Spooks and Nostagia

Filipinos concerned with politics in all its permutations consider the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) as the devil incarnate, accused of meddling in elections, corrupting politicians, spying on anti-US activists, clandestinely supporting political upheavals and actively shaping the political climate in favor of the United States. But is the agency's power as all-encompassing as it is believed, or is the myth bigger than reality? According to political analyst and academic Roland Simbulan, the CIA's ill repute in the Philippines is well-deserved and he tells us why in this in-depth analysis of CIA presence in the country. Read it and be appalled at the agency's reach and record of ruthlessness.

On a lighter note, those of us who came of age in the Motherland in the '70s surely remember Basil Valdez, the crooner who immortalized such classics as "Ngayon at Kailanman" and "Hanggang Sa Dulo Nang Walang Hanggan." Well, Basil celebrated his 40 years as a solo artist -- he started out as one of the soloists of the famed Circus Band -- in Manila recently, and our contributor Cathy Sanchez Babao was there to re-live the significant milestones of her life through Basil's songs. We hope you are able to revive your own memories as you hear the songs of your youth once again.

Our In The Know lineup this week:

Half-Filipina Heroine dies at 101
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/28/us/florence-finch-dead-coast-guard-war-hero.html?smprod=nytcore-iphone&smid=nytcore-iphone-share&_r=0

'Guardians' star Dave Bautista: 'I wear the Filipino flag with pride'
http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/26/17/guardians-star-dave-bautista-i-wear-the-filipino-flag-with-pride

Why this Filipina is fighting for Israel
http://www.jta.org/2017/05/01/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/why-this-filipina-is-fighting-for-israel

‘Is there a doctor on this flight?’ Yes, a Filipino, and he’s good
http://usa.inquirer.net/3356/doctor-flight-yes-filipino-hes-good?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#link_time=1493743718

For our Happy Home Cook recipe this week, PF Correspondent Rene Astudillo gives us first dibs on his new culinary accomplishment: Deep-fried Halo Halo. Perfect foil for the summer heat.

Our Video of the Week is from Illustrado Magazine, which interviewed Pinoy Angelenos on what makes them Filipino.

News Capsules From Us and Advice from a Fil-Am Writer

If you're too busy to read online news sites daily, you can get capsule reports on Filipino-related news from all over the world in Positively Filipino's In Brief section: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/in-brief/

And if you missed reading Filipino-related news in various publications, we have In The Know, a listing of links to interesting stories. This week, here are the stories you may want to read:

Philippine ambassador’s views on challenges and opportunities in bilateral ties
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1042679.shtml

Fil-Am couple indicted for Medicare fraud, human trafficking http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/pinoyabroad/606940/fil-am-couple-indicted-for-medicare-fraud-human-trafficking/story#sthash.tPvmM37T.dpuf

Filipino youth stage musical against Duterte's deadly drugs war
https://www.yahoo.com/news/filipino-youth-stage-musical-against-dutertes-deadly-drugs-085741064.html?.tsrc=fauxdal

How a Photographer’s Work Helped a Homeless Girl From Quiapo Finish College
http://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/profiles-and-features/rick-rocamora-quiapo-a1521-20170412-lfrm2?ref=home_featured_big

This Little Girl Cosplayed Jyn Erso So She Could Deliver The Death Star Plans To Princess Leia
https://www.buzzfeed.com/kassycho/people-are-loving-this-little-jyn-erso-cosplayer-who?utm_term=.gh4Xo7DoQ#.knPr9ZX9p

Many people dream of being a writer, but very few actually become one. Award-winning fictionist Cecilia Mangguera-Brainard is one of those who followed her calling and has authored nine books and edited or co-edited 10 more. This week, she shares with us her story on the women who have influenced her writing as well as some advice for beginning writers.

PF Correspondent Myles Garcia researched the strange story of Lucio and Simplicio Godino, conjoined twins born in Samar in 1908 that became celebrities of sorts and were adopted by Filipino diplomat/businessman Teodoro Yangco. In "The Unusual Life and Times of the Godino Twins," Myles also traces the stories of conjoined twins in history.

Another PF Correspondent Rey de la Cruz introduces some Filipinos he met in Aruba in Pinoyspotting.

No Filipino knows French cooking like Nora Daza, the original chef superstar of the Philippines, who set up the first French restaurant in the country, Au Bon Vivant. Our recipe for the Happy Home Cook this week is Daza's Chateaubriand, a dish that originated in France.

For our Video of the Week, Our Awesome Planet Originals features their Top 10 Pampanga Restaurants. Do you agree?

Farewell to Lisa’s Dad

To us who didn't really know him personally, he was simply "Lisa's Dad," an appellation that we uttered with reverence because we are well aware that Lisa's dad is Alfonso Yuchengco, a giant presence in Philippine contemporary history.

Known to his friends as A.Y., Lisa's father was a businessman-industrialist whose business interests ranged from insurance (Grepalife, Malayan) to banking (RCBC) and education (Mapua). He was also known for his philanthropy; he was a generous supporter of a wide variety of causes (among them, the Bayanihan Dance Company and the Bantayog ng mga Bayani, a foundation dedicated to memorializing victims of martial law). Moreover, as Lisa herself revealed (see "How I Knew My Father's Love"), A.Y. was a secret financier of "subversive" activities, particularly during the Marcos years. His most exalted title of course is Ambassador, a statesman's role he fulfilled with honor and dignity -- in Japan, China and as Permanent Representative to the UN. Ambassador Yuchengco passed away on Easter Sunday in Manila, at the age of 94.

We join the Yuchengco family in mourning his passing and celebrating his extraordinary life. We speak for a grateful nation in thanking the Ambassador for his distinguished service to the country and to the Filipino people.

No one can convey the man's greatness better than his daughter so we are re-posting our publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco's tribute to her dad on his 90th birthday four years ago.

On other news, it's Earth Day once again and our climate specialist, LA-based journalist Dorian Merina, discusses the clear connection between climate change and food production in "Wanted: A New Agriculture to Face Climate Change."

And for a touch of levity, PF correspondent Rey E. de la Cruz writes about the troubles he would get with his name.

I'm sure the De la Cruzes out there can relate.

Here's our compilation of interesting stories from various publications in our In the Know section:

The Philippines faces a very serious security challenge in two fronts and how it plays out could critically affect the balance of power in the Asia Pacific Region and beyond
http://roilogolez.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-philippines-faces-very-serious.html?spref=tw&m=1

Where does the military stand with Duterte?
http://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/166768-military-stand-duterte-commander-in-chief

This legit Filipino eatery is hiding behind an unassuming name
https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/restaurants/a-legit-filipino-eatery-hides-behind-an-unassuming-name-at-matthews-grill/2017/04/06/71001fd4-1597-11e7-833c-503e1f6394c9_story.html?utm_term=.d607750ad346

Pinay Chef Snubs Ivanka Trump
https://politikalpinoy.wordpress.com/2017/04/14/pinay-chef-snubs-ivanka-trump/

For our Happy Home Cook, PF Correspondent and foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino shares her Peach-Mango Pie, a handcrafted (therefore better) version of the one from the famous hamburger chain.

Our Video of the Week: BBC's Human Planet features the amazing yet dangerous trade of underwater reef fishing in the Philippines.