Festive May

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For Filipino Americans, the month of May hits different. It's packed with commemorations that impact who we are, what we carry, and how we show up for each other.

It’s AAPI Heritage Month, Older Americans Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s also Lupus and Arthritis Awareness Month. Then you’ve got days that hit on a deeper level—World Press Freedom Day, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day. Each one connects to our community in real, personal ways.

And back home? May is fiesta season. If you grew up in the Philippines—or grew up hearing the stories—you already know: this is one of the most joyful times of the year. Lots of food, parades, music, reunions. That kind of energy stays with you, even from across the ocean. Honestly, it rivals December.

We’ll be highlighting these moments through the stories we share this month. We might not cover everything, but we’ll do our best to honor what matters—and make it feel real, relevant, and close to home.

Here's our lineup this week:

"Mama's Last Lesson" by Nanette Carreon-Ruhter, a touching remembrance of her mother's indelible presence in her life;

"The Eye Doctor, The Nurse and the Fine Print of Aging" by Alex S. Fabros, Jr., both heartbreaking and funny on what he has lost and what he has found as he lives through the vicissitudes of age and ailment;

"You Can Go Home Again -- the Blairs Did" by Meyen Quigley, giving lie to Thomas Wolfe's famous line about not being able to return to where you came from;

"Southern Encounters: A 'Mindanawan' Identity" by Patricio N. Abinales, an eye-opening account of his revisit to the region of his birth and its current realities."

We've got more in our Read It Again, our Video of the Week, and our In The Know links below, as well as in our Global News Briefs (In Brief — Positively Filipino | Online Magazine for Filipinos in the Diaspora) and Community News sections (Community News — Positively Filipino | Online Magazine for Filipinos in the Diaspora).

[Read It Again]

Mother Tributes: Thanks for the Memories, Mom! By Mona Lisa Yuchengco

A Hundred Mangoes in a Bottle by Elizabeth Ann Quirino

[Video of the Week]

Purple Ube has gone global. What it means for Filipino farmers.

In The Know

BINI receives Billboard Global Force Award: ‘A milestone, a responsibility we carry’

https://www.rappler.com/people/artists/bini-billboard-global-force-award-2026/?

Olivia Rodrigo's 'SNL' hosting debut: A Jake Paul callback, a 'Drivers License' DMV parody and two new songs

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/article/olivia-rodrigos-snl-hosting-debut-a-jake-paul-callback-a-drivers-license-dmv-parody-and-two-new-songs-150300055.html

Who is Bea Millan-Windorski, Miss Universe Philippines 2026?

https://www.rappler.com/people/profiles/miss-universe-philippines-2026-winner-bea-millan-windorski/?

Women of the tides: Holding the line in Dahican

https://mindanews.com/top-stories/2026/04/women-of-the-tides-holding-the-line-in-dahican/

Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship with 38 Filipino crew: What we know so far

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/overseas-filipinos/hantavirus-outbreak-mv-hondius-ship-ofw-crew-may-2026/

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Staff

A Fork in the Road

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We have more stories this week than usual because we are at the threshold of either a dark or a bright era in Philippine politics. Some observers say the country is at an inflection point, that whatever happens on election day will determine the path of future generations. Do you agree?

But first a reminder: Elections are always fraught with high drama and unconscionable shenanigans so PF contributing writer Andy Bautista, who knows whereof he speaks, alerts us to what can happen if we lay down our guard in protecting our votes in "E-day 9th of May 101."

And an unexpected historical reckoning of the dark years of martial law:

"The Image That Never Left Me" by Lila Ramos-Shahani, the niece of President Fidel V. Ramos

"General Ver's Daughter Reckons with Her Father's Martial Law Legacy" by Wanna Ver, et.al.

We've published several stories about WWII in the Philippines but today's piece by first-time PF contributor Thomas McKenna stands out because it celebrates the outstanding bravery of the Maranaos in fighting Japanese incursion into their land. "The Battle of Tamparan and the Forgotten Moro Heroes of WWII" corrects a historical ignorance -- ours, in failing to recognize the heroism of our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Speaking of heroes, the recent sudden death of Ambassador Jose Santiago "Chito" Sta. Romana brought on a deluge of tributes, the most poignant of which come from his bosom buddies, Jaime FlorCruz and Eric Baculinao, they whose lives are tightly meshed with Chito's since 1971.

And finally, a renewed faith in our better angels, as reported by PF Correspondent Cherie Querol-Moreno, with the hope that it will last beyond the elections. 

Read Again: Mother’s Day Stories

Model Mom By Cherie Querol Moreno

Lessons from My Mother By James T. Lim

My Unmom Mom By John L. Silva

[Recipe of the Week] The Happy Home Cook: Instant Pot Spanish Sardine-Style Bangus

[Video of The Week] Philippines At A Crossroads: Will There Be Another Marcos Presidency?

