Who's Afraid of Human Rights?

Human rights matter, asserts political analyst Walden Bello, as he calls for critical opposition -- defined as supporting the good, criticizing the bad -- to the newbie Duterte administration. A strong opposition is a necessary ingredient in ensuring the evolution of Philippine democracy, Bello explains in his opinion piece this week.

For those dreaming or actually planning adventure travel this year, here are two options:

Tawi-Tawi, the southernmost island of the Philippine archipelago, boasts its sacred mountain, Bud Bongao. Read Again environmentalist Gregg Yan's report on "The Holy Mountain of Tawi-Tawi."

And then there's the pilgrimage walk to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, an adventure that requires good health, endurance and determination (as well as good walking shoes). Read Again contributor Patricia Araneta's first-person account, "A Walk to the End of the Earth: The Camino de Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage."

Art, as in acting and painting, takes center stage with our profiles this week. LA-based Anthony Maddela focuses on Jessalyn Wanlim, a Filipino-Chinese-Indonesian actress/martial arts expert starting to make waves in Hollywood. Chicago-based Rey de la Cruz meanwhile reaches out to Rod Pedralba, a Vancouver-based painter, who draws on his Surigao roots for inspiration.

Another ideal summer dish is Coconut Shrimps with Mango Salsa, shared by our resident foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino, as our Happy Home Cook featured recipe.

For Video of the Week, did you know that the biggest hammock that dangles above a rainforest is in the Philippines? Watch and feel your stomach turn somersaults (if you're afraid of heights).

Victory at Sea

The biggest news as we were preparing this issue was the UN-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration’s decision to uphold all aspects of the Philippine case vs. China over territorial rights to the South China Sea, aka the West Philippine Sea. China, as expected, rejected the decision. So what happens now? To be able to understand this complex issue, Positively Filipino had published stories that hopefully led to a better understanding of how this conflict has affected the lives of Filipinos in the area.  Here are some of the stories worth reading again:

“The Philippines and China: Conflict or Cooperation” by China expert Chito Sta. Romana explains the historical roots of the conflict;

“Legal Warfare Between the Philippines and China” also by Chito Sta. Romana, discusses the realities of negotiating with China;

“South China Sea Row -- A Waiting Game” by veteran journalist Criselda Yabes gives insight on the human aspects of the conflict;

Meanwhile, contributor Patricio Abinales provides an insightful look into the linguistic impact of President Rodrigo Duterte's emergence on the national scene. "Duterte: A Chico de Calle, But a Good One," is written by a Mindanawan, which gives it heft.

On the lighter side, first-time contributor Michael Magnaye takes us to Washington, DC where he partakes of a meal in the Filipino-owned restaurant called Bad Saint, a hot item on the capital's culinary scene.

Our Happy Home Cook recipe this week celebrates summer with our food expert Elizabeth Ann Quirino's Watermelon-Cucumber-Tomato Salad with Feta Cheese and Mirin Dressing.

For our Video of the Week, young Fil-Am R. V. Mendoza gives us a tutorial on Why Black Lives Matter for Filipinos.

For Your Re-Reading Pleasure

If you're vacationing in the Philippines this month and you're setting your sights on meeting a Filipino partner, you just might meet a Kapampangan. Know what it's like to be with somebody from the Central Luzon province of Pampanga? Read Again cultural historian Robby Tantingco's insightful list, "10 Things You Need to Know About Kapampangans," one of our most-read stories. (And for non-Kapampangans, we're eager to hear from you. Send us your own list of what makes your tribe unique among Filipinos. Email to pfeditor@yahoo.com.)

Another worthy Read Again in these days of summer travel, Manuel Hizon's "11 Great Beaches You Probably Haven't Been To."

And if volunteering is your thing, look up Teach for the Philippines, an educational nonprofit that is drawing interest among Fil-Ams seeking to know more about their parents' country of origin. Positively Filipino Contributing Writer Anthony Maddela talks to Edmundo Edward Litton of Loyola Marymount College, which is in the forefront of training young teachers to assist in public schools in the Philippines.

How will the world function in 10 years? We are posting a fearless technology forecast by a Morgan Stanley analyst that should make you sit up and think, because it's inevitable that our lives and lifestyles will be upended sooner than we anticipate or want.

Where in the world is there no Filipino? Contributing Writer Rey de la Cruz travels to the smallest country in South America, the Republic of Suriname, and -- of course -- encounters kababayans.

Vegan calamari. Really? Our vegan foodie Richgail Enriquez gives us an instructional on her version of a fave pulutan, calamari for the Happy Home Cook this week.

Our Video of the Week: a rare vintage footage of Manila in the 1930s.