Maternal Instincts

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Since the beginning of May, we've been asking for and posting travel stories to help you with your post-Covid travel plans. 

What we haven't done yet is post stories about people and places in the Philippines that travelers, both local and foreign, should include in their itineraries. One of them is the PatisTito Garden Cafe and B&B in San Pablo, Laguna where its main attraction, the superbly talented fashion designer-artist-social activist Patis Tesoro lives, works and displays her singular creations.

Patis, despite her successes, is no stranger to pathos and tragedy but her story is one of survival and passion. PF publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco tells us about her visit to the colorful, eclectic world of Patis Tesoro.

A month that honors mothers should rightfully end with a tribute to a remarkable mother.  The late Estrella Macute Echavez was one dynamo of a woman who never let anything - not war, not immigration, not economic difficulties - stop her from shining. Her son, Tim Salaver, honors her and invites readers to concerts in her honor.

Speaking of mothers, here's some very welcome help for new, overwhelmed ones: Chiyo, a New York-based meal delivery service has a nutritious meal kit for mothers that can be delivered anywhere in the US. The company is co-founded by Fil-Am postpartum chef Jennifer Jolorte Doro, who is also the company's Chief Culinary Officer. PF contributing writer Claire Mercado-Obias profiles the chef and the unique service.

Author/world traveler Cecilia Manguerra Brainard tours Belgium and unexpectedly digs up information about her alma mater, St. Theresa's College in Cebu and Manila.

This week marks the 6th anniversary of the Battle of Marawi, a tragedy of epic proportions. Read Again PF Correspondent Criselda Yabes' excellent reportage on the war: In the Rubble of Marawi — Positively Filipino | Online Magazine for Filipinos in the Diaspora

Our unique offering for the Happy Home Cook this week is shared by Jennifer Doro of Chiyo, an ideal dish for postpartum mothers: Kelp Noodle Pancit.

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Staff

Beauty's Secret

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She was a legendary beauty during her time (mid-20th century Philippines), her name always uttered with both reverence and speculation. Susan Magalona never  joined beauty contests, never inserted herself in national conversations. On the contrary, she was reclusive, therefore mysterious, which added to her mystique. It was only in later years that stories of segments of her life emerged: her sad first marriage, its annulment, her second marriage to another rich scion, her move to the US. PF Correspondent Virgilio Reyes, Jr., distilled the tales that swirled around Susan Magalona and shares the story with us.

Why was Philippine Independence Day changed from July 4 to June 12? Gemma Nemenzo explains in her column.

"Utang na Loob: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" is the latest of PF's webinar series that aired last week. Moderated by Fil-Am journalist Leezel Tanglao, whose personal story illustrating this very Filipino cultural value led to a podcast series, the webinar featured the expertise of Fil-Am psychologist/authors EJR David and Kevin Nadal. Leezel puts context to the dissection here. If you want to listen to the actual webinar, the link is in her story. 

PF publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco continues her long-running series on Fil-Ams Among the Remarkable and Famous. It's a fitting statement on how much the community has flourished in the US that she hasn't ran out of people to include in her list.

A shout-out to residents and visitors to the City of Angels: there's a new Filipino restaurant in town with the clever name of Spoon & Pork. Its Adobo Belly Nigiri ($8) is deemed Michelin-worthy and is definitely worth the drive to either of its two branches, in the Sawtelle and Silverlake districts. PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela takes us there. 

For the Happy Home Cook, Spoon & Pork's Gising-gising recipe is a winner. 

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Staff