December 29, 2021

Poll Dancers

December 29, 2021/ Gemma Nemenzo

After our Christmas stories last week, we're resuming the series on the Philippine electoral system by former COMELEC chief, Andres Bautista. For this issue, he focuses on "Gaming Philippine Democracy," which explains the manufactured controversy regarding the 2016 vice presidential election.

And since this is our last issue of 2021, here's our list and links to the most-read stories of the year based on Google Analytics.

Our Toronto-based contributor, Patria Cabatuando Rivera, sent us an inspirational story on the kind and generous doctor from Toclong, Imus, Cavite, the late Olimpio Hembrador whose patient list includes some pretty prominent people.

For your post-Christmas healthier meals, here are some suggestions from Chef Sandy Daza, borrowed from his acclaimed series of cooking demos called Casa Daza.

Here's wishing all of you a better year ahead.

Video of the Week: Auld Lang Syne

In The Know (Phiilippine Politics Edition)

2022 look ahead: Democracy at stake in Philippines election circus
https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/2022-look-ahead-Democracy-at-stake-in-Philippines-election-circus

The messianic motif in Philippine politics
https://opinion.inquirer.net/147686/the-messianic-motif-in-philippine-politics

Stan and deliver: K-pop fan club mobilizes for 2022 polls
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1529352/stan-and-deliver-k-pop-fan-club-mobilizes-for-22?fbclid=IwAR2pxgJ78sNsroLEv1U4xgdiJVsJtN4glwQElF29bjfITIPu_fvHhDY_GwE

In The Know (Standard Edition)

Get to Know All the National Artists of the Philippines
https://www.esquiremag.ph/the-good-life/pursuits/national-artists-philippines-list-a1957-20190802-lfrm10?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20211207-fbnp-the-good-life-national-artists-philippines-list-a1957-20190802-lfrm10-fbold&fbclid=IwAR1xnG4BdBJ8iCfBktKjVrIUisRvHbOuDAC9A6EqgHkaOSXeui52nNpFlbQ

These close encounters reveal another side to The Beatles’ ‘disastrous’ Manila visit in ‘66
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/spotlight/12/20/21/bbc-doc-reveals-new-details-in-beatles-vs-imelda-story

One last kiss: How iconic resto Chocolate Kiss knew it was time to say goodbye
https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/how-iconic-restaurant-chocolate-kiss-knew-time-say-goodbye/?fbclid=IwAR3vEp505PHylo5vbd5o3kOjC8mKwvbQ0fvTutRUDyfSBRal_3_ZfYxuYTA

How this 14-year old Pinoy kid became one of the world’s prize-winning cellists
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/music/12/09/21/meet-the-young-pinoy-cellist-making-the-country-proud?fbclid=IwAR3XViyLU6PF3BfV2zquFc3kT5Uyxtdgc2OBnWTA9v9RGueEqfzRjpT2bA0

The boy who dreamt, the man who became
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/12/06/the-boy-who-dreamt-the-man-who-became/?fbclid=IwAR3XEsH1kES7bgUBd0VEfHwwCQNHOnHy496pjkGsuPMEnBK5VLxpr0B7oR4

How Spider-Man: No Way Home Lets Filipino Americans Shine
https://www.slashfilm.com/713511/how-spider-man-no-way-home-lets-filipino-americans-shine/?fbclid=IwAR2f5RpuUKnCVs5R3DbnM0wW4e1nWESt88yi-uvB3ddBsVLdJVDiQRTygrk

December 22, 2021

It's Bayanihan Time

December 22, 2021/ Gemma Nemenzo

“These are the times that try men’s souls.” - Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, 1776

Since it's busy-happy time for everyone celebrating Christmas, we compiled these heartwarming and nostalgic stories from some of our contributing writers that you can enjoy when taking breaks from preparing for your noche buena.

We're even throwing in our resident foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino's recipe for Tocino del Cielo, that rich, sinful Kapampangan delicacy that may have been part of your childhood Christmases.

Adding to this mix is our Video of the Week, a delightful rendition by the Aroha Junior Choir and the Aroha Children's Choir of Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas." This was supposed to be a light, relaxing issue -- a break from the serious, the controversial, the thought-provoking topics.But nature had other ideas.

In addition to the alarming spread of the omicron virus worldwide, throwing Christmas travel and party plans asunder, how can we turn our backs on the horrific havoc and disaster that Typhoon Odette/Ria wrecked in central and southern Philippines? The pictures that trickled out -- very slowly because power and communications were cut off -- were heartbreaking.

Here's one of the reports:

So in keeping with the true spirit of Christmas, we hope everyone can join in the worldwide bayanihan to help our kababayans in Visayas and Mindanao recover from this disaster. Your nearest Philippine embassies or consulates should be able to point you to the legitimate venues for donations. [Be watchful of scams.]

And with this, we send you our wishes for a joyful and safe Christmas celebration.

Our Christmas Stories

To-Die-For Ube Cocktail: An Asinine Yuletide Recipe By France Viana

A Star Is Borne: San Francisco’s Annual Parol Lantern Festival By MC Canlas

Light Of The Ancients By Myles A. Garcia

Longing For The Sound Of Christmas Music By BJ Gonzalvo

A Filipino Christmas In The Sixties By Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr.

Noche Buena On Mango Avenue By Cecilia Manguerra-Brainard

Tocino Del Cielo: A Sweet Reward For Human Kindness By Elizabeth Ann Quirino

The Happy Home Cook: Tocino Del Cielo By Elizabeth Ann Quirino

In The Know

The country that celebrates Christmas for more than 4 months a year
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/21/philippines-the-longest-christmas-celebrations-in-the-world-.html?fbclid=IwAR0767DIgXdKC8Q9dJeCN9gPGppOjaHf-p0nw2pqxVBYMjQizPsSwwB7q6I

Can the small but mighty Jollibee dethrone Popeyes’ spicy fried chicken?
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/small-mighty-jollibee-dethrone-popeyes-121000496.html

New clue to human evolution's biggest mystery emerges in Philippines
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/16/world/denisovan-dna-philippines-scn/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0gCb1pY9cvCDvDMg6qJ3qYMyx1P94-E3VYHmlVO29LN64YVllCJxAjPEM

Social entrepreneur’s mission of preserving Philippine cinnamon also benefits farmers
https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/06/social-entrepreneurs-mission-of-preserving-philippine-cinnamon-also-benefits-farmers/?fbclid=IwAR0fx0D_5fBCctZXXX2GqxUFYA7jNfQWUmVpwoeW5tCp55-LqEVItYtuvKg

A Private Island in the Philippines Is Cheaper Than a House in Forbes Park
https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/private-islands-in-the-philippines-a00297-20200305?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20211205-fbnp-culture-private-islands-in-the-philippines-a00297-20200305-fbold&fbclid=IwAR0ucsxwnMxT12jq0zWRhm7r8Mzqw6EeZcrctU72tPGdosYpxR4MxFgqZZ4

In this new Filipino restaurant in London, an exuberant mural is getting a lot of attention
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/art/12/04/21/in-london-kulay-labitigan-tells-the-story-of-home/?utm_campaign=sharedpost&fbclid=IwAR3rM-Iv5-Zw3n2gDOYphzFnMRGiIYA2bHFNWoptbVuCw0llj7FWWMORiuw

Asia’s Most Influential
https://www.tatlerasia.com/list/ami/2021/ph?page=10

December 15, 2021

A Night to Remember

December 15, 2021/ Gemma Nemenzo

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