[Partner] The Vagina Monologues: Asian Women Speak Out Against Hate

Philippine Elections 2022

After Kerwin, DOJ’s star witness retracts accusation vs. De Lima
https://www.rappler.com/nation/doj-star-witness-rafael-ragos-retracts-accusation-vs-de-lima/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0oKhOfkvdjzeeOodF4D7-pLeTZuDenqVQkCLUYEds4ALq3zo6Rtv7g-gQ#Echobox=1651451425

UP profs urge next admin to focus on jobs, healthcare
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/830170/up-profs-urge-next-admin-to-focus-on-jobs-healthcare/story/?fbclid=IwAR0Ge_6zIKWEEjYvip_-0v-ccfKbKWw9OUoslI5i83FpHjRTh77JSNg6tQs

Civil Society
https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/04/22/2175810/civil-society

Make some noise: Placard Power
https://www.thediarist.ph/placard-power/

Under scarcity: Leni service, BBM welfarism, and Isko overspending
https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2022/04/25/444392/under-scarcity-leni-service-bbm-welfarism-and-isko-overspending/

Here  comes the Pink Tsunami
https://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/business-class-by-rudy-romero/314224445/here-comes-the-pink-tsunami.html

Wanted: A Leader Who Inspires
https://opinion.inquirer.net/152457/wanted-a-leader-who-inspires/amp?fbclid=IwAR1IApI8WleoI6z6cWjfsuelmEmkb_Qff_XAbHSkOHPX3oN5gA8oqI0DmFc

Fil-Ams ask facebook to take down troll sites
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1591949/fil-ams-ask-facebook-to-take-down-troll-sites?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2EYch4kW6G9j6BK_6AbWDi9MCSYiLlT8D8AFVjpWOSPuNcjosnW8bBNlk#Echobox=1651617761

In the Know

1930s Filipinos were hip to American Style
https://daily.jstor.org/1930s-filipinos-were-hip-to-american-style/?fbclid=IwAR1OXnAglpnaOlsaU16OGZT70pCdrYEG-clZP_ASCralE2hZLuy1703j2dI

There’s a touching story behind this trailer carinderia in the Alaskan countryside
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/food-drink/features/10/13/21/carinderia-in-alaskan-countryside-has-a-touching-story?fbclid=IwAR1KD3PCLtHLMhsZDMjG9pSkvY8vcK74u-KnkNxFudhgDyiLp-FurK2UB1E

Pio Abad Presents Telling New Art Exhibit on the "Conjugal Dictatorship" of the Marcos Family
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/pio-abad-arete-exhibit

San Diego author pens fantasy story about Filipino family in debut book
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/story/2022-04-23/san-diego-author-pens-fantasy-story-about-filipino-family-in-debut-book?fbclid=IwAR18mGBtYeLcnR8XNbvsrJrLwrk8sZUvcivobaTHUBavJNiYdzgTFZRKUOs

Off the beaten track: Hard-to-reach PH destinations worth the journey
https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/travel/off-beaten-track-philippine-destinations-hard-reach-worth-journey/?fbclid=IwAR3I4MVO-PZLuSMUjz0842rZ50mj1SWwa-ZHBXchDxJnGugMhJHcFL00Gnc

What do Olivia Rodrigo, Saweetie, H.E.R., Bruno Mars, Elle King and Remy Martin have in common? Me.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/what-do-olivia-rodrigo-saweetie-h-e-r-bruno-mars-elle-king-and-remy-martin-have-in-common-me/ar-AAWz72Q?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=ae5e8f7f9ca74fb9b44e9c1dbadb4590&fbclid=IwAR1qNti9spY8b1J-7eJ2rYFRbRb-G19qHNgPPo1e0vZIcLfUbyQljhM3ehQ

Wealthy and Educated: A Look at Manila's First Beauty Queens
https://www.esquiremag.ph/the-good-life/what-she-wants/evolution-of-beauty-pageant-titles-in-the-philippines-a00208-20171213-lfrm?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20220425-fbnp-the-good-life-evolution-of-beauty-pageant-titles-in-the-philippines-a00208-20171213-lfrm-fbold&fbclid=IwAR1mm2psqy_Yd5eLswg-wp5I0yL3nvV1QGBJaZ-gJ5cubwtEfdIFqufATvo

Exploring Ilocos Sur: The Northern Region Rich With Hidden Gems
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/travel/exploring-ilocos-sur-santiago?utm_campaign=PH_DIG_FULL20220428&utm_medium=email&utm_source=tatlerasia.com

What's It Like to Have a Famous Mom?

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Since June last year, Positively Filipino has held 14 webinars on a variety of topics, from racism to anti-terrorism to hate crimes, the environment and Filipino women in the pandemic frontlines. 

For our 15th webinar next week, we will bring it closer to home with "Loving Kids Talk About Their Famous Mothers," featuring Melissa Ugarte, TJ Manotoc, Nina Daza Puyat and Aika Robredo sharing stories about growing up under the wing (or the shadow) of their brave, unconventional moms. 

Melissa is the eldest child of the late Maita Gomez, supermodel/beauty queen/revolutionary/college professor, who spent part of her childhood with her mother in the underground movement.

TJ is the son of Aurora Pijuan, the Philippines' second Miss International (winning the title in 1970) who is now a strong advocate of democracy and human rights in the Philippines.

Nina is the youngest of culinary icon Nora Daza's four children and she has followed her mother's path as a food writer and recipe developer.

Aika is the eldest of Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo's three daughters and she works closely with her mother in the latter's many humanitarian involvements.

Our moderator is Paulynn Sicam, a mother herself and a veteran journalist, who has interviewed presidents,  generals and rebels alike. 

You will enjoy this session as we surely will, so please register to join.

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Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino