Scientists Discover New Species of Hedgehogs in Eastern Mindanao

Researchers have discovered two new species of soft-furred hedgehogs, known as gymnures, in the mountains of Eastern Mindanao. The discovery shows the importance of continued research on the Eastern Mindanao highlands as a likely center of Philippine mammalian diversity (See Rappler for story).

Fil-Canadian Teen Bags ‘American Idol's’ First Platinum Ticket

Tyson Venegas (Source: Facebook/Global Daily Mirror)

Filipino-Canadian Tyson Venegas, 17, bagged the first American Idol Season 6 Platinum Ticket after a stellar, tear-jerking, hair-raising performance of Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" during his audition (See Global Daily Mirror for story).

Filipina Geologist Discovers World’s Largest Caldera

Jenny Anne Barreto and a map of the Philippine Rise (Source: Vismin.ph)

Filipina geologist Jenny Anne Barretto achieved a “Filipino pride” moment when she discovered Apolaki, the world’s largest caldera (See Vismin.ph for story).

Meet First PH-Born Maj. General in Hawaii Army National Guard

Maj. Gen. Roy Macaraeg being sworn-in (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. John Linzmeier)

Hawaii Governor Josh Green recently hosted a promotion ceremony for Major General Roy Macaraeg, who may be the highest-ranking citizen-soldier of Filipino descent in the history of the National Guard (See INQUIRER.net for story).

Filipino Wine Business Hopes to Turn Filipinos Into Wine Drinkers

Nonoy Quimbo had a vision: he wanted to turn a beer-and-gin-loving populace into wine drinkers (See ABS-CBN News for story)

Fil-Am Warriors Hype Man Hosts Two NBA All-Star Contests

Franco Finn (Source: Inquirer.net)

Franco Finn, the Golden State Warriors’ Filipino American Hype Man, hosted Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, February 17, and then the big All Star Saturday night completion with the Dunk and 3 Point Competition, both nationally televised for the All-Star Weekend at the Vivint Arena, home of the Utah Jazz, in Salt Lake City, Utah (See INQUIRER.net for story).

First Fil-Am Councilor of Mountain View, CA Takes Office

Emily Ann Ramos (Source: Inquirer.net)

Emily Ann Ramos became the first person of Filipino descent to serve on the Mountain View City Council upon taking the oath of office Feb. 14 (See INQUIRER.net for story).

Ex-Temporary Worker Gets Alberta's QE II Platinum Jubilee Medal

Mike Bautista (Center) (Source: Inquirer.net)

Entrepreneur and Filipino community leader Mike Bautista was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal at a ceremony hosted by Fiesta Filipino on Jan. 29 in Cochrane, Alberta, Canada (See INQUIRER.net for story).