Sesame Mucho

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In the early 1980s, Filipino children were introduced to two lovable muppets -- Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing -- in the educational TV program, "Sesame." The two muppets were created by the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), producer of Sesame Street, in a partnership with the Philippine Sesame Street Project (PSSP). Under the partnership, CTW also trained key PSSP creative staff, including the puppeteers, in the Sesame Street model of educational TV -- curriculum-based segments, age-focused and fun.

"Sesame," the program, eventually became the famous "Batibot" and PSSP became the Philippine Children's Television Foundation (PCTVF), but the concept, format, and Pong Pagong and Kiko Matsing remained. The program aired five days a week for a remarkable 18 years, bringing forth an actual "Batibot generation" whose formative years were guided by the show, the same way generations of American children were reared on Sesame Street.  

When the partnership between CTW and PCTVF expired in the 1990s, CTW claimed back Pong and Kiko, the muppets. Unfazed, PCTVF created locally made muppets for Batibot. Sesame Street's Filipino connection ended then.

Fast forward to 2023, and CTW, now known as the Sesame Workshop, recently introduced in Sesame Street,  a Fil-Am muppet named TJ, mirroring a four-year old child living in Daly City. Conceptualized by Fil-Ams, TJ's creation followed the same rigorous attention to details that made Pong and Kiko so endearing to Filipino children. This week, we bring you the background story of TJ's creation, from PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela. 

We are noting three significant events in this issue: Philippine Independence Day (June 12), Jose Rizal's birthday (June 19) and Father's Day (June 18). We hope you enjoy our lineup this week.

Stories This Week

A Muppet For All Reasons by Anthony Maddela

In My Father’s Two Worlds by Nanette Carreon-Ruhter

Meet Miss Texas America And Her Mom’s Tulong Foundation by Jocelyn Alvarez Allgood

Paco, Manila – Call It By Its Name by Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr.

[Read Agains]

A Valiant People's Army by John L. Silva

Why June 12 Is Different From Other Days by John L. Silva

Untold Lessons From My Father by Ed Diokno

Jose Rizal, Martial Arts Warrior by Rene J. Navarro

[Cook It Again] Dishes For Independence Day by Chef Marvin Gapultos

[Video of the Week] Immigrant Heritage Month

[Partner] 14th Annual Our Family, Our Future ALLICE 20th Jubilee Event Aims To Empower Older Adults, Stop Hate by Cherie M. Querol Moreno

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Staff

A New Generation Heeds the Call of the Times

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Our generation who grew up in the Philippines has had our share of pivotal historical moments when we felt the world shifting, for better or for worse. The First Quarter Storm of 1970, the declaration of martial law in 1972, the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, and the biggest one of all, the EDSA People Power Revolt in 1986 --  all these were monumental events we have lived through. Now, I can’t help but watch with pride as younger Filipino Americans across the country take action. 

In the past week we've witnessed an uprising--in reaction to the brutal murder of George Floyd--unlike any other I’ve seen since moving to the U.S. in 1988. Many from my children’s generation, and even younger, have shown their support by joining the massive protests that have sprung up in large and small cities, and surprisingly, even in some rural towns not typically known for mass actions.

What I am most intrigued about are all the new ways to show resistance beyond the protest signs. Of those who are not at marches, many are at home grappling with the larger questions: Why were Fil-Ams able to ignore how we treat black rights issues for so long? How can I start a conversation with my parents and relatives? How do I challenge casually uttered racist comments when they come up?

Social media have opened up a new avenue for action, from reposting content, rapidly sharing petitions and letters to politicians, to enabling Fil-Ams to engage their circles more deeply. My daughter Maia launched ongoing discussion groups via Zoom for Asian Americans to unpack questions of identity, learn more about Asian American history, and build solidarity with their African American friends. She announced it on her Instagram account and expected 15 attendees, but 80 people showed up.

Her husband, Jensen, a passionate cyclist, rallied his friends and his bike community to donate to black causes by committing to bike one hour for every $100 donated. He expected $1,000, but raised nearly $7,000. Last weekend alone, he completed 37 hours. Friends joined him on the ride for hours at a time to show their support.  When they saw donations pour in for the largest foundations, Jensen chose four lesser known black causes for the collective donation, to raise awareness about them and redirect the next round of giving.

Their peers are buzzing with ideas about what they might do next to keep up the momentum: organizing teach-ins with other people of color; putting pressure on their employers; volunteering their time; offering their skills in video editing, graphic design, fundraising; and the list goes on.

All of these -- the questioning, the soul-searching, the creative initiatives, the springing into action -- have made a septuagenarian like me, already a veteran of marching and protesting, teary-eyed and incredibly hopeful. Yes, our children have taken up the baton of change. Yes, the world will be a better place in their hands. And yes, they might be able to talk sense to their elders (some of whom are saying some pretty ignorant, disgusting and wrong comments about the current turmoil), as long as they are willing to listen and learn. 

This week in Positively Filipino:

Why The ‘Anti-Terror’ Bill Imperils Philippine Democracy By Ernesto M. Hilario

How Filipinos Are Coping With COVID-19, Part One: Canada, Singapore, UK, Italy
By Cecilia Manguerra-Brainard

Mark Dacascos Defines Cool Onscreen And In Quarantine By Anthony Maddela

Fil-Ams Among The Remarkable And Famous, Part 5 By Mona Lisa Yuchengco 

[Partner] Reflections On June 12, 1898: Philippine Declaration Of Independence Amid A "Dangerous International Environment" By Dr. Frank Jenista 

Read Again: A Black Man’s Burden By Rene G. Ontal

Cook Again: The Happy Home Cook: Adobong Dilaw, A Timeless Recipe By Elizabeth Ann Quirino

Video of the Week: Wake Up in the Philippines from the Philippine Department of Tourism

ITKs: Timely Stories from other Publications

Stories from the Frontlines: Filipinos in the U.S. on George Floyd, Protests, Racism, and Fear
https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/george-floyd-protests-a00202-20200604-lfrm4?fbclid=IwAR0nwDoRwHlnlLIgH_RKKxmsHuACwBlWvssxtiK2PqMZXRBCw9BfpF_VP-Q

Shooting the Invisible, With Photographer Xyza Cruz Bacani
https://waytogo.cebupacificair.com/xyza-cruz-bacani-photography/?fbclid=IwAR3qXI1TGO3WlvE2lkU9mNByr6srsgVsR5PCd2pA-Ic3EcQOQmxvMGB9-rI

In a Philippine indigenous stronghold, traditions keep COVID-19 at bay
https://news.mongabay.com/2020/04/in-a-philippine-indigenous-stronghold-traditions-keep-covid-19-at-bay/?fbclid=IwAR13p6hXxv048tp-dfeMugOp_ocpFkiF18UxiQJb1asHzcifXr8i22foObQ

These horrifying ‘human zoos’ delighted American audiences at the turn of the 20th century
https://timeline.com/human-zoo-worlds-fair-7ef0d0951035

These Two Labour Leaders Were Assassinated 40 Years Ago In Seattle
https://philippinecanadiannews.com/canada/editorial-celebrating-the-legacy-of-filipino-labour-unionism/?fbclid=IwAR3lrHvkarFoqDiF6UlUZaM39WhDV3p1TiJg5CthPlfYSOpv4TbSzMGbvYo

Top 10 Books of Filipino Stories for Children
https://www.tagaloglang.com/top-10-books-of-filipino-stories-for-children/?fbclid=IwAR0r6kDOAmX6PzJYsx87QIIagRt6Nv2s0huRgM35ywiKnQKukTvOdjrcsY8

Millennials Rising

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Let's hear it from millennials!

Ateneo medical student Pia Guballa reflects on the inequities of status and gender privilege in the obstetrics ward on her last day of rotation. "Healer, Lick Thy Wounds" is not only insightful of the harsh realities in women's health, it also reveals a compassionate human being who is cut out to be a future doctor of conscience. May her tribe increase. 

Another good one from an Ateneo student, we're sharing this essay by the valedictorian of Class 2019 and outgoing president of the Ateneo student council, Reycel Hyacenth Bendaña, whose proletarian roots (she is the daughter of a jeepney driver) makes her immensely qualified to call for, not just a more generous Ateneo but, more importantly, a more generous country. We are reposting her essay from the Ateneo University web site so we take it that the institution is officially listening. We hope its alumni are as well. ("Prayer for Generosity")

From Stockton, California, Jaelyn Galasinao Sanidad, a third-generation Filipino American, talks about how it is to survive in what was once ground zero of the Filipino manong community and the strong sense of kinship this shared history has encouraged in succeeding generations like hers. Jaelyn is part of the forthcoming (June 22) annual cultural showcase, this year titled "Dawn." (Read "Little Manila at the Break of Dawn")

Today we celebrate the 121st anniversary of Philippine Independence. Here's a valuable Read Again to put the significance of the day in perspective: "Why June 12 is Different From Other Days" by John L. Silva 

On June 16, it will be Father's Day so here's another Read Again: "A Day in the Life of a Single Dad" 

And here's a fitting tribute to the great Filipino actor, Eddie Garcia, who is currently fighting for his life after a freak accident during shooting: Marra PL. Lanot's "What Makes Eddie Run?"

Our In The Know links to articles from other publications: 

Considering History and Narratives as Spain and the Philippines Approach 500th Anniversary
https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/considering-history-and-narratives-as-spain-and-the-philippines-approach-500th-anniversary/?fbclid=IwAR1CTAoFdm_QxQ1Z7ia4t3AmjELTVkT5ik8QZUZllnWfZjpuXw7Btw6pBxg

Not just a joke: The social cost of Duterte's rape remarks
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/211438-duterte-rape-remarks-social-cost-not-just-jokes?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2IMv32rjbSAuB9R_bkTd_TWVUEtV4PZbGLVq8j0JwDLvIscs2MOOHP3D4#Echobox=1558856702

Netflix, Forest Whitaker Team On Adaptation Of Newbery-Winning Novel ‘Hello, Universe’
https://deadline.com/2019/05/hello-universe-movie-netflix-erin-entrada-kelly-forest-whitaker-1202620474/?fbclid=IwAR33xS_-GIcj8JKEf3UtCgPrNiPPFB_FAvsmcWmv8ojAxH7T1gffoKNk0cY

Ulam:Main Dish' celebrates Filipino cuisine
https://www.ncronline.org/news/media/ulammain-dish-celebrates-filipino-cuisine?clickSource=email

For the Happy Home Cook this week, we are re-posting Chef Marvin Gapultos' suggested dishes for your own Independence Day celebration.

For Video of the Week, we feature McDonald’s Philippines Father’s Day commercial.