Celebration Time

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'Tis the season to be jolly but it's also the season to reflect on life's surprising twists and unexpected blessings, as our writers this week do.

Tokyo-based contributing writer Ian Layugan looks to the stars for wisdom and solace in "Star-crossed in Sagada."

Compleat writer Criselda Yabes puts her stamp on a generational friendship and her favorite writing place in "An Athens State of Mind."

Retired professor, author and cultural torchbearer Leny Strobel makes atchara for Christmas and allows her memories to intertwine with her grating and mixing in "Entangled with Atchara."

'Tis definitely a celebration for all seasons for the entire FilAm community as a record number of FilAms got elected to various posts all over the country. We repost the tally of NaFFAA on who recently took their seats in the American political firmament.

If you're still planning your Christmas feast, here are some timeless suggestions and recipes from culinary expert Elizabeth Ann Quirino: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-happy-home-cook-christmas-recipes

[Video of the Week] Sharon Cuneta’s Christmas Surprise

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Staff

It's Bayanihan Time

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“These are the times that try men’s souls.” - Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, 1776

Since it's busy-happy time for everyone celebrating Christmas, we compiled these heartwarming and nostalgic stories from some of our contributing writers that you can enjoy when taking breaks from preparing for your noche buena.

We're even throwing in our resident foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino's recipe for Tocino del Cielo, that rich, sinful Kapampangan delicacy that may have been part of your childhood Christmases.

Adding to this mix is our Video of the Week, a delightful rendition by the Aroha Junior Choir and the Aroha Children's Choir of Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas." This was supposed to be a light, relaxing issue -- a break from the serious, the controversial, the thought-provoking topics.But nature had other ideas.

In addition to the alarming spread of the omicron virus worldwide, throwing Christmas travel and party plans asunder, how can we turn our backs on the horrific havoc and disaster that Typhoon Odette/Ria wrecked in central and southern Philippines? The pictures that trickled out -- very slowly because power and communications were cut off -- were heartbreaking.

Here's one of the reports:

So in keeping with the true spirit of Christmas, we hope everyone can join in the worldwide bayanihan to help our kababayans in Visayas and Mindanao recover from this disaster. Your nearest Philippine embassies or consulates should be able to point you to the legitimate venues for donations. [Be watchful of scams.]

And with this, we send you our wishes for a joyful and safe Christmas celebration.

In The Know

The country that celebrates Christmas for more than 4 months a year
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/21/philippines-the-longest-christmas-celebrations-in-the-world-.html?fbclid=IwAR0767DIgXdKC8Q9dJeCN9gPGppOjaHf-p0nw2pqxVBYMjQizPsSwwB7q6I

Can the small but mighty Jollibee dethrone Popeyes’ spicy fried chicken?
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/small-mighty-jollibee-dethrone-popeyes-121000496.html

New clue to human evolution's biggest mystery emerges in Philippines
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/16/world/denisovan-dna-philippines-scn/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0gCb1pY9cvCDvDMg6qJ3qYMyx1P94-E3VYHmlVO29LN64YVllCJxAjPEM

Social entrepreneur’s mission of preserving Philippine cinnamon also benefits farmers
https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/06/social-entrepreneurs-mission-of-preserving-philippine-cinnamon-also-benefits-farmers/?fbclid=IwAR0fx0D_5fBCctZXXX2GqxUFYA7jNfQWUmVpwoeW5tCp55-LqEVItYtuvKg

A Private Island in the Philippines Is Cheaper Than a House in Forbes Park
https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/private-islands-in-the-philippines-a00297-20200305?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20211205-fbnp-culture-private-islands-in-the-philippines-a00297-20200305-fbold&fbclid=IwAR0ucsxwnMxT12jq0zWRhm7r8Mzqw6EeZcrctU72tPGdosYpxR4MxFgqZZ4

In this new Filipino restaurant in London, an exuberant mural is getting a lot of attention
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/art/12/04/21/in-london-kulay-labitigan-tells-the-story-of-home/?utm_campaign=sharedpost&fbclid=IwAR3rM-Iv5-Zw3n2gDOYphzFnMRGiIYA2bHFNWoptbVuCw0llj7FWWMORiuw

Asia’s Most Influential
https://www.tatlerasia.com/list/ami/2021/ph?page=10 

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Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino

Christmas Memories

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What does noche buena mean to you? An essay by the late cultural and culinary historian Doreen G. Fernandez from her classic book, Tikim: Essays on Philippine Food and Culture defines this very cherished Filipino Christmas tradition from the memories of various people from different provinces. 

A young FilAm writer Leah K. Sikat reflects on making suman, her California-based family's Christmas ritual, and how the stories of home that accompany the making of this kakanin shape her own memories of the holiday season. ("Banana Leaves, Rice and Coconut")

And if you haven't planned out your Christmas meal yet, Read Again the suggestions and recipes of Chef Rolando Laudico, Elizabeth Ann Quirino and Goldilocks Bakeshop.

Here are the In The Know links this week:

Massacre or fight for freedom? Putting the Balangiga bells in context
https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/317599/massacre-or-fight-for-freedom-putting-the-balangiga-bells-in-context/?fbclid=IwAR1JnVSGmuj0P9TQt43KE_fmKoeMngYr9BHXyZd-KWw0tEtD5h97ZBSR1YA

Filipino teachers popular among Chinese English learners
https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d674d334d7a4e30457a6333566d54/share_p.html?fbclid=IwAR39KN63W44UvLmbz2EcWQBMSKbSKTUhYGc9lrFEsaZyLFzuXYCOiXEgXRs

Under a code name, George H.W. Bush sponsored Filipino child through Colorado Springs-based nonprofit
https://gazette.com/news/under-a-code-name-george-h-w-bush-sponsored-filipino/article_834568aa-f8e6-11e8-a94f-bbf2c209978c.html?fbclid=IwAR3GR5AkKU6B7FeqlkOpYlYbnWvsy2CDpMU5d-xyj0J4zQu9-YOGZnUYY2c

Cecile Licad in a daster: the pianist on smoking at 11, the Marcoses, and the love of her life
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/music/12/15/18/cecile-licad-in-a-daster-a-concerto-in-three-acts?fbclid=IwAR0qVxehJZ_6WyDQUAbCpyQW-0PABgAe_cgsPuW29_jcSO9sSwYyKr-_Apw

For Video of the Week, we feature newly-crowned Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray in a music video for Young Focus Philippines.

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Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino