40 Years Ago This Month

Two major events in the last week of April changed history, and we commemorate both in this week's issue.

April 24 is the 35th death anniversary of Macli-ing Dulag, the Kalinga tribal chief who led the opposition to the Chico River Dam project in the Cordilleras. His assassination by elements of the Philippine Army in 1980 unified the people against the dam and led to the eventual scuttling of the project by the Marcos dictatorship. Macli-ing Dulag's legacy is forever etched in Philippine history and April 24 is celebrated as Cordillera Peoples Day every year.  Ace journalist Ceres P. Doyo shares some excerpts from her new book on the charismatic chieftain in "The Unforgettable Macli-ing Dulag."

April 30 marks the 40th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, which ended the catastrophic Vietnam War. Ken Kashiwahara witnessed the chaos and the tragedy of the withdrawal of the US and revisited Saigon for the first time a few months ago. He shares his recollections and observations in "Escape from Saigon."

Meanwhile, a confrontation that the whole world awaits with gusto happens on May 2 when Manny Pacquiao comes head-to-head with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Two boxing enthusiasts, Roilo Golez and Peter Bacho, share their predictions on the outcome. You can also share your pick on our new online poll.

In Seattle, pet owners are lucky to have in their midst Dr. Michael Mison, a topnotch veterinary surgeon, who comes from a family of educators and civil servants. Gia Mendoza profiles her pet's lifesaver in "A Pet's Best Friend."

As we celebrate Earth Day this month, read again two of our informative postings on the environmental impact of the aquarium fish trade ("Saving Nemo") and the holy guardians of Bud Bungao, the magical mountain in Tawi-tawi ("The Holy Mountain of Tawi-tawi"), both by Philippine environmental writer, Gregg Yan.

Our recipe for the week in The Happy Home Cook comes from food blogger and author, Marvin Gapultos, who shares his award-winning "Slow-braised Pork and Pineapple Adobo."

And for our Video of the Week, the Bisaya-speaking Americans of the Hey Joe Show are back in “Signs That You Are Filipino.”

I hope you also visit my blog, “Gemma Nemenzo on Life, Love, Writing, and Everything In Between” and let me know your thoughts on "Expat Realities."