Celebration Time

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'Tis the season to be jolly but it's also the season to reflect on life's surprising twists and unexpected blessings, as our writers this week do.

Tokyo-based contributing writer Ian Layugan looks to the stars for wisdom and solace in "Star-crossed in Sagada."

Compleat writer Criselda Yabes puts her stamp on a generational friendship and her favorite writing place in "An Athens State of Mind."

Retired professor, author and cultural torchbearer Leny Strobel makes atchara for Christmas and allows her memories to intertwine with her grating and mixing in "Entangled with Atchara."

'Tis definitely a celebration for all seasons for the entire FilAm community as a record number of FilAms got elected to various posts all over the country. We repost the tally of NaFFAA on who recently took their seats in the American political firmament.

If you're still planning your Christmas feast, here are some timeless suggestions and recipes from culinary expert Elizabeth Ann Quirino: http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/the-happy-home-cook-christmas-recipes

[Video of the Week] Sharon Cuneta’s Christmas Surprise

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Staff

A Day for Love and Ashes

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As you lavish your loves with love today, take note (if you're Catholic) that it's also Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Just sayin'.

Sophisticated, elegant, intricate and edgy -- words that best describe the creations of Dubai-based Filipino couturier Ezra Santos, whose EzraCouture is a favorite among Arab and European royalty and international celebrities such as Lady Gaga. PF Correspondent Serina Aidasani celebrates the artistry of this fashion icon, who has started combining traditional Filipino materials into his sumptuous gowns.

If you're a Baby Boomer, remember the courtship rituals of your youth? Veteran journalist/commentator Philip Lustre Jr. recalls the "tedious and laborious" process of wooing ladies before texting and social media took away the fun, in "Our Old-Fashioned Courtship: ‘Dalaw,’ 'Sundo,’ ‘Hatid’."

And what about if your husband is a philanderer? PF publisher Mona Lisa Yuchengco's tongue-in-cheek piece will surely strike some chords.

Just to get you more in the mood for love, here are some stories of historical romances you might want to Read Again:

http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/romances-in-history

http://www.positivelyfilipino.com/magazine/2013/2/the-poet-and-the-women-he-loved?rq=jose%20corazon%20de%20jesus

For this auspicious combination of Valentine's Day and Ash Wednesday, our resident foodie Elizabeth Ann Quirino shares a delicious but un-sinful recipe for the Happy Home Cook: Pasta with Shrimps and Vegetables.

There's never a dull moment with our lineup of In The Know stories for this week:

EXCLUSIVE: New photos show China is nearly done with its militarization of South China Sea
http://www.inquirer.net/specials/exclusive-china-militarization-south-china-sea

SF looks to change law that lets mentally ill choose to stay on streets (in the article, Alice is Pinay)
https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/SF-looks-to-change-law-that-lets-mentally-ill-12422969.php

'Dreamer' twins, hoping to enter the military, will either get deployed or deported
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/12/politics/daca-twins-deported-or-deployed-tapper-cnntv/index.html

Ogie Zulueta stars in not your grandma’s ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’
http://usa.inquirer.net/10117/ogie-zulueta-stars-not-grandmas-streetcar-named-desire

Meet Lara Fernandez Barrios, the Woman Behind Some of Manila's Best-Looking Restaurants
https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/newsfeatures-peopleparties/69228/lara-fernandez-barrios-a198-20170208-lfrm

We're not letting up on romance with our Video of the Week, featuring Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion. Ignore the product and focus on the chemistry of the star-crossed love team. 

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Gemma Nemenzo

Editor, Positively Filipino