Another Way of Life

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Flying in recently from the beautiful chaos of Manila to an America that feels increasingly unpredictable, I found myself reading Rene Astudillo's "What Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo Taught Me," one of our stories this week. It felt less like a travel story and more like a glimpse into another world.

"Traveling through Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo felt less like sightseeing and more like being gently instructed on how society could work," Rene writes. As he takes in Japan's vibrant colors, remarkable quiet, spotless streets, disciplined routines, and unforgettable food, he arrives at a realization that lingers long after the trip ends: "I realized what stayed with me wasn't just the landmarks. It was the way people behaved when no one was looking. The quiet discipline. The shared responsibility. Japan didn't try to impress me. It simply showed me—calmly, consistently—another way of being." If Japan has been on your travel wish list this summer, Rene's reflections might be the nudge you need.

Meanwhile, in Chicago, Fil-Am chef Mike Morales is putting Southeast Asian cuisine in the spotlight. As culinary director of Sunda New Asian, he draws on his Filipino heritage, his travels, and his formal culinary training to create dishes that celebrate the richness of the region. Founded by fellow Fil-Am entrepreneur and restaurateur Billy Dec, Sunda has grown from its Chicago roots to Nashville, Tampa, and Detroit. Morales proudly serves as the restaurant's punong abala—the head busy bee—a role that perfectly matches his boundless energy and passion. Read more in "Chicago Chef Exalts Southeast Asian Fare."

Back home, British Columbia-based writer Meyen Quigley reflects on the changing face of Iloilo City. Amid the rise of gleaming glass towers and modern developments stands Balay nga Bato, a 161-year-old house of stone and plaster that has quietly endured the passage of time. Today, the beloved landmark is more than a reminder of the past—it has become a culinary destination and a hub for preserving traditional arts, proving that heritage can thrive alongside progress. Read "House of Stone Keeps Past Alive in Modern Iloilo."

And as we do every month, we close by celebrating Filipinos around the world who continue to make us proud. Don't miss "Overseas Filipino Achievers, Part 6," our latest roundup of inspiring diaspora stories, curated by our publisher, Mona Lisa Yuchengco.

[Read It Again]

Bend it Like Paulino . . . and Friends by Myles A. Garcia

FIFA Gets a Kick Out of LeRoid David’s Poster Design by Wilfred Galila

Barotac Nuevo, Where Football Is King by Criselda Yabes

[Video of the Week]

The Golden Age of Traditional Filipino Music

In The Know

'This is our victory:' Alex Eala receives hero's welcome at Malacañang
https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/49362985/alex-eala-receives-hero-welcome-malacanang-wimbledon

Slain marine scientist testified for PH in South China Sea arbitration
https://pressone.ph/slain-marine-scientist-testified-for-ph-in-south-china-sea-arbitration/?

National Academy of Sports in Clark City
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1348421216758494

Black Filipino American teen’s mysterious death sparks calls for answers
https://usa.inquirer.net/203503/black-filipino-american-teens-mysterious-death-sparks-calls-for-answers?

Manila Jones Bridge
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DatozGYiO7l/

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Staff

For Kids' Sake

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Giving up a successful business to engage fulltime in volunteer civic action is a giant step for anyone. That's what Vicky Vergara Wieneke did when she set up Kabisig ng Kalahi, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that started as a feeding program for malnourished children in Batangas and has since expanded as a full-fledged nutrition and livelihood program in various provinces. Kabisig's projects has the support of both the Philippine government and private corporations. PF contributing writer Gia R. Mendoza gives a first-hand report on Kabisig and her sorority sister, Vicky VW.

Collecting trading cards of sports heroes is arguably a rite of passage of young people interested in sports. But for FilAm collector Mark John Sanchez, who teaches Asian American Studies at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, trading cards of 20th century Filipino and FilAm sports personalities are a valuable source of history and nostalgia. He gives us a glimpse of his collection and the historical information it provides.

If you're searching for a meaningful book for children in the first- to fourth grade, here's a highly recommended one: Philip Vera Cruz by Karen Su, a fitting introduction to the Filipino working class hero who was a leading light in the US labor movement.

Our Sports Hall of Famers

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It may come as a surprise to this Instagram generation familiar with the accomplishments of Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, EJ Obiena and Carlos Yulo that once upon a time, during their grandparents' and even their parents' lifetimes, the terms "Filipino" and "sports champs" were very rarely used in the same sentence.

Once in a generation, there might have been a Flash Elorde or a Eugene Torre or a Paeng Nepomuceno who dazzled with their prowess, but they were flashes-in-the-pan, so to speak -- rare occurrences. Thus, it's no surprise that in the long history of sports, only ten Filipinos so far have been recognized as Hall of Famers in their respective arenas. Our Iloilo-based contributing writer Vicente Salas introduces the "Filipino Sports Greats and Hall of Famers," a slim list that will soon expand.

Nearer to the present, Fil-Am small businesses, other than the usual karinderya, hardly made a ripple even in the Fil-Am community beyond their neighborhoods. Today, Fil-Am entrepreneurs like Raibyn Cabiling of San Diego have established a presence in both mainstream and social media, peddling such products as t-shirts, headwear and an innovative "barongorak" that invokes Filipino culture. PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela reports.

The itch to travel is universal but does it have to be done alone? PF contributing writer Ian Layugan dissects the different facets of traveling solo, and presents words of caution and the challenge of daring.

What does it take to be surrogate mother/caregiver/mentor to a chess prodigy? Lotis Key, once a star in Philippine movies and theater, found herself assuming that role and wrote about it. Read Again "A Traveling Fool." http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/a-traveling-fool

His name no longer rings a bell so PF Correspondent Myles A. Garcia reintroduced him to a new audience. Read Again "Before Elorde and Pacquiao, There Was Luis Logan" on a boxing hero that should not be forgotten. http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/before-elorde-and-pacquiao-there-was-luis-logan

Always a comfort food, here's Sizzling Bangus Sisig for the Happy Home Cook: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-happy-home-cook-sizzling-bangus-sisig

[Video of the Week] The Fight Over Manila's Last Forests: Masungi Watershed