Myths and Monsters
/We close this year's commemoration of Filipino American History Month with a fact-check and correction.
PF contributor and recently retired urban planner M.T. Ojeda parlayed her passion for history and geography by poring over old maps and demographic data of what used to be known as San Francisco's Manilatown, Kearny St. She disputes the assertions of a powerful 2020 video by media outlet Vox that 1) there were 30,000 Filipinos living in the area; and 2) those living in the area were so terrified of racist threats that they stayed within the boundaries of Manilatown. Read her story for a more accurate picture of the once-vibrant Filipino enclave in San Francisco.
What better time to indulge our fascination with the supernatural than Todos los Santos time (celebrated in the Philippines on November 1 and its US equivalent, Halloween, on October 31)?
For those who want to know more about the mythical creatures of our culture, here's a somewhat-creepy primer complete with sketches from Jean Karl Gaverza, whose research on this topic qualifies him as a resource person.
From award-winning young writer, George Deoso, comes the question, "What is it about ghost stories that fascinate us?" He proceeds to regale us with his hair-raising tales which actually whets our appetite for more.
Not exactly a ghost story but a 17-year old aspiring writer, Lucas Q. Villaseñor, whose ancestor, Emilio Quisumbing, was one of the early pensionados (Filipino students given government scholarships to study in the US), reimagines the drama of the latter's return to the Philippines following his father's execution as a suspected spy.
October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Here's a Read Again that is a vital guide to recognizing red flags in a relationship: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/behind-the-charmer-may-hide-an-abuser?rq=abuse
More This Week
[Video of the Week] 50 Years of Filipino American Studies
[Cook It Again] The Happy Home Cook: Salted Egg-Flavored Potato Chips
In The Know
As Filipino American History Month comes to a close, take a peek inside the Field Museum’s Philippine Heritage Collection
Americana vs. Camisa: The History of Filipino Men's Fashion
Nagtipunan, Quirino boasts scenic views, blend of culture
Filipino Americans Share Their Journey to Buddhism
The BTS concert in Busan: The travails of an ARMY husband
Miriam Quiambao On Leaving The City Life: 'Kung Kaya Ng Bulsa, Buong Pamilya, Go For It'
