SF

The 2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees: Asia’s Modern-Day Heroes

Thursday, 03 September 2009 04:04 Rochelle C. Pangilinan / AJPress Manila

It is safe to say that most of us, especially those who spent most of their growing up years in the city, know how to appreciate the beauty and wonders of nature. The hillside breeze, the pristine beach or the mountain view serve as our refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, only a few of us can claim that the beauty and wonders of nature have inspired us to take up a cause for the benefit of future generations unlike Antonio Oposa, Jr.

Oposa spent his teenage years in his grandfather’s seaside farm, relishing in the splendor of Bantayan Island in Cebu. It was here where he grew the passion to preserve the environment. Thus it is no surprise that the environment will turn out to be the center of Antonio’s professional life.

American Center of Philippine Arts: The passion to nurture the Filipino culture and identity

Wednesday, 26 August 2009 22:22 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar / AJPress San Francisco

(5 votes, average: 4.80 out of 5)

American Center of Philippine Arts: The passion to nurture the Filipino culture and identity

WITH the vision to build an organization that could provide young people the opportunity to learn about Philippine history and culture through dance, music and the arts, two people – Herna Cruz-Louie and Jay Loyola – formed the American Center of Philippine Arts (ACPA). Founded just last February, ACPA’s mission is to provide a unique educational and developmental platform for multidisciplinary Philippine arts through innovative hands-on classes, collaborations, networking opportunities and showcasing events.

Co-founder Herna is a second generation Filipino-American, and was fortunate enough to be exposed to Philippine folk arts and culture through her parents, after-school programs and PASACAT Asian Pacific Arts in San Diego. PASACAT not only helped her discover her passion, it also provided her confidence, leadership skills, a sense of community, positive relationships and support in discovering her cultural identity. Feeling blessed with the opportunities given to her at a young age, she was however saddened to find out that there were many young Fil-Ams that weren’t exposed to their culture and heritage until after high school.

Remembering Ninoy Aquino What he stood for, what he fought for

Wednesday, 19 August 2009 23:39 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar / AJPress San Francisco

(6 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)

Remembering Ninoy Aquino What he stood for, what he fought for

Despite all the guards assigned for him (by of course, the Marcos government), along with thousands of military and police personnel, armed bodyguards and even a bulletproof vest, Ninoy was fatally shot in the head as he was escorted off the airplane.

The beloved icon of democracy leaves us a legacy of peace and unity

Thursday, 06 August 2009 01:41 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar / AJPress San Francisco

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

The beloved icon of democracy leaves us a legacy of peace and unity

IT is always hard to write about someone’s passing, as one would have to start to reminisce about the past. It’s always painful, scattered with fond memories and a reflection of how that person has made an impact in our lives.

But Corazon Cojuangco Aquino was no ordinary person. She was the first woman president of the Philippines. Before her, Filipino leaders were mostly men. She broke this stereotype and became a role model for women empowerment. But to the Filipinos, she was a mother and the icon of democracy to a once oppressed nation.

For those who grew up in the eighties, a person may ask where you were when People Power happened. Many have seen the Philippines’ transformation from being a country run by a dictatorship, to a nation that holds freedom with high regard. The road to democracy was never easy during Cory Aquino’s reign. Seven coup attempts, power blackouts, salvaging and changing whatever was destroyed and left by Marcos. Although some may think that the Philippines should have been in a better situation during and after her presidency, it would be unrealistic to expect that Cory Aquino could have done more.

Parangal Dance Company’s tribute to Philippine culture

Thursday, 30 July 2009 09:58 Malou Liwanag-Aguilar / AJPress San Francisco

(5 votes, average: 4.40 out of 5)

Parangal Dance Company’s tribute to Philippine culture

FILIPINOS, wherever they may be in the world, have their ways to uplift Philippine culture and introduce it to non-Filipinos. Parangal Dance Company, a Philippine folk dance company based in San Francisco has the same mission—to preserve and promote the Filipino heritage through their performances and presence in the Filipino-American community.

"We hope and aim to entertain, inspire, encourage and educate the Filipino-Americans and diverse communities so that they can gain a better understanding and appreciation of Philippine life, culture and tradition," said Eric Solano, Parangal’s Artistic Director and Choreographer. "We don’t limit ourselves to certain performances, if only because we enjoy sharing our passion and what knowledge we do have of the culture with others."