Justice on Trial

Extrajudicial killings have been in the headlines lately -- in the Philippines and in the US -- driven by different reasons, all resulting in pain, human rights tragedies and tinder for social volatility. History professor Vicente L. Rafael offers an insightful comparison of EJDs in both countries, the better for us to understand and reflect on how we should react and act on these travesties of justice.

An equally important call for humanity comes from Fr. Jett Villarin, currently the president of the Ateneo de Manila University, who has the distinction of being both a Jesuit and a physicist. He recently spoke at the University of San Francisco on Pope Francis' Laudatu Si encyclical on ecological justice. Manzel Delacruz elaborates on Fr. Jett's plea for the convergence of science and religion to save nature and humanity.

Meanwhile, as Rio de Janeiro prepares for the Olympics, Contributing Writer Myles A. Garcia, who has written a book on Olympics history, writes an "Ode to Olde Olympia and the Olympic Games" where he witnessed a reenactment of the original ritual of getting fire from the sun to light the Olympic flame.

And in case you missed them, Read Again two of our popular stories:

"Please Stop Calling the Philippines 'P.I.'" by Michael Gonzalez, a reminder that P.I. is a colonial term and to use it to refer to our homeland is an insult to its hard-earned sovereignty.

"When Lolo's Debating Team Vanquished America" by Liana Romulo relates the historic victories of the Philippine debating team led by her grandfather, the great statesman Carlos P. Romulo.

Our Happy Home Cook recipe this week is my personal comfort food, Humba, this one by the Philippines' original top chef, Nora Daza. I reached for her popular recipe book "Let's Cook with Nora," the bible of Filipino immigrants everywhere, when our friend, her eldest son Bong, passed away recently. Bong attested to the deliciousness of all the recipes in this book because he was the taste tester when his mom was putting it together.

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.