What's your idea of an afternoon well spent, one that elevates your spirit and shakes or stirs you to take, if not outright action, at least to take the next step towards greater enlightenment?

Would it be watching a controversial movie that presents an alternate reality of a well-documented historical event, like "Maid in Malacanang"?

Would it be taking time off to pursue a passion that saved you from pursuing a wrong path, like chef/photographer Jomel Bartolome in New Zealand?

Certainly, it will not be what author/professor/human rights activist/occasional politician Walden Bello endured recently when he had to spend jail time for displeasing the powerful.

For many of us, an afternoon of Filipino music and an intimate conversation about our musical culture with Maestro Michael Dadap wins hands down as the activity of choice, more so if it's in the company of kindred spirits, as PF contributor Lorna Lardizabal-Dietz writes about.

These stories and another of our popular recurring list of Fil-Ams who are making this world a better place are our offerings this week.

We are also re-sharing some stories that we hope will make your day better.

In 2013, during the search for a new Pope, then newly named Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was talked about as a possible candidate. Here's the late ace reporter Aries Rufo's take on the issue: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/2013/3/the-man-who-could-be-pope

And a good read, at any time of day from Lotis Key-Kabigting: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/white-men-cant-jump-start

[Cook It Again] The Happy Home Cook: Rellenong Talong (Stuffed Eggplant)

[Video of the Week] "Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana" LA's Historic Filipinotown Mural