Dreaming of "Normal"

In "normal" times --meaning the world as we knew it before Covid struck -- this month of August would have been vacation month in the western hemisphere, when tourists spread out to see places beyond their personal borders. Not anymore. For the fully vaccinated who have the capability to travel abroad during these risky times, destinations are now more targeted, the pandemic numbers checked regularly to determine the viability of visits. 

But still we dream of getting out of our comfort zones in exotic places offering unusual adventures. One of our stories this week is "In the Lapp of Luxury" by first-time contributor Alpha Puey who spent one memorable  winter wonderland vacation in Santa Claus land. This is essentially a Christmas story but who doesn't welcome a whiff of Christmas in August? Besides, for those interested in going on this adventure, it might take months to make arrangements, so read up and make plans.

And for those who prefer a staycation, here's an inspiring show to follow: G-Diaries featuring newlyweds Ernie Lopez and Michelle Arville focusing on people helping others. PF Correspondent Elizabeth Ann Quirino elucidates on this feel-good program that honors the legacy of Ernie's late elder sister, the well-known environmentalist Gina Lopez.

PF Publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco who compiles the Fil-Ams Among the Remarkable and Famous series made a list of all the names she has included in the compilation and was amazed that the total was already 359. Still counting, as we see some newly discovered Fil-Ams in Part 24.

For a summer treat, how about a Make Again recipe for No-Churn Ube Ice Cream, shared to us by Lulelyn Andres from Budapest. 

For Video of the Week, we commemorate the 40th day anniversary of the passing of President Benigno S. Aquino III with a tribute from his sister Pinky.

In The Know

Tagalog Is the Third Most Widely Spoken Language in Three U.S. States
https://www.esquiremag.ph/politics/news/tagalog-us-language-a00225-20210802?fbclid=IwAR0XcS0OJGmXdj_JCYOhZWV5M5ygWhpDi962ViFzJ7j10u1EYZ5hY4GpAAc

An Olympic romance: The love story of Hidilyn Diaz and her coach Julius Naranjo
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/07/28/21/an-olympic-romance-the-love-story-of-hidilyn-diaz-and-her-coach-julius-naranjo

20 Filipino Architectural Marvels That Have Stood The Test Of Time
https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/20-iconic-filipino-architecture-that-have-stood-the-tests-of-time

Venice Competition Philippines Title ‘On The Job’ Sets HBO GO Premiere in Asia, Reveals Trailer
https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/on-the-job-erik-matti-hbo-philippines-venice-1235029127/

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Golden Diaz

Filipinos all over the globe had a generous dose of euphoria on Monday, July 26 when Hidilyn Diaz won the Olympic gold medal for the women's 55-kg weightlifting event in Tokyo. Not only did the 30-year old Zamboanguena best all others, including the favored 20-year old Chinese competitor, she also set two world records. With her win, the Philippine National Anthem was finally heard in the Olympics, for the first time since the country started competing 97 years ago. It was a "bucketful-of-tears" minutes as the anthem played and Hidilyn stood on center stage saluting and crying. Still is, when you watch the video again.

Hidilyn's victory is a timely reminder that our nation glories in the achievements and the hard work of its people. It's not a nation of harebrained functionaries who implement the law through killing or who willingly kowtow to a stronger power to gain favors. It was ironic that a few hours before her win, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was giving a rambling State of the Nation speech where he vowed once again to impose law and order by killing drug dealers, among other atrocious statements. 

On this side of the Pacific, it is also worth noting the Olympic gold medal of Lee Kiefer in the individual foil (fencing) event. Kiefer's mother is Filipina. 

Our stories this week focus on food: Manila-based foodie John Silva rhapsodizes on the various superb cuisines of the exclusive resort, Balesin; Los Angeles-based PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela's take on Filled (or Filipino-Led) Market, an open bazaar that sells food and other things close to everyone's hearts; and documentary producer Jennie Celdran's love notes on Cebu lechon. 

Speaking of lechon, if you ever have some left over, here's what to do with it: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-happy-home-cook-paksiw-na-lechon-roast-pork-in-homemade-liver-sauce-and-vinegar?rq=lechon

In The Know

A PROMISE FULFILLED: Hidilyn Diaz lifts the Filipino people with historic Olympic gold
http://www.fullcourtfresh.com/mainnews/a-promise-fulfilled-hidilyn-diaz-lifts-the-filipino-people-with-historic-olympic-gold/?fbclid=IwAR0Ui_EvelfROX7yNr4vkxQNl1OHhBtsb328FmbkrdLXjz-ZYc7rRt3ae0Y

VALORANT's popularity in the Philippines, SEA 'a welcome surprise' for Riot Games
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/valorant-popularity-philippines-sea-welcome-surprise-riot-games-015450648.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=ma

Meet the war hero who invented banana ketchup
https://nextshark.com/banana-ketchup-maria-orosa-war-hero-philippines/

No Asian hate can stop this Filipino food truck in Utah from selling sisig and lechon kawali
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/food-drink/features/07/16/21/no-asian-hate-can-stop-this-filipino-owned-food-truck-in-utah

How Does the Philippine Spanish Accent Sound Like?
https://lajornadafilipina.com/arts-and-culture/philippine-spanish-accent/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ReviveOldPost&fbclid=IwAR3E3o5myku7NGaTXUP5e_IEaX6OmOFVZVoMzx5DG7YaBbzG2galQGViIAI

The Last Tattooed Women of Kalinga—Jake Versoza On His World-Renowned Photography Series
https://ph.asiatatler.com/life/jake-verzosa-the-last-tattooed-women-of-kalinga-book-exhibition

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Covid Games

The Tokyo Olympics of 2021 begins this Friday, July 23 under dire Covid-shrouded circumstances. With no live spectators, the athletes unable to interact with one another beyond their countries' bubble, and the Delta variant hanging like an albatross on the entire event, it will be an Olympics like no other. There will be 19 Filipino athletes who will compete in the Games. Will they be able to surpass the historically mediocre showing of Filipino athletes of Olympics past? PF Correspondent and Olympics historian Myles A. Garcia gives us an overview of "Your Filipino Olympic Medalists Through the Years."

Here are more Olympic stories from Myles to Read Again:

Ten Best-Kept Secrets Of Olympic Ceremonies

A Tale Of Two Olympic Museums

Our long-running list of remarkable and/or famous Fil-Ams continues with part 23 featuring a transgender beauty queen, a start-up entrepreneur, a spoken word artist, authors and a nurse/chef, among others. 

Today (or yesterday in Manila), one of the most revered Filipino women was laid to rest. PF Correspondent Elizabeth Ann Quirino offers a heartfelt tribute to her ninang, Nini Quezon Avancena, who was her mother's best friend. 

Let's take a break from the ongoing controversy over the plan of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry to standardize the process of cooking adobo and enjoy again a taste of Vegan Longganisa from vegan proponent, Richgail Enriquez: The Happy Home Cook: Vegan Longganisa

Have a safe and healthy summer week!

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