It's a Filipina Moment!

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First it was Alex Eala—our kababayan tennis phenom—shaking up the sport. It’s not just her climb in the rankings; it’s the energy. If you’ve seen clips of her matches, you know: the crowd shows up loud, proud, and very Filipino.

Then came a proud Fil-Am moment on TV. Kristin Villanueva, Isa Briones, and Amielynn Abellera—all playing nurses on "The Pitt"—hit the stage together at the Screen Actors Guild Awards to accept Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. Fil-Am nurses on-screen, winning as a team? Yeah, that hits different. [See "Princess and 'The Pitt'" by Anthony Maddela below.]

And then last weekend? History. Autumn Durald Arkapaw—with that unforgettable name—became the first woman, first woman of color, and first Fil-Am to win Best Cinematography at the Academy Awards for "Sinners." Bay Area–raised, shaped by her Filipina mom, her tita, and her Kapampangan lolo (a WWII guerrilla and Death March survivor—grabe that legacy). Her speech? One of the night’s realest moments, honoring the women who made space for her to even be there.

Also making waves: Zinzi Evans-Coogler, lead producer of Sinners, becoming the first Fil-Am nominated for Best Picture—alongside her husband, Ryan Coogler, and Sev Ohanian. Power couple, but make it groundbreaking.

This Women's History Month, Filipinas in sports and entertainment aren’t just having a moment—they’re building momentum. And honestly? It feels less like a blip and more like the start of something long overdue.

This week’s stories:

Princess and ‘The Pitt’ by Anthony Maddela

Ceramic Art Across the Seas by Brian delos Santos

Before Our Dream Came True by Joel Jong Clemente

[Read It Again]

Standing Room Only by Lotis Key

Pinky Valdes’ Winding Road to Healing by Mona Lisa Yuchengco

Warmth by Durin Chappe

[Video of the Week] Autumn Durald Arkapaw talks about Oscar nomination, Filipino roots

[Partner] Philippine International Aid’s U.S. Scholarship

In The Know

‘If I go home, we don’t have enough money’: the low-paid Filipino workers caught up in the war on Iran

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/11/iran-war-filipino-workers-israel

Fil-Am Autumn Arkapaw becomes 1st woman to win Oscars’ cinematography award

https://usa.inquirer.net/191904/fil-am-autumn-arkapaw-becomes-1st-woman-to-win-oscars-cinematography-award?

Sisa’s Hilda Koronel on Craft, Courage, and Women Empowerment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOMHNrHhIZA

Here in Hollywood: The story behind the Filipino lullaby that made it to 'The Pitt'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa0g66HXhf4

“We carry our flag together!” – Emotional Miami meet-up between Erik Spoelstra and Alex Eala sends Filipino fans into a proud frenzy

https://scorecardnews.com/ngoclambtv3/we-carry-our-flag-together-emotional-miami-meet-up-between-erik-spoelstra-and-alex-eala-sends-filipino-fans-into-a-proud-frenzy/?

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Staff

Ride the Fire Horse

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We’re already in the second month of the year if you’re following the Christian calendar, but on February 17, the Chinese calendar flips the script with the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. It’s said to be a rare, high-energy year—one that shows up only once every 60 years—symbolizing bold moves, fast shifts, and fiery momentum. No hesitation, no dragging your feet.

Whatever calendar you live by and whatever traditions ground you, here’s hoping this surge of courage and change plays out with purpose—bringing progress that’s peaceful, meaningful, and good for our homeland, our adopted countries, and the wider world we all share.

For Positively Filipino, 2026—the Year of the Fire Horse—will be about both staying true to who we are and pushing forward. We’ll keep delivering the stories you’ve come to expect: deep dives into history and culture (we’ve got two historical pieces this week alone), profiles of fascinating Filipinos across generations, features on creative work, travel essays, first-person stories, and thoughtful looks at the people and politics shaping our communities.

And because we’re always down to level up, we’re adding something new: “Overseas Filipino Achievers”. This expands our long-running and ever-growing collection of short profiles spotlighting Filipino achievers—starting with FilAms, and now widening the lens globally.

That’s where you come in.

If you’re part of the Filipino diaspora outside the Philippines and the US, we’d love your help. Send us names, links, and supporting info about Filipino achievers making waves in your local communities.

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Staff

It's Been a Lot of Winter America

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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

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Staff