The Watsonville Riots, 1930

#TodayInphilippinesHistory

January 19, 1930 marks the start of the Watsonville Riots, a wave of white supremacist violence in California that targeted Filipino farmworkers through beatings, raids, expulsions, and mob terror.

For days, Filipinos were hunted through the streets, attacked at labor camps, and thrown from bridges. On January 23, 22-year-old Fermin Tobera was murdered in his sleep when white rioters fired into a labor camp. His killer was never held accountable.

The violence spread across California and throughout the West Coast and triggered protests in the Philippines, where Tobera was mourned as a martyr. These attacks helped justify racist laws banning interracial marriage, restricting Filipino immigration, and dividing workers to protect white power and profit.

What happened in Watsonville did not end with the mobs. It was absorbed into the legal and political order that followed. Many of those structures remain intact today.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview on the Above Topic:

Ninety-six years ago, around January 1930, the 

Watsonville Race Riotserupted in Watsonville, California, where white mobs violently attacked Filipino farmworkers, fueled by anti-immigrant sentiment, racial prejudice, and fear over Filipino men associating with white women, leading to violence, destruction of property, and highlighting severe racial discrimination against Filipinos in early 20th-century America. These riots were part of broader anti-Filipino violence across California, culminating in stricter anti-miscegenation laws. 

Key Details:

• When: January 1930 (approximately 96 years ago from 2026).
• Where: Watsonville, California, a major agricultural area.
• Who: White mobs targeting Filipino farm laborers (Manongs).
• Why: Deep-seated racism, economic competition, and opposition to relationships between Filipino men and white women, which challenged racial norms and laws.
• What Happened: White residents assaulted Filipinos, vandalized Filipino-owned businesses, and attacked labor camps, causing significant harm and fear.
• Impact: The riots and similar incidents led California to amend its anti-miscegenation law to specifically bar marriages between white people and "members of the Malay race" (Filipinos), further restricting Filipino rights. 

These events underscore the intense racial discrimination faced by Filipino immigrants in the U.S. during this period, a critical part of Filipino-American history. 

Finally the top Five News of the Day 

1. Global markets rise as U.S. eases Greenland tensions at Davos
Stock markets rebounded sharply after President Trump’s reversal on threatened tariffs on European allies tied to Greenland negotiations at the World Economic Forum, following a framework deal with NATO on Arctic cooperation. Investor sentiment improved and volatility measures eased. 

2. European leaders highlight unity after U.S.–Greenland dispute
At an emergency EU summit, leaders including France’s Emmanuel Macron stressed European unity in response to recent U.S. diplomatic pressure over Greenland. Debate continues on Arctic security and sovereignty. 

3. Trump prosecutor tells Congress former president willfully broke laws
Former Special Counsel Jack Smith criticized Trump’s actions and narratives before a House panel, asserting that Trump “willfully” violated laws during his prosecutions. 

4. Homicide rates in U.S. cities decline sharply
A new report shows a significant 21% drop in homicide rates across dozens of major U.S. cities, marking one of the most notable decreases in recent crime statistics. 

5. U.S. Vice President heads to Minnesota amid immigration tensions
Vice President J.D. Vance traveled to Minnesota to address high tensions over controversial immigration operations and enforcement actions, reflecting ongoing domestic policy disputes. 

Marinduque Island- My Second Home

Reminiscing Our Pleasant Years in Marinduque, Philippines- Our Second Home 

MARINDUQUE ISLAND, OUR SECOND HOME: Even today, the island’s silhouette remains a favorite sight for travelers passing through Barangay Tungib–Lipata, where visitors often stop to take photos with Bellarocca gracing the horizon. Though its doors are temporarily closed, the island’s allure endures, its white structures glowing against sea and sky, a reminder of the luxury and tranquility that once awaited on Marinduque’s own slice of paradise. This resort was once a 5 Star luxury haven, only about 30 minutes drive from our beach house, Chateau Du Mer in Amoingon, Boac.

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2025/05/chateau-du-mer-according-to-chatgpt.html

During Bellarocca's few years of successful operation, it has been compared to Santorini, Greece. Macrine and I stayed at this resort for 3 Days at $400 per night. For Details and more photos of Bellarocca, read the the three related article at bottom of the page.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1026955-d1547488-Reviews-Bellarocca_Island_Resort_And_Spa-Marinduque_Island_Mimaropa.html

Related Articles: 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/08/photo-memories-of-chateau-du-mer-and.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/08/is-this-true-about-bellarocca-resort.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/03/is-bellarocca-resort-and-spa-closing.html

On Our Way to a Private Tour of Bellarocca ( Macrine and I with Annie Miles and Aquilina Rivas), Dec 28, 2010

Today,  January 21, 2026, President Trump made several major announcements regarding his bid to acquire 

Greenland

 during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. 

