Ride the Fire Horse

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We’re already in the second month of the year if you’re following the Christian calendar, but on February 17, the Chinese calendar flips the script with the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. It’s said to be a rare, high-energy year—one that shows up only once every 60 years—symbolizing bold moves, fast shifts, and fiery momentum. No hesitation, no dragging your feet.

Whatever calendar you live by and whatever traditions ground you, here’s hoping this surge of courage and change plays out with purpose—bringing progress that’s peaceful, meaningful, and good for our homeland, our adopted countries, and the wider world we all share.

For Positively Filipino, 2026—the Year of the Fire Horse—will be about both staying true to who we are and pushing forward. We’ll keep delivering the stories you’ve come to expect: deep dives into history and culture (we’ve got two historical pieces this week alone), profiles of fascinating Filipinos across generations, features on creative work, travel essays, first-person stories, and thoughtful looks at the people and politics shaping our communities.

And because we’re always down to level up, we’re adding something new: “Overseas Filipino Achievers”. This expands our long-running and ever-growing collection of short profiles spotlighting Filipino achievers—starting with FilAms, and now widening the lens globally.

That’s where you come in.

If you’re part of the Filipino diaspora outside the Philippines and the US, we’d love your help. Send us names, links, and supporting info about Filipino achievers making waves in your local communities.

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Staff

It's Been a Lot of Winter America

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It’s been a rough weekend in the US — headlines filled with tension from Minneapolis, the Alex Pretti saga (and yeah, we’re still not over Renee Good), political drama, and that brutal cold snap that had entire cities frozen over. It’s been a lot.

But even in the chill, there were some bright, almost heartwarming moments. In North Carolina, a group of Buddhist monks continued their snowy “Walk for Peace,” trekking in their bright orange robes through ice and sleet on their way to Washington, D.C. (they’ll get there in about two weeks). And across the Pacific, tennis phenom Alex Eala continues to stir up the Filipino pride wherever she plays — triggering mini stampedes of support from fans every match.

For sports fans stuck at home and missing the action, there’s something to look forward to: the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, happening February 6–22. There are two Filipinos competing for the giant slalom and slalom events: Fil-Am Tallulah Proulx, 17, and Fil-Italian Francis Ceccarelli, 22. 

Sadly, there’s no other Philippine team competing this time — not for lack of effort, though. The first-ever Filipino pairs figure skating duo and men’s curling team both came close but missed the qualification cutoff. PF correspondent and Olympic historian Myles Garcia breaks it down for us — though his feature this week focuses on a new book about the first Filipinos ever to join the Olympics, recently published by a small independent press back in Manila.

On a heavier note, there’s still no closure on the story of Filipino American activist Chantal Anicoche, who was recently found hiding in a forest cave in Mindoro after an encounter between the New People’s Army and the Philippine Army. What exactly brought her there? PF contributor Prof. Patricio Abinales, a former leftist revolutionary himself, unpacks the complex reality behind activism, idealism, and the danger of romanticizing a war that’s very much still real.

Two more stories we hope you'll enjoy: a grandson's recollection of his distinguished grandfather who was the first Filipino tobacco entomologist; and a profile of Rowena Federico Finn, a Fil-Am multimedia artist.

{Read It Again]

Ten Best-Kept Secrets of Olympic Ceremonies by Myles A. Garcia
When Spring Ran in Manila, a Sort of Book Synopsis by Amadio Arboleda

[Video of the Week] Why the Filipino Jeepney Is Dying–Here’s Why It Matters 

In The Know

Alex Eala and the Quiet Discipline of Becoming
https://joyfulwellness.ph/2026/01/27/alex-eala-quiet-discipline-wellness

Fil-Am sa Washington D.C., ipinagdiwang ang ika-109 kaarawan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FdbVt0ZEto

Manila traffic not a condition, but a lifestyle: ‘How long does it take to get there?’ ‘Depende’
https://www.thediarist.ph/manila-traffic-not-a-condition-but-a-lifestyle-how-long-does-it-take-to-get-there-depende/

Filipina DH faces child abuse rap after 4-month-old ward found with brain injuries
https://www.sunwebhk.com/2026/01/filipina-dh-faces-child-abuse-rap-after.html? 

2 Dead and 4 Missing After Cargo Ship Carrying 21 People Capsizes More Than 140 Miles from Land
https://people.com/2-dead-4-missing-cargo-ship-21-capsizes-south-china-11891129

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Staff

Sweet 13

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In 2026, Positively Filipino is 13 years old. That’s 13 years of stories by and for Filipinos around the world—and we couldn’t have done it without our community of dedicated writers. From deeply reported features to personal reflections, our contributors continue to inform, amplify, educate, and entertain the global Filipino diaspora.

We’re grateful (and honestly humbled) to say we’re never short on submissions. At times, we receive more stories than we can publish right away, which means some pieces may be queued for several months. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through them with care.

If you’re interested in joining the growing roster of Positively Filipino authors (check out the list on our website), here are our updated submission guidelines:

What We Publish

Positively Filipino is a purely online, general-interest publication serving Filipinos worldwide. We welcome articles about Filipino history, culture, events, issues, lives, and personalities—whether in the Philippines, the U.S., or across the global diaspora.

• Historical pieces must include a list of sources for fact-checking.

• First-person essays and lived-experience stories are encouraged.

Editorial Notes

• We accept unsolicited manuscripts, but most topics require editorial approval, especially personality profiles and reviews of books, films, or other media.

• We do not accept literary or creative writing (e.g., fiction or poetry).

• We will not publish content that promotes hate, encourages lawlessness, or spreads misinformation or false narratives.

How to Submit

Please email your article (preferably as a Word document) to
submissions@positivelyfilipino.com

Include:

• Relevant photos with captions

• A 2-sentence author bio

• A headshot

A Few Important Things to Know

• The editorial board reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity, length, and style.

• Submission approval is not guaranteed—even for previously queried pieces—if they do not meet our editorial standards.

• Positively Filipino does not pay for unsolicited submissions or for work that has been published elsewhere, including on personal blogs or social media.

• Articles promoting a product or business will be subject to a $50 fee and will be labeled "Special Advertising News."

• Press releases from non-profits, charitable organizations and government agencies will be published in our Community News section.

Have questions or want to pitch an idea?
Email us at PFeditor@yahoo.com.

We look forward to reading your stories—and continuing to share the many ways Filipinos show up, speak out, and shape the world.

This Week’s Stories

Leapfrogging a Revolution by Robert Francis Garcia

Behind a Top-Notch Guitar Brand, an OFW Journey by Michael G. Lucero

Actor Nico Santos Rides Star Vehicle Sitcom ‘St. Denis Medical’ by Anthony Maddela

[Read It Again]

How Filipinos Got Their Surnames by Penélope V. Flores

Remembering Flash Elorde by Manzel Delacruz

[Video of the Week] Adobo Sa Asin

In The Know

‘Significant’ volume of natural gas discovered in Malampaya — first in over a decade
https://www.rappler.com/philippines/malampaya-east-natural-gas-discovery-service-contract-38/

Hidilyn Diaz is now a teacher in UP Diliman
https://upd.edu.ph/hidilyn-diaz-is-now-a-teacher-in-upd/?

Inside Magellan, the New Historical Epic You Need to Watch
https://www.gq.com/story/magellan-movie-interview-gael-garcia-bernal-lav-diaz

Hindi Ito Marites: PH, US military cooperation to go on 'hyperdrive' in 2026
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kd_wrxFIgOM

Crystha Shayne Funcion on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTpm3PNDqv5/

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Staff