February 09, 2022

Carnivals Come and Gone

February 09, 2022/ Gemma Nemenzo

Filipinos are in for a rough-and-tumbly three months with the official beginning of the election campaign yesterday, February 8, until its culmination on May 9. Before the mud-slinging and the muddling go full gear, here's a clear-eyed sum-up by our Manila correspondent Ernesto M. Hilario of what's at stake in this, arguably the most important election of this era.

Right now, we can still afford to indulge in some merry nostalgia with a look back on the spectacles of yesteryear - the Philippines International Fair of 1953 in Manila, a massive undertaking that, of course, generated controversy and obstacles. Surprisingly, not much information about the event has survived the onslaught of decades, as PF Correspondent/Internet sleuth Myles A. Garcia discovered. That's why this painstakingly researched story that he has put together is valuable today.

Another spectacle that has gone away with not much of a bang is the annual carnival of Cebu which introduced a long line of Cebuano beauties as carnival queens. Cecilia M. Brainard, whose mother was once a carnival queen, was able to gather bits and pieces of information on these celebrated beauties in her story this week.

And since it's Valentine's week, let's enjoy again some historical romances from our archives:

Historian Ambeth R. Ocampo's "Romances in History"
http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/romances-in-history

Penelope V. Flores' "Rizal's Great Loves"
http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/2013/6/rizals-great-loves

Titchie Carandang-Tiongson and Erwin R. Tiongson's "The Untold Story of Nina Thomas"
http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-untold-story-of-nina-thomas

And my story on "The Poet and the Women He Loved"
http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/2013/2/the-poet-and-the-women-he-loved

Our Video of the Week is a heartwarming coverage of how a Fil-Am who was just sworn in as a US citizen was honored by the students of the elementary school where he works.

Don't fail to read the election stories whose links we have compiled in our special section, Philippine Elections 2022.

[Cook It Again] Vegan Filipino Spaghetti by Chef Richgail Enriquez

Philippine Elections 2022

Interview no-show and the Marcos myths
https://www.bworldonline.com/interview-no-show-and-the-marcos-myths/

Characteristics in Candidates Running for National Positions Should Possess
https://www.facebook.com/democracywatchph/posts/299961952165129

A generation that’s losing sleep over Marcos Jr.
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/analysis-generation-losing-sleep-ferdinand-bongbong-marcos-jr/?fbclid=IwAR2nzXkVAIrvN5BD2-TP--Kz8_OFwstZstMVOpHAbsDUB5DCgXc_9Ff9gIk

The ‘golden age’ I remember
https://opinion.inquirer.net/149457/the-golden-age-i-remember?fbclid=IwAR2VnWQl4bRZBrSuVbI4T7DP6YsDIw_sH48pGzdj0vci2cnpkBXgiTaiiQY

Hindsight No.4: Denial and Dissonance
https://penmanila.ph/2022/02/07/hindsight-no-4-denial-and-dissonance/?fbclid=IwAR1dCjP1gmZR0tbF2CbDMlXRd2GUXhpnjwYSLOQlIjVyzrLTCBxThyePEqc

In The Know

Philippine Congress Allows Full Foreign Ownership in Telco, Rail
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/philippine-congress-allows-full-foreign-013456660.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=ma

FBI releases ‘Wanted’ poster for Quiboloy
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1550293/fbi-releases-wanted-poster-for-quiboloy?fbclid=IwAR3M4AAGgILK249-QOPyO200GRXuAn95YjKB5XZXse7Q7MooY9G2-IBtk3U

FAST FACTS: Who is Filipino Winter Olympian Asa Miller?
https://www.rappler.com/sports/things-to-know-asa-miller/?fbclid=IwAR1MvYp6vgr7l4XLeZyLjdSR7vJU1iWLDx2WddWjrlJE9r28V0SnSDalUgk

Our Progressive Past
gmanetwork.com/news/specials/content/206/our-progressive-past/?fbclid=IwAR2mlav8t9Di-Mp2jqDH2-9nWlpOwhnZzhLp_SP7Albihawy8R5GetqUek0

Kidlat Tahimik’s Subversive Retelling of the Philippines’ Colonial History
https://hyperallergic.com/694716/kidlat-tahimiks-subversive-retelling-of-the-philippines-colonial-history/

Digital artist reimagines Madrigal sisters from Disney film ‘Encanto’ as Filipinas
https://news.yahoo.com/digital-artist-reimagines-madrigal-sisters-234144264.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=ma

F. Sionil Jose's Solidaridad book store to continue operations
https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/02/04/22/f-sionil-joses-solidaridad-to-continue-operations?fbclid=IwAR2SUAmcHE9XMZlRpb6PBgvh65d8oazPmr_HT-o3zYpssiWPsT5o_nc5WW8

When an icon turns 90: Celebrating Auntie Dorothy
https://iexaminer.org/when-an-icon-turns-90-celebrating-auntie-dorothy/?fbclid=IwAR3fF2Wqg0zC1lcThsfh_E3BT2pVAgML4T3UlUAQBKj3Cro-RWoDolM45oI

With superheroes and puppets, Philippines boosts child COVID-19 vaccination drive
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/superheroes-and-puppets-philippines-boosts-child-covid-19-vaccination-drive-2484456

February 02, 2022

Young Love and Vengeful Murders

February 02, 2022/ Gemma Nemenzo

A sweet experience of teenage love in a lively neighborhood did not anticipate the unspeakable tragedy that would befall that community and the nation.

An American husband resolved his long-denied personal pain through the communal mourning enabled by his Filipina wife's close-knit clan.

A metaphorical "call to arms" for the forthcoming Philippine elections from someone who knows what it takes.

These and a tribute to our modern-day heroes -- Filipino health care workers in the Covid frontlines who gave up their lives so others will live -- mark the beginning of our Year of the Tiger offerings this week.

Here's more: a relevant Read Again now that the Tallano hoax is getting some air time in the Philippines as it relates to the alleged Marcos gold. Myles A. Garcia's "Philippine Hoaxes: of Cabbages and Kings, Grifters and Trolls" is a wild ride through some mind-boggling claims that no one in his right mind should take seriously. (But apparently some people do!).

Our Video of the Week features a tribute to Stella Abrera, the first Filipina prima ballerina of the renowned American Ballet Theater (PF has featured her twice.) She retired in June 2020 when the Covid pandemic was at its height, so her farewell dance performance in "Giselle" had to be cancelled.

Top the week off with Elizabeth Ann Quirino's recipe for Chinese Peanut Cookies. We posted this to celebrate the Year of the Rooster 2017 but it works just as well for the Year of the Tiger 2022.

In The Know (Philippine Election Edition)

Hindsight No. 3: A False Nostalgia
https://penmanila.ph/2022/01/31/hindsight-no-3-a-false-nostalgia/?fbclid=IwAR0BQE0Wx-Q7X-PaVoTE1XAczlIzW3R73n4BvB5bhcj-Sf-IS82hW5Jz5sw

Boy Abunda takes on Lacson, Marcos and Robredo
https://verafiles.org/articles/boy-abunda-takes-lacson-marcos-and-robredo

Marcos Sr. on Marcos Jr.
https://opinion.inquirer.net/149062/marcos-sr-on-marcos-jr?fbclid=IwAR3asRZyiiUzeXeH8_mELmmCdB5duDuI_SgisxlFdC2xrz1yGZWbsVgTSCw

Philippines' presidential bet Marcos shuns talk of past atrocities
https://news.yahoo.com/philippines-presidential-bet-marcos-shuns-070101576.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=ma

[OPINION] What if Ka Leody had been invited to the Soho interview?
https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/opinion-what-if-ka-leody-invited-soho-interview/?fbclid=IwAR0vSeNqRRqZM8f9Uaarvsktw2uiN7JPkQQhqVpKj-TJBtmfGDAFKM361nc

Sui Generis
http://us4.forward-to-friend.com/forward/show?u=81b6ec9d9be6b6261a822deb0&id=3b03af597c

In The Know (Standard Edition)

Philippines Economy on Pace to Pre-Pandemic Levels This Year
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/philippines-economy-pace-pre-pandemic-024341876.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=ma

5 Things You May Not Know About the Chinese-Filipino Community
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/the-filipino-chinese-community?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2670MozJm9EY2V3en2Z0TEk3BcZnG1mRvBSx97GjZxtERVBMmqCWYQNq4#Echobox=1643249691

The Philippines Has the 77th Most Powerful Passport in the World for 2022
https://www.esquiremag.ph/life/travel/henley-index-most-powerful-passports-2022-a2531-20220115-src-reportr?ref=article_featured

Fil-Am NBA players Jalen Green and Jordan Clarkson share history and a hug on Filipino Heritage Night
https://nextshark.com/nba-filipino-night-2022/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1642723955

How Filipino Sailors—and Coconuts—Helped Create Mexico’s National Drink
https://www.sapiens.org/column/entanglements/tequila-origins-tuba/?fbclid=IwAR3WKxD50S3Le1QaoYsDiY99V5chdd2TLIItQEefrD4xchPpo6VfDQfxYiE

This Farm Resort in Rizal Might Just Be Your Next Relaxing But Fun Getaway
https://www.esquiremag.ph/life/travel/paninap-farms-tanay-rizal-a2259-20211230-src-yummy?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20220115-fbnp-life-paninap-farms-tanay-rizal-a2259-20211230-src-yummy-fbprom&fbclid=IwAR3r6Pr1RGCrm3tVNGiAwGPiIRtNzwVAjH-l8yCnZkglQe06YX9BxUkUlGY

January 26, 2022

Poll Fever

January 26, 2022/ Gemma Nemenzo

If you missed PF's webinar "Indipinos in Bainbridge Island" last week, here's the recording. Unfortunately, because of copyright issues, this recording has only the trailer (not the full version) of Gina Corpuz's excellent documentary which was shown during the webinar. You can however purchase a copy of the DVD. See details here. https://indipinocommunityofbainbridgeisland.org/

As the Philippines gallops toward the official beginning of the 2022 election campaign (yes, it hasn't actually started despite plenty of evidence to the contrary), here's another eye-opener from former COMELEC chair Andres D. Bautista. This time the now-regular PF contributor unpacks what it takes to mount a successful presidential campaign.

Judge Patrick Joseph Bumatay of the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Diego is Fil-Am, Republican (a Trump appointee) and openly gay. But it is his jurisprudence and his judicial philosophy that make him a person to watch in the years to come, as PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela reveals.

Her contemporaries in UP will remember her as the reed-thin, willowy model on campus in the late '60s. But Gloria Taccad, now famously known as Dexter Doria, has come a long way with her acting career, winning three Best Supporting Actress awards just in the last three months. Now she reinvents herself on social media as Nana Didi, a public school teacher, on a crusade to combat fake news and tell the truth (throughly researched and data-based) about the myths being circulated in this election season. We're borrowing her high school classmate Mila A. Garcia's piece from The Philippine Reporter in Toronto for some DD background. You can also watch Nana Didi's first three episodes here.

For more election stories, read the links posted in the Election In The Know below.

This one is for diabetics trying to avoid white rice: a recipe for Quinoa Lugaw by the purveyor of vegan cooking, Richgail Enriquez. http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-happy-home-cook-quinoa-lugaw

Video of the Week: The Señor Sisig Story

Partner Posts:

In Memoriam: Roberto Romulo

Duty to Country -Education Project Launch