Happy New Year and Let There Be Peace on Earth 2010

Happy New Year and Let There Be Peace on Earth 2010



Let there be Peace on Earth

Let there be peace on earth,
and let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on Earth,
the peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father,
brothers all are we,
Let me walk with my brother,
in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me,
let this be the moment now.
With every step I take,
let this be my solemn vow,

To take each moment and live each moment
in peace, eternally.
Let there be Peace on Earth,
and let it begin with me.
God bless everybody!



In this coming year let us pray that there be love, hope and peace on earth, in our country, community and family. And let it begins within ourselves.


New Year's Traditions in Philippines








New Year's Traditions in Philippines

Filipinos have many customs and traditions during New Year's Eve. We have inherited from our ancestors, influenced by foreign settlers, words of mouth or commercialism.

Here are some of the practices...

Foods


On our table top, we usually prepare 12 kinds fruit. Rounded fruits is preferable. Three bowls fill with rice, salt and cotton. Each one have some coins on top. A pack of Fiesta Hams. A red Keso De Bola. Some sweets, buko pandan, buko salad and fruit salads. Plus other mouth watering dishes.

Dress

To attract money for the coming year, you should wear Polka Dots dress or shirt.

To Do

If you wish to gain extra height, you must jump as high as you could.

You keep on smiling and be happy. It is nice to start the year with jolly heart.

Make your New Year's resolutions.

Drive away bad spirit and bad luck. Here are some practices that we got from the Chinese.

Sprinkling of rice and salt around the house. Make noise in and out of the house with cymbals, trumpets and drums. And the most awaited event is the fireworks.



The best seller firecrackers are Judas belt, sawa, fountains, super lolo, bawang, crying cow and more. For cheaper and safety, it is advisable to use "lusis, labintador or watusi".



To avoid any kind of accidents, some local officials have designated firecrackers zone. Specially in some congested and slum areas. They event organized a party or concert. And then followed by colorful and majestic fireworks display as the New Year strike.

After the the festive celebration. Families are gather around in order to give grace and have a midnight meal or medya noche. It is a belief that family member should stay together before the separation of year. Well this will be an exemption for Expats like us.



Some of the faithful Christians prefer to attend the church service instead of enjoying the firecrackers and party.


These traditions are the manifestation of our imagination. Other said its a pagans practices. In general, it's just for fun in order to have a joyful celebration. For whatever reasons. We must not put our fate in such traditions. But instead focus on our life and have faith in the Lord. Work out for our success.

We can do all things through Christ Jesus!

Happy New Year to Everyone!











Our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal


We Salute Our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal

José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda (June 19, 1861 – December 30, 1896, Bagumbayan), was a Filipino polymath, nationalist and the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. He is considered the Philippines' national hero and the anniversary of Rizal's death is commemorated as a Philippine holiday called Rizal Day. Rizal's 1896 military trial and execution made him a martyr of the Philippine Revolution.

The seventh of eleven children born to a wealthy family in the town of Calamba, Laguna, Rizal attended the Ateneo Municipal de Manila, earning a Bachelor of Arts. He enrolled in Medicine and Philosophy and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas and then traveled alone to Madrid, Spain, where he continued his studies at the Universidad Central de Madrid, earning the degree of Licentiate in Medicine. He attended the University of Paris and earned a second doctorate at the University of Heidelberg. Rizal was a polyglot conversant in at least ten languages.He was a prolific poet, essayist, diarist, correspondent, and novelist whose most famous works were his two novels, Noli me Tangere and El filibusterismo. These are social commentaries on the Philippines that formed the nucleus of literature that inspired dissent among peaceful reformists and spurred the militancy of armed revolutionaries against the Spanish colonial authorities.

As a political figure, Rizal was the founder of La Liga Filipina, a civic organization that subsequently gave birth to the Katipunan led by Andrés Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo. He was a proponent of institutional reforms by peaceful means rather than by violent revolution. The general consensus among Rizal scholars, however, attributed his martyred death as the catalyst that precipitated the Philippine Revolution.

Full story at wikipedia

Life Moto life is worth living for...

Ang Diwa ng Pasko



Ang Diwa ng Pasko

Konting Trivia muna sa kapanganakan si Jesus (biblically) Mateo 1
18Ganito ang naging kapanganakan ni Jesucristo. Ang kaniyang inang si Maria ay nakatakdang mapangasawa ni Jose. Ngunit bago pa sila nagsama, si Maria ay natagpuang nagdadalang-tao na sa pamamagitan ng Banal na Espiritu. 19Si Jose na kaniyang asawa ay lalaking matuwid at hindi niya ginusto na mapahiya sa madla si Maria, kaya nagpasiya siyang paalisin nang lihim si Maria.


20Samantalang iniisip niya ang mga bagay na ito, narito, isang anghel ng Panginoon ang nagpakita sa kaniya sa isang panaginip. Sinabi ng anghel: Jose, ikaw na nagmula sa angkan ni David, huwag kang mangambang tanggapin si Maria na iyong asawa. Ito ay dahil ang dinadala niya sa kaniyang sinapupunan ay sa Banal na Espiritu. 21Siya ay manganganak ng isang lalaki. Ang ipangangalan mo sa kaniya ay Jesus sapagkat ililigtas niya ang kaniyang mga tao sa kanilang kasalanan.


22Ang lahat ng ito ay naganap upang matupad ang sinabi ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng mga propeta. 23Sinabi nila: Narito, isang dalagang birhen ang magdadalang-tao at manganganak ng isang lalaki. Tatawagin nila siyang Emmanuel na ang ibig sabihin ay: Ang Diyos ay sumasaatin.


