Extraordinary People, Unforgettable Stories

/

Thirteen and a half years ago, the four of us former Filipinas* magazine colleagues—came together with a simple idea: to create an online magazine that would tell the stories of Filipinos everywhere, not just in the Philippines or the United States. We had no idea Positively Filipino would still be here more than a decade later.

Looking back, what fills us most is gratitude. Through PF, we have been welcomed into the lives of kababayans around the world. Our readers and writers have introduced us to extraordinary people, unforgettable stories, and perspectives that have deepened our understanding of what it means to be Filipino in today's world.

One of our greatest privileges has been discovering talented writers—many publishing for a wider audience for the first time—and giving them a place to share their voices. We've also had the honor of recognizing Filipinos whose achievements deserve to be celebrated and remembered, while providing history and context for our shared story.

It hasn't always been easy. There were times we were criticized for taking a stand, and other times for not taking one. We've also lost dear friends and contributors over the years, including one who sent us his final article from the ICU. Their words remain part of PF's legacy.

If these thirteen and a half years have taught us anything, it's that stories matter. They connect us across oceans, generations, and experiences.

To everyone who has read us, written for us, shared our stories, and encouraged us along the way—thank you. Your trust and support have made Positively Filipino what it is today. It has been our privilege to be part of your lives. 

* Filipinas was a monthly glossy magazine for Filipinos in North America. It was founded by PF publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco. It ran from the early '90s to the mid-2000s.

In The Know

The University That Said Batanes Is China’s Is Also Training Manila's Chinese Teachers
https://www.sealight.live/posts/the-university-that-said-batanes-is-china-s-is-also-training-manila-s-chinese-teachers?

Self-care is harder when people lack access to rest, says psychologist
https://radar.ph/self-care-is-harder-when-people-lack-access-to-rest-says-psychologist/?

Green in the City: 8 Parks in Metro Manila for When You Need to Take a Breather
https://www.windowseat.ph/green-in-the-city-8-parks-in-metro-manila-for-when-you-need-to-take-a-breather/

Homecoming Special: All Eyes on Alex Eala as She Continues to Redefine Filipino Tennis on the Global Court
https://metro.style/people/2026/7/21/metro-s-homecoming-special-for-filipino-tennis-star-alex-eala-1900?

After the Cesar Chavez Scandal, Can Johnny Itliong Restore His Father’s Activist Legacy?
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/24/us/larry-itliong-farmworker-rights-activist-chavez.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share

/ /
, , , , , , , ,

Staff

Far from Our Beginnings

/

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

Calamities, Natural and Man-Inflicted

/

So much sadness and anger this week as the US grapples with three mass shootings that resulted in 29 deaths in different parts of the country. The Philippines, where killing is officially sanctioned, is not spared the agony of violence. Currently however, natural disasters are taking center stage there. 

The big one is the series of earthquakes in Batanes, which destroyed the solid, typhoon-resistant structures of Itbayat, one of the islands in the Batanes chain. To get a feel of what it was like and the aftermath, we called on Dorian Merina, a Fil-Am journalist who has chosen to settle in Batanes, to give us a report. Read "A Deadly Quake Tests Batanes' Tradition of Resiliency," also to find out how to help.

Back to the US, the Trump administration has started the process of revoking the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program which allows the families of Filipino veterans to join them in the US. Immigration lawyer Lourdes Santos Tancinco explains how the early termination will work and what to do if you're affected by it. (Partner Post: What the Impending Rescission of the Filipino World War II Veterans Parole Program Means to the Veterans Families)

In the city of Markham, Ontario, a larger than life statue of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal is unveiled, to celebrate Canada's first Filipino Heritage Month last June. The statue was created by Filipino Canadian scuptor Ignacio "Mogi" Mogado Jr., who's passionate about letting the world know about Rizal. Toronto-based writer Marisa Roque tells us the story in "Rizal Honored in Ontario."

PF Correspondent Myles A. Garcia educates us on the fascinating evolution of the carnival (aka karnabal or perya) in the Philippines, tracing its colonial roots and noting its new iterations. "Did I Stay Too Long at the Fair?" is a fascinating read that you'll surely enjoy. 

It's Buwan ng Wika (National Language Month) in our homeland. Read Again poet/author Marne Kilates' "Why the 'F' in Filipino and How Did It Get There" to be updated on the new realities of the Filipino national language. 

For the Happy Home Cook this week, we borrowed a recipe from the famous chef Nora V. Daza from her book (co-authored by Michaela Fenix) A Culinary Life: Personal Recipe Collection: Ampalaya with Braised Beef. 

And our In The Know links, ICYMI:

Dark Web connects PH to mass shootings in US, Filipino pols’ vanities
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1151006/dark-web-connects-ph-to-mass-shootings-in-us-filipino-pols-vanities?fbclid=IwAR2T-QaA8ZGwP8isI2wfvyrO23pkIm4zpQaqvVyZUThIrr5rk4YL68osw3A

Care.com Founder to Step Down as CEO Months After WSJ Report
https://www.wsj.com/articles/care-com-founder-to-step-down-as-ceo-months-after-wsj-report-11565089901

Pogo workers in their midst: Notes from an ‘invasion’
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1147812/pogo-workers-in-their-midst-notes-from-an-invasion

She Was Filipino Food’s Greatest Champion. Now Her Work Is Finding New Fans.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/30/dining/filipino-food-doreen-fernandez.html?action=click&module=Editors%20Picks&pgtype=Homepage

For video of the week, South China Morning Post featured Jollibee and how it became one of the world’s biggest companies from Asia.

/ /
, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino