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


Save the Philippine Eagle to Save Us All

A daring, up-close documentation of the life of the majestic Philippine Eagle entitled "Bird of Prey" is the subject of PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela's story as he talks to the people who made the award-winning film possible. In "What a ‘Bird of Prey’ Can Teach Humans," the Philippine Eagle is both a celebration of the richness of our motherland's natural resources and a strong warning against climate change that endangers not only the Eagle but a million wildlife as well.

A chance encounter in an exercise park in Hanoi led Toronto-based PF contributor Patty Rivera to write about Janice Buco Phương, a Filipina from the school of hard knocks who sang her way to the "Vietnam Idol" title in 2016. "Our Filipina 'Vietnam Idol'" is a heartwarming story of how determination, home-grown talent and a bit of luck can define one's place in a foreign country.

As we remember today the horrific tragedy of 9/11, Read Again Major General Antonio Taguba's close encounter with death on that day, 18 years ago, and his view on how it has changed the US and the world. 

Our Happy Home Cook feature this week is No-Churn Ube Ice Cream, a topping for the halo-halo of Barako Kávéház, the Filipino-owned cafe in Budapest that we featured last week. 

For your reading pleasure, here are links to stories you may have missed: 

The road less traveled: From Paris to Leyte
https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/sunday-life/2019/09/08/1949836/road-less-traveled-paris-leyte?fbclid=IwAR3NDbzYeMygt0aaSXgXXdAizkE_AOicX9rv5SG-RZc1pfFSHPqJoxBzZsE

How This Entrepreneur Built A Top-Rated Asian Fast Food Empire
https://www.forbes.com/sites/annalisaburgos/2019/09/03/how-this-entrepreneur-built-a-top-rated-asian-fast-food-empire/?fbclid=IwAR1N4n_xuW0Nm_GG7JRuOfJOoAmcx1Z80UbGFA8lKCKF9o1j0wwTTiq9_zY#5147bed72394

Fil-Am R&B star H.E.R. releases 19-song mixtape ‘I Used to Know Her’
https://asianjournal.com/entertainment/showbiz/fil-am-rb-star-h-e-r-releases-19-song-mixtape-i-used-to-know-her/?fbclid=IwAR2a5dU3HL0tiaP8vUMCfBTGNw55uIUZZ9tRenc8PglsuVsfGJMgTguElgg

I’m A Filipina Who Was Addicted To Skin Lightening Products 
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/filipina-light-skin-bias-philippines_l_5d5d942be4b03b44f416572d?fbclid=IwAR1TWJO34qocmRuyJGf-qIgrOppEGgo20vtZNec-wLjSnlLGgzpJtVsWnY0&guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9sLmZhY2Vib29rLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAALHi8dioVYHxjQnkGYM4nI46ACukC_K7JBVSnxR0gPdVrN5MuGCQYR6t6DGo_ALvkIx-aRfGC-RBqSrpMzFOtXvRo4KjnYdE-V-fPcNxlegwetpLM_jsvnqg_KqwT7j4QQ0eRqgKZWCmf6JLPaOYMdaF1Jp4JIDzUmJHvUnDgW8J

A Domestic Helper’s Love for Photography
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=450329585565326

For Video of the Week, Eater presents Chef Sheldon Simeon as he prepares Filipino-Hawaiian dishes.

Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino