January 18, 2023

Across Miss Universe

January 18, 2023/ Staff

Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel (Photo by Gerald Herbert/AP)

You would think that after having had four Miss Universe winners (in 1969, 1973, 2015 and 2018, making the Philippines the fourth winningest country), Filipinos would be blasé or, at the very least, mellow about the 71st Miss Universe pageant held last weekend in New Orleans. But the celebration that accompanied the Fil-Am Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel's win was loud (in the arena) and zealous. Filipinos worldwide feel proud and validated, as we are, even if the country she represents is not the Philippines. To know more about R'Bonney, whose unique name came from her father, Remigio Bonzon Gabriel's nickname R'Bon, read our "Fil-Ams Among the Remarkable and Famous, Part 41" and the "In The Know" section below.

Mahjong, that seductive, addictive table game many Chinese and Filipinos swear allegiance to, is the subject of a fascinating story by Honolulu-based writer Nanette L. Ruhter as she recalls her growing up among her elders' close-knit mahjong community. Just in time for Chinese New Year (Year of the Rabbit) on Sunday, January 22.

We're already on our 41st list of Fil-Ams Among the Famous and Remarkable and there's no end in sight. Who made it this time? Check it out.

A story that will make you Smile: PF Correspondent John Silva posted this short but heartwarming report about this electrician who loves to read literature.

The Filipinos and Chinese have a centuries-long history that has resulted in the blurring of ethnic lines. Read Again Michael Gonzalez's "Porcelain and Pansit: The Philippine Chinese."

Former student leader/activist Jaime FlorCruz comes full circle as the current Philippine ambassador to China. Read Again his narrative of his very interesting life in "Forty Years in China: From Stranded Activist to International Journalist."

Speaking of Chinese New Year, here again is the recipe for Chinese Peanut Cookies from PF Correspondent and cookbook author Elizabeth Ann Quirino.

[Video of the Week] Sinulog Grand Parade 2023

In The Know

Who is R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Universe 2022?

https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/pageants/things-to-know-rbonney-gabriel-miss-universe-2022/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=SocialFlow&fbclid=IwAR1tgBcbSYtVHa-hUvGTXR9kY20XEHSYCx8KIm2A57rLtdbdbiTQNKUc09A

Eng Bee Tin and Ma Mon Luk: How Chinese Cuisine Integrated Itself Within Filipino Cuisine & Culture

https://www.chinoy.tv/eng-bee-tin-and-ma-mon-luk-how-chinese-cuisine-integrated-itself-within-filipino-cuisine-culture/?fbclid=IwAR3MZfePE9kCR3et0QNZi9j0J98rI964ooElyu-246mTTpplwKOAVr0u9t4

Who foots the bill for Marcos’ Davos trip?

https://verafiles.org/articles/who-foots-the-bill-for-marcos-davos-trip?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1_QCAKx3YLT6shTM0--ihtSpbMkRsOc1CDxgWPo5yiVO7ikYB3dewLwow#Echobox=1673619646

As a Filipino American, Dungeness Crab Was Part of My OG San Francisco Childhood

https://www.kqed.org/arts/13923127/dungeness-crab-fishing-filipino-american-treasure-island-san-francisco

‘Here Lies Love,’ an Imelda Marcos Disco Musical, Will Play Broadway

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/12/theater/here-lies-love-broadway.html?smid=tw-nytimesarts&smtyp=cur&fbclid=IwAR0IIAy1n1CDm2bYNrF6qPGI3OZafYn5OdsZKk7Q-y_jU5DB4FhZ-I-4VPY

Movie stars and anti-Filipino race riots: The secret history of San Francisco’s Macintosh Studios

https://www.sfgate.com/sfhistory/article/A-luxury-San-Francisco-suitmaker-that-inspired-a-16133069.php?fbclid=IwAR2ukalKvD2TtXoPTbcle0_j75tutPOcJ-jo1HsPpfIo8y3I2tMmnv6yCUc

Remembering Carmen Guerrero Nakpil’s cultural battle with Gina Lollobrigida

https://verafiles.org/articles/remembering-carmen-guerrero-nakpils-cultural-battle-with-gina-lollobrigida?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2QzGkuitxMvDUB4yFmaO3X57vwKSxfGup_dZroGeFp0N6zyLi-KR__X_w#Echobox=1673940469

January 11, 2023

Our Sports Hall of Famers

January 11, 2023/ Staff

It may come as a surprise to this Instagram generation familiar with the accomplishments of Manny Pacquiao, Hidilyn Diaz, EJ Obiena and Carlos Yulo that once upon a time, during their grandparents' and even their parents' lifetimes, the terms "Filipino" and "sports champs" were very rarely used in the same sentence.

Once in a generation, there might have been a Flash Elorde or a Eugene Torre or a Paeng Nepomuceno who dazzled with their prowess, but they were flashes-in-the-pan, so to speak -- rare occurrences. Thus, it's no surprise that in the long history of sports, only ten Filipinos so far have been recognized as Hall of Famers in their respective arenas. Our Iloilo-based contributing writer Vicente Salas introduces the "Filipino Sports Greats and Hall of Famers," a slim list that will soon expand.

Nearer to the present, Fil-Am small businesses, other than the usual karinderya, hardly made a ripple even in the Fil-Am community beyond their neighborhoods. Today, Fil-Am entrepreneurs like Raibyn Cabiling of San Diego have established a presence in both mainstream and social media, peddling such products as t-shirts, headwear and an innovative "barongorak" that invokes Filipino culture. PF Correspondent Anthony Maddela reports.

The itch to travel is universal but does it have to be done alone? PF contributing writer Ian Layugan dissects the different facets of traveling solo, and presents words of caution and the challenge of daring.

What does it take to be surrogate mother/caregiver/mentor to a chess prodigy? Lotis Key, once a star in Philippine movies and theater, found herself assuming that role and wrote about it. Read Again "A Traveling Fool." http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/a-traveling-fool

His name no longer rings a bell so PF Correspondent Myles A. Garcia reintroduced him to a new audience. Read Again "Before Elorde and Pacquiao, There Was Luis Logan" on a boxing hero that should not be forgotten. http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/before-elorde-and-pacquiao-there-was-luis-logan

Always a comfort food, here's Sizzling Bangus Sisig for the Happy Home Cook: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-happy-home-cook-sizzling-bangus-sisig

[Video of the Week] The Fight Over Manila's Last Forests: Masungi Watershed

In The Know

Policymaking in 2023

https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2023/01/08/497120/policymaking-in-2023/?fbclid=IwAR0JfGTO34GOcsr8PIQ4pMuo2npMG4YopszYZTno19RGhz6TxQ47x6I-kWY

The Fallout of a Failed Jihadist Insurgency in the Philippines

https://newlinesmag.com/review/the-fallout-of-a-failed-jihadist-insurgency-in-the-philippines/?fbclid=IwAR1vjXUgC1sEuNsD8ri-soFvq2JczWjs9CQgfY12CiitGQWA8-mrqVqiUPk

The Continuing Imprisonment of Leila de Lima Is an International Scandal

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/leila-de-lima-philippines-imprisonment/

Teen girls aren't the only ones squealing over BTS. Meet the 'Titas of BTS,' a group of older women who are giving younger boy band fans a run for their money.

https://www.insider.com/meet-titas-of-bts-where-older-fans-of-bts-can-celebrate-their-favorite-boy-band-2023-1?fbclid=IwAR35KtF6YxTSnywN9pBFNIZS4gFUqYLfr0tTF0XFQURKvi_HTyhV83CSrys

Dolly De Leon is the Captain Now

https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/dolly-de-leon-interview-january-2023-a2765-20230109-lfrm3?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare-Photo&utm_campaign=20230109-fbnp-long-reads-dolly-de-leon-interview-january-2023-a2765-20230109-lfrm3-fbnew&fbclid=IwAR3hinLRAJqC1rwu9cTX2cYYcGEg8IIuxAAygKfvZtsEhZA3MmS60ZuW_78

January 04, 2023

Filipino American Milestones and Millstones 2022

January 04, 2023/ Staff

How did Filipino Americans fare in 2022? PF Correspondent Cherie Querol Moreno describes the year as a roller coaster, good things juxtaposed with the bad, crimes and misdemeanors interspersed with the triumph of many who ran for public office, several of them for the first time, in multiple states. Take the ride in "Fil-Am Milestones and Millstones 2022."

What is without doubt is that 2022 was a sad year. Many mourned family members and Filipinos felt the loss of some of its beloved icons. PF Publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco pays tribute to them in "In Memoriam 2022."

On a brighter note, FilAm author Angela Garbes -- she who has written two hot selling books and was interviewed by Trevor Noah on his nightly show -- converses with PF contributing writer Claire Mercado Obias on how her Filipino heritage inspired her to write about motherhood and immigration. Her latest book, Essential Labor: Mothering as Social Change, is listed as one of the best books of 2022 by both NPR and the New Yorker.

Some reposts of timeless topics:

How Filipinos Got Their Surnames
Dr. Penelope Flores gives us a history lesson on how we got our surnames.

Filipino Terms of Endearment
Myles A. Garcia explores the terms we use to express love.

Another reason to keep coconut water handy:

[Make It Again] The Happy Home Cook: Binacol na Manok (Chicken Stewed in Coconut Water)

[Video of the Week] A Passion for Ube