Politics and Food

The Philippine presidential race is heating up, with President Benigno Aquino’s endorsement of Mar Roxas as his heir apparent. Contributing writer Marites D. Vitug gives us a political situationer, "Stakes Are High in the '16 Presidential Election," that gives food for thought to all Filipino voters, wherever they may be.

The cuisine of Batangas is the focus of food expert Michaela Fenix as she regales us with savory delights that make the southern Tagalog province a necessary stop when doing a food tour of the Philippines. "Straightforward, Simple Batangas Cuisine" will make your mouth water, and it's just one of the chapters of Fenix's excellent book, Country Cooking: Philippine Regional Cuisines.

From food we shift to fabrics as writer Serina Aidasani introduces us to Art Almeida, an artist and textile designer, in "He Leaves You in Stitches." Almeida, who runs his family corporation Genknit, walks us through the intricate process of textile design, a niche market for sure, that requires not just talent, but also dedication and intuition.

In San Francisco last week, a tribute to one of the greatest Filipino writers in English, Nick Joaquin, took place. There cannot be enough ways to honor the memory of this literary great; thus, we ask you to Read Again his nephew Tony Joaquin's "My Uncle, Nick Joaquin," which we published last year.

This week's recipe in the Happy Home Cook: Marvin Gapultos' version of Sardines in Spicy Tomato Sauce, from his book The Adobo Road Cookbook: A Filipino Food Journey -- from Food Blog, to Food Truck, and Beyond. Also featured this week is Goldilocks' Taisan Loaf Cake.

Our Video of the Week is on Willy Layug, the ecclesiastical sculptor from Pampanga, courtesy of CNN Philippines.

And for my blog, my ruminations on Twilight Time. 

Out of the Shadows

El Gamma Penumbra, a shadow play performance troupe from Tanauan, Batangas, bagged the first-ever Asia Got Talent gold with their mesmerizing dance routine -- a profound statement on climate change and the need to protect the environment. Watch the highly creative, winning performance of these 13 young Batangueños in our Video of the Week.

Another show worth watching is the revival of "Gigi" on Broadway starring Filipino American Vanessa Hudgens in the title role previously played by Audrey Hepburn and Leslie Caron. Myles Garcia writes a review, "Our Own New Gal on Broadway," that's also a backgrounder to this beloved musicale, while Ella Garcia (no relation to Myles) introduces her daughter Karla, who performs alongside Vanessa. 

Considering retirement in the Philippines? Think twice, as our Toronto-based contributor Maripi Leynes suggests in "Expat Retirement in the Philippines Isn't That Simple." While there's plenty of real estate to be bought, facilities or amenities geared towards the specific needs of seniors are sorely lacking. Maripi spent five months touring the motherland looking into places to retire in, if she decides to go home for good.

Lupus, that deadly autoimmune disease that disproportionately affects women and communities of color (including Filipinos), has been found to have a strong genetic  component. Meaning if a close family member has it, there's a big chance you might get it too. It might be wise to get yourself tested, like Lady Gaga did. "Genetics May Be Key in Detecting Causes of Lupus" is a waker-upper from the Lupus Foundation, which is celebrating Lupus Awareness Month.

The Happy Home Cook recipe this week is "Longanisa Meatballs with Peanut Sauce," a quick, delicious meal that uses prepackaged Filipino-style sausage.

In my blog, I pay tribute to the Filipina nanny in "Mama Wasn't My Mother."

We'd like to hear from you so how's about taking a quick poll: Should Sen. Grace Poe run for president in 2016?

To our US-based readers, safe travels this Memorial Day weekend. 

Two Boxers, a Reluctant Politician and a Reality Check for Balikbayans

These are what we have for you this week.

Freshman senator Grace Poe stunned everyone when she topped the Senate race in 2013, and she has since impressed people with her intelligence, her articulateness and her championing of issues that affect the common man. Now as the 2016 presidential derby heats up and frontrunner Jejomar Binay's credibility collapses, Grace Poe is being touted as a possible contender. Will she or won't she? Journalist Criselda Yabes shares her insights.

As "Manny," the movie, begins its run this week, its director/producer, Ryan Moore, talks to our regular contributor Anthony Maddela about Manny Pacquiao, the complex celebrity he studiously followed and filmed.

Another world boxing champion, Flash Elorde, who died 30 years ago this month, is remembered by Manzel Delacruz, who, as a child, met the boxing hero and never forgot his goodness of heart. 

For those who are on the cusp of moving back to the Philippines, there are some harsh realities that you have to contend with, as Bella Bonner honestly and humorously lists in "10 Things I've Learned in Manila."

Hope 2015 is turning up roses for you.