It's Bayanihan Time

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“These are the times that try men’s souls.” - Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, 1776

Since it's busy-happy time for everyone celebrating Christmas, we compiled these heartwarming and nostalgic stories from some of our contributing writers that you can enjoy when taking breaks from preparing for your noche buena.

We're even throwing in our resident foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino's recipe for Tocino del Cielo, that rich, sinful Kapampangan delicacy that may have been part of your childhood Christmases.

Adding to this mix is our Video of the Week, a delightful rendition by the Aroha Junior Choir and the Aroha Children's Choir of Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas." This was supposed to be a light, relaxing issue -- a break from the serious, the controversial, the thought-provoking topics.But nature had other ideas.

In addition to the alarming spread of the omicron virus worldwide, throwing Christmas travel and party plans asunder, how can we turn our backs on the horrific havoc and disaster that Typhoon Odette/Ria wrecked in central and southern Philippines? The pictures that trickled out -- very slowly because power and communications were cut off -- were heartbreaking.

Here's one of the reports:

So in keeping with the true spirit of Christmas, we hope everyone can join in the worldwide bayanihan to help our kababayans in Visayas and Mindanao recover from this disaster. Your nearest Philippine embassies or consulates should be able to point you to the legitimate venues for donations. [Be watchful of scams.]

And with this, we send you our wishes for a joyful and safe Christmas celebration.

In The Know

The country that celebrates Christmas for more than 4 months a year
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/21/philippines-the-longest-christmas-celebrations-in-the-world-.html?fbclid=IwAR0767DIgXdKC8Q9dJeCN9gPGppOjaHf-p0nw2pqxVBYMjQizPsSwwB7q6I

Can the small but mighty Jollibee dethrone Popeyes’ spicy fried chicken?
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/small-mighty-jollibee-dethrone-popeyes-121000496.html

New clue to human evolution's biggest mystery emerges in Philippines
https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/16/world/denisovan-dna-philippines-scn/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0gCb1pY9cvCDvDMg6qJ3qYMyx1P94-E3VYHmlVO29LN64YVllCJxAjPEM

Social entrepreneur’s mission of preserving Philippine cinnamon also benefits farmers
https://mb.com.ph/2021/12/06/social-entrepreneurs-mission-of-preserving-philippine-cinnamon-also-benefits-farmers/?fbclid=IwAR0fx0D_5fBCctZXXX2GqxUFYA7jNfQWUmVpwoeW5tCp55-LqEVItYtuvKg

A Private Island in the Philippines Is Cheaper Than a House in Forbes Park
https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/private-islands-in-the-philippines-a00297-20200305?utm_source=Facebook-Esquire&utm_medium=Ownshare&utm_campaign=20211205-fbnp-culture-private-islands-in-the-philippines-a00297-20200305-fbold&fbclid=IwAR0ucsxwnMxT12jq0zWRhm7r8Mzqw6EeZcrctU72tPGdosYpxR4MxFgqZZ4

In this new Filipino restaurant in London, an exuberant mural is getting a lot of attention
https://news.abs-cbn.com/ancx/culture/art/12/04/21/in-london-kulay-labitigan-tells-the-story-of-home/?utm_campaign=sharedpost&fbclid=IwAR3rM-Iv5-Zw3n2gDOYphzFnMRGiIYA2bHFNWoptbVuCw0llj7FWWMORiuw

Asia’s Most Influential
https://www.tatlerasia.com/list/ami/2021/ph?page=10 

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Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino