July 4th: Ties that Bind
/As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Filipinos—especially those in the diaspora—have every reason to reflect on a shared past that shaped both nations.
For nearly half a century, the Philippines was part of the American story, leaving a legacy of sacrifice, opportunity, conflict, and enduring ties. This complex relationship—defined by colonial rule, democracy, nationalism, and deep cultural connections—continues to influence Filipino identity and U.S.-Philippine relations today.
To commemorate this year's July 4, we asked retired Philippine history professor Michael Gonzalez to provide our readers a bird's eye view of pivotal events that have defined Philippine relations with its former colonizer since 1898. It was a difficult ask, especially considering the limitations of deadline and word count.
What emerged from Gonzalez's knowledge archive is his list of ten pivotal milestones, each split into the good, the bad and the ugly, that reveal how history forged a bond that has been as turbulent as it has been transformative, with consequences still felt on both sides of the Pacific.
Have a meaningful July 4th, however you want to celebrate it.
This week’s stories
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: A Guide to US-Philippine Relations Across Decades by Michael Gonzalez
When Philippine Independence Day Moved to Another Date by Rudy D. Liporada
FilAms Among The Remarkable And Famous, Part 79 by Mona Lisa Yuchengco
[Opinion] The Architecture of Dignity: How Culture Shapes the Soul by Cecilia Guidote-Alvarez
Obituary: Lourdes M. Esclamado by Alex M. Esclamado
[Read It Again]
A Reunion of Strangers by Oscar Peñaranda
The Flag of Their Forebears by Myles A. Garcia
[Video of the Week] Ube Festival showcases Filipino food, culture, and entrepreneurship in California
In The Know
How decades of US immigration law shaped the Filipino diaspora — and San Diego
Alex Fabros, 80, makes history at UCSB
https://news.ucsb.edu/2026/022633/alex-fabros-80-makes-history-ucsb
‘Street Fighter’ finally gets its 1st Filipino fighter after 39 years, and the details matter
https://www.therebelyellow.com/p/street-fighter-finally-gets-its-1st
Israelis, other foreigners in Siargao nabbed over immigration violations
