Star of the Sea, Stella Maris (Latin), Tala ng Karagatan (Filipino) is only one of the many honorific titles of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. During this Marian month of May, fiestas and devotions are held in her honor, the Philippines being known as “pueblo amante de Maria (a nation that loves Mary).” But more than just tradition-driven, love for Mary is genuine affection. But it is also reported early this Marian month that a Philippine military resupply mission sailing to Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) got its worst attack from China’s coast guard. This and what Filipino fishermen have been suffering from China’s attacks in recent years because of the China-enamored Duterte administration. (In exchange for what?)

Doyo, M. C. P. (2024, May 17). Mary, Star of the (West PH) Sea. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A10.