We have more stories this week than usual because we are at the threshold of either a dark or a bright era in Philippine politics. Some observers say the country is at an inflection point, that whatever happens on election day will determine the path of future generations. Do you agree?

But first a reminder: Elections are always fraught with high drama and unconscionable shenanigans so PF contributing writer Andy Bautista, who knows whereof he speaks, alerts us to what can happen if we lay down our guard in protecting our votes in "E-day 9th of May 101."

And an unexpected historical reckoning of the dark years of martial law:

"The Image That Never Left Me" by Lila Ramos-Shahani, the niece of President Fidel V. Ramos

"General Ver's Daughter Reckons with Her Father's Martial Law Legacy" by Wanna Ver, et.al.

We've published several stories about WWII in the Philippines but today's piece by first-time PF contributor Thomas McKenna stands out because it celebrates the outstanding bravery of the Maranaos in fighting Japanese incursion into their land. "The Battle of Tamparan and the Forgotten Moro Heroes of WWII" corrects a historical ignorance -- ours, in failing to recognize the heroism of our Muslim brothers and sisters.

Speaking of heroes, the recent sudden death of Ambassador Jose Santiago "Chito" Sta. Romana brought on a deluge of tributes, the most poignant of which come from his bosom buddies, Jaime FlorCruz and Eric Baculinao, they whose lives are tightly meshed with Chito's since 1971.

And finally, a renewed faith in our better angels, as reported by PF Correspondent Cherie Querol-Moreno, with the hope that it will last beyond the elections.

Read Again: Mother’s Day Stories

Model Mom By Cherie Querol Moreno

Lessons from My Mother By James T. Lim

My Unmom Mom By John L. Silva

[Recipe of the Week] The Happy Home Cook: Instant Pot Spanish Sardine-Style Bangus

[Video of The Week] Philippines At A Crossroads: Will There Be Another Marcos Presidency?

[Partner] The Vagina Monologues: Asian Women Speak Out Against Hate

Philippine Elections 2022

After Kerwin, DOJ’s star witness retracts accusation vs. De Lima
https://www.rappler.com/nation/doj-star-witness-rafael-ragos-retracts-accusation-vs-de-lima/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0oKhOfkvdjzeeOodF4D7-pLeTZuDenqVQkCLUYEds4ALq3zo6Rtv7g-gQ#Echobox=1651451425

UP profs urge next admin to focus on jobs, healthcare
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/830170/up-profs-urge-next-admin-to-focus-on-jobs-healthcare/story/?fbclid=IwAR0Ge_6zIKWEEjYvip_-0v-ccfKbKWw9OUoslI5i83FpHjRTh77JSNg6tQs

Civil Society
https://www.philstar.com/business/2022/04/22/2175810/civil-society

Make some noise: Placard Power
https://www.thediarist.ph/placard-power/

Under scarcity: Leni service, BBM welfarism, and Isko overspending
https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2022/04/25/444392/under-scarcity-leni-service-bbm-welfarism-and-isko-overspending/

Here comes the Pink Tsunami
https://manilastandard.net/opinion/columns/business-class-by-rudy-romero/314224445/here-comes-the-pink-tsunami.html

Wanted: A Leader Who Inspires
https://opinion.inquirer.net/152457/wanted-a-leader-who-inspires/amp?fbclid=IwAR1IApI8WleoI6z6cWjfsuelmEmkb_Qff_XAbHSkOHPX3oN5gA8oqI0DmFc

Fil-Ams ask facebook to take down troll sites
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1591949/fil-ams-ask-facebook-to-take-down-troll-sites?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR2EYch4kW6G9j6BK_6AbWDi9MCSYiLlT8D8AFVjpWOSPuNcjosnW8bBNlk#Echobox=1651617761

In the Know

1930s Filipinos were hip to American Style
https://daily.jstor.org/1930s-filipinos-were-hip-to-american-style/?fbclid=IwAR1OXnAglpnaOlsaU16OGZT70pCdrYEG-clZP_ASCralE2hZLuy1703j2dI

There’s a touching story behind this trailer carinderia in the Alaskan countryside
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/food-drink/features/10/13/21/carinderia-in-alaskan-countryside-has-a-touching-story?fbclid=IwAR1KD3PCLtHLMhsZDMjG9pSkvY8vcK74u-KnkNxFudhgDyiLp-FurK2UB1E

Pio Abad Presents Telling New Art Exhibit on the "Conjugal Dictatorship" of the Marcos Family
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/arts/pio-abad-arete-exhibit

San Diego author pens fantasy story about Filipino family in debut book
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/people/story/2022-04-23/san-diego-author-pens-fantasy-story-about-filipino-family-in-debut-book?fbclid=IwAR18mGBtYeLcnR8XNbvsrJrLwrk8sZUvcivobaTHUBavJNiYdzgTFZRKUOs

Off the beaten track: Hard-to-reach PH destinations worth the journey
https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/travel/off-beaten-track-philippine-destinations-hard-reach-worth-journey/?fbclid=IwAR3I4MVO-PZLuSMUjz0842rZ50mj1SWwa-ZHBXchDxJnGugMhJHcFL00Gnc

What do Olivia Rodrigo, Saweetie, H.E.R., Bruno Mars, Elle King and Remy Martin have in common? Me.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/opinion/what-do-olivia-rodrigo-saweetie-h-e-r-bruno-mars-elle-king-and-remy-martin-have-in-common-me/ar-AAWz72Q?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=ae5e8f7f9ca74fb9b44e9c1dbadb4590&fbclid=IwAR1qNti9spY8b1J-7eJ2rYFRbRb-G19qHNgPPo1e0vZIcLfUbyQljhM3ehQ

Wealthy and Educated: A Look at Manila's First Beauty Queens
https://www.esquiremag.ph/the-good-life/what-she-wants/evolution-of-beauty-pageant-titles-in-the-philippines-a00208-20171213-lfrm?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20220425-fbnp-the-good-life-evolution-of-beauty-pageant-titles-in-the-philippines-a00208-20171213-lfrm-fbold&fbclid=IwAR1mm2psqy_Yd5eLswg-wp5I0yL3nvV1QGBJaZ-gJ5cubwtEfdIFqufATvo

Exploring Ilocos Sur: The Northern Region Rich With Hidden Gems
https://www.tatlerasia.com/culture/travel/exploring-ilocos-sur-santiago?utm_campaign=PH_DIG_FULL20220428&utm_medium=email&utm_source=tatlerasia.com