Traditions

My mother-in-law talked about what their tradition every new year . She shared to me that when my father-in-law is already alive every new year they prepared 13 piso coins and a little amount of rice, they keep it until the another new year . She get this kind of tradition from her friend Chinese. I used this tradition before because my husband told me about this, my mother-in-law didn't know that I already knew about this. We believe on this tradition that give us a prosperous whole year.

Guys, how about you? did you have also a tradition like this?

What are my hopes and dreams for my country and to the Filipino people?

As a Filipino citizen, my hopes for this country is to perform better despite of the problems, trials and the crisis, Philippine is facing. We must still believe in God and pray for God's forgiveness, love, blessings and most of all, God's protection, so that wherever we may be and whatever we'll do, we can put our trust to God. Another is that my hope is for this country to have a good leaders, that will support the government and be a model to the citizens, and make the elections, neat and good so that we can declare and confer that our country, can also developed more further and become one good country not as the events that occurring at this moment. I also dream that we will be in God's blessing and all of the people will be united, cheerful, and meaningful not only in the some parts of the country but the whole Philippines.

Newspaper

My mother-in-law always buy a newspaper every morning because aside watching news in television we also love reading news in a newspaper especially local news. What is the purpose of a newspaper, anyway?

The purpose of a newspaper is to catch you up on current events things that are happening around plus it has coupons sales paper the newspaper gives you alot of valuable information you can use to get a job or find a house sky's the limit with a newspaper.

To make money from selling space to advertisers. Newspapers provide a place for advertisers to display their wares. Yes, they do tell some news tales. But informing the masses is secondary to making money.

Art Exhibit

My friend told me about the art exhibit last day. Here it is:

“The title of the art exhibit is “Hikot Hungihong Art Collective”. When I read this, i can't understand what it means. But then after reading,watching,hearing and looking at those arts I realized that it symbolizes the oneness of people through nature in form of art. The theme “Piece of Art,One Whole Peace” was great theme for the art exhibit, because there you can really see that those arts symbolizes peace even though it simple,yet meaningful. I liked the spot were exhibit was performed because it was well organized. There is a room where there are pictures of artists and the head of the place. On the first room, i saw most of the arts which was in the G-Mall Art Exhibit.

The arts are organized too. There are part of the wall which is for only painting are there, another wall which is only for drawings(pen), another wall which is only for poems, and on the floor is the sculptures. Also there is a form of are which is video,I find it boring at first because i did not appreciate it. But then I didn't notice it already took my time I was watching it too long. Maybe because i enjoyed watching it. And about the music i realize that the sounds are music which is composed by some famous artist like Pachelbel in canon, with that combinations I felt the peace in the surrounding. On the main room it was very fascinating because there are still items left by our native clans. I enjoyed so much looking at it, and I noticed that the items left was also organized depending on the tribes. Then i said to myself that our native tribes has a wide range of thinking when it comes to art, because most of their items came from art. They are so very resourceful that even the smallest thing can be made beautiful. Before going out of the there are pieces of paper which is use for us to write what piece is. Maybe it was their idea to get some information for them to have much wide idea for their on coming arts in future.”

Two kids in the Basket

Look this 2 pictures they both in the basket Dustin smiling because he really love playing in the basket but Dana is crying maybe she afraid when the basket moving. They are different kids because as I know Dustin is love adventure while Dana is like simple girl that's what i know with this kids.

My two (2) blog got Rank

I can't imagine that my two blogs got a rank,my women's journey got rank 3 and my Proud to be People ( this blog) got rank 1. I'm so lucky because two ( 2 )of my three ( 3 )blogs got rank, not only that one of my blog got a high rank hehehe. I want to dedicate this to my mentor who always help me and guiding me to make this blog , without her I can't make this blog wonderful. I want to Thank Fe Sultes, for being friend of mine. She helping me how to make my background beautiful, she also the one who check my english grammar. By the way guys, you can also visit her blogs for more info about more layouts, she have a lots of beautiful design that you will like it. Check it : http://femikeydesigns.blogspot.com

Memories

I read this wonderful memories of being a kids or thinking a beautiful past.

