Independence, Ramadan, and Father's Day

As we celebrate 120 years of Philippine Independence, let's take a look back to how it all began. Read Again "Why June 12 Is Different From Other Days" by contributor John Silva.

In San Francisco, this year's celebration featured, among other highlights, an Independence Day cake created by Bettina Santos-Yap, a marketing person who recently embarked on her second career, this time in the culinary world. PF Correspondent Cherie Querol-Moreno reports.

We wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a meaningful celebration of the Eid ul Fitr on June 15, marking the end of this year's month-long Ramadan. How is Marawi City faring after the horrific fighting and bombing there? Our PF Correspondent Criselda Yabes updates us on the remnants of what used to be a glorious showcase of Muslim life in Mindanao.

And for our Father's Day feature, a touching story on how a son found his father and how the father accepted his previously unknown son. Derrick Reyes, the son, tells us his story in "May I Call You Dad?" while Ricardo "Dick" Taylor reveals what he felt when he found out that he had a son he never knew.

In our In The Know links this week, we pay tribute to Anthony Bourdain, the chef/media celebrity/adventurer/sage who, in two episodes of this highly rated series, publicly declared a lot of affection for Filipinos and Filipino food. 

A tribute to Anthony Bourdain, one of the OG champions of Filipino cuisine
https://coconuts.co/manila/lifestyle/tribute-anthony-bourdain-one-og-champions-filipino-cuisine/

This valedictorian began to talk about sexual misconduct at her graduation. Then her mic was cut.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/education/wp/2018/06/09/this-valedictorian-began-to-talk-about-sexual-misconduct-at-her-graduation-then-her-mic-was-cut/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.f331545d609f

The Price of ‘Machismo Populism’ in the Philippines
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/06/duterte-kiss-philippines/562265/

Filipina Equestrian Spreads The Olympism Message
https://www.olympic.org/news/filipino-equestrian-spreads-the-olympism-message?esi=true

For your Father's Day celebration, here's a simplified version of our favorite Filipino dessert, Leche Flan from contributor Melanie Q. Suzara.

And for our Video of the Week, enjoy Anthony Bourdain's tribute to our people. 

Looking Back

As Filipinos the world over gear up to celebrate another Philippine Independence Day, it's a good time to learn about the two-day visit of President Manuel Luis Quezon and his family to Washington, D.C. 76 years ago, the only Philippine president to stay at the White House. Titchie Carandang-Tiongson who, along with her husband Erwin and two sons, are digging up Philippine history in Washington, D.C., writes the historical account.

Another Washington, D.C. story is Myrna Montera Lopez's profile of Santiago "Sonny" Busa, Jr., an outstanding FilAm who was a military officer, a diplomat, an academic and a community leader, among the many roles he has distinguished himself in.

And switching to the motherland, Prof. Michael Gonzalez teams up with student journalist Meeko Angela Camba to introduce the work of Gerry Tan, a sound artist, who is "weaving sound from a tapestry."

Our In The Know links for this week:

Inside a Philippine City Seized by ISIS Loyalists
https://www.nytimes.com/video/world/asia/100000005858523/isis-loyalists-marawi.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Inside the Controversial World of Slum Tourism
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/photography/history-controversy-debate-slum-tourism/

Five Blood Transfusions, One Bone Marrow Transplant — All Before Birth
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/25/health/fetal-bone-marrow-transplant.html

Valencia Brothers Seek to Represent Filipino American Experience Through Food
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Lasa-Restaurant-Filipino-483165571.html

For our Happy Home Cook, Chef Richgail Enriquez features her vegan version of Munggo Guisado.

For Video of the Week, Youtube comedian Jeppy Paraiso is back with his Tita series.

Fil-Ams and the Political Arena

As many US states hold its election primaries this week, it's timely to look into the presence of Filipino Americans in the election process. University of San Francisco history major Amarjot Aulakh focuses on the issue and writes that indeed, the Filipino voice is rising in American politics.

One proof of this is the emergence of FilAms seeking public office, such as Cristina Osmeña, who has decided to throw her hat as a Republican in a congressional race long held by a well-regarded Democrat.

Across the ocean, UK-based writer Joy Watford sends  in a report of the good, courageous work of Fr. Danny Pilario, the parish priest of Payatas in Quezon City where a disturbing number of  EJKs (extra-judicial killings) have taken place. Fr. Danny founded Project SOW (Support for Orphans and Widows).

For more information about what's happening in Filipino communities worldwide, here are our In The Know links for this week:

She Stands Up to Power. Now, She’s Afraid to Go Home.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/03/world/asia/hurman-rights-philippines.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur

Ruby Ibarra raps, unapologetically, about Filipina experience
https://www.sfchronicle.com/music/article/Ruby-Ibarra-raps-unapologetically-about-12934982.php

In racial conflicts, video becomes a megaphone
https://www.sfchronicle.com/business/article/In-racial-conflicts-video-becomes-a-megaphone-12946997.php

More than 228,000 pounds of Spam recalled
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/more-228-000-pounds-spam-recalled-n877921?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma

Barbecue season is here so we're sharing our food expert Elizabeth Ann Quirino's personal recipe for Pork Barbecue, a staple of Filipino picnics and house parties everywhere.

And our Video of the Week: meet Nephi Garcia, Designer Daddy.