The Incredible Beaches

If you're in the Philippines and pondering a quiet, meditative getaway for the Holy Week, check out Manuel "EG" Hizon's very enticing list of "11 Great Beaches You Probably Haven’t Been To." These spectacular beaches are [still] hidden gems because they're far from the madding crowd (i.e. Boracay, etc.), which is where you want to be if you're seeking peace, privacy and a respite from the scorching summer heat.

A look back at a controversial historical item: San Francisco State University professor emeritus Dr. Penelope V. Flores  supports the view of historians and writers that "Magellan's Interpreter, Enrique, Was the First to Circumnavigate the World." She tells us why.

Switching back to the recent past, Randy David's postscript to the Philippine National Police's board of inquiry report on the Mamasapano tragedy is instructive and thought-provoking, as is usual of Professor David's writings. Read it here.

We have another compilation of Funny Signs for you, lest we "forget" that we belong to a nation of punsters and jokesters, and we never fail to laugh at life, no matter what.

And continuing our celebration of amazing women, Read Again some of our earlier postings:

"Blazing a Journalism Trail" by Benjamin Pimentel features Sheila Coronel's very impressive career trajectory from ace investigative journalist in the Philippines to dean of Columbia University's School of Journalism, arguably one of the best journalism schools in the world.

"3 Lessons from an Art Ambassador" by Dominique Padilla Gallego focuses on Lolita Valderrama Savage, the celebrated artist and citizen of the world whose paintings have been hailed in the art circles of Florence, New York and Manila.

"Model Mom" by Cherie Querol-Moreno reveals the woman behind California Assembly Representative Rob Bonta's success -- his mom, Cynthia Arnaldo Bonta, activist and educator, whose lifelong commitment to the fight for social justice has been her son's inspiration in becoming the first Filipino American to win a seat in the California legislature.

"Super Grandma" by Marianne Dayrit-Sison zeroes in on Consuelo Dancel Sison who recently turned 94 but is still as dynamic and energetic as anyone half her age. I met Mommy Elong recently and was truly amazed --  a fine example of the saying, "age is only a number."

Our Video of the Week is on the special delivery of food and guitars that Philippine military made to the soldiers on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal, which is being claimed by China.

A blessed Easter to all.

Tragedy and Enchantment

Almost two months have elapsed since the tragedy in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, but the story is still very much alive in the military, the media and especially in the Aquino administration, which continues to suffer in the fallout.

This week we feature guest contributor Randy David, UP professor of sociology and political movements, who explains to us the bigger context of the tragedy: a police operation vs. the peace process that the government is trying to rebuild in Mindanao. Randy is known for his consistently illuminating pieces and this one is no exception.

From tragedy, we switch to enchantment and we have two stories to do just that: Engkanto Falls in Naga City in the Bicol region is where spirits of the supernatural variety dwell, according to legend. Excel V. Dyquiangco takes us there in "Romance of the Falls."

Likewise, our publisher, Mona Lisa Yuchengco, gives us a glimpse of enchanting India as she traveled with her sisters and some friends and encountered Filipinos, among others. "Pinoyspotting: Kababayans in India" continues our Pinoyspotting series, and we'd like to hear from you too about your travels and your encounters.

We continue to celebrate Women's History Month and this time, we'd like to point you back to enchanting women we have featured:

"Travels with My Aunt," by Lyca Benitez-Brown is about the formidable stateswoman and educator, Helena Z. Benitez, who at 100 years old, is still going strong.

"The Thoroughly Modern Sofia de Veyra" by Titchie Carandang-Tiongson introduces us to a little-known but definitely a memorable Filipina who, as wife of the Philippine Resident Commissioner in 1917, astonished and impressed Washington, DC with her intelligence, energy and charm.

"The Untold Story of Sugar Pie DeSanto" by Ben Pimentel is another eye-opener because Sugar Pie is not well known among Filipino Americans but was a big name in the jazz world.

Our Video of the Week transports us to enchanting Paris as bloggers Randy Diaz and Joyce Ibardolaza sample the culinary creations of Chef Aaron Isip of Restaurant Dix-Huit.

Wishing you a life of enchantment.