When I first saw the graphic memoir of Malaka Gharib, my first thought was, why is this author included in a Filipino American book festival? Turns out she is Filipino Egyptian, brought up in southern California by her Filipino mother, and spends her summers in Egypt with her father. This unique background is material enough for an interesting memoir, but Malaka is much more than the ethnicity of her genes. A cartoonist of no mean talent, she contributes to the New Yorker and works for NPR, in addition to some non-profit involvements. PF Correspondent Elizabeth Ann Quirino profiles her. ["Watch Out World: Journalist-Artist Malaka Gharib Inspires Action with Cartoons]

Those who grew up in the Philippines in the 1950s to the 1970s will remember the "Weapons of Moroland," a wooden wall decor shaped like a shield with miniature swords pasted on it. We had one, I'm sure your parents or grandparents owned one too. Washington DC-based historical researcher Erwin R. Tiongson digs into the provenance of the decor and unearths some disturbing beliefs attached to this cultural icon. ["'Weapons of Moroland' and our Homes"]

Long-time Quezon City residents will remember its dynamic former mayor, Adelina S. Rodriguez, who was also the first lady of the province of Rizal since her husband, Isidro Rodriguez, was then the governor. Mrs. Rodriguez has just celebrated her centennial birthday, good enough reason for her nephew-in-law Men Sta. Ana to honor her with a tribute. ["Tia Daling: One Hundred Years of Zest, Happiness, and Meaning"]

Our Happy Home Cook recipe this week is the third of celebrity chef Sandy Daza's recipes that he is sharing with PF, from his recently released cookbook, "Cooking with Sandy." We hope you enjoy Sandy's version of "Vermicelli Spring Rolls."

Video of the Week: The world's "most under-appreciated cuisine" shows travel journalist Jonathan Legg exploring Filipino food

Our In The Know links this week, ICYMI.

Biden holds big lead over Trump with Asian American voters, survey says
https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-09-15/biden-trump-aapi-voters?fbclid=IwAR3mHBKnI9cC83DbLX4gxsggHlofGFU5cToYt90bRUVq-rEHW2mysbKl_-k

Child Pornography Industry Booms in the Philippines, World Capital of Cybersex Crime
https://www.esquiremag.ph/money/industry/pandemic-revenue-child-exploitation-a00304-20200916?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20200916-fbnp-money-pandemic-revenue-child-exploitation-a00304-20200916-fbfirst&fbclid=IwAR2lMf9ouDzbC_yxZemkweNHGGmE_EdERaiknhAxXSa-izpJuDnUzODexNA

Martial law museum to rise on UP Diliman campus
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1337779/martial-law-museum-to-rise-on-up-campus?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1600642585

Pio Abad – interview: ‘The backbone of my practice is family: personal and political narratives entwined’
https://www.studiointernational.com/index.php/pio-abad-interview-the-collection-of-jane-ryan-william-saunders-ferdinand-imelda-marcos-phillilpines

Korean Dramas: Why Filipinos Can't Get Enough
https://www.reportr.world/news/why-filipinos-can-t-get-enough-of-korean-dramas-a4713-20200918-lfrm?fbclid=IwAR389V5n5hpH_HDSAz3GCYsico-I8IapPo8YWLkc63gv8HtpBF2FbqGbP3I

In Hawaii, a man lost his surfboard. It reappeared in the Philippines
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/in-hawaii-a-man-lost-his-surfboard-it-reappeared-in-the-philippines/ar-BB19g9rp?ocid=msedgntp