Filipino Composer Wins Coveted American Prize

Nilo Alcala

Nilo Alcala, a Philippine-born composer living in North Hollywood, California, has bagged the coveted American Prize in Composition 2019 in the choral division of major works, besting among other submissions across the United States (See Rappler for story).

Filipino Priest Named New Master of Dominican Preachers→

Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III

Filipino priest Fr. Gerard Francisco Timoner III has been elected the new Master of the Order of Preachers (OP), more popularly known as the Dominicans (See Inquirer.net for story).

9 in 10 Filipinos Want Gov't to Assert Sea Rights vs. China

Philippine Coast Guard (Source Philstar)

A survey published by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed that almost nine in 10 Filipinos think the Philippine government should “assert” its rights to the islands in the West Philippine Sea, as stipulated in the 2016 decision of a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal (See Philstar.com for story).

UN Rights Body OKs Scrutiny of PH Drug War Killings

The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adopted a resolution that would prompt the body to look deeply into the human rights situation in the Philippines, including drug war killings (See Inquirer.net for story).

Amal Clooney to Defend Maria Ressa

Maria Ressa (left) and Amal Clooney

Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and a team of international counsels are working closely with the local team of Filipino journalist and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa on the slew of cases she faces (See story in CNN Philippines)..

Fil-Am Woman Rabbi Is Also a Racial Justice Activist

Mira Rivera (Source: Youtube)

Mira Rivera, who is in her 50s, is the first Filipino American woman to be ordained a rabbi, and she often represents her congregation in interfaith political actions (See story in Inquirer.net.)

3 Filipino Filmmakers Invited Into Oscars Academy

Ditsi Carolino, PJ Raval and Baby Ruth Villarama (Source: AJPress)

Filipino filmmakers Ditsi Carolino, PJ Raval and Baby Ruth Villarama were invited to become members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the governing body behind the Oscars whose members vote for the winners of the prestigious awards (See story in Inquirer.net.)

Filipinos Named Among Top 100 Scientists in Asia

Dr. Rosalinda Torres and Dr. Marissa Paglicawan (Source: ABS-CBN News)

Eight Filipino scientists were recognized as among the top 100 scientists in Asia by a prestigious publication. Dr. Rosalinda Torres was among the 8 researchers recognized in the Asian Scientist 100, for her work on the larvicidal ability of Philippine medicinal plants. Marissa Paglicawan, was also recognized for her work on turning abaca or Manila hemp into an engineering material. (See story in ABS CBN News.)