24Sa pagbangon ni Jose mula sa pagkakatulog, ginawa niya ang ayon sa ipinag-utos sa kaniya ng anghel ng Panginoon. Tinanggap niya si Maria upang maging asawa. 25Hindi niya sinipingan ang kaniyang asawa hanggang sa maipanganak niya ang kaniyang panganay na anak na lalaki. Pinangalanan siya ni Jose na Jesus.


Ang Pagdating ng mga Pantas Mateo 2
1Pagkatapos na maipanganak si Jesus sa Bethlehem ng Juda, sa panahon ng paghahari ni Herodes, may dumating sa Jerusalem mula sa silangan, na mga lalaking pantas sa pag-aaral ng mga bituin. 2Sinabi nila: Saan naroroon ang ipinanganak na Hari ng mga Judio? Ito ay sapagkat nakita namin ang kaniyang bituin sa silangan at naparito kami upang sambahin siya.


3Nang marinig ni haring Herodes ang mga bagay na ito, naligalig siya at ang lahat ng mga tao sa Jerusalem. 4Tinipon niya ang lahat ng mga pinunong-saserdote at mga guro ng kautusan ng mga tao. Tinanong niya sa kanila kung saan ipanganganak ang Mesiyas. 5Sinabi nila sa kaniya: Sa Bethlehem ng Judea sapagkat ganito ang isinulat ng propeta: 6Ikaw Bethlehem sa lupain ng Juda, hindi ikaw ang pinakamaliit sa mga gobernador ng Juda sapagkat mula sa iyo ay lalabas ang isang pinuno na siyang mamumuno sa aking bayang Israel.


7Nang magkagayon, tinawag ni Herodes nang palihim ang mga pantas na lalaki. Itinanong niyang mabuti sa kanila kung kailan nagpakita ang bituin. 8At pinapunta niya sila sa Bethlehem. Sinabi niya: Pumaroon kayo at matiyaga ninyong ipagtanong ang patungkol sa bata. Kapag natagpuan ninyo siya, balitaan ninyo ako upang makapunta rin ako at sambahin siya.


9Pagkarinig nila sa hari ay tumuloy na sila sa kanilang lakad. Narito, ang bituin na kanilang nakita sa silanganan ay nanguna sa kanila. Nanguna ito sa kanila hanggang sa sumapit at tumigil sa tapat ng kinaroroonan ng maliit na bata. 10Nang makita nila ang bituin, lubos silang nagalak. 11Nang sila ay nasa loob na ng bahay, nakita nila ang bata, kasama ang kaniyang inang si Maria. Sila ay nagpatirapa at sinamba ang bata. Nang mabuksan na nila ang kanilang mga kayamanan, naghandog sila sa kaniya ng mga kaloob. Ang mga ito ay ginto, kamangyan at mira. 12At nagbabala ang Diyos sa kanila sa isang panaginip na huwag na silang bumalik kay Herodes. Kaya sila ay nag-iba ng daan pauwi sa kanilang sariling lupain. source http://www.biblegateway.com


Hindi man eksaktong December 25 ang araw ng kapanganakan ng Panginoon Jesus. Ang mahalaga ay ang pagdating Nya para maligtas ang bawat isa.


Christmas is a time of; gift giving, noche buena, pag decorate ng mga Christmas ornament sa bahay, party all the way, pagsabit ng parol, pagkaroling, simbang gabi, pagkain ng masasarap na fiesta ham, puto at bibingka, pagkaroon ng bagong damit at sapatos.

Ano nga ba ang tunay na diwa ng pasko?

Peace - Ang kapayapaan ay magsisimula sa ating sarili.
Share - Kung paano natin natatanggap ang mga blessing ay marapat na ipamahagi natin.
Love - kalimutan ang ang mga adhiwaan at magmahalaan tayo. Katulad ng pagmamahal ng Diyos sa atin.
Humility - si Jesus ay ipinanganak sa sabsaban. Dito ipinakikita ang kababaang loob na ating Panginoon.

Ilan lang yan sa mga diwa ng pasko. Dapat natin ipamuhay ang tunay na diwa, hindi lang sa pagsapit sa buwan ng December kundi sa buong taon. Sana araw-araw ay magiging Pasko lagi. Bukod sa materials, higit dito ay spiritual nating pamumuhay.

Para sa inyo ano nga ba ang essence ng pasko?





Maligayang at Mapagpalang Pasko sa inyong lahat!
Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Glaedelig Jul
Joyeux Noel
Selamat Hari Natal
Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Maupay nga Pasko ngan Mainuswagon nga Bag-o nga Tu-ig
Sawadee Pee Mai
Merry Christmas!


Life Moto
life is worth living for...

1 Day Before Christmas - Gift Giving (Aguinaldo)



1 Day Before Christmas - Gift Giving (Aguinaldo)


1 Day na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My twelfth item Gift Giving (Aguinaldo).

Ang pagbibigay ng aguinaldo ay isang tradition na nagmula pa sa ating mga ninuno. Marahil ito ay nagsimula sa tatlong pantas; "Nang sila ay nasa loob na ng bahay, nakita nila ang bata, kasama ang kaniyang inang si Maria. Sila ay nagpatirapa at sinamba ang bata. Nang mabuksan na nila ang kanilang mga kayamanan, naghandog sila sa kaniya ng mga kaloob. Ang mga ito ay ginto, kamangyan at mira." (Mateo 2:11)

Ang pasko ay araw ng pagbibigay, kapayapaan at pagmamahalan. Ito rin ang pinakamasayang buwan ng taon. Para sa may trabaho, nakakakatanggap tayo ng 13th month pay, Christmas bonus, extra bonus at kung anu-ano pang fringe benefits. Saan kapa pag-uwi galing sa Christmas party ay meroon pang baon na kesso de bola, fiesta ham o di kaya isang plastic bag ng grocery. Oh... hohoho! hehehe! Ang saya-saya diba. Kakakatuwang nakakatanggap tayo ng mga aguinaldo sa ating mga amo.

Kung paano tayo napaligaya ng ating mga amo ay nararapat na ipamahagi din natin ang mga blessing na natatanggap natin. Kami ng sweetheart ko ay meron na nakahanda ng listahan ng mga regalo para sa amin mga anak, inaanak, kapamilya at kapuso... Doble ang saya ng pakiramdam kapag ikaw ang nagbibigay ng aguinaldo. " It is better to give than to receive!"

Kadalasan kapag magbibigay tayo ng regalo ang unang pumapasok sa isip natin ay yung the best na maibibgay natin. Yun bang tipong na kahit wala na sa budget ng ating bulsa ay pilit pa natin dinudukot. O di kaya ang isang bagay na pinaghirapan nating gawin, personalized para unique. Ika nga mula sa puso.

Alam nyo ba na meroon din Special na Aguinaldo ang Diyos para sa atin, bukod sa physical at pinansyal? Ito ay ang Kanyang bugtong na si Jesus. "Ito ay sapagkat sa ganitong paraan inibig ng Diyos ang sanlibutan kaya ipinagkaloob niya ang Kaniyang bugtong na Anak upang ang sinumang sumampalataya sa kaniya ay hindi mapahamak kundi magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan."(John 3:16).

Sabi nga kung magbibigay ka rin todo mo na. Sa araw na ito ano naman kaya ang the best gift na maibbigay natin sa ating Panginoon? Hindi na kailangan ng mamahaling hiyas o gintong nilukob. Ang tanging alay natin sa ating Ama ay ang ating pagmamahal sa Kanya at sa kapwa.

Give Love on Christmas day. And let us make everyday a Christmas day.







Life Moto

life is worth living for...

2 Days Before Christmas - ChrisTmas Karoling


2 Days Before Christmas - ChrisTmas Karoling
DBTC High School Batch 86 Choral

2 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My eleventh item Chrismas Karoling

"Ang pasko ay sumapit tayo ay mangag si awit. Sa may bahay ang bati Merry Christmas nang maluwalhati. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year... Thank you! thank you ang babait ninyo Thank you!"

Ito ang mga typical na awitin na maririnig natin sa tapat ng ating bahay pag sapit ng gabi tuwing kapaskuhan, na nagmumula sa matitinis na timig ng mga bata. Ilan lang 'yan sa kanilang mga kanta na ang sarap pakinggan at hindi nakasawang ulitin. Kahit wala na ito minsan sa tono at sali saliwa ang mga lyrics ay tuloy pa rin ang awitan. Maiindak ka sa hampas ng latang tambol, ala marakas na yari sa pinitpit na tantsan at pukpok ng bato. Pagkatapos ng kanilang karoling ay masaya na sila sa miliit na kinita at ito'y paghahatian na.

Ang karoling ay hindi lamang sa mga bata. Mula sa mga teen ager hanggang sa mga propesyonal na singer ay nagbuo ng kani kanilang koro para sa pangangaroling. May mga dahilan kung bakit nila ginagawa ito. Una na syempre ay para kumita, may magamit sa Christmas party at higit sa lahat ay para makatulong sa ibang tao or institution.

Isa na dito ay ang Don Bosco Technical College (High School Batch 86) Choral. Suporta ng kanilang mga asawa't anak ay nagkaroon ng adhikaan na makalikom ng pondo para sa iba't ibang proyekto. Una ay para sa aming silver home coming sa 2011, digital library, pagsasaayos ng gym, support sa mga athletes, financial support sa mga families ng mga naulila, naapektohan ng mga kalamidad at marami pang iba.

Maging sa amin mga nasa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo ay hindi nila kami nakakalimutan alayan ng kanilang magagadang awiting pamasko.

Hindi nila tangan ang pagod at hirap ng practice at halos gabi gabi pangangaroling.May kagalakan sa kanilang puso na gawin ito. Dahil batid nila na marami silang matutulungan sa kanilang pagpapagal. Kaya lalo tumitibay ang samahan ng bawat isa. Hindi man sila mga professional singers pero meron silang pusong professional. Ika nga give love on Christmas Day. I personally thank to our batch-mates for the advocacy.


High School Batch 86 Choral with there families










Life Moto

life is worth living for...

3 Days Before Christmas - Fiesta Ham


3 Days Before Christmas - Fiesta Ham

3 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My ninth item Fiesta Ham.

It is said that the practice of serving jamon de bola every Christmas is a centuries-old tradition in the Philippines, dating back to Spanish times when illustrados enjoyed the most succulent, choicest cut of sweetened meat in celebration of Christmas.

These days, hams have become so popular that they are available all year round in various forms, shapes, and sizes: sliced, sweetened, spiced, among a few. But the practice of partaking of something extra special for Christmas, such as a ball of the choicest cut ham, prepared to perfection, endures.

Perhaps no other brand is closely identified with the Filipino Christmas than Purefoods Fiesta Ham. When it was first introduced in the ‘80s, it immediately became known as “the Star of the Noche Buena feast”, eventually becoming a popular Christmas staple in the ensuing years. source www.mb.com


Life Moto

life is worth living for...

4 Days Before Christmas - Chestnuts


4 Days Before Christmas - Chestnuts

4 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My eight item Chestnuts or Castañeas.

Chestnuts roast on an open fire. Ito ang kanta na marahil ay nagpasikat sa castañeas pag araw ng kapaskuhan. Ito ay may matigas at brown color na balat. Manamisnamis ang lasa pagnaluto. Sinasabing ito daw ang subtitute sa patatas. Kadalasan ay niluluto ito sa malaking kawa na may mga maliliit pebble stones. Ang mga bato ay para lalong madaling maluto ang castañeas. Pagdaan mo ay hindi ka maaaring hindi mapapalingon dahil sa kakaibang aroma nito.

Pero kung ikaw ang magluluto ang tip dyan ay kailangan lagaan ng konti para lumambot. Tsaka mo ito iroast. Kahit sa mga food court ay meron din available na roasted chestnuts. Nakakamiss ang tamis at sarap nito.

Modern Chestnuts Cooking



Sorry kung Chinese ang salita. Wala akong makuhang tagalog version. At least andoon pa rin ang chestnuts.



image by: flickr jeevandras


Life Moto

life is worth living for...

5 Days Before Christmas - Advent


5 Days Before Christmas - Advent
5 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My seventh item Advent.

Advent sa Latin adventus, ang ibig sabihin ay "coming". Ito ang panahon ng paghahada ng Christian churches para sa pagdiriwang ng Nativity of Jesus sa Christmas. Ang Advent ay nagsisimula sa ika apat na linggo bago mag December 25.

Kadalasan ay kulay purple ang mga gayak sa simbahan. Sa altar naman ay mayroon ding 4 na kandila. Ang bawat isa ay sumasagisag sa isang Lingo. Sa iba naman ay may 3 purple at isang rose candle.



Read more about Advent


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6 Days Before Christmas - Ang Star ng Pasko




6 Days Before Christmas - Ang Star ng Pasko (Parol)
6 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My sixth item Ang Star ng Pasko (Parol)


Ang Star ay liwanag nagbibigay liwanag sa kadiliman ng gabi. Ito rin ang nagbigay ng gabay sa tatlong pantas para makarating sa kinaroroonan ng ating Panginoon Jesus.

Tuwing sumasapit ang kapaskuhan ay hindi nawawala sa ating tahanan at kapaligiran ang mga parol. Itoy nakakapagbigay ng liwanag at ligaya sa ating buhay. Dahil sa pagiging kretib at artistik ng Pinoy ay marami uri ng Parol ang ginagawa sa ating bansa. May Yari sa capiz, bamboo, plastic, coconut hush at kung anu ano.

Sa pag ilaw ng ating parol ay ating alalahanin ang Liwanag na binibigay sa atin ng Panginoon. Ang ilaw ng buhay bilang pag gabay sa tamang landas sa pang araw-arw ng pamumuhay.

Bro Ikaw ang Star ng Pasko - ABS-CBN Christmas Sation ID 2009




Words of Wisdom

"I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who
believes in Me will not remain in darkness. ...
John 12:46

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7 Days Before Christmas - Puto Bumbong & Bibingka


7 Days Before Christmas - Puto Bumbong & Bibingka

7 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My sixth item "Puto Bumbong & Bibingka."

Pagkatapos ng Misa de Gallo ay hinidi mawawala ang masarap at mainit na Puto Bumbong & Bibingka. For the sake of non Filipino, I just want to share with you these deserts during the Christmas seasons.

Puto Bumbong is a purple Filipino desert made from sweet rice cooked in a hallow bamboo tubes that are placed on a special steamer-cooker. When cooked they removed from the bamboo tubes, spread on a banana leave with butter, and sprikled with sugar and grated coconut (niyog).

Bibingka rice cake made from galapong, baked in a special clay pot, lined with a piece of banana leaf, with live coals on top and underneath. It is topped with slices of kesong puti (white cheese) and itlog na maalat (salted duck eggs). The newly-cooked bibingka is spread with butter and sometimes sprinkled with sugar then served with niyog (grated coconut).source wikipedia

In the past you can avail only during the month of December and on the street corners. Now its available in most of the food courts and shopping malls for the whole year round.

"Puto Bumbong & Bibingka."



Photo by:pbase

Eight Days Before Christmas - Misa de Gallo or Midnight Mass


Eight Days Before Christmas - Misa de Gallo or Midnight Mass

8 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the Filipino customs and traditions during this Holiday seasons. My fifth item "Misa de Gallo or Midnight Mass."

Ika labing anim ng Desyembre ang simula ng Misa de Gallo at itoy matatapos sa ika bente kuartro. Ito ay tinatawag na midnight mass at literally Rooster mass. Dahil Nagsisimula sa ganap ng 12:00 A.M. Ang Misa de Gallo ay originally nagmula sa bansang Mexico noong 1587.

Madaling araw ay ginigising na ang mga parokyano sa mga kalembang ng simbahan. Naging tradition na sa mga Katoliko ang siyam na gabing novena na misa para sa paghahanda sa pagsilang ng Panginoong Jesus. Ang siyam na gabi ay nagsymbolize ng siyam na buwan na pagdadalang tao ng ating Mahal na Inang Birheng Maria.

Nakaugalihan na sa atin ang misa ay nagsisimula 3:00-4:30 am. Kasi noong panahon ng mga Kastila ay ginawang madaling araw ang mga misa ng mga pari para sa ganun ay makadalo ang mga magsasaka bago sila tumungo sa kanilang pilapil.

May mga simbahan naman na nagdadaos ng Misa de Gallo sa gabi. Upang makadalo ang mga parokyano na di makagising ng maaga o may trabaho. Tulad sa naging kaugalian ay kinukumpleto din nila ang 9 na gabing misa.

Ang lahat ay nasasabik sa mga araw ng ito. Dahil napakasarap maglakad sa malamig ng hangin sa madaling araw. Marami kang mabibiling masasarap na puto bung-bong, putong kawali at suman na may kasamang kinayod na nyog. Na kung saan ay malalanghap mo ang bango at aroma nito habang niluluto sa clay na kalan. Meron din maiinit na salabat.

Simbang gabi ay sa sa mga tagalog na awitin na kinagigiliwan kong marinig tuwing misa de gallo. Ganito din ang ginagawa bago magsimula ang misa. Para lalo magising ang mga parokyano. Ang mga koro ay umaawit ng iba't ibang kantang pamasko. Naging choir kami ng Sweetheart ko noong araw. Meron siyam na choir sa aming parokya, Immaculate Concepcion. Kaya sa loob ng 9 na araw ay may isang choir ang naka assign. At pagdating sa 24 ng midnight ay sama sama na kaming lahat ng mga choirs.




Simbang Gabi Song

Simbang gabi simula ng pakso
Sa puso ng lahing pilipino
Siyam na gabi kaming gumigising
Sa tugtog ng kampanang walang tigil
Ding dong ding dong ding

Maaga kami kinabukasan
Lalakad kaming langkay-langkay
Babatiin ang ninong at ninang
Ng maligayang pasko po
At hahalik ng kamay

Lahat kami'y masayang-masaya
At puno ang bulsa
Hindi namin malimutlimutan ang masarap na puto't suman
Matutulog kami ng mahimbing

Simbang gabi simula ng pakso
Sa puso ng lahing pilipino
Siyam na gabi kaming gumigising
Sa tugtog ng kampanang walang tigil
Ding dong ding dong ding

Pasko na! pasko na!
May parol na nagbitin!
Nakikita na sa mga bitwin
Ang pagsilang ng nino sa belen
Luwalhati luwalhati sa diyos
Sa kaitaasan!
At sa lupa'y kapayapaan sa
Mga taong may mabuting kalooban!


Ang mga kahalagahan ng Misa de Gallo sa mga Katolikong Pilipino. Hindi lang ito isang tradition na ginaganap dahil sa kailangan gawin. Dito rin lalo nagbibigkis ang samahan ng isang pamilya. Lumalalim ang ating pananampalataya . Ang indolohensya na matatanggap sa siyam na araw ng novena. Hindi na importante kung hindi mo mabuo ang 9 na misa. Ang pagpapala ay hindi binabatay sa dami ng misa na nadaluhan mo. Higit na mahalaga ay maihanda, spiritually, ang bawat isa sa pagsilang ang ating Panginoon Jesus. At paano mo Siya tinanggap sa iyong puso.


Words of Wisdom
But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Romans 8:25




Photo by: rick pusong

Nine Days Before Christmas - Christmas Tree


Nine Days Before Christmas - Christmas Tree

9 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the things that we make and do during this Holiday seasons. My forth item ay Christmas Tree.

Karaniwan na makikita ang Christmas Tree na isa sa mga ornaments na nabibigay kulay at sigla sa kapaligiran tuwing sasapit ang kapaskohan. Saan man mapaling ang iyong mga mata ay makikita mo ang mga naggagandahang Chirstmas Tree. Mula sa mga maliliit na dampa hanggang sa mga naglalakihang gusali; Ali Mall, Mega Mall, Asia Mall at kung anu- ano pang mall ay may nakatayong Christmas Tree.

Iba't ibang kulay, uri at laki ang makikita mo. Depende na lang sa budget at panlasa ng may ari ng Christmas tree. Kahit wala ngang snow sa Pilipinas ay meron white tree. Kung nais mo na may pagkaelegante ang dating, bagay sa taste mo ang silver or golden tree. Pero mas realistik kung green ang christmas tree mo.

Salat man tayo sa Fir tree ay hindi nangangahulugan na wala na tayong Christmas tree. Iba talaga ang galing ng Pinoy. Likas na sa atin ang pagiging isang kretib at artistik. Gawa ng malikhaing kaisipan ay nakakagawa tayo ng mga Christmas tree na yari sa iba't ibang materyales.

Isa sa Christmas tree na yari sa walis tingting ang amin naging project noong nasa elementaya pa ako. Sa bahay naman ng tiyahin ko ay aChristmas tree na gawa sa kartolina na may hinugis cone. Ito naman pinalibutan ng egg foam.

Dahil sa climate change kaya kailangan gumamit ng recycle materials.
Noong nakaraang taon, gumawa sila ng Christmas tree na gawa sa gulong, ngayon naman isang 30-footer Christmas tree na gawa sa basura ang itinayo ng isang barangay sa Ibaan, Batangas.



Marami din mga matataas ng Christmas tree na matatagpuan sa Pilipinas. Ang Christmas Tree sa Araneta center ay isa sa mga pinataka matagal at pinaka mataas.
May taas itong 85 talampakan at inaabangan ng marami tuwing Pasko kapag iilawan ang kanyang Christmas lights. Ang Christmas tree sa Puerto Princesa City sa Palawan ay taas na 100 talampakan. May itinayo ring dambuhalang Christmas tree sa Davao City na tinatayaang aabot din sa mahigit 100 talampakan ang taas. Ngunit ang itinuturing pinakamataas na Christmas tree ay makikita sa Tagum City sa Davao del Norte na aabot sa 160 talampakan.- GMANews.TV

Sa amin tahanan ay nagtatayo kami ng Christmas tree right after ng All Saints Day. Dahil sa may paka kretib ang Sweetheart ko kaya bawat taon ay iba ang desenyo sa aming puno. Ang bawat isa sa amin ay nagagalak at nasasabik na matapos ang aming puno. Nakakapawi ng pagod at ligayang nadarama sa oras na sinindihan na namin ang mga kumukutitap na iba't ibang kulay ng ilaw nito.

Gaano man kaliit ang ating Christmas tree ang mahalaga ay kung paano natin isinasapuso ang essence ng Christmas. Huwag lang tayo titingin sa mga regalo sa ilalim ng Christmas tree, rather tignan natin kung saan nakaturo ng puno, heaven. Be content for what we have and always give thanks to the Lord for His blessings.

Words of Wisdom

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content. - Helen Keller




Photo: Tallest Christmas tree sa Tagun Davao (wikipediea)

Ten Days Before Christmas - Santa Claus or Kris Kringle


Ten Days Before Christmas - Santa Claus or Kris Kringle

10 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the things that we make and do during this Holiday seasons. My third item is Santa Claus. Sino nga ba si Santa Claus?


Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Oh! You better watch out,
You better not cry,
You better not pout,
I'm telling you why:

Santa Claus is coming to town!

He's making a list,
He's checking it twice,
He's gonna find out
who's naughty or nice.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

He sees you when you're sleeping,
He knows when you're awake.
He knows when you've been bad or good,
So be good for goodness sake!

Ito ang madalas na babala ng mga magulang sa mga anak lalo na tuwing Christmas seasons. Syempre nga naman wala kang gift if you are naughty. So you have to be nice.

Sa ating murang kaisipan ay namulat na sa atin ang imahe ni Santa Claus na mataba, may puting balbas at buhok, naka pula ang kasuotan, suot ang malaking boots, may dala-dalang sakong puno ng regalo. Nakasakay sya sa kanyang sleight at dumadaan sa chimney para mag lagay ng mga regalo.

Lagi rin tayo nagsasabit ng medyas at nagbabakasakali na maglagay ng gift si Santa. Kahit minsan ay hindi nalagyan ng gift ang medyas kong nakasabit kaya tinigilan ko na rin. hohohohehe! Makikita mo ang excitement ng mga bata paggising nila sa umaga at umaasang may regalo na nilagay si Santa.

Alamin natin kung meron nga ba talagang Santa Claus or ito'y isang imagination lamang.

Early Christians church remembered St. Nicholas of Myra as Santa Claus. For his help to the poor, Nicholas is the patron saint of pawnbrokers; the three gold balls traditionally hung outside a pawnshop symbolize the three sacks of gold. People then began to suspect that he was behind a large number of other anonymous gifts to the poor, using the inheritance from his wealthy parents. After he died, people in the region continued to give to the poor anonymously, and such gifts were still often attributed to St. Nicholas. source wikipedia

The figure of Santa Claus first begins to show up among the Pennsylvania Dutch in the mid 1820s in the form of Kris Kringle, or as he was also known, Belsnickle. Belsnickle is a derivative of the German "Pelz-nickle", which means "Nicholas in Furs ".

Belsnickle would travel the Pennsylvania countryside ringing his bell looking for good children to give out his small gifts of cakes and nuts to. If Belsnickle came across a child who had not been behaving in the past year, he would warn the child to be good or else he might give them a smack with his rod. source stcharleschristmas.com







Eleven Days Before Christmas - Kris Kringle


Eleven Days Before Christmas - Kris Kringle

11 Days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the things that we make and do during this Holiday seasons. My second item Kris Kringle (Chris Kindle) or Secret Santa. Ang Secret Santa ay isang Western tradition. Na kung saan ang miyembro ng grupo ay randomly assigned to other members na anonymously binibigyan ng gift. Madalas ito ay nagaganap sa trabaho, organisasyon at sa pamilya.


Days before the Christmas ay sinasabi ang motive, color or dipende sa anuman ang napagkasunduan na ibigay. It is really fun activities. Usually secretly na inilalagay ang gift sa table or box para sa ganun ay di mareveal yung identity nung giver. It may not be costly, but of course on the last gift giving ay bigay todo na kung ano ang makakaya mo, bukod sa price limit na napag usapan.


Photo by: Sumith Meher

Twelve Days Before Christmas - Nativity Scene


Twelve Days Before Christmas - Nativity Scene

12 days na lang at Christmas na. Kaya gusto kong mag countdown by counting the things that we make and do during this Holiday seasons. My first item is the Nativity scene or Belen. Dito sa belen ay nilalarawan ang kapanganakan ng ating Panginoong Jesus. Ito ay nasusulat sa gospel ni Matthew and Luke.


Nativity scenes typically includes two dimensional depictions in film, painting, printmaking and other media. It become popularly in three dimensional, commercial or folk art dioramas or pantomimes called living nativity scenes.

The nativity representing Infant Jesus, His mother Mary, Mary's husband Joseph, shepherds, the Magi angels and stable.

The first Nativity scene was created by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223, a living one. He was said to have used live humans and animals in his set. The idea of the nativity scene soon spread to Germany in the 1600’s. Catholics and Protestants put these scenes up in their churches, homes, and parks. In many homes and churches, the baby Jesus is often left out of the crib until Christmas day, representing the fact that He has not been born yet. It is common practice in the United States for people to put all characters in the scene all at once.


But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

A Love That Conquers Death - Rudy & Lorna


A Love That Conquers Death - Rudy & Lorna
Life Story: Lorna Tolentino & Rudy Fernandez (from Isze)

“My mom and dad’s love story is made in heaven,” said Renz Marion Fernandez, the youngest son of actress Lorna Tolentino and the late actor Rudy Fernandez. “It’s like they were really meant for each other no matter what. They didn’t know [early on] that they would end up as husband and wife, although they knew each other from the start.” Renz is very proud he’s the product of the love affair.


Rudy and Lorna met very early in their careers. During the early 1970s, Rudy had just been re-launched as a matinee idol; before that, he was a child performer earlier in the 1960s and then a young star in his teens, along with such teeny-boppers as Nora Aunor, Tirso Cruz III, Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Eddie Peregrina, Millie Mercado, Esperanza Fabon and others. Lorna, on the other hand, had just been launched obligingly in a solo semi-mature role in an independently produced movie called “Lagot Ka…Leap Year Ngayon, Pipikutin Kita”. She was also a child actress previously, and she was cast in such weepy fares as “Mga Anghel Na Walang Langit” and “Divina Gracia” where she played the young Susan Roces. Both Rudy and Lorna were cast in “Lagot Ka” but he was then paired with Edna Diaz as love team.

Lorna managed to catch Rudy’s eye—although she was 10 years younger—with her signature mole dotted just above her upper lip, thick curly hair, smiling eyes, milky skin, and bedimpled smile. He found Lorna’s naivete and youth to appealing to resist. “Hihintayin kong lumaki ka, ha (I will wait for you till you’re all grow up, okay),” Rudy said. Was he just teasing his young co-star? Still, the path that would bring Rudy and Lorna together was a circuitous one. “Lagot Ka” was finally released in theaters but the two stars’ paths did not cross again for a long time.

Rudy was living well as a bachelor and, after a series of flings, he found his first reel and real serious relationship in Alma Moreno. They lived together back when living-in was still just catching on as a social arrangement among lovers. Eventually, a child was born out of the five-year relationship between Rudy and Alma. That child, named Mark Anthony Fernandez, is now a film and television actor as well. Her relationship with Rudy ended, Alma and Mark left their Derby digs in White Plains in Quezon City, and stayed temporarily in an apartment in Ortigas, adjacent to Avalon condominium.

Eventually, Alma would end up with comedy king Dolphy. They lived together in Greenhills. She would bear Dolphy a son, Vandolph. Rudy and Alma continued to shar custody of Mark Anthony. The former couple never re-kindled their lost romance, but father and son would spend bonding time together.

It would be in 1979 when Rudy and Lorna would be cast together in a film. According to veteran movie writer Chito P. Alcid, that movie, “Star” for Agrix Films, kindled something between the two actors. In that same year, Rudy and Alma ended their relationship. In 1980,

Rudy and Lorna were paired together in an adult horror-drama film called “Sa Init ng Apoy”. Eventually, Rudy began sending flowers, love notes and chocolates to Lorna, much to the excitement of the production people on the set. Director Romy Suzara was even a bridge to the impending closeness of his lead stars. Alcid said that Rudy frequently visited Lorna whenever she was at the Beauty Express Salon in Haig Street in Mandaluyong City which was where the actress had her hair and face done.

The two went to Hong Kong by themselves secretively, said Alcid. The story of the romance between Rudy and Lorna eventually made it to the tabloids. The entertainment press pounced on the story with much gusto: the pairing between Rudy and Lorna was too juicy and too controversial—especially because Lorna and Alma by then were rivals in the sexy film genre (called “bold films” in local parlance).

Soon after filming, Lorna and Rudy came out officially as true-to-life sweethearts. Naturally, this beefed up the promotions of their first film as partners. In the course of their work, Rudy and Lorna kept their relationship private and they were paired with other stars. “Somewhere” They did a movie together again, “Somewhere” in 1983, which galvanized their commitment to each other. Although the tone of the project was dramatic, it was an action caper first and foremost. Eventually, “Somewhere” became Rudy’s and Lorna’s personal theme song, to comemorate not only their relationship but their successful screen team-up as well. Like any other couple, Rudy and Lorna went through trials and difficulties in their relationship. Lorna’s circle of close friends included actresses Amy Austria, Beth Bautista, Deborah Sun, Gina Alajar and Sandy Andolong.

Both that friendship as well as the relationship between Rudy and Lorna were tested when rumors started about Beth Bautista. According to the rumor, Rudy was getting attracted to Beth Bautista. This resulted in a “faithfulness check” amongst Lorna’s friends. On June 1, 1983 Rudy and Lorna entered a civil marriage. Ten years later, they renewed those vows a church wedding at Villa Escudero in Tiaong, Quezon Province.

Other trials began, particularly nasty intrigues spreading through the entertainment press. Rudy was linked to various othe women, including a GRO and even sexy actress Rosanna Roces, who was his co-star in a short lived TV sitcom. Even then young actress Donita Rose was dragged into the controversy. Another nasty rumor began spreading: that Lorna was really gay and that she was involved with another woman. And yet, Rudy and Lorna’s marriage survived all these.

Until the fatal ailment struck Rudy and then the couple proved to everyone, once and for all, how strong their love for one another was—as Rudy struggled with his illness, the only person who was always there for him, practically very minute of the day, even as he sought treatments here and abroad, was Lorna.

After Rudy’s death on June 7, people who saw Lorna in person and on television admired her courage and composure amid her greatest tragedy. And yet, Lorna also shared her grief and her last moments with Rudy in an interview with The Buzz on Sunday—less than 48 hours after he died. Moving on Lorna knows that eventually, she would have to get over her denial and truly accept the fact of Rudy’s death. She has decided to immediately go back to her family home, instead of staying at a hotel first after Rudy’s burial, as some friends suggested.

“Pause na muna ako for a while pero dito lang,” Lorna told actress-host Kris Aquino during a live special episode of ABS-CBN’s morning show “Boy & Kris” entitled “Paalam Daboy” held at Heritage Park Hotel in Taguig, June 12, Thursday morning. In the interview Lorna thanked God for giving her the time to be husband Rudy. “Pinahiram lang siya sa akin, ang may-ari talaga sa kanya ang Panginoon. Pinahiram siya sa akin so, nagpapasalamat ako doon,” she said.

“Ang mga anak, ang pamilya ko, ang mga kaibigan na hindi tumigil sumabay sa paglalakbay namin. Even if it was really a tough journey nandiyan sila,” the actress added. Though Lorna is struggling to accept that her husband is now with God, she said that in heart there still remained a small hope that God would reverse everything that happened and giver her back Rudy who was the love of her life. “Minsan iniisip ko parang can I take it back, kumbaga ‘Lord sinabi kong okay na pero pwede bang baguhin alam mo,’ yon, ang dami, mix emotions talaga,” she said.

She also thanked all the Filipino fans who prayed for Rudy, saying that Filipinos of all religious faiths and affiliations came together in prayer for his sake. Truly, Lorna embodies the supreme sacrifice a wife could possibly endure for her husband—staying by his side in sickness and in health, right unto their parting at his death. However, Lorna said something in her eulogy to Rudy, which she delivered the night before his burial; it was a statement full of love, longing and devotion. Lorna had looked at Rudy in his coffin and said, “Please wait for me. I know we will be together.” If the dead ever cried tears in heaven, then Rudy must have wept for joy among the angels..

Elzie Crisler Segar - Popeye's Creator









Elzie Crisler Segar - Popeye's Creator

Google give another recognition to Elzie C. Segar or SEGAR for his birthday by featuring Popeye as their Google Logo. He was an American cartoonist, best known as the creator of Popeye. Elzie Segar was borned on December 8, 1894 and died October 13,1938. He was raised in Illinoise, a small town in Missisippi.








Popeye 1st Episode



Being a son of a handy man, so his early worked was helping his father by house painting and paper hanging. With his musical skills, he provided musical accompaniment to films and vaudeville acts in the local theater. At the age of 18 he decided to become a cartoonist.

Managing editor William Curley thought Segar could succeed in New York, so he sent him to King Features Syndicate, where Segar worked for many years. He began by drawing Thimble Theatre for the New York Journal. The strip made its debut on December 19, 1919, featuring the characters Olive Oyl, Castor Oyl and Horace Hamgravy, whose name was quickly shortened in the strip to simply "Ham Gravy". They were the strip's leads for about a decade. In January 1929, when Castor Oyl needed a mariner to navigate his ship to Dice Island, Castor picked up an old salt down by the docks named Popeye. Popeye's first words in the strip, when asked if he was a sailor, were: " 'Ja think I'm a cowboy?". The Popeye character stole the show and became the permanent featured character. Some of the other notable characters Segar created include J. Wellington Wimpy and Eugene the Jeep. source wikipedia


Popeye was one of my favorite cartoons characters during my chidhood days. I miss his toot-toot sound, trembling muscles as he ate a can of spinach. Though he is never as famous as those early 90's. The moral value of this cartoon shows...



Words of Wisdom
"good is always triumph over evil".

The Copenhagen Deal


The Copenhagen Deal

Are countries doing enough to protect our children?

While the Copenhagen summit represents a rare window of opportunity to address the issue of climate change, countries are hard-pressed against the economics when it comes to policy making. No doubt the motivation would be great during the summit, country leaders will face the dilemma of improving the economics of their country with restricted resources and still having to drive towards the direction of a greener world.


The reduction targets pledged by some countries still fall short of meeting the 2 degrees target, which was a suggestion by the Prime Minister of Denmark and recommendations from scientists. Close to 100 country leaders commit to attend the Copenhagen Climate Conference, and UN is confident of success in a press release dated 19 Nov in the UN News Centre. The United Nations Climate Change Conference which spans from 7 - 18 December 2009 is going to be an eye-opener.

The pressure is on. Many parties agree that failure in the summit is not an option. This year, we have the US President at the Danish capital, yet another pressure to the political decisions and management faced by the President since the first day he stepped into office. President Obama already has a handful back home with the latest announcement regarding the Afghanistan war yesterday, plus the supposedly dropping confidence in him by his fellow countrymen. Yet, his reputation remains high and gains respect from the world, as evident from his trip to China a while ago.

Somehow, country leaders should put aside their differences because it is a global issue that they face at hand. While there may be claims of patriotism regarding the country, the Earth is a shared and leased property, and the owners are the children of tomorrow. It would be fantastic if indeed each and everyone on Earth could contribute some positive changes.

Let us hope that the country leaders will set a realistic and achievable goal during the summit. Let's also hope that these goals are backed by steps for reinforcements and valid applications.

Stay tuned to the progress of the Copenhagen summit with [http://greentechnology.mobi]http://greentechnology.mobi.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angelina_Ong http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Copenhagen-Deal&id=3365968


Jesus is Better Than Santa

Dear Friends,

I know it's early but I want to be the first to greet you. Just received this message and I glad to share it with you.

Jesus is Better than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh

JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year

JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies

JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited



JESUS stands at your door and knocks.. and then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa

JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap

JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"

JESUS knew our name before we did. Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too. He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly

JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO

JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry"

JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys

JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but

JESUS gives you joy that is your strength..

While Santa puts gifts under your tree

JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.

We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.

We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.


May the Lord Bless and Watch over you and your loved ones this Christmas 2009

And may He prosper and bless the work of your hands in the New Year.

Proclamation 1959 (Martial Law) in Maguindao


Proclamation 1959 (Martial Law) in Maguindao by PGMA

I woke up this morning, while listening to DZMM radio news, I was shocked with the proclamation of Martial Law or 1959 in Maguindanao by PGMA. I ask myself is this will be another martial law era. Though the purpose is to suppress the rumors of rebellion against the government.



I am not really equip by our laws but from the comment of one guest that the proclamation of martial law is unsubstantial. Because there is no rebellion happening and so on. I hope that this proclamation will serve on the purpose of speedy Maguindanao massacre investigation, peace and order only. And not for any political vested interest.

For your reference read more about Proclamation 1959
For a complete story at ABS-CBN

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