Beyond Remittances

The Philippines’ global presence is often measured through familiar indicators—remittances, migration numbers, and the achievements of the 11 million-strong Filipino diaspora. In this article by Toronto-based professor and PF contributing writer Cesar Polvorosa, Jr., he invites us to look beyond those measures and recognize a deeper, less visible resource: the relationships, knowledge, opportunities, and networks that Filipinos build wherever they go. From communities in Canada to connections forged through sports, culture, and entrepreneurship, the Filipino diaspora has become an increasingly important bridge between the Philippines and the wider world.

This is the idea captured by what he calls Filipino diasporic capital: the collective value created by Filipinos who carry their skills, experiences, relationships, and aspirations across borders. As this article argues, the challenge before the Philippines is no longer simply to acknowledge the sacrifices of its people abroad, but to understand and engage the extraordinary network they have already built. The Philippines is already a global nation—and its people abroad may be among its greatest assets in shaping what comes next. We can only wish that our homeland's leaders will be able to recognize and harness such rich potential for the national good.

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In this issue we are reposting a report from AsAmNews about the rebuilding efforts in Lahaina, Hawaii whose population is 40% Filipino. The fire of August 2023 that wiped out Lahaina's historic downtown, decimated hundreds of homes and structures, and killed over a hundred, is considered the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in the last 100 years. 

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Read as well chapter 81 of our popular series, FilAms Among the Remarkable and Famous. And a profile of Vince Tañada, lawyer/playwright/theater and film director and actor.

[Video of the Week] Building Communities: A Tribute to our Manongs and Manangs 2026

{Read It Again]

We are reposting here some of the articles contributed by the acclaimed poet/writer Marra PL. Lanot who passed away on Sunday, August 16. This is our way of saying goodbye and thank you for her honoring Positively Filipino with her writings. 

Of Fireflies and Firebrands by Marra PL. Lanot

Remembering Nick by Marra PL. Lanot

The Beatles in the Philippines by Marra PL. Lanot

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In The Know

Alex Eala returns to US Open a different version of herself
https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/49716921/us-open-alex-eala-returns-flushing-meadows-different-version-herself

Jollibee buys out partner in Tim Ho Wan US business for $5M, plans 20 stores by 2028

https://bilyonaryo.com/2026/08/18/jollibee-buys-out-partner-in-tim-ho-wan-us-business-for-5m-plans-20-stores-by-2028/food/

LOOK: Pasig's Floating Parks Are Now One Step Closer to Reality
https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/culture/floating-parks-in-pasig-a5229-20260507-bsc?

Sungka for fortune-telling? How a Filipino game became a tool for divination for this practitioner 
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/998988/sungka-for-fortune-telling-how-a-filipino-game-became-a-tool-for-divination-for-this-practitioner/story/

Lea Salonga to receive star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
https://asamnews.com/2026/08/23/lea-salonga-hollywood-walk-fame-star/

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Mothers All

How would you feel if your mother is labeled a "mail order bride? First-time contributor Carolyn Prasad explores the issue as she pays tribute to the grit and courage of her mother in "The Making of a Matriarch."

Poet/author Marra PL. Lanot waxes poetic as she remembers her dynamic mother, a classical pianist and an activist who was also a fantastic cook. "My Mother, Myself" is both a tribute and an aspiration for the writer.

Another first-time contributor Amy Schlanger writes about the parallels of her approach to motherhood with her friend, Min Bernardo, who nurtured and supported the career of her daughter, Kathryn, now one of the Philippines' top movie stars. 

Aside from celebrating mothers and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, May is also Military Appreciation Month. Here are some historical stories you may want to Read Again:

The Boogie Woogie Boys written by ex-Marine, Alex S. Fabros, Jr.

The General At Ease, my exclusive interview with Major General Antonio M. Taguba, one of the highest ranking Filipino American in the US military. 

In case you missed them, our links to important stories from other publications:

Duterte’s Unrelenting Attacks on Philippine Media 
https://philippines.fnst.org/content/dutertes-unrelenting-attacks-philippine-media?fbclid=IwAR0oXGem9nACvaKBueOpqGeW0nK5Bn9LCKmtzWu85Vk0Z8c3eWlsOMkiVFs

What My Father Edjop Taught Me About Heroism 
https://thelittleagegrouper.blogspot.com/2019/05/what-my-father-edjop-taught-me-about.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR0m4Tfd0LrtgqoYm2_FEXLMWilVm605dyyXP3m95tNGrE7jzojTDL1xF3c

The most expensive resort in the world costs $100,000 a night — here's what you get
https://ph.news.yahoo.com/most-expensive-resort-world-costs-181128004.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=fb&fbclid=IwAR1JiChPiiY6m9wAV16SqaT7kh_0ieXYaJPPwBsxZUTL_aheYf6oT-jJd6E

Cafe in the Philippines Now Uses Straws Made Out of Coconut Leaves to Cut Plastic Waste
https://nextshark.com/philippines-biodegradable-straws/?fbclid=IwAR2QPTqOtaG8v9waJdkWeEY2cl1au-Sbk9Ul5NC70H2UfUT_fB04RTgotp8

For the Happy Home Cook, another recipe contribution from SF-based foodie, Voltaire Gungab: Risotto with Shiitake, Chinese Sausage and Chicken Livers.

And for Video of the Week, we feature another Andre De La Varre Screen Traveler. This travelogue film shows Cebu in the 1930s.