Far from Our Beginnings

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As Filipino Americans have spread across the United States, our community has moved far beyond the fields and labor camps where many of our manongs and manangs first began their American journey in the early 20th century. Today, FilAms are making their mark in every profession and industry imaginable. So it’s no surprise that even NASA’s Artemis mission includes Filipino Americans helping shape the future of space exploration. Four of them — along with eight other outstanding FilAms from different fields — are featured in publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco’s latest compilation, “FilAms Among the Remarkable and Famous, Part 78.”

And then there’s Alexandra Eala — a name Filipinos around the world now proudly recognize. The young tennis sensation has been drawing unexpectedly massive and passionate crowds, catching tournament organizers off guard and showing just how deeply Filipinos rally behind one of our own. Although her world ranking has shifted from No. 29 in March to No. 37 this month, her impact continues to grow. Toronto-based economist and professor Cesar Polvorosa Jr. examines how Eala’s rise in a sport long viewed as elite in the Philippines — along with her unapologetic embrace of Filipino pride — is reshaping how Filipinos see themselves on the global stage in “Sampaguita on Center Court: What Alex Eala Means to Filipinos.”

Did you know that in one of the world’s last authentic paradises, honesty isn’t just encouraged, it’s actually a way of life? In Batanes, the Philippines’ breathtaking northernmost province, some stores operate without cashiers or staff. Customers simply leave payment in a drop box and take what they purchased. Hard to imagine these days, but in Batanes, trust and community still reign. Veteran journalist and podcaster Howie Severino takes readers on a journey through the islands’ scenic landscapes, how they have resisted the vulgarity of malls, chain stores and other modern influences, and have remained true to their deeply rooted values in “How To Be Like Batanes,” reposted from GMA Network.

Meanwhile, recent headlines about U.S. immigration rules have caused understandable concern among aspiring immigrants, especially those worried they may now be required to return to their home countries to apply for green cards. But the reality is more nuanced than the alarming headlines suggest. To help separate fact from fear, we’re reposting veteran immigration attorney Lourdes Tancinco’s clear and reassuring explanation of what the new policy changes actually mean. 

[Read It Again]

FIFA Gets a Kick Out of LeRoid David’s Poster Design by Wilfred Galila

Barotac Nuevo, Where Football Is King by Criselda Yabes

[Video of the Week] Recovered steamer trunks showcase history of Filipino American farmworkers

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