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The significance of ‘Selma’ in wake of Ferguson
By Wendell Gaa I remember staring at a photo with much pride of my father, Ambassador Willy Gaa, standing together with one of the greatest leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, Congressman John Lewis of Georgia. The two met in 2010 back when my Dad was still the Philippine envoy to Washington D.C. And thinking […]
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Cuba and the Philippines are sister countries by heritage
By Roz Zacarias Li The restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba will give Filipino Americans the opportunity to get to know Cuba first-hand, this country which I consider to be a sister country of the Philippines. Cuba and the Philippines have shared heritage – both former colonies of Spain for centuries […]
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As 2015 Grand Marshal, Reuben Seguritan seeks to present ‘united, empowered’ community
Lawyer Reuben S. Seguritan was unanimously voted the Grand Marshal for next year’s Philippine Independence Day Parade commemorating the 117th anniversary of the declaration of the country’s Independence. Reuben was the founding president of Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) when it was incorporated on February 14, 2002. PIDCI is known to organize the biggest […]
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October 20, 1944 remains unforgettable with echoes of ‘I Shall Return!’
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. There are dates in the Philippines’ World War II history that have their staying power. But not all belong to ‘must’ remembrances. A few brought joy. Some are meant to be shunted aside because they bring nothing but sorrow. But there is one date that has, as time moves on, […]
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After 42 years, exhuming a bitter memory of Martial Law
By Julia Carreon-Lagoc On September 21, 1972, a day of infamy in Philippine history, Ferdinand Marcos proclaimed Martial Law. This year on the 42nd anniversary of its proclamation, I exhumed this bitter remembrance — the memories ever fresh as when they were first written. NEVER AGAIN! In bold capitals and with an exclamation point. That’s […]
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Grateful to 2 ‘lolos’ and their legacy of service, leadership
By Tiara Camille Teruel I read an article recently in the Panay News about the Panay guerrillas being the best organized guerrilla movement during World War II. It casually mentioned Raymundo Teruel, and, how, as a result of that war, he became a general. General Teruel was my grandfather. Lolo Raymundo, or Lolo Ray as […]
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For some FilAms, July 4 is independence day for both the U.S. and the Philippines
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. Patriotic displays abound in anticipation of the 4th of July, replete with the colors of red, white and blue. That vibrancy is carried proudly as the American flag, its stars and stripes forever, remind the American people that their most highly-sought federal holiday is indeed at hand and palpably so. […]
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Remembering Dr. Jose P. Rizal on his 153rd birthday on June 19th
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. During the vey recent celebration of the 116th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day, ignited by the nomenclature, Kalayaan, one thought returned to this writer. Myriad remembrances that sprung from history marked by the individual and collective sacrificial efforts of women and men heroes are inevitable. Books have told and retold […]
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Reflecting on the origin of Kalayaan
By Ludy Astraquillo Ongkeko, Ph.D. In metropolitan centers all over the world where Filipinos are represented by their embassies, consulates general and other government agencies, Kalayaan has been the moving theme each time the sixth month of the year emerges. The year 2014 marks the 116th anniversary of Philippine independence. Kalayaan has been routinely translated […]