eBarangay Happenings

Christmas Trees from around the World

2009-12-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

The 12 Days and Christmas Trees From Around the World

The Capitol Christmas tree in Washington, D.C., is decorated with 3,000 ornaments that are the handiwork of U.S. schoolchildren. Encircling evergreens in the 'Pathway of Peace' represent the 50 U.S. states.

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The world's largest Christmas tree display rises up the slopes of Monte Ingino outside of Gubbio, in Italy's Umbria region. Composed of about 500 lights connected by 40,000 feet of wire, the 'tree' is a modern marvel for an ancient city.

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A Christmas tree befitting Tokyo's nighttime neon display is projected onto the exterior of the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka.

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Illuminating the Gothic facades of Prague's Old Town Square, and casting its glow over the manger display of the famous Christmas market, is a grand tree cut in the Sumava mountains in the southern Czech Republic.

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Venice's Murano Island renowned throughout the world for its quality glasswork is home to the tallest glass tree in the world. Sculpted by master glass blower Simone Cenedese, the artistic Christmas tree is a modern reflection of the holiday season.

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Moscow celebrates Christmas according to the Russian Orthodox calendar on Jan. 7. For weeks beforehand, the city is alive with festivities in anticipation of Father Frost's arrival on his magical troika with the Snow Maiden. He and his helper deliver gifts under the New Year tree, or yolka, which is traditionally a fir.

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The largest Christmas tree in Europe (more than 230 feet tall) can be found in the Praça do Comércio in Lisbon, Portugal. Thousands of lights adorn the tree, adding to the special enchantment of the city during the holiday season.

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'Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree': Even in its humblest attire, aglow beside a tiny chapel in Germany's Karwendel mountains, a Christmas tree is a wondrous sight.

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Ooh la la Galeries Lafayette! In Paris, even the Christmas trees are chic. With its monumental, baroque dome, plus 10 stories of lights and high fashion, it's no surprise this show-stopping department store draws more visitors than the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.

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In addition to the Vatican's heavenly evergreen, St. Peter's Square in Rome hosts a larger-than-life nativity scene in front of the obelisk.

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The Christmas tree that greets revelers at the Puerta del Sol is dressed for a party. Madrid's two-week celebration makes millionaires along with merrymakers. On Dec. 22, a lucky citizen will win El Gordo (the fat one), the world's biggest lottery.

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A token of gratitude for Britain's aid during World War II, the Christmas tree in London's Trafalgar Square has been the annual gift of the people of Norway since 1947.

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Drink a glass of gluhwein from the holiday market at the Romer Frankfurt's city hall since 1405 and enjoy a taste of Christmas past.

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Against a backdrop of tall, shadowy firs, a rainbow trio of Christmas trees lights up the night (location unknown).

The 12 Days of Christmas

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

This week, I found out.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.

-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish.'

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone

CHRISTMAS AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY

Arlington National Cemetery

Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.

Know the line has held, your job is done.

Rest easy, sleep well.

Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.

Peace, peace, and farewell.

Readers may be interested to know that these wreaths -- some 5,000 -- are donated by the Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine. The owner, Merrill Worcester, not only provides the wreaths, but covers the trucking expense as well. He's done this since 1992. A wonderful guy.. Also, most years, groups of Maine school kids combine an educational trip to DC with this event to help out. Making this even more remarkable is the fact that Harrington is in one the poorest parts of the state.

Mag-rehistro at Bumoto sa Halalan

2009-08-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

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Summary of Requirements and Procedures for Voter Registration
Philippine National and Local Elections:
May 10, 2010
(Materials are from Comelec website. Click here to go there.)

For Overseas Pinoys and OFWs :
Deadline to register in nearest embassy or consulate: August 31, 2009

Procedures and Requirements:

For Filipinos living in the Philippines
Deadline to register in your nearest Comelec office: October 31, 2009

Read about voter registration and poll automation: Go to Comelec website.

Post your thoughts and questions on the Message Board. Click here.

A Nation Honors Her Daughter, Cory Aquino

2009-08-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

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Pictures from the Days of Mourning;
The Philippines honors Cory and relives its finest hour.
(Pictures now updated to include burial at Manila Memorial.)

Come join in remembering and celebrating Cory:
(Click on small black arrow below to view pictures.)

(Click on small black arrow above to view the pictures.)

Makiramay sa burol sa La Salle:
(Click on small black arrow below for video.)

(Click on small black arrow above.)

Sumali sa paalam kay Cory sa Ninoy Corner, Ayala Avenue, Makati:

(Click on small black arrow below for video.)

(Click on small black arrow above for video.)

Post your thoughts and condolences on the Message Board. Click here.

Sangyaw Festival, Tacloban

2009-07-13T10:39:00.000-07:00

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Sangyaw Festival
Tacloban, Leyte
June 27 - 29, 2009

The Sangyaw Festival honors the Santo Nino, the patron saint of Tacloban, with cultural presentations and a mardi gras-type parade. It draws contingents from surrounding areas and distant cities in the country to this beautiful town, located on the shores of Kankabatok Gulf and near the adjoining Leyte Gulf. The town was a favorite haunt of fishermen who used a bamboo contraption, known as "taklub", to catch fish. This resulted in it being called first "Tarakluban", the place where they use the taklub, then eventually "Tacloban".

See the interesting places nearby and take a side trip over the San Juanico Bridge to Samar all the way to Balangiga, where Filipino forces ambushed American troops in September 1901, resulting in several months of bloody reprisals and the taking, as war booty, of the church bells that gave the signal to attack. These are the Balangiga Bells, one of which is in a U.S. army base in South Korea, and two in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Philippines continues to press for the return of these bells.

(Click on small black arrow above to view pictures.)

Listen to "Dahil sa Iyo" as only Tacloban can sing it,
with a special guest appearance:

(Click on small black arrow above to hear the song.)

Thrill to the dance of the Tinikling:

(coming soon. Abangan!)

Join the Sangyaw Festival Parade:

(Click on the small black arrow below to view pictures.)

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Pahiyas Festival, Lucban, Quezon

2009-05-27T03:45:00.000-07:00

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pahiyas Festival 2009
Lucban, Quezon
May 15, 2009

Celebrating harvest time and honoring San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers and rural communities, Lucban residents decorate their houses and parade floats with the fruits of the land and the work of their hands.

(Click on small black arrow for more pictures)

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Agawan Festival, Sariaya, Quezon

2009-05-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

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Agawan Festival
Sariaya, Quezon

A feast with a twist. Residents decorate their houses with their harvest and handiwork, and put up pabitins (bamboo branches to which various gifts are tied).

Anyone can take the goods home but only after the statue of San Isidro Labrador passes in the procession. A mad scramble follows the saint, or people hang on to the items that they want, and wait for the saint to pass! Watch out for more gifts and goodies that fly out from the houses to the eager crowd on the street.

(Click on small black arrows above for more pictures and video.)

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Valentines' Greetings

2009-02-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

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Sa Aking Mahal na Valentine!
(Online VALENTINE'S GREETINGS!)

1. From Brother Moises:

(Click on small black arrow above to watch the video greetings.)

***Happy Valentine's***

2. This is Chema Bautista, I live in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. I just want to greet my family in the Philippines, especially my mom and my dad and especially my two sons, Patrick and Quincy. I just want to say Happy Valentines to all of you! I love you!

***Mahal Kita, Valentine***

3. Ako ay si Harold Jasmin na taga Urdaneta. Binabati ko ang pinakamamahal kong asawa at mga anak. Happy Valentine’s sa inyo!

***Happy Valentine, Jocelyn***

4. Hello po sa lahat ng nasa Urdaneta lalong lao na si Jocelyn Panganiban, ang pinakamamahal kong asawa. Happy Valentine’s Day sa iyo, mahal ko! At sa mga magulang ko diyan, ingat po lagi!

***Mabuhay at Happy Valentine's Day***

5. Ako ay si Czarjeff Laban taga Calamba Laguna. Binabati ko ngayon ang mga magulang ko, ang mga kapatid ko at ang mga kaibigan ko diyan sa Pilipinas ng Happy Valentines’ day! Sana sa araw ng mga puso huwag nyong makalimutang batiin ang mga magulang ninyo mga kapatid ninyo at mga mahal ninyo sa buhay, at ipadama ninyo sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng oras at atensyon sa mismong araw ng mga puso. Tatandaan natin lagi na ang pinakamahalagang bagay na maari nating gawin sa mundo ay ang magmahal at ang pag-ibig ay siyang bumubuhay sa ating lahat! Mabuhay ang lahat ng mga Pilipino!

***Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Valentine***

6. Ako po ay si Ray from South Korea. I want to greet my beloved wife, my one and only…. Happy Valentine’s and also to my 2 kids, sana’y marining o mabasa ninyo ito through internet, at sana’y nasa mabuti lagging kalagayan kayo, na wala akong masyadong iniintindi rito, at kung ako naman ay inyong tatanungin, mabuti naman ako. Happy Valentine’s uli sa lahat sa inyo diyan, sa Mommy, sa mga utol ko diyan, at sa lahat ng nag-mamahal sa akin at yung hindi rin nag mamahal! Maligayang kaarawan ng puso sa inyong lahat diyan.

***Happy Valentine's***

7. Message from Lynn:

(Click on small black arrow above to watch the video greetings.)

***Happy Valentine's, mga Kapwang Pinoy***

8. Ako si Gil Jison, taga Anggat,Bulacan. Hi sa ating mga kasamahan diyan, mga kapwa Pilipino, Happy Valentine’s Day!

***Mahal Ko Kayo!***

9. Ako ay si Ana Mercado, taga Pangasinan. Kinakamusta ko lahat ng pamilya ko sa Pilipinas, sa Pangasinan. Sana mabuti kayo, at lagi kayong mag-iingat! Mahal ko kayo! Happy Valentines!

***Happy Valentine's***

10. Ako si Mabel Mayuga, taga Batangas. Binabati ko ang pamilya ko, nanay ko, tatay ko, mga kapatid ko at higit sa lahat ang kaisaisa kong anak, ang pinakamamahal kong anak. Sana magpakabait ka! At huwag matigas ang ulo kina Nanay.

***Happy Valentine's, Jenalyn***

11. Hi sa inyong lahat diyan sa Pilipinas. Ako ay si Angel taga Iloilo, Binabati ko yung anak kong si Jenalyn na kasalukuyan nag-aaral diyan sa Ospital. Sana pag butihin mo yung pag-trabaho mo diyan. At sa mga kapatid ko diyan sa Bulacan, sa Cebu ….Happy Valentine sa inyong lahat!

***Masayang Valentine's Day Sa Inyo***

12. From Emely Abagat

(Click on small black arrow above to watch the video greetings.)

***Mahal Kita, Anak***

13. Hello, kamusta na kayo diyan, pinakamamahal kong kapamilya? Ingat kayo diyan sa Pilipinas. Sa anak ko, mahal na mahal kita. Ako si Karen Alejandrino taga Laguna, Sta. Cruz, sa baby ko, ingat ka palagi! Mahal na mahal kita! Kaya ako nandito, para sa iyo!

***Happy Valentine's***

14. Ako ay si Arnold Mangampat. Happy Valentine sa mga magulang ko na nasa Guam, ang nanay ko ay nasa Pilipinas. Ang ate ko pauwi sa Pilipinas. Sana maligaya kayo sa Pilipinas. Ok pa naman ako rito, hindi pa naman nababaldado! Happy Valentines to all who see this message and God Bless to all!

***Sa Lahat na Nagmamahalan***

15. Ang pangalan ko po ay Orly Tunggala. A native of Cabanatuan City. Dito po sa Korea sa Sangmun. Binabati ko po ang mga minamahal sa buhay, ang nanay at mga kapatid aking mga pamangkin, aking mga anak at siyempre ang aking mahal sa buhay! Binabati ko kayo ng Happy Valentine sa inyong lahat. Sa lahat ng mga nagmamahalan at maging sa lahat na hindi nagmamahalan ay binabati ko kayo ng Maligayang Araw ng mga Puso!

***I Love You, Maureen!***

16. Ako ay si Lorie, taga Tarlac. Binabati ko ang aking mga mahal sa buhay. Happy Valentines po! At sa aking anak na si Maureen, mag-aral ka ng mabuti anak…I love you!!

***Happy Valentine's Day***

17. From Johnny:

(Click on small black arrow above to watch the video greetings.)

***Sa Pinakamamahal kong Pamilya***

18. Ako ay si Arnel Gamosa, taga Quezon province. Kasama ko ang asawa ko rito. Happy Valentines sa anak naming at mga pamilya sa Pilipinas.

***Happy Valentine's at God Bless, Hana Lisa***

19. Ako ay si Arnel ng Batangas, Pascual, Laurel Batangas. Binabati ko ang pamilya ko diyan, ang aking anak na si Hana Lisa at sa inyong lahat Happy Valentines at God Bless!!

***I Love You, My Beloved Family***

20. I’m Roger Ambory, from Batangas City. I want to greet my beloved family, this coming February 14, a Happy Valentine,s Day. I wish I could….anyway Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you….I Love You!

*** Ingat Kayo Please***

21. Ako ay si Mercy Vidallo, taga Bulacan. Binabati ko ang aking mga magulang, mga kapatid, kamag-anak, mga anak, lalong lalo na ang aking mga apo. O mag-ingat kayo ha? Tulad ng lagi ninyong sinasabi sa akin…bawal magkasakit…kayo ganoon din…bawal din mag-kasakit, Sherlly, yung mga anak mo alagaan mong mabuti. Sheryll, Sherwin, Shiela…ingat kayo ha take care of yourself ha? Happy Valentine ha? O sige….I love you!!

***Happy Valentine's Day***

22. Ako ay si Joben at ang aking pamilya ay nasa Pangasinan, sa Urdaneta. Sa aking pamilya, mag-ingat kayong lagi diyan, mahal na mahal ko kayo lahat diyan. Sa itong Valentines, Happy Valentine’s Day sa inyong lahat diyan!

***Happy Valentine's***

23. From Norma de Guzman:

(Click on small black arrow above to watch the video greetings.)

***Kumusta Kayo?***

24. Ako ay si Melanie, galing sa Pasay. Yung anak ko, yung nanay ko, mga kapatid ko, kumusta sa inyong lahat!

***Happy Valentine's at Mabuhay***

25. Ako ay si Martel Wagas. Gusto kong kumustahin ang aking pamilya diyan sa Waho. Happy Valentines at Mabuhya kayong lahat diyan!

***Taos Pusong Happy Valentines!!***

26. Ako ay si Lorna de Mateo nakatira sa Taytay. Binabati ko aking mga magulang, ang aking mga kapatid mga kaibigan, kamaganak. Binabati ko po kayo ng Happy Valentine’s sa darating na Valentine’s Day. Ok naman ako. Binabati ko kayong lahat ng taos pusong Happy Valentine’s Day!

***Gabayan kayo ng Paginoong Diyos***

27. Ako ay si Lily Kabala tiga Bulacan, Happy Valentine’s sa aking mga anak, manugang, sa aking mga apo, sa aking asawa…Happy Valentine! At sa aking ina, sa mga kapatid, hipag at bayaw. Sana gabayan kayo ng Panginoong Diyos sa pang araw araw na pamumuhay, at bigyan kayo ng magandang kalusugan sa araw araw.

***Happy Valentine's***

28. From Rogie Domingo:

(Click on small black arrow above to watch the video greetings.)

***Aking Minamahal***

29. Ako si Mila taga Roxas City Iloilo. Binabati ko ang aking mga mahal sa buhay. Ang aking anak, ang aking nanay, ang aking mga kapatid, binabati ko sila ng Happy Valentine sa darating na Valentine’s day. Nawa’y maging maayos at maging maganda ang kanilang mga kalagayan sa araw-araw. At nawa’y gabayan sila ng Maykapal sa araw araw ng kanilang pamumuhay sa Pilipinas.

***Happy Valentine's***

30. I’m Benny Intem from Sevilla, Bohol. Binabati ko ang aking kamag-anak sa Sevilla, lalong lala na sa Lubog, yung pinsang kong nasa Norway si Fe Banisa, at si Abel at saka si Marian at saka yung mga kaibigan ko dito sa Korea, si Wilma Marapao at saka yung mga kaibigan ko rin sa Inchon, Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m turning 6 years here in Korea at sana matagal pa kami rito, tinitiis namin, ang lamig at saka init. Kaya maraming, maraming salamat sa lahat ng tumutulong sa amin. Binabati ko po ang lahat ng Boholano, especially in our place in Sevilla. Grenigreet ko sa amin ng Happy Valentines to my mother!

***Sarang Hai Yo!***

31. Ako ay si Isidro Akaduroy, binabati ko yung family ko sa Philippines, sa Cebu at Bacolod. Anyo Ha Sae Yo from South Korea, Sarang Hai Yo sa lahat ng kapamilya ko sa company ko at sa family ko sa Negros Occidental: Nay, Tay, Jason, Mida, Mira, Happy Valentine’s to all! God bless you and I love you all!

***We Miss you!!***

32. From Mario:
Happy Valentine's Mama, Papa! Ed magpakabait ka, ok? We miss all of you!

***Sending You My Deepest Love Valentine's Day Kiss***

33. From Yola:
Hi to all my family in the Philippines. I miss everyone of you. To all my sisters and brothers, to all my in laws, friends, relatives, specially to my one and only lovely ISSA....I feel very happy to have you as my very own. More than anything else, I wish I could be with you this coming Valentine's day. But since I can't, I want to take this opportunity to send you my deepest love valentine's day kiss...I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU! Take Care Always!

***Sending you hugs and kisses***

34. From Marimar:
Hello to my loved ones in the Philippines. Happy Valentines Day! Please take care of each other today and everyday. I love you all and miss you all very, very much. It's still cold here but when I think of you, I feel warm all over. Right now I'm giving all of you hugs and kisses and I'm waiting for the day when I can do this in person!

***Mahal Ko Kayong Lahat***

35. From Elly Torres:
Para po sa mga mahal ko sa buhay na nasa Pilipinas, sa aking mga anak, at asawa ganon din sa aking mga kapatid, bayaw, hipag at mga in laws. At sa anak kong naging isang ama na rin, sa bago kong apo, at sa mga kaibigan ko na hanggang sa ngayon ay nakakaalala pa rin sa akin. Binabati ko kayong lahat ng isang Happy happy Valentine sa darating na kaarawan ng mga puso....Ingat sa lahat kong mga anak d'yan...Palagi nyong iisipin na palagi kayong nasa aking alaala at sa aking puso...Mahal ko kayong lahat! Salamat po!

*** To my grandchildren***

36. From Carmela:
Happy Valentine's to my family, especially my grandchildren! Take care and hoping to see you all very soon!

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Magpadala ng Valentine's message sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay. Click here, and we will post it up on this board. Include the email address of your Valentine, and we will inform them to check this board for your important message.

Happy Valentine's sa lahat na OFW at Filipino expats! Mahal namin kayong lahat. God bless you at ang inyong mga minamahal!

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Sinulog Festival: Santo Nino de Cebu

2009-02-06T02:25:00.000-08:00

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Viva Pit Senyor! (Sinulog Fiesta: Santo Nino, Cebu, January 17 & 18, 2009)
Captions below are from the Novena to the Santo Nino.

O Senor Santo Nino, you are our king and our God, we worship you.

You are our strong defender, we turn to you.