Sunday was church day. My earliest memories are of the old San Pedro Church. We would crowd in through the back pews most of the time because we would always be late. Being late meant that the sermon would already be over. It was not an easy task having to make sure all six of us children be dressed up and ready in time for the ten o’clock mass. And yes, those days, going to church meant we had to be dressed up, like we were going to a party, which we actually did sometimes. Later, we would go to the Redemptorist Church in Bajada (when it was still a small wooden building), and then when we transferred to our new house in Marfori Heights, to the Assumption Church along Torres Street. All these churches, in my mind were cooler and less crowded at the time. Then, after church, more times than not, we would all drive to the Beach Club or the Insular Hotel that was still managed by the Mascuñanas, for lunch and, in my case, a walk along the seashore to pick shells if it happened to be low-tide.

I always thought it sometimes boring how the same people would be at the Club every Sunday. My mother would congregate towards the same wives while my father towards the same husbands. “Children were meant to be seen and not heard,” so we were expected to go play with the children of the wives and husbands my parents knew. It was sometimes difficult being with the girls because I thought they really didn’t do much except sit around a table and talk about things I didn’t understand. I was too shy to join my brothers and their friends. That’s how I developed my shell-picking forays. It wasn’t long before I had a collection of shells I didn’t know what to do with, unless there was a sunka tournament in the city maybe.

Filipino Values

There are a lots of values my parents teach me, one of that value is being religious. We attend church every Sunday, with this value I feared god, doing something bad in others is something that god forbidden. This attitude give me a chance to be close with other people because who would want to be friends with those bad attitudes. Then another value is respectful specially with those people who are ahead of you, specially elderly. If you tried to disobey them you will have what they so called makagaba, thats why I always respect my parents ,grandparents and all people. Then another value that is common to all Filipinos if you are really a Filipino is a family oriented person, that we love our family so much that whatever place we are we still have the time to think of them and to find a way to keep in touch with them.

One of the most known value of a Filipino that is known to all foreigners is being hospitable.
Filipinos will do anything just to make their visitors comfortable. This value is well practiced during fiestas, that is one of the thing I always observe my parents doing during fiestas. Its okay if we don't have the time to eat because we are so busy but we should make sure that our visitors have already eat.

Thats why people love to come in our house specially during occasions because after they eat, they can also bring some to their houses. Well its good because people will also say something good and they will adore you for that.

There are also values that I don't know if its superstitious or not that even know I still believe in it. It is what you called karma. I'm afraid to do something bad to others because if you do it will return to you and you will suffer even more. If other people will saw you that way they love to be friends with you. My friends and I have the same value thats why we understand each other, but definitely I am friendly I always have some friends wherever I go. I always talk to someone can make friends I don't want to stay in one place and just keep quite.

This value make me unique and make me a true Filipino, even if I am going to other country I will still teach my children the values that my family give me. This will give a good example, then I will have more friends because of this values. Attitude will affect of how you are being accept in a community, a person with a good value tent to have a good relationship with other people.

I only read this story.

SONG

“Song of Praise”

Rixer Llego

This is the song for you my lord

I'll sing this song from my heart

I thank you for the days

That your with me

cause you are here to set me free

You lift me above when i fell down

You set my feet on solid ground

my Jesus, my savior and redeemer

my hiding place and self refuge.

All i want is to praise you

and adore you

I've got the power in your name

There's a power in your name..

This is for you: a song of praise

This is for you: For the rock of all ages

This song is for you,

my praise is to you

and I'll never let you go

My Friend's New Laptop

My friend Fe, buy a new laptop, you can see above. I really want to have like this kind of laptop. My friend Fe, said that she want to buy a new laptop especially when his husband used their computer for his game at night, she said that she can't able to talk with her family here in the Philippines. Fe is really lucky that his husband buy this laptop for her. I wonder if this is a advance Anniversary gift or what ? Heheh. The laptop color is black ,ASUS notebook type. Here in the Philippines it is really useful nowadays this kind of gadget. It is really big help for your school, office etc. It is also use to talk to your loveones through chatting. You can chat with headset and mic to talk to you lovesones through internet, it is really useful especially to those people who far from their loveones.

Sling Shot o Tirador

My son is already 5 years old that's why he love to discover new things from his friends. One day my son asked me to make him a new slingshot or we called it tirador. I told him that I don't know how to make slingshot but I will try. I promised to him that If he sleep that afternoon, I will make him a slingshot, but honestly even in myself I know that I can't make it. When he woke up he ask me to start to make the slingshot but I said that we need materials before we can start. I tell him that maybe we can started making it tomorrow because we need to buy the material first. But he is really aggressive, he can't wait until tomorrow. So, I try to explained it to him and finally he agreed but before that I need to make another alibi to convince him.

Guys, Is it not good to lie to them sometimes so that they will stop bugging me? What you think?

Filipino Christmas Traditions

The Tagalog word Pasko derives from the Spanish word Pascua. Although the word Pascua means Easter, Pascua de Navidad refers to Christmas.

The Philippines is known for having the world’s longest Christmas season. The four months that end with the syllable –ber are considered Christmas months, which is why stores and households start playing carols on the first day of September! And the holiday season extends beyond December 31st. It doesn’t end until the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings (Tatlong Hari) which falls around January 6.

If Mexico has piñatas, the Philippines has its parol. Of course, a parol is not something to hit with a stick. It is a Christmas lantern, most commonly in the shape of a five-pointed star. The bamboo or rattan frame is covered with rice paper, tissue or cellophane. Almost every family either builds or buys one to hang by the window or door. Shopping malls construct giant versions of parol. Traditionally, a candle was placed inside for light to shine through; for safety reasons, people now use bulbs or even a flashlight. Families, schools and other places also display a creche or nativity scene called belen. Christmas trees made of plastic are decorated with lights, tinsel and balls.

The Tagalog word for gift is regalo, but Filipinos have a special word for "Christmas gift" pamasko. The Filipino version of Secret Santa is called Monito Monita or Kris Kringle. Students in their classes and office workers all hold gift exchanges during the Christmas season. Children receive fresh bills of money called aginaldo, usually when they visit their godparents and elderly relatives on Christmas morning.

Mostly Catholics, Filipinos begin a novena (a series of nine masses) on December 16th. The masses are part of the cherished religious tradition of Simbang Gabi, which literally mean “Night Worship.” Filipinos go to church at four o’clock in the morning and afterward have breakfast together. A traditional drink during this season is a warm ginger tea called salabat and a traditional treat is a flat but thick yellow rice cake called bibingka.

On Christmas Eve (Bisperas ng Pasko), a few Filipino towns commemorate Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay with a reenactment called panunuluyan, a tradition very similar to the Mexican posadas. What every Filipino looks forward to is Noche Buena, the grand family dinner after the midnight mass. Christmas morning is the time for visiting relatives. Filipinos wear new if not their best clothes. Children do mano, which is kissing or bringing to their forehead the hand of an elderly person. This is when they receive their pamasko, certainly aguinaldo from godfathers and godmothers. Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner are with family.

Tumbang Preso

This is a relatively simple game. Minimum of 3 players are needed but the more players the more the game will be enjoy.First, select the defender. Next, find a can, or something that can be knocked over easily from a distance. Position this can in the center of the game area (this will be the home base). The game will be like this:

The defender will defend the can from being knocked down. While it is in the upright position, the defender can chase anyone and tag him/her. When a player is tagged, and the can is still in the upright position, that player becomes the new defender.

The rest of the players must then see to it that the can is always knocked down. The defender of course can always put it back in the upright position. The rest of the players usually use their slippers to knock the can from a distance. Or if one gets close enough to the can without getting tagged, he can kick it and pick-up the rest of the "weapons" or slippers used. Of course, it is usually up to the other players to get their own "weapons" or slippers. For fairness, it would be nice if the players had only two slippers to knock down the can, no more than that. Once all the players are out of slippers, this would be a major opportunity for the defender to chase everyone before the can is kicked. The can has to be positioned in a particular area of responsibility.

When I'm young, I'm played this game together with my cousins, it is really fun. Tell this game to your kids, I assure you that they will like it!!:)

Videoke Bar in Philippines

Here in Davao City or even in the whole Philippines, Videoke is a very popular form of entertainment.. An entertainment in which amateur singers or just anybody who wants to try singing, sing along with recorded music using a microphone. On video, the voice of the original singers are removed or muted and the lyrics are displayed with corresponding moving cursors and changing text colors so that one can easily follow the song. These serve as a guide to successfully deliver the song. It can be in a plain TV with an attached player or it can also be a videoke machine wherein you press the corresponding buttons to enter the number of your song and then play it.

It has become so famous that wherever you go, you'll find videoke bars. Here in Davao City, my husband work in videoke bar . The bar has many rooms in different sizes. Each is an airconditioned room that contains the TV set with 2 microphones, couches and table. The rooms are intended for small to large groups of people. Drinks and appetizers are also served. In the Philippines, appetizers or "pulutan" goes well with beer and similar beverage. The rates are consumable so you can sing all you want as long as you're ready to put down the microphone when your time is up! lol

Another scenario in the Philippines for a videoke is simply in the homes of Filipinos where families gather together for an occasion. I should say that it is fun and enjoyable memories singing on videoke with my family. Videoke is not only to those who have the golden voice, but it is for everybody who just want to enjoy each treasured moment.

Baguio City

Did you already visit the coolest place here in the Philippines? Yah, when we talk about Baguio, the first thing in our mind is cold right? I been there twice and its really nice place.

When you want to relax and get away from the summery climate of the metro, then head to Baguio for a cooler atmosphere.

Baguio is referred to as the "Summer Capital of the Philippines". It is renowned for its beautiful parks like Camp John Hay, Wright Park and Burnham Park. This place is also filled with towering pine trees plus views studded with plants and flowers.

During February, Baguio is flocked by visitors who want to behold a flower festival called "Panagbenga" which literally means "blooming of flowers."

My Son Attitude

This morning when I came home, I noticed that my daughter is playing inside our house alone. Where is my son? I asked my daughter where his brother is, my daughter said that he is outside playing with "Mukring" (neighborhood son). I talked my son after, not to play outside because it is really dangerous to him falling in a ravine. My son answer "yes" mama but I know that he still do that again, that is a kids.

My son has an aggresive attitude, he is curious in everything, he love to discover new things. She always make his own toys and play with his own. If we allowed him to play outside, sometimes he act maturely as a brother to his young sister but sometimes they are fighting because my son don't want her sister touch his toys. My son is really sensitive when it comes to his toys. He is really careful to his things that's why his toys are always look like new.

Mañana Habit

Guys, did you know what is Mañana Habit?? Ok, it is familiar to all Filipinos... Mañana Habit is a Spanish word meaning “Tomorrow” or “At an specified future time”. In short, it is exactly described as “Procrastination”.

In Filipino terms, Mañana Habit means “Mamaya na” or “Do it Later”. Which results in a very unorganized way of doing things, specifically for office tasks because it affects the overall performance of an employee. Skipping deadlines, stress and anxiety are just soPme effects of that habit.

More Filipinos are really like this in concluding myself hehehe, Yah, I've realized that this malpractice is hard to remove because mostly we are grew up with this attitude. Based from my experience, this really affects my overall performance in work but I trying to change that attitude.

Happy Blogging

Today is my day off so, I can't update my 3 blogs but please stay visiting my blog eventhough I'm not online. I'm so excited to day because I can rest and play with my kids. This past few days I realized that I'm did a lot that's why I feel so tried. So, guys see you next day I hope that you can visit my 3 blogs. Happy blogging to all.

Philippine Eagle

The Philippine eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is one of the two largest eagles in the world. It ranks second to the Harpy eagle of Central and South America, but only in regards to weight (averaging 8.0 kgs. vs. 9.0 kgs) and smaller feet and legs. It is undoubtedly the tallest, and holds the world record for wingspan in any eagle . . . it can exceed eight feet.

In 1992, the world's first captive-bred Philippine eagle was hatched at the Philippino Eagle Research and Nature Center - located in the mountains outside of Davao city. A perfect female this eaglet was the product of 14 years of learning and developing methods of captive propagation of this species. Her arrival produced a large spark of hope in the staff, and indeed all conservationists around the world. The staff promptly named her "Pag-Asa" - meaning "Hope."

The second eaglet arrived soon after. Also a female, she was named "Pagka-kaisa"-"Unity" - symbolizing the unity of man and nature.

Everyday, scores of people, tourists and Filipinos alike, take the tour of the Nature Center. Here one can find several different species of Philippine wildlife including the most endemic and endangered species. Many raptor species are also here. One may see the diminutive but fiesty Philippine serpent eagle, the fierce grey-headed fishing eagle, and the large white-breasted sea eagle-the size of a golden eagle.

As beautiful as these "smaller" eagles are, most visitors are eager to see the biggest of the big-the Philippine eagle, Pag-Asa and Pagkakaisa in particular. Crowds of school children gather in front of their large flight cages and listen to the guide tell them about the importance of the forests and the eagle. Adults and children alike are awe-struck when Pag-Asa sails to the front branch and slaps her seven-foot wings in a show of territoriality. Her crest raised, wings open, and long tail bobbing, she is the cause of many gasps, small shrieks and open-mouthed gaping from the crowds!

To see such a creature at close range-the lovely crest, the strong feet, dagger length talons (of three inches!), the powerfully narrow beak, the heavy brow and piercing stare is truly an unforgettable experience. To see one flying takes one's breath away. It is not difficult to see why Charles Lindbergh called it "Air's Noblest Flier." But perhaps even more fitting is the tagalong name for him-the people of the islands call him "Haring Ibon"-King of Birds.

Hulagway sa Kalinaw

Last November 20, 2009, the Gaisano Mall of Davao conducted an exhibit of different artists who were inspired in creating a new art and idea to people. This exhibit was entitled “Hulagway sa Kalinaw”. This exhibit intends to use the artist lens in capturing and presenting images of peace in Mindanao. Each painting and different artifacts, the people are from different tribes with has their own nature and culture. The exhibit enlightened people mind that we should not judge our tribal brothers and sisters and give them a chance to express their culture and their way of living. Many people were amazed and appreciate their works.

Each tribe has their own style of building a house. They made their own houses according to their geographical location and to their culture. When you walked around the area, You will amazed of a painting entitled “Calm”. This painting was painted by Glenn Remolador. It will captures your attention because of its fine and unique colors on it and It made you relaxed and comfortable. The exhibit that was done last November was marvelous because we learned many things. If you see,each painting has made you appreciate its beauty and meaning. Each painting has their own meaning/s and beauty. They were made by various artists in order to show or to express what each artist wants them to feel. Each painting was made by its own concept and focus more on our cultural tribes. People should learn how to appreciate things like this because it shows our culture and nature as a Filipino and we should not discriminate each tribe but rather give them a chance to show who they are and how they live.

We should be thankful because this exhibit helps us to gather more informations about them and give us time to set aside certain things that make us busy. We should grab the opportunity in attending this kind of event because now a days people forget Filipino cultures because of the influences of different nations unto us. Lastly, As Filipino, we should know how to look back because if you don't know how to look back to where you came from, you will not reach your destination.

Dr. Jose Rizal

Who is Dr. Jose Rizal for the youth of this generation? I don't know the other youth of what they think when someone will mention “who is Dr. Jose Rizal to them?,” for me he is a Philippine Hero and a well know doctor in the late 1800's. But my view in his background is so little and just efficient to know that he is the Philippine hero, that is all I know, because well me or the youth don't really care what Dr. Jose Rizal did in the past to save the Philippine. If I ask someone that with the same age, they only know that Dr. Jose Rizal is a well respected hero. Even the youth that has a great intellect, will just know who is Dr. Jose Rizal, a Philippine hero nothing else. Generation today or in the coming years will just know that Dr. Jose Rizal is just a Philippine hero then it will fade away for in the next coming years.

We and with the help of teachers must educate the students today and the incoming students about more about Dr. Jose Rizal past. Well to high school students its a subject, also in college but in college they will just neglect the subject because its just about Dr. Jose Rizal. That is mostly what they think about the subject, we or all the youth generation must not think like that, because Dr. Jose Rizal freed us and give us a reason to stand our ground and evolve into a nation. We must study his background so we could further understand why he did it. Also other teachers make it a hard subject or making it more like a major subject (no offense, if hitted ^^). But most teachers do this, so other students will be afraid the subject. But in my side I don't care about his past, But again, I want to know about it with the help of the teachers.

This is what James know about Dr. Jose Rizal, maybe because most of teenager in our new generation they don't have any interest about the heroes history that's why they didn't know more about them.

Courting ( Panliligaw)

Late 80's, Courting of the dalagang Pilipina ( Filipina maiden ) is different from now because The traditional dalagang Pilipina (Filipina maiden) is shy and secretive about her real feelings for a suitor and denies it even though she is really in love with the man. Tuksuhan lang (just teasing) is the usual term associated with pairing off potential couples in Filipino culture. This is common among teenagers and young adults. It is a way of matching people who may have mutual admiration or affection for each other. It may end up in a romance or avoidance of each other if the situation becomes embarrassing for both individuals.

However, if the girl 'encourages' her suitor (either by being nice to him or not getting angry with the 'teasers'), then the man can court in earnest and the tuksuhan eventually ends. The courtship then has entered a 'serious' stage, and the romance begins.

A man who is unable to express his affection to a woman (who may have the same feelings for him) is called a torpe (stupid), dungo (extremely shy), or simply duwag (coward). To call a man torpe means he does not know how to court a girl, is playing innocent, or does not know she also has an affection for him.

If a man is torpe, he needs a tulay (bridge)--anyone who is a mutual friend of him and the girl he loves--who then conveys to the girl his affection for her. It is also a way of 'testing the waters' so to speak. If the boy realizes that the girl does not have feelings for him, he will then not push through with the courtship, thus saving face.

Some guys are afraid of their love being turned down by the girl. In Tagalog, a guy whose love has been turned down by the girl is called sawi (romantically sad), basted (busted), or simply labless (loveless). Click here for Tagalog romantic phrases used in Filipino courtship.

Barong Tagalog

Barong Tagalog is an upper garment and known as the formal men's wear of the Philippines. It is the tradition dress of a Filipino men's.

The Barong Tagalog has a long tradition of more than four centuries. The look as well as the meaning of the dress have evolved throughout four centuries. The special traditional features remained untouched; the dress is thin and transparent (with a shirt under it), has decoration and one will wear the barong tagalog 'tucked out'. The term "barong Tagalog" literally means "a dress that is Tagalog", or "a Tagalog dress" (i.e., "baro na Tagalog", with "barong" being a contraction of "baro na") in the Filipino language

A Rooster " Sunoy"

A rooster, also called a cock or chanticleer, is a male chicken, Immature male chickens of less than a year's age are called cockerels. The oldest term is "cock," from Old English coc. It is sometimes replaced by the term "cockerel" (which properly refers to a young male chicken) in the United Kingdom, and almost always by "rooster" (a relative neologism) in North America and Australia. "Cock" is in general use as the name for a male of other species of bird, for example "Cock sparrow." "Roosting" is the action of perching aloft to sleep at night, and is done by both sexes. The rooster is polygamous, but cannot guard several nests of eggs at once. He guards the general area where his hens are nesting, and will attack other roosters who enter his territory. During the daytime, he often sits on a high perch, usually 4–5 feet off the ground to serve as a lookout for his flock. He will sound a distinctive alarm call if predators are nearby.

The rooster is often (accurately) portrayed as crowing at the break of dawn and will almost always start crowing before 4 months of age. He can often be seen sitting on fence posts or other objects, where he crows to proclaim his territory.

Cocks can be both interesting and irritating! For tourists, cocks can be irritating in the morning, because they wake you up at a time that you prefer to sleep for some hours more. But, if the tourists have the possibility to see the cock fighting's, many tourists take the opportunity to see this 'sport' and - often - gambling-event. The camera will take the hot shots for the family or friends in their home country! That's the good thing cocks can give.

Cock fighting "Mga sunoy", as the people in de Visayas call cocks, can be found in all parts of the world. In many tropical countries, they are very popular in the life of families in the countryside. Many families have some of them on their compound. This is not specific in the Philippines, but common for many countries in Asia and Latin America.

Cock fighting ("sabong" in the Cebuano language) is in the Philippines popular as a way of gambling, but it is also seen as a national sport.