Key Developments from Davos

• Rules Out Military Force: In a significant shift in rhetoric, Trump explicitly stated he "won't use force" to take control of Greenland. He previously refused to rule out military or economic force but now claims he "doesn't have to" because the U.S. is "unstoppable" regardless.
• Suspension of Tariffs: Trump announced he will not move forward with a 10% tariff on eight European nations that was scheduled to begin on February 1. These tariffs were previously threatened as a pressure tactic against countries opposing the U.S. acquisition of the island.
• "Framework" Deal Reached: Following a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump claimed they have formed a "framework of a future deal" regarding Greenland and the broader Arctic region. He did not provide specific details but stated the solution would be "great" for both the U.S. and all NATO nations.
• Ultimatum to Allies: Despite dropping the immediate threat of tariffs, Trump issued a warning to allies: "You can say yes and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no and we will remember".

Is Filipino Food Finally Getting the Global Spotlight it Deserves?

Is Filipino food finally getting the global spotlight it deserves? Michelin Guide hails Philippines as most exciting food destination for 2026.

The Philippines has been named one of the MICHELIN Guide’s “Most Exciting Food Destinations” for 2026, becoming the only Southeast Asian country to receive the distinction.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco credited the recognition to the successful launch of the MICHELIN Guides in Manila and Cebu in 2025, which brought Filipino cuisine to the global stage. She said the honor supports efforts to promote sustainable tourism while celebrating authentic Filipino food, traditions, and the people behind them.

MICHELIN inspectors praised Filipino cuisine for blending time-honored traditions with modern innovation, noting the rise of young local chefs shaping a dynamic food culture. Iconic dishes like sisig, sinigang, adobo, and inasal were highlighted for gaining international recognition.

The 2026 MICHELIN Guide Manila and Environs and Cebu recognized over 100 

establishments, including one Two-Star restaurant, eight One-Star restaurants, 25 Bib Gourmand picks, and 74 MICHELIN-Selected dining spots, along with special awards for sustainability, service, young chefs, and mixology.

Meanwhile, here's the AI Overview

Yes, Filipino food is finally getting significant global recognition, marked by the Michelin Guide naming the Philippines a top food destination for 2026 and the launch of Michelin Guides in Manila and Cebu, highlighting rising chefs and unique flavors like sisig, adobo, and sinigang. This follows successes by Filipino restaurants worldwide earning Michelin stars and nods, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern techniques and solidifying its place on the international culinary map. 

Key Indicators of the Global Spotlight:

• Michelin Guide Recognition (2026): The Philippines was chosen as one of the "most exciting food destinations," signaling a major moment for Filipino cuisine.
• Launch of Michelin Guide Philippines: The inaugural guide for Manila and Cebu in late 2025 brought Filipino food to the global stage, celebrating local talent.
• International Success: Restaurants like Chicago's Kasama (first Filipino Michelin-starred restaurant) and London's Donia (Bib Gourmand) prove Filipino food's fine-dining viability.
• Emergence of Young Chefs: A new generation of Filipino chefs is blending traditional recipes with international techniques, pushing culinary boundaries. 

Why Now?

• Culinary Evolution: Chefs are confidently presenting their unique flavors and stories, moving beyond historical perceptions.
• Food Tourism: The recognition is boosting culinary tourism, encouraging global foodies to explore the Philippines.
• Unique Flavor Profile: Filipino food's distinct blend of indigenous, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences offers a unique taste. 

In essence, Filipino food is transitioning from a niche cuisine to a recognized global player, with recent Michelin endorsements marking a significant milestone in its long-overdue international appreciation. 

Meanwhile, here's a list of Places Nearby, Where You Can Enjoy Filipino Cuisine

filipino food near me ( SFO, South, North and East Bay)

Tropa Bistro in Lafayette and FOB Kitchen in Oakland, I highly recommend;     

The SeaFood City Mall 💚in Concord has several fast food Filipino restaurants serving authentic Filipino Food.  Every time I visit the Mall, I feel I am in the Philippines. There is also a supermarket selling all imported goodies/groceries from the Philippines.  

💚seafood city concord

Finally, My Reel of the Day= Tourist Spots in the Philippines: 

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1234087882151440

My Cravings For the Week: Adobo Na Pusit:(Calamari)

Finally, the top five News of the Day:

1) Geopolitical tensions escalate at Davos over Greenland and US-EU ties
Controversy grew at the World Economic Forum as President Trump pushed for negotiations over Greenland’s future, criticized NATO and EU policies, and drew strong reactions from European leaders — even freezing work on a key EU-US trade deal. 

2) Trump gives provocative speech at Davos
At Davos, Trump ruled out taking Greenland by force but reiterated that negotiations should begin immediately on U.S. strategic interests — sparking global commentary and heightened scrutiny of his foreign policy remarks. 

3) Trump makes controversial comments about Canada in Davos
In comments at Davos, President Trump said Canada should be “grateful” for U.S. support and characterized bilateral benefits as “freebies,” intensifying diplomatic friction between the two countries. 

4) Analysis of Trump’s marathon press briefing on his one-year term
A detailed fact-check surfaced following President Trump’s extended press briefing marking the one-year anniversary of his second term, examining claims and media narratives. 

5) Federal attorney Lindsey Halligan resigns after criticism
Trump-appointed U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan stepped down following sharp criticism from judges over her performance and handling of high-profile cases.