A Night to Remember

As Filipinos and as journalists, we watched with great pride as Maria Ressa accepted the Nobel Peace Prize during the award  ceremony in Oslo last December 10, attended by Norway's royalty no less. Our first Filipino Nobel Laureate did not disappoint. Her speech was eloquent and inspirational, a call to action for truth, trust and protecting democracy.

If you missed the ceremony and her speech, here it is:

For the text of Maria Ressa's Nobel Laureate lecture:

https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/2021/ressa/lecture/

Democracy is under siege in some major countries in the world, including the US and yes, the Philippines. In the third part of his illuminating series on the Philippine electoral process, former Comelec chair Andres Bautista states "An informed and engaged citizenry is the foundation of a successful election." He then unpacks why and how this logical idea at this point is easier said than done.

However. There are rays of hope and of joy as veteran writer Alfred "Krip" Yuson reports in his colorful situationer of the mood of the hour in pre-(official) campaign Philippines, where the political situation remains fluid as flood. 

Perhaps we can use a look back at the distant past to understand our people. PF contributor Dorian Merina tells us about Wondery's podcast series that he scripted on the Philippine American War, running now until the end of December.  

And to keep you in the holiday spirit, Toronto-based writer Patria Rivera gives a review of a book on Philippine spirits of the liquid variety. The book is a good resource on Philippine wines and a unique Christmas gift as well. 

Have you planned your Noche Buena yet? Here are some recipes that will surely light up your Christmas table. Cook Again: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-happy-home-cook-christmas-recipes?rq=christmas

Video of the Week: Larry Ramos of the Association (1942-2014)
Partner Post: UCSF Lung Cancer Research on Asian American Females



In The Know (Standard Edition)

How the rise of electric cars endangers the ‘last frontier’ of the Philippines
https://www.nbcnews.com/specials/rise-of-electric-cars-endangers-last-frontier-philippines/index.html

‘Root of all evil’: Quiboloy church’s demands for money mire followers in debt
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/investigative/quiboloy-church-demand-money-mires-kingdom-jesus-christ-followers-debt/?fbclid=IwAR0-WkxPyiskMNmS8gX13r64C_mDCAddzpV79vvai7iRm2OmCaxePfNlrnQ

Andrés Bonifacio and the house at 72 Calle Azcárraga
https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/938092-andres-bonifacio-house-at-72-calle-azcarraga?fbclid=IwAR0dHLK9z2VGw1eoGUJubBI7t1__vKENPvSS86_mUWTOkS6aGGE44hYYEQA

Meet Mighty Magulang, the geeky Tita proving history and facts can thrive on TikTok

https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/12/05/21/meet-mighty-magulang-tiktoks-favorite-history-geek?fbclid=IwAR0FXTu4cGK7bu-GGBW9jLB1yRF1HK9YYQcpbaCEuZJpgY7dwXLqBxjZNLQ

Today in Philippine History, December 12, 1888, 20 young women of Malolos requested to open a night school for Spanish language
https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/812/today-in-philippine-history-december-12-1888-20-young-women-of-malolos-requested-to-open-a-night-school-for-spanish-language

IN PHOTOS: After more than two years of renovation, Ayala Museum reopens with a new look
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/12/03/21/in-photos-the-new-look-of-ayala-museum?fbclid=IwAR34qa319Ny-tDIp9-IehvnlRCKOVwJ2AfHp6OKlsv9zU1J4h7deRORw27k


Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino

Don't Know Much About History?

The best way to learn history is to read the meticulously researched, factually accurate and objective works of credible historians and writers.

The best way to appreciate historical events is to hear the personal stories by or about those who were there.

Our lineup this week offers both. It begins with a son's narration of his father's monumental choice and heroism during the 1989 coup d'etat that almost toppled the Cory Aquino administration.

We're also reposting some stories related to this day, December 8, a holy day of obligation in the Catholic world (Feast of the Immaculate Conception) but also marks the beginning of World War II in the Philippines (1941) and the assassination of John Lennon (1981) (we have 2 Beatles stories from Lloyd LaCuesta and Marra PL. Lanot).

Part 2 of  former COMELEC chair Andres Bautista's series on the Philippine electoral process, focusing on political dynasties, is also in this issue.

And for a sumptuous feast (or to trigger your imagination of one), PF Correspondent and resident foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino describes the Kapampangan Christmas table of a clan matriarch who literally cooked up a feast, one dish of which is our Happy Home Cook feature this week.

Video of the Week: SB19’s “Bazinga” tops Billboard Hot Trends Chart
Partner Post: Philippine International Aid’s Christmas Gift Package Campaign



In The Know (Standard Edition)

Tourism pause helps Philippines clean up island paradise
https://news.yahoo.com/tourism-pause-helps-philippines-clean-114222987.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=ma

52 all-Pinoy reading, storytelling spaces launched to promote Filipino books, stories
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/812662/52-all-pinoy-reading-storytelling-spaces-launched-to-promote-filipino-books-stories/story/?fbclid=IwAR3F1aNyKY36h_JwjcIBizaYHwkalxNFvBhKjxeHrAuR40Sgj_uYByr5u20

Las Casas Filipinas De Acuzar Wins Asia's Best Historic Hotel Award
https://www.esquiremag.ph/life/travel/las-casas-filipinas-de-acuzar-international-award-a833-sa00171-20211126-src-spot?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20211127-fbnp-life-las-casas-filipinas-de-acuzar-international-award-a833-sa00171-20211126-src-spot-fbfirst&fbclid=IwAR2GIIsE7RHRZWxP8p4LTjo7vTjHpD1FWx71YVkAzPYmAxq5l4XU02zk-s4

Inside IKEA in Manila: tabò, capiz windows, woven lamps, and other Pinoy home stuff

https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/11/23/21/how-worlds-biggest-ikea-was-designed-for-pinoy-market?fbclid=IwAR0AAdsDt5bGz38gPNys0sPw3DSYETwmcdTd_I_w3JRAINeNcJtKEGYVxiQ

Fil-Am among 'Best New Chefs' highlights Filipino modern cuisine in U.S.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/11/29/21/fil-am-among-best-new-chefs-highlights-filipino-modern-cuisine-in-us/?utm_campaign=sharedpost&fbclid=IwAR2QHeTJMJb1B4XXDCYqmw4DVr4OgwJi6Xo1Fbs81miQ9lLi9hcnW1aZefM 

This almost 100-year old Cubao mansion is testament to a family’s deep affection for their heritage 
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/05/29/19/this-fabled-1929-mansion-in-new-manila-is-a-war-survivor-and-family-legacy?fbclid=IwAR08wPVfOF5JombMMoESaKvuIZegfnIACG4fh88awjunIVK8Pu6_iw9yxZU


Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino

Polls Expectations

Elections in the Philippines is blood sport, as many who have lived through several of them can attest. In hotly contested positions where money flows and the threat of violence from goons and guns is a real possibility, the common street belief is that the one who wins in the voting may not be the one who wins in the counting. 

As the May 2022 nationwide elections loom large in the consciousness of Filipinos even at this early stage, we asked former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) chair Andy Bautista to give us the skinny on the electoral process and what citizens can do (if anything) to ensure a clean and fair election. The first of his series of articles begins this week with "Substituting Democracy."

The last of our Living Legends series drops this week with part 3 featuring some pretty impressive Fil-Ams as community leaders, military officials, media practitioners and medical doctors. 

The highest ranking Fil-Am in the Los Angeles Police Department, Commander Donald Graham tells PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela that his policing style and principles draw from his Filipino upbringing by his mother, Amelia.

In the Philippines, you'll know that Christmas is coming soon when you start hearing Jose Mari Chan crooning his Christmas hits on the airwaves, in malls and other public places -- as early as September. The popular singer/songwriter has been associated with the spirit of the season for more than three decades. Read Again Manila-based writer Paulynn Sicam's story on "Jose Mari Chan's Enduring Heart Songs." 

And during this season of giving, please consider donating to Philippine International Aid (PIA), which has been sending thousands of poor children to school for almost four decades now.

Here's one way of cooking a traditional favorite, Pasta Vongole, made easy by Chef Sandy Daza, from his series of cooking demos called Casa Daza. 

If you've ever had any doubt about the plunder charges against the Marcoses, watch this riveting special report circa 1986 by ABS-CBN News hosted by the late broadcaster Angelo Castro Jr. With never-before-seen footages and extensive documentation, this historic video is both illuminating and alarming, in the context of the coming elections.




Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino