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When the Japanese ruled the Philippines
By Allen Gaborro The memory of World War II and the Japanese occupation of the Philippines is hardwired into the collective Filipino consciousness. Filipinos of that generation, including Lourdes J. Astraquillo Ongkeko, preserve precious memories of that time. Ongkeko has resided in the United States for many years. But this has not darkened her wartime […]
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Fearless Filipinas and what success means to them: new book
In honor of women’s history month, new book, Fearless Filipinas: 12 Women Who Dared to Be Different, shares the stories of modern Pinay heroes in the Philippines and around the world. Filipino history has a pantheon of great Filipina leaders, such as Gabriela Silang and Melchora Aquino. In addition to these historical heroes, there are […]
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Teen author Casey Giles publishes two fiction books
Casey Giles, the only child of a Filipina immigrant and a fifth-generation Texan, has published her first novel titled, “Indifferents,” last November of 2019, followed quickly by its sequel “Indigo Fading,” which was released on December 25, 2020. She had her book launch and signing event on March 6, 2021, in Sugarland, Texas with proceeds […]
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Prof. Joel David wins Gawad Balagtas for film criticism
Manunuri film critic and author Joel David won the Gawad Balagtas (Balagtas Award), a life-achievement prize named after Tagalog poet Francisco Balagtas, for film criticism in English. The award is conferred by the Writers Union of the Philippines or the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL), the largest organization of Filipino writers. Founded in […]
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Filipinas share their views, experiences as migrant women writers
The Philippine Embassy marked International Women’s Day on March 8 with a virtual program, “A Panel Discussion with Filipino and Fil-Am Women Writers” featuring Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Luisa A. Igloria, Migs Bravo Dutt, and Gayle Romasanta. The poet laureate of San Mateo County, California, Aileen Cassinetto, moderated the event. The speakers read excerpts from their […]
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New book: The love story between Gen. Douglas MacArthur and vaudeville actress Isabel Rosario Cooper
“Empire’s Mistress, Starring Isabel Rosario Cooper” tells the life of a Filipina actress and her five-year romance with a venerated war hero. The author, Vernadette Vicuña Gonzalez, follows the mestiza beauty from the Philippines to Washington, D.C. to Hollywood, where she died penniless. Cooper is depicted not as a tragic heroine, but as someone caught […]
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Bulosan Center conference slated for May 28-29; accepting proposals till April 15th
The Bulosan Center for Filipinx Studies, UC Berkeley PASS, and UC Davis Bridge are excited to announce the second research conference, set for May 28-29, 2021. Held virtually, this conference continues the first conference’s conversations and dialogues around Filipino Studies’ legacy and scholar activism. Students, community organizers, professionals, and community members are invited to submit […]
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Diplomat’s book dedicated to Filipinos who care about their heritage
By Loida Nicolas Lewis Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes Jr. retired from the Philippine diplomatic corps at the mandatory age of 65, in 2014, after 35 years of service. But luckily for us living in these troubled times, he released his book, “A Memory of Time” before the year 2020 ended. In the words of Gemma […]
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Cecilia Aragon writes a memoir about fear and flying
The daughter of a Chilean father and a Filipina mother, Cecilia Rodriguez Aragon has published a memoir about being the first Latina pilot on the U.S. Aerobatic Team. “Flying Free: My Victory over Fear” is the story of how Cecilia broke free from expectations and rose above her own limits by combining math and logic with […]