The turmoil in the West Philippine Sea (WFS) has roiled the Philippine defense establishment and has sadly surfaced long-simmering anti-Chinese prejudices among Filipinos. How can one not be angry when watching the YouTube videos of the Chinese Coast Guard training powerful water cannons on Philippine Coast Guard ships, blocking Filipino fishermen from fishing in Philippine waters (as confirmed in 2016 by the arbitral ruling of the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Seas) and, in a recent episode, surrounding and destroying with pickaxes and poles the Philippine Navy rubber boats carrying survival supplies for the Marines stationed in BRP Sierra Madre?

But war with China is not an option, even with the proclaimed full support of the more militarily superior United States for the Philippines. How best to conduct a David-and-Goliath struggle without the use of military force? Popular political pundit Ronald Llamas says civilian mass actions on the sea are best; they perplex the Chinese military because they cannot be seen as aggressors to civilians (and therefore have to maintain distance), and they send a calm and friendly message to the Chinese people that the Filipino people are not against them but rather against their government's policies. A highly nuanced approach no doubt that may or may not be lost on the intended recipients.

Atin Ito!, a project led by Akbayan Philippines, is a civilian activity that has sent two supply missions to the WFS bringing aid to Filipino fisherfolk. The first took place last December [Defying Goliath in the West Philippine Sea].

The second and bigger one was last May and, like the first one, our Manila-based contributing writer Robert Francis Garcia was part of the contingent. Read his blow-by-blow account of this harrowing but ultimately successful mission in this issue. And be sure to watch the beautiful video at the end of the article.

Do you agree that civilian action can be more effective than a purely military approach to counter Chinese aggression in Philippine shores? Tell us how you feel by replying to this email.

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People are talking about Asador Alfonso, an authentic Spanish roasting house featuring the innovative dishes of Chef Chele Gonzales in a fabulous, environmentally sensitive setting by architect/owner Carlo Calma. It's located in Alfonso, Cavite so it's a worthy weekend drive for Metro Manilans.

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A Filipina entrepreneur now based in Switzerland, Demee Mahinay Koch, has come out with DEMOI, her line of cruelty-free, socially relevant, and ecologically friendly beauty products. Fil-Am community leader Sonia Delen profiles this enterprising Cebuana with a mission.

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Our Video of the Week: a short documentary on the Philippine Rise, a collaborative production of the Daily Tribune and The Extra Mile Productions' Know Your North project.