 4-month-old ward found with brain injuries
https://www.sunwebhk.com/2026/01/filipina-dh-faces-child-abuse-rap-after.html?

2 Dead and 4 Missing After Cargo Ship Carrying 21 People Capsizes More Than 140 Miles from Land
https://people.com/2-dead-4-missing-cargo-ship-21-capsizes-south-china-11891129