Letters of Love

Have you ever personally experienced up close an event so profound, so impactful that you are forever haunted by it? For retired ace broadcast journalist Ken Kashiwahara, who has seen more than a regular person's share of historical moments, nothing compares with August 21, 1983 when he flew to the Philippines to accompany his brother-in-law. 

That brother-in-law was Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino who, as the whole world knows, was assassinated that day as he was escorted down the plane in Manila. In a poignant video footage during those chaotic moments, Ken was seen insisting that he should go with Ninoy, but was told to sit down. The rest of the story remains a painful history, for Ken and the country. Here he writes a "Letter to Ninoy," recalling the tense months the family spent preparing for his return to the Philippines.

Another letter, this time an appeal on behalf of our Filipino veterans who will be bestowed the Congressional Gold Medal (CGM) in October. Major General Antonio Taguba, chair of the nonprofit Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), asks for your help in purchasing 10,000 bronze replicas of the single CGM medal, to be given to veterans and their families. A well-deserved recognition long overdue. 

Our publisher, Mona Lisa Yuchengco, revisits three places that have personal meaning to her: Tagaytay (for Antonio's and Balay Dako restaurants), Bacolod (for Balay ni Tana Dicang) and Davao (Eden Nature Park and Child Alert Mindanao). Enjoy her photos and plan your trips.

For master bakers and daring amateurs, Elizabeth Ann Quirino shares her recipe of the popular Kapampangan delicacy, Pan de San Nicolas. Known as a curative cookie, it's a difficult recipe so we're posting it way ahead of the feast day of San Nicolas de Tolentino on September 10 so you have time to face up to the challenge. 

Again, we have an interesting lineup of In The Know links for your reading pleasure:

Dear Filipino Americans, Let’s Talk About Charlottesville
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/dearfilipinoamericans-lets-talk-about-charlottesville_us_599723d9e4b03b5e472cef1c

HK domestic workers: A tribute to true heroes
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/balikbayan/voices/56940-hk-domestic-workers-tribute

2017 SEA Games: PH gymnast claims gold in uneven bars event 22 years after mom's feat
http://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2017/08/22/2017-SEA-Games-Kaitlin-De-Guzman-fifth-gold-medal-Philippines-uneven-bars-gymnastics.html

Refugee remembers kindness of the Philippines
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/columnists/falkenberg/article/Refugee-remembers-kindness-of-the-Philippines-5015096.php

For our Video of the Week, Fil-Am stand-up comedian JoKoy talks about Filipino mothers, familiar to all young Fil-Ams.

Fateful August

While ancient Rome had its Ides of March, the Philippines has its Ides of August. Two history-changing tragedies occurred on the same date -- August 21 -- though 12 years apart: the assassination of Benigno Aquino and the bombing of Plaza Miranda during the Liberal Party's miting de avance before the 1971 elections, which led to the suspension of the writ habeas corpus (and, a year later, the declaration of martial law). For years it was believed that then-President Ferdinand Marcos carried out the Plaza Miranda carnage, but decades later, the true perpetrators were uncovered. Read Again journalist Gregg Jones' account of "The Ghosts of Plaza Miranda."

In 1983, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino was assassinated at the Manila International Airport (which now bears his name), an unspeakable crime that triggered the countdown to the end of the Marcos regime three years later. There have been so many accounts of that day, but the most poignant is the one written exclusively for Positively Filipino by Ken Kashiwahara, Ninoy's brother-in-law, who was with him on the plane when the ex-senator returned from exile. "Ninoy's Final Journey" is a must-read-again so we will never forget.

Vicente Tirona Paterno was one of the very few holdovers from the Marcos cabinet who made it to the Cory Aquino cabinet, a testimony to his competence and integrity. University of Honolulu-based professor and commentator Patricio Abinales reviews Paterno's autobiography, On My Terms, which came out shortly before the esteemed technocrat's death last year.

Another treat for travelers: contributor Jojo Sabalvaro-Tan's stories and sketches on Indonesia's island paradise, "Bali High."

Those seeking a sweet treat in Los Angeles are guided by our Contributing Writer Anthony Maddela to the B Sweet Dessert Bar of Fil-Am dessert creator Barbara Batiste. "A Filipino-Owned Dessert Oasis in LA" also gives us this week's Happy Home Cook recipe for the traditional sweet fave, Turon. 

Our Video of the Week is an eye-opener: The History of the Filipino in Korea, which is narrated in Filipino.

Cello, Golf and Angioplasty

The well-dressed crowd attending the June 12 Independence Day gala of the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco rose to their feet to applaud the young cellist who enthralled everyone with his impassioned playing.That young man was Matthew John Ignacio who our regular contributor, Elizabeth Ann Quirino, features this week in Watch Out World, This is a Filipino. A video clip of Matthew John playing "Maalaala Mo Kaya" gives you a taste of his talent, but if you're in LA, try to hear him play in person and be proud.

Another reason to be proud: Jason Day, the Aussie-Filipino pro golfer finally lands the big prize -- the PGA championship last weekend. Not only was his win big, Jason also became the first golfer ever to finish 20 under par, beating Tiger Woods' record. The media frenzy over his win also introduced his Filipina mother, Adenil "Deling" Grapilon, to the world. Jason's unabashed tears at his victory was, he said, because he remembered the sacrifices his mother did to set him on a straight path and golf superstardom. Read I. Wilfredo Ver's report, "Jason Day, Golf Superstar."

Meanwhile, Bella Bonner writing from Manila gives us an idea how a serious -- and expensive -- medical procedure affects one's finances. "Angioplasty in the Philippines" is food for thought when deciding one's retirement location.

Pinoyspotting returns with Chicago writer Rey de la Cruz reporting on the Filipinos he socialized with in Indonesia.

August 21 is coming up once again and we point you to our previous stories on two historically changing events that happened in our country's past -- the 32nd anniversary of the assassination of Ninoy Aquino and the 44th anniversary of the Plaza Miranda bombing. Read again Ken Kashiwahara's "Ninoy's Final Journey" and Gregg Jones' and Mila Aguilar's "August 21 Stories."

This week's Happy Home Cook features another recipe from actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Sinigang na Munggo. Goldilocks shares its recipe for Pinipig Polvoron.

Our Video of the Week: Ayuntamiento-A Costly Renovation

My blog this week: 10 Reasons to Love -- or Hate-- Retirement.