For Kids' Sake

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Giving up a successful business to engage fulltime in volunteer civic action is a giant step for anyone. That's what Vicky Vergara Wieneke did when she set up Kabisig ng Kalahi, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that started as a feeding program for malnourished children in Batangas and has since expanded as a full-fledged nutrition and livelihood program in various provinces. Kabisig's projects has the support of both the Philippine government and private corporations. PF contributing writer Gia R. Mendoza gives a first-hand report on Kabisig and her sorority sister, Vicky VW.

Collecting trading cards of sports heroes is arguably a rite of passage of young people interested in sports. But for FilAm collector Mark John Sanchez, who teaches Asian American Studies at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, trading cards of 20th century Filipino and FilAm sports personalities are a valuable source of history and nostalgia. He gives us a glimpse of his collection and the historical information it provides.

If you're searching for a meaningful book for children in the first- to fourth grade, here's a highly recommended one: Philip Vera Cruz by Karen Su, a fitting introduction to the Filipino working class hero who was a leading light in the US labor movement.

Our Sports Hall of Famers

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It may come as a surprise to this Instagram generation familiar with the accomplishments of Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, EJ Obiena and Carlos Yulo that once upon a time, during their grandparents' and even their parents' lifetimes, the terms "Filipino" and "sports champs" were very rarely used in the same sentence.

Once in a generation, there might have been a Flash Elorde or a Eugene Torre or a Paeng Nepomuceno who dazzled with their prowess, but they were flashes-in-the-pan, so to speak -- rare occurrences. Thus, it's no surprise that in the long history of sports, only ten Filipinos so far have been recognized as Hall of Famers in their respective arenas. Our Iloilo-based contributing writer Vicente Salas introduces the "Filipino Sports Greats and Hall of Famers," a slim list that will soon expand.

Nearer to the present, Fil-Am small businesses, other than the usual karinderya, hardly made a ripple even in the Fil-Am community beyond their neighborhoods. Today, Fil-Am entrepreneurs like Raibyn Cabiling of San Diego have established a presence in both mainstream and social media, peddling such products as t-shirts, headwear and an innovative "barongorak" that invokes Filipino culture. PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela reports.

The itch to travel is universal but does it have to be done alone? PF contributing writer Ian Layugan dissects the different facets of traveling solo, and presents words of caution and the challenge of daring.

What does it take to be surrogate mother/caregiver/mentor to a chess prodigy? Lotis Key, once a star in Philippine movies and theater, found herself assuming that role and wrote about it. Read Again "A Traveling Fool." http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/a-traveling-fool

His name no longer rings a bell so PF Correspondent Myles A. Garcia reintroduced him to a new audience. Read Again "Before Elorde and Pacquiao, There Was Luis Logan" on a boxing hero that should not be forgotten. http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/before-elorde-and-pacquiao-there-was-luis-logan

Always a comfort food, here's Sizzling Bangus Sisig for the Happy Home Cook: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-happy-home-cook-sizzling-bangus-sisig

[Video of the Week] The Fight Over Manila's Last Forests: Masungi Watershed

A Christmas Far from Home

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It's not every year that we get to come out on Christmas Day so here are some good stories to read when you're either revving up for the family reunion or relaxing after a long active day.

How do Filipino immigrants celebrate Christmas? We cook up a storm both of dishes dear to our hearts and memories that sustain us when the homesickness bug bites, which often happens during the holidays. That's what PF Correspondent Elizabeth Ann Quirino does in "Last Christmas," her recollection of the time she and her family said goodbye to their life in the Philippines.

For Cherie Querol Moreno, also a PF Correspondent, another celebration: her annual trek to Europe with her husband to celebrate their wedding anniversary. This year they went to Spain, met up with some very interesting kababayans, and told us about it in "Modern Pilgrims Find Each Other in Northern Spain." 

And if you need one more dish for today, or the days when you're sick of leftovers, try this recipe from Elizabeth Ann Quirino: Biko Kulabasa, a Kapampangan creation.

Here are some interesting In The Know links to enjoy:

A trial in the Philippines offers a ray of hope for democratic institutions
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/12/19/trial-philippines-offers-ray-hope-democratic-institutions/?fbclid=IwAR01oYDOAstmQAiDYzk1mPu9M_PXLtZ-p72pyRiR-AZb4yAjy6n2SGzqtOQ

Finland's Filipino Food Favorites: 6 Restaurants Championing Pinoy Flavors in Helsinki
https://www.clickthecity.com/travel/a/38597/finlands-filipino-food-favorites-6-restaurants-championing-pinoy-flavors-in-helsinki?fbclid=IwAR0cdN6AY07px8YvEBY3VOPfNLYgXVCfvo0xDx0nDYm697iN41QMAI0pGiM

Betty Ann Besa-Quirino’s List of 18 Favorite Kampampangan Sweets and Dishes For The Holidays
https://kaplistorian.blogspot.com/2016/12/30-betty-ann-besa-quirinos-list-of-18.html?fbclid=IwAR1DWF882NCHRy4lKOky44TeKfGgS4VXMLKFs8o-aw8MEGJpl7Mczim_6x0

How Filipinos can take an active part in sustainable tourism
https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/353295/how-filipinos-can-take-an-active-part-in-sustainable-tourism/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR3q5N-KaAUzK6tvhNYjMOzwzU12R1_gZT7ztyt9rTQLszzse0H3pBmz-Zo#Echobox=1576326036

U.S. Requiring Social Media Information From Visa Applicants
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/02/us/us-visa-application-social-media.html?fbclid=IwAR2sqNiZaXliF6vKTXyp5WfalaKDKBd1mE_WxjsWF73YOsLqnryDVg0zUPM

For Video of the Week, CNN Philippines’ The Story of the Filipino features billiards’ great Efren “Bata” Reyes.

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Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino