February 01, 2023

Land of the Brave

February 01, 2023/ Staff

"How can you still live in the United States," someone asked as the almost daily news of mass shootings continue to horrify the world. How can we indeed when for the past seven years there has been a steady stream of abominations (think January 6, George Floyd, Asian hate, rightwing and racist rants -- you get the drift) that has become the daily dose of life in America.

First-generation Filipino immigrants with continuing strong ties to the Philippines have the option to stay or go, but most opt to stay. After all, most had to brave hell and high water to be able to legally live here, and that's not something one can easily give up on.

All things considered, the pros still outweigh the cons. As our stories this week show, Fil-Ams have made use of the opportunities offered by this country to fulfill their dreams and carve out their niches in American society.

Check out those who made it in today's list of Fil-Ams Among the Remarkable and Famous. They represent a variety of fields and are stand-outs in their respective ones.

Read about Ruby Silvious who's unique art medium has been noticed in New York's competitive art scene.

And await the forthcoming book of community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis where she tells her remarkable story of playing it big in America.

Yes, we ourselves sometimes ponder the question of why, despite everything, we still choose to live in the US. Because we can.

Stories This Week

Fil-Ams Among The Remarkable And Famous, Part 42 By Mona Lisa Yuchengco

The Tea Bag Artistry Of Ruby Silvious By Claire Mercado-Obias

Why It’s Fun To Read Loida Nicolas Lewis’ ‘Why Should Guys Have All The Fun?’ By Fr. Joe Constantino, SJ

Read Again

Leonor Rivera, A Hero’s Sweetheart By Elizabeth Ann Quirino

Adobo By Carlene Sobrino Bonnivier

[Cook It Again] The Happy Home Cook: Ginataang Langka (Young Jackfruit In Coconut Milk) By Chef Richgail Enriquez

[Video of the Week] Manila 1931

In The Know

Cost of living: How onions became a luxury in the Philippines

https://www.bbc.com/news/business-64327724?fbclid=IwAR0OTC8y7fvwsKG_gee9KEaPGHsSIqGbK9k6eCW97T4pDSI-Z2Ysgf0gTuo

The underrated country set to become Southeast Asia’s next big thing

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/the-underrated-country-set-to-become-southeast-asias-next-big-thing-wsrtkk07j?fbclid=IwAR3s1msS_zCV2be-W2Dq3MHGiSm6sxy7Z6aOikdTvxL-8Xp79pEj1D_hk8Y

Int’l judges reopen Philippines ‘war on drugs’ investigation

https://apnews.com/article/international-criminal-court-philippines-government-crime-4cb890b189a7a4592299485a7123336f?fbclid=IwAR0yD_gfxF1pkAs8p_1jQGHlT99WtvWWwvANA3llWQnqzyV7oiN5uFE1D8M

This barbershop in Biñan is a safe space for queers

https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/style/grooming/01/25/23/why-this-bian-barbershop-was-a-hot-topic-on-twitter?fbclid=IwAR2h4oHqsfSFm88tPPBPcLEHYulv2MAXhxg9yB423ha6dStWjJjfKuezXYw

The Booksale story: How a shoeshine boy turned bargain books into a P600-M-a-year business

https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/books/01/29/23/booksale-how-bargain-books-built-a-p600-m-a-year-business

January 25, 2023

Deliver Us from Violence

January 25, 2023/ Staff

We are still reeling from the double shock of two consecutive mass shootings in California -- in Monterey Park (11 dead, 10 wounded) on January 21 and Half Moon Bay (7 dead) on January 23. What sets these two rampages apart from the 37 other mass shootings in the US since the start of 2023 is that the perpetrators were both elderly Asian men (72- and 67 years old). It was not the increasingly common "anti-Asian hate" that made these men killers, even if most of the victims were Asian.

In Monterey Park, all the victims were Asian and seniors who were having fun ballroom dancing in what was supposed to be a safe dance studio. One of them was Filipino American Valentino Alvero, 68, identified as a hospitality worker who was planning to retire soon and return to the Philippines.

In Half Moon Bay, the victims were Asians and Latinos, farm workers presumably younger than the 67-year-old shooter who has a history of violence, according to a former coworker.

What made these two men snap? No one will know for sure with the Monterey Park shooter; he was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound a few hours after his rampage. Perhaps the Half Moon Bay perpetrator will talk; he has been taken into custody after surrendering (he parked his van in the parking lot of the Sheriff's office while waiting to be arrested).

It's certain though that both had mental health issues that could have been treated, but for its stigmatization among Asians especially of a certain age. Both shouldn't have had access to guns, particularly assault weapons, if only common-sense gun laws -- long advocated by a majority of Americans -- have been passed and implemented.

As we convey our sincerest sympathies to the families of the victims, we also continue to join the loud call for better violence prevention, more accessible mental health information and services for those who need it, and an end to the practically uncontrolled proliferation of deadly firearms. As the last few days have shown, there is no age limit to mental and psychological challenges.

Our Stories This Week

Five Thoughts About The Philippine Health Care System
By Juan Miguel Luz

Crimes Against Children On The Internet Must Be Punished
By Fr. Shay Cullen

Europe Revisited 50 Years Later: Part I, Germany
By Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr.

The Gathering Of The Storm Survivors
By Rodel Rodis

[Cook It Again] The Happy Home Cook: Calandracas
By Chef Ige Ramos

{Video of the Week] Dolly de Leon

In The Know

Get to know mangrove farmer Rogelio Timbal, recipient of The ONE Philippines’ unsung hero for 2022

https://www.tatlerasia.com/power-purpose/philanthropy/unsung-hero-farmer-rogelio-timbals-act-of-kindness?utm_campaign=PH_DIG_FULL20221020&utm_medium=email&utm_source=tatlerasia.com

10 Scenic Restos Near Manila Worth the Drive

https://www.spot.ph/eatdrink/the-latest-eat-drink/103149/restaurants-with-a-view-near-metro-manila-a3283-20221224-lfrm?utm_source=Facebook-Spot&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20230118-fbnp--restaurants-with-a-view-near-metro-manila-a3283-20221224-lfrm-fbprom&fbclid=IwAR3XdQLoNqJClVWy1NgB3ij7dL11vfw9FoTj8JKkqxj_2k3D_HryvSVJEaA

It’s quite possibly Dumaguete’s best resort, and now also a dining destination

https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/food-drink/restaurants/01/17/23/the-henry-is-quite-possibly-dumaguetes-best-resort?fbclid=IwAR2ZLc4vrpa3LCahijLInqNivlk7AOqaz0md45cb9MB9YtbgXIxwa88vQy4

Quezon City Public Library Brings Back Evening Hours

https://www.spot.ph/things-to-do/the-latest-things-to-do/103364/quezon-city-public-library-resumes-extended-hours-a833-20230109?utm_source=Facebook-Spot&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20230115-fbnp-o-do-quezon-city-public-library-resumes-extended-hours-a833-20230109-fbprom&fbclid=IwAR37Kygs2ZMjSLU3mk8e-Ujd7RD5Fa5c3HGfOarlqgnr1txHJsoOtQfDzNE

Someone Unearthed Old Films That Give a Rare Glimpse of Pre-War Manila

https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/films-prewar-manila-a00225-20210521?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20230122-fbnp-long-reads-films-prewar-manila-a00225-20210521-fbold&fbclid=IwAR18FHoAtFHDJJ2lfVvNxUqW2eydjPFswA9b93l73vPBaYJB1a1ZuHFmYuw

From beauty queen to military officer

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/01/22/news/regions/from-beauty-queen-to-military-officer/1875314?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR1FwL-TM3twb1OPI9mpXCqQmYOr_pLJPRK2T80x_ND58jQaNm1iKePaGVM#Echobox=1674342012

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