Realizations for the new year

With about few more hours left in 2008, I am bent on looking back at the past year, re-examine what I have accomplished for another 365 days and write it in a piece of paper, just like what I did last year before the strike of 12. But since this is the year I discovered the tool of cyberspace, I am not going to write in my new year's journal as usual, but in this blog, which can be read by anyone who browses my site.

I am trying hard to find my words for this year-ender, but I am apparently stuck with the adage that keeps repeating on my head just last night. We live only but once! It keeps on repeating in my head, that I decided to make it this year's topic.

2008 was another year for me. I turned 2 years past 2 decades this year, the second of the double digit that occurs in a persons' life. It is a bit strange to me, now that I began slowly to realize that I am not getting any younger. My birthday celebration was proof of that fact. I only had beers to share with two of my closest friends since high school, in a gasoline station pavillion an hour before February 4th. Although we went to a cabaret after the drinking session, it was not like the previous years were I spend almost P10,000 just for the drinks at home, excluding the food. On the day itself, I did not go to school. I did not treat any of my classmates, unlike again in the previous years, where I always have double or triple celebrations. Mamang cooked pansit for me, and it was only a quiet time with the family. 2008 was the quietest birthday celebration I had since I learned to booze it out with friends.

Last March, I finished the first year of law school. Although I made a comeback politically, as I won the Student Council seat for the 2nd year Batch Representative, and was elected by my fraternity brothers to an official position in the frat, I only managed to pass 1Y Law with somehow good track record. First semester was good, I was included in the Dean's List. But the second semester was a little bit worse. For the first time since I started to go to school, I was in the trouble of failing. It was some sort of luck and old style "politication" that did the trick. But I really did not like the result because I have not actually given a hundred percent of my effort in my studies, as I usually did way back in college. Another first time.

By April, we were confronted with the news that my first cousin Paola was pregnant and that she is to get married, otherwise she'll not be allowed to enroll for the summer term in her school. She got married on her birthday, which also happened to be Easter Sunday. The family at first received the news with dismay, but was eventually accepted wholeheartedly. Everyone was in the mood to celebrate even Tita Mae and Tito Miroy. Another first. Truthfully, our generation, was indeed, next in line. By September, Ezra Madison was born, and I became an uncle for the first time.

At the start of the school year, I was expecting some good. Sad to say, on the first day of classes, I was victimized by holduppers on my way to school. I reported the incident to police officers in the UBA area. We captured a person who I am quite sure is one of the robbers. I sent him to jail. But by some touch of godliness and forgiveness, I executed an affidavit of desistance and had him released. It was the first time crime was committed against my person, but I forgave him.

But jailing somebody seem to be the trend. By September, I was jailed for the first time. It was an experience that I shall never forget, and shall always be an important lesson in life.

October saw me leave the country for the first time. And now, I am writing this post, in country not my own, celebrated Christmas and New Year away from home for the first time, but with my family by my side.

As I look back, some would say that the topic of this post is first times. But it isn't. It is about living one's life, not as the first time or the last time. It is finding the reason, the purpose, the goal of one's existence. True, it may be the first time I experienced some things. It may or may not be the last. But the most important thing is that I made the journey worthwhile. And with everything up in God's hands, I am truly sure that 2009 would be another exciting year full of ups and downs in my life.

That is the gist. I am rushing to finish this as we are going to the house of another Filipino, where we are going to welcome the new year. Another first.

To everyone, my greetings for a new year!
Good luck and God bless us all!

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 10 - Pagmamano and Christmas Day

Christmas Day in The Philippines is primarily a family affair. Prior to the stroke of 12 midnight on the morning of December 25, the Misa de Aguinaldo is being celebrated. It is usually attended by the whole family. Misa de Aguinaldo is the Holy Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Roman Catholic Church and Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan) in the Philippines' main means of celebrating Jesus Christ's birth.

Misa de Aguinaldo is also celebrated at dawn or in the morning between immediately after sunrise and 10 a.m.; this schedule is preferred by Filipinos who choose to celebrate Christmas Eve with a night-long celebration of the Noche Buena.

Preferably in the morning, Filipino families visit members of the extended family, notably the elders in order to pay their respects. This custom of giving respect has been an age-old tradition in the Philippines called "Pagmamano"; this is done by touching one's forehead to the elder's hand saying Mano Po. The elder then blesses the person who has paid respect. "Aguinaldo", or money in the form of crisp, fresh-from-the-bank bills is given after the Pagmamano, mostly to younger children.

A Christmas Lunch usually follows after the "Pagmamano". The lunch is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family. Rich families tend to prepare grand and glorious feasts that consist of Jamon de Bola, Queso de Bola, Lechon and other Filipino delicacies. Some poor families choose to cook simple meals, nevertheless still special. When the family is settled after the lunch, the exchange of gifts is usually done. Godparents are expected to give gifts or Aguinaldo to their godchildren.

When nighttime falls, members of the family usually take part in family talks while listening to favorite Christmas carols. Some may opt to have a glorious Christmas feast for dinner.


Source:

Christmas in the Philippines - Christmas Day


When it is all said, only one thing remains to be done.

Mula sa bansa ng Inglatera, at galing sa aking puso, isang mapagpala at maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat!

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 9 - Noche Buena

For Filipinos, Christmas Eve ("Bisperas ng Pasko") on December 24th has the much-anticipated Noche Buena – the traditional Christmas Eve feast after the midnight mass. Family members dine together around 12 midnight on traditional Noche Buena fare, which includes: queso de bola (Spanish: "ball of cheese"; this is actually edam cheese), "Tsokolate" (a hot chocolate drink) and jamon (Christmas ham), and some would open presents at this time.

Noche Buena, often translated as "Good Night", is a Spanish word referring to the night of Christmas Eve. Custom in Spain, Cuba, the Philippines and Latin America, the evening consists of a traditional dinner with family.

In the Philippines, this usually comes after the entire family has attended a late evening mass. Often on the table are: lechón, pancit, fried chicken, lumpia, rice, adobo, among others for the main course; desserts include halo-halo, bibingka, rice cakes, puto bumbong, ice cream, pastries and cakes; drinks include soda, wine, beer, juice, and goat milk.

Throughout the country, the meals vary according to the place's respective traditions.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV


Source:

1. Philippine Christmas traditions - Christmas Eve
2. Noche Buena

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 8 - Philippine's Panunuluyan and Kawit's Maytinis

Panuluyan or Panunuluyan (Tagalog for "asking for lodgings") is a Philippine Christmas dramatic ritual narrating through song the Holy Family's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem for Jesus Christ's birth.

The panunuluyan originated from the Mexican nine-day Christmas ritual called posadas. The only difference between the two is that the panunuluyan only takes place over one night. Mexican sailors from the galleons during Spanish colonization probably brought the custom to Tagalog and Bicol towns.

The panunuluyan is held on Christmas Eve. The procession begins with the images of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary on floats being wheeled out of the church courtyard at about 7 pm. Two singers vocalize the two parts accompanied by musicians. They stop at three or four homes throughout the barrio or town, representing different inns or houses in Bethlehem. At each, they plead for lodging in song. The singers representing the house owners or innkeepers all refuse to provide lodgings and give various reasons. One sings that his house is overflowing with guests; a couple may claim to be too poor to take them in; another person gives the excuse that the real owner is out; another argues that it is unsafe to let in strangers at night. The ritual ends towards midnight, at the church where the midnight Mass is about to begin. At the singing of the "Gloria" the nativity scene is unveiled at the altar.

In the town of Kawit, Cavite, the town commemorates this tradition by holding the annual Maytinis.

Like many other traditions, the origin of Maytinis is shrouded in mystery, no one knows exactly when or how it started. But it is commonly believed that the Maytinis cannot be less than three centuries old, since the Kawit Church itself was built around 370 years ago. The most common belief as to how the MAYTINIS begun is that it was probably started by the Spanish Priests to facilitate the natives' understanding of the Catholic Religion. Kawit, three centuries ago, could very well be a preliterate society made up of simple folk who can only deal with practical things. Thus, there was a great need for presenting the religious teachings and constructs by the use of what is visible, and the festival called MAYTINIS answered this need.

The MAYTINIS is essentially a portrayal of the history of mankind's salvation, from the Old to the New Testaments. A procession is held in which various Biblical scenes and characters are portrayed by means of picturesque floats, played for by characters selected from the various barangays of Kawit.

The responsibility of organizing the annual MAYTINIS celebration rests on the shoulders of the Confradia de Sagrada Familia in cooperation and coordination with the Pastoral Council.

The Confradia choose the "AMA" (Hermano Mayor) and the "INA" (Hermana Mayora) for the year who acts as the principal sponsors of the "MAYTINIS" festival.







Source:

1. Panunuluyan
2. Maytinis
3. MAYTINIS - Kawit Traditional Cultural Event

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 7 - Dia de Los Niños Innocentes (Day of the Innocents)

Every 28th of December, the Church celebrates Niños Innocentes, marking the sacrifice of innocent boys aged two or under by King Herod the Great in his futile attempt to get rid of the Christ child born in Bethlehem.

During the Holy Mass, the reading of the Scriptures will recount the children’s martyrdom that came about when Herod, wary of the foretold birth of the Messiah, failed to find the newborn child despite his attempt to guile the three magi who came to Jerusalem inquiring about the baby born in Bethlehem.

By the way, Herod "the Great," king of Judea, was quite unpopular with his people because of his connections with the Romans and his religious indifference so he was insecure and fearful of any threat to his throne. He was a master politician and a tyrant, however, capable of extreme brutality including the murder of his wife, his brother and his sister’s two husbands, to name only a few.

The three magi must have known Herod’s nature and kind so that when they found the baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, and after praising Him and giving Him their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, they returned to their land, skipping Jerusalem along the way.

Then, Joseph, warned by an angel in a dream, brought Mary and the baby Jesus safely to Egypt.

Troubled, and chagrined by the fact that the magi made a fool of him, Herod ordered that all newborn babies and first-born children in and around Bethlehem be killed so that his throne could be secured.

Well, what is the catch for the celebration of the Filipino Christmas?

While the faithful continue to observe religious rites like that for the Holy Innocents, it only takes Pinoys to add a "twist of humor" even to the solemn commemoration of their martyrdom — they have turned the day into something akin to the American "April Fools Day," or an opportunity to play pranks on unsuspecting folk.

In the spirit of fun, practical jokes and some harmless trickery like "borrowing" money or other things will likely be sprung on "innocent" victims who, in the spirit of fun as well, are expected to accept the fact they could no longer recover the "borrowed" things.

Source:

Beware, Today is Niños Innocentes!

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 6 - Dia de Los Tres Reyes Mago (Araw ng Tatlong Haring Mago)

The article titled PASKO was first written by Alejandro and Chorengel

Aside from being the symbolic end of the Christmas season for the Filipinos, the Feast of the Three Wise Men have a symbolic meaning for us.

For Centuries, the magical bearers of gifts for Filipino children were the Three Kings, not Santa Claus. Shoes were brightly polished and left on the window sills toferther with the cleanest socks, fresh from the laundry. The children knew that the Three Kings, on their way to Bethlehem, would pass by theri homes to fill their shoes and socks with gifts. Some would thoughtfully leave some straw or dry grass for the camels; if these were gone in the morning, surely the cames must have been terribly hungry.

The Feast of the Three Kings (Araw ng Tatlong Hari) is celebrated on the First Sunday of January. It is also known as the Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elderly), the day specially honors senior citizens. The feast is also called "The Epiphany" which commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.

They were called Melchor, meaning "king of light", Gaspar, "the white one", and Balthazar, "the lord of treasure". In the Middle Ages, Gaspar was depicted young, Mechor as middle-aged, and Balhtazar as ancient. They came bearing gifts or gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In the city of Manila, it has been a tradition for dacades for the prestigious club Casino Español to organize a Three Kings' parade on January 6 or the first Sunday of January. Dressed in royal robes, the Three Kings ride on stately horses as there are no camels in the Philippines. They parade down the block, and end at the clubhouse where children of the Spanish community await them to receive more Christmas gifts. There are gifts prepared for the poor children and orphans, too.

In the town of Gapan in Marinduque, a religious folk play is presented in which the Three Kings follow a star and meet Herod who later "runs amok" by chopping off the heads of infants, as well as demolishing his own palace. The Kings eventually find the holy manger with the Infant Jesus.

This feast of the Three Kings marks the official end of the litrurgical Christmas of the Philippines.

Source:

Araw ng Tatlong Hari

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 5 - Puto bumbong at bibingka

Puto bumbong and bibingka are two native holiday treats that are bound to the pre-drawn Misa de Gallo, which starts December 16 and is held everyday for nine days until Christmas Day.

In the city, even well-dressed matrons buy them dripping with melted butter and sprinkled with niyog to get them going for the nine dawn Masses. The number of street stalls serving these delicacies have been where most Filipinos get this delectable treats, but recent years show restaurants serving these traditional Christmas delights.

Source:

That unmistakable flavor of Christmas, Pinoy-style

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 4 - Belen

Another traditional Filipino Christmas symbol is the belen -- a creche or tableau representing the Nativity scene. It depicts the infant Jesus Christ in the manger, surrounded by the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the shepherds, their flock, the Magi and some stable animals and angels.

Belens can be seen in homes, churches, schools and even office buildings. The ones on office buildings can be extravagant, using different materials for the figures and using Christmas lights, parols, and painted background scenery. A notable outdoor belen in Metro Manila is the one that used to be at the COD building in Cubao, Quezon City. In 2003, the belen was transferred to the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan when the COD building closed down. This belen is a lights and sounds presentation, the story being narrated over speakers set up and most probably using automatons to make the figures move up and down, or turn, etc. Each year, the company owning it changes the theme, with variations such as a fairground story, and Santa Claus' journey. Construction for this year's show started around the 1st of September.

On the other hand, Tarlac, known as the "Belen Capital of the Philippines" holds the annual "Belenismo sa Tarlac". It is a belen making contest which is participated by establishments and residents in Tarlac. Giant belens with different themes are displayed in front of the establishments and roads of Tarlac for the rest of the Christmas season.


Source:

Wikipedia article on Christmas in the Philippines

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 3 - Christmas Songs and Caroling

Caroling is a part of the Filipino Christmas tradition. Once the Dawn Mass known as "Misa de Gallo" or "Simbang Gabi " starts, carolers will be on their feet singing Christmas carols from house to house spreading the spirit of the season through songs.

Children like to form groups and enjoy hopping from one house to another every night singing Jingle Bells, Silent Night and traditional Filipino Christmas songs like Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit, Pasko Na Naman, at Namamasko.

They usually have handmade musical instruments like tambourine, made from bottle tops, cans or biscuit tins used as drums. They will be happy if you give them a coin or if your feeling generous a peso or more will make them sing another song for you.

And this is what they sing to thank you for your generosity... "Thank you, thank you, ang babait ninyo ...thank you...."

It is not only children who go on caroling, church organization, clubs, group of friends, raise funds through their yearly caroling. Some of these groups will give you a letter in advance, informing you the date and time they will sing carols to your house with an envelope attached to it for you to put your donation.

Most of these strolling minstrels are well equipped with their musical instruments like guitar, drums and tambourine, they have practice their songs weeks ahead and they are ready to sing with all their heart in spreading the joy and warmth of the Yultide season. They do hope that you will be generous enough to dig deep into your pocket to help them raise funds for their club or organization.

Source:

Christmas Caroling in the Philippines

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With 11025.22 kilometers from home, and some 8 days before Christmas, I cannot help but be quite nostalgic of celebrating the season at home. So to lessen the homesickness, I browse the web for some Tagalog Christmas songs.

Some of the songs are new novelty songs popularized by the Sexbomb, Willie Revillame and the like. But the classics do stand out.

Advance Happy Christmas to everyone.

~TAGALOG Christmas Song

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 2 - Parol

Parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas decoration, a five point star-shaped Christmas lantern.

Originally made of thin bamboo frames and covered with colored cellophane or with rice paper also known as Japanese paper or papel de Japon. It has two tails that serve as the rays of the star.

Parol reminds the Filipino Christians of the star of Bethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men on their way in search of Baby Jesus.

During Christmas season, parols are seen everywhere. As early as November, parols are hang on windows or door of every Filipino homes, offices, schools, shopping malls and even streets are adorned with these multi-colored lanterns. You will even find mini parols hanging on buses and jeepneys and cars. Today, the parol become more colorful because of the twinkling bulbs in dazzling pattern that help illuminates each parol.

Filipinos used new and recycled materials to make parols, like plastic glasses, candy wrappers, soft drink straws, recycled papers and shells. The present day parol come in different shapes and sizes it doesn't have to be star- shaped, it can be round, rectangular or even square, like a diorama with the Nativity on it.

Parol represents the Filipino innovation, creativity and it is the greatest expression of Christmas spirit. Parol making is a traditional folk craft. School children are taught how to make parol and they usually have a lantern parade to showcase their work.

Elegant Christmas Parol made from capiz shells are very popular in the Philippines and are exported to other countries. Parol making is not only a Christmas symbol, it is a symbol of hope for lots of Parol makers. Parol making business is a source of income for lots of Filipinos. They make parol as early as June, a lot of them are sold in the market from October. Parol vendors can be found everywhere, you will see them on the side walks, bus stops, jeepney stops or even along the highway.

Parol has become the most recognizable Christmas ornament for Filipinos not just in the Philippines, but in any country where there is a Filipino community. Parol are sold overseas, these are usually made from capiz or shells and are intricately designed, these last longs and can be used every year. There are also Parol that are sold online.

The parol uplifts the spirit, instills a sense of pride and hope, it not only brightens Filipino Christmas, but it serves as an inspiration for Filipino ingenuity.


Source:

Parol - Filipino Christmas Lantern.

Pinoy Christmas Top 10, Day 1 - Simbang Gabi

As a contribution to my list of Top 10s, I am compiling 10 unique Filipino Christmas traditions, one that a Pinoy can truly say, "Onli in da Pilipins!"

Parishioners attend the Misa de Gallo at the Our Lady of Mediatrix of All Graces in Digos City, Davao Del Sur, Thursday.

Simbang Gabi is part of the Filipino tradition when observing the season of Christmas. It is one of the longest and most popular traditions in the Philippines. This is a time when Catholic churches across the country open the door shortly before the break of dawn to usher in people to the Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi literally translated means Mass at Dawn observed as a series of nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother Mary. Simbang Gabi is alos known by its famous Spanish name as the Misa de Gallo or “mass of the rooster”. The annual novena starts at December 16 as early as 4 in the morning. It is symbolical to Catholics since it commemorates the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ. It is quite traditional to see the “panuluyan” reenacted during the mass as an effort to show how Joseph and Mary found a birthplace.

“Panuluyan” is best illustrated with a “Belen” or the Nativity Scene that counts as a Filipino Christmas decoration. Ii displays the baby Jesus in a manger with Mother Mary and Saint Joseph. The holy family is surrounded with shepherds and farm animals. A complete set of Belen includes three wise men along with their gifts to infant Jesus and the shining star of Bethlehem guiding them in their journey.

Origin of Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi was born following its roots in Mexico in 1587. It was when the Pope granted the petition of Fray Diego de Soria, prior of the covenant of San Agustin Acolman, to hold Mass outdoors during Christmas. The Church then could not accommodate the large number of people who were attending the evening mass. The pre-dawn mass is usually announced by the ringing of the church bells during the old times. While in some rural areas, a brass band plays Christmas carols loud enough to be heard all over the town. It was believed that parish priests would go as far as knocking on doors to wake and call all faithful to attend the misa de gallo. Some farmers also pray for a good harvest when they hear the Gospel before going to the sea and fish.

How Simbang Gabi Changes

Up to this modern age, Simbang Gabi is upholded and celebrated in new ways. It continues to be a part of the tradition of Christmas in the Philippines. Christmas is felt everywhere even at churches where lanterns or parols with colorful lights fill every streets and every window. Christmas songs are played everywhere to warm the hearts. Families, friends, lovers and relatives frequent to the nearest local church to attend the nine day novena of Simbang Gabi.

Shortly after the mass, traditional delicacies are sold in stalls outside the church. It is usual to see Filipino favorites like bibingka (rice cake), puto bungbong, suman sa pasko, suman sa ibos served with tea or coffee. Breakfast roll or hot pandesal are also a popular breakfast food among Filipinos. When the last of the nine Misa de Gallo has ended, families hurry home to celebrate Noche Buena and feasts on bountiful Filipino food and delicacies such as queso de bola or edam cheese, tsokolate or hot native chocolate drink jamon en dulce or ham, pancit, barbeque, lechon or suckling pig, Western and native cakes, lumpia, rice among many others.

Importance of Simbang Gabi

Simbang Gabi is more than a mere tradition that is celebrated because we need to do so. Simbang Gabi continues to be a significant moment where it strengthens the relationships among family members and a time to restrengthen our faith in God. This is a special time when we feel the loving presence of our Lord and a spiritual preparation for Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ. Most Filipino believes a sincere wish granted when the nine series of masses are completed. It does not matter ,however, when one failed to attend the Simbang Gabi from December 16 up to eve of Christmas. The blessings given by the Lord does not depend on the number of masses attended. What really matters is what lies inside the heart and the sincerity and morale o the person who receives the Lord’s blessing.


Source:

1. The article is courtesy of Simbang Gabi: A Filipino Christmas Tradition.
2. Lower image is courtesy of Geonarri Solmerano, and GMANews.TV.
3. Simbang Gabi Readings