You are the patron of Cebu,

the Philippines and the world,
we come to you;

You have made extraordinary wonders through your miraculous image in those chosen islands, remember us.

Look down at this poor soul
that comes to you for help.

The Procession (January 17, 2009):

Lead us with Your wisdom;

discipline us with your truth; console us with your tenderness,

protect us with your might.

(Click small arrow above for pictures of the procession.)

(Click small arrow above to see "Sa Paligid Ng Fiesta".)

The Parade (January 18, 2009):

We consecrate today our thoughts of you,

only with you shall they be occupied; our words, only of you shall they speak;
our sufferings, that we may endure them for your sake.

(Click small arrow above for video of 3 performances.)

(Click arrow above for pictures of Dancers & Watchers.)

We beg you Senor Santo Nino,
illumine our understanding,
kindle our will, cleanse our body,
sanctify our soul.

We wish what you wish, because you wish, as you wish, as long as you wish.

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Ernie Vasquez, Gitaristang Pinoy, Cebu

2009-02-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

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Take a break!

Sit with friends or a loved one.

Grab a drink.

Relax.
("Mag-beer muna tayo!")

Listen to the beautiful music of
Ernie Vasquez, Gitaristang Pinoy
Lobby Lounge, Marco Polo Hotel, Cebu

(Click the arrow above to listen to a kundiman.) ... (Click again on the arrow above for more music.)

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Tell us what you think about this by simply clicking on the word "comments" just below. Ask questions. Click on Magtanong sa Doktor or Magtanong sa Psychologist. Share your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Stay in touch!

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Feast of The Black Nazarene (Quiapo)

2009-01-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

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Viva Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (NPJN)
(Quiapo Church on the Weekend of the Feast of NPJN: January 11, 2009)
Captions below are from the National Hymn for NPJN.

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno,
(Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
Sinasamba ka namin (We worship you)
Pinupintuho ka namin (We admire you)

Aral mo ang aming buhay (Your lessons are our life)

at Kaligtasan (and our salvation).

(Click the above arrow. Sumali sa pagdadasal sa Quiapo)

Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno (Our Father Jesus Nazarene)

Iligtas mo kami sa Kasalanan (Please save us from our sins)

Ang Krus mong Kinamatayan ay
(Your cross from which you died on)

Sagisag ng aming Kaligtasan
(is the sign of our Salvation)

A Filipino Wedding in Korea

2009-01-20T20:46:00.000-08:00

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Rendon & Oplas Nuptial

Rose Oplas (click here to read her story in the OFW page) and Romy Rendon exchanged marriage vows on September 21, 2008. They graciously share here some pictures of this day.

"Haven't you read," that at the beginning the creator made them male and female; and said, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."
Matthew 19:4-6

Candle and Cord Ceremony

Exchange of Vows

The Kiss

Romy and Rose Rendon

With Friends and Sponsors

Cutting the Cake

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Submit your thoughts on this occasion by simply clicking on the word "comments" just below. Submit your own events and happenings. Ask questions. Click on Magtanong sa Doktor or Magtanong sa Psychologist. Share your thoughts, feelings and experiences. Stay in touch!

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Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community: Ginoo at Binibining Kalinangang

2008-11-24T22:11:00.000-08:00

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A Project of the Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community (Korea)

Ginoo at Binibining Kalinangang 2008
(Mr and Miss Filipino Culture 2008)

Israel Antonio (Baguio City) and May Heducos (Bukidnon)

The Hyehwadong Filipino Catholic Community successfully organized the first Ginoo at Binibining Kalinangang 2008 (Mr. and Miss Filipino Culture 2008). It was held October 19, 2008 in Tongsong Auditorium, Seoul, South Korea.

Six ladies and 5 gentlemen competed in the contest, which aimed not only to show their beauty and physical appearance but also to showcase Philippine culture and true Filipino Christian values.

The program started with a Doxology followed by the Philippine National Anthem sung by the Hyehwadong choir.

The candidates danced the Sinulog, a dance ritual in honor of the miraculous image of the Sto. Nino as their production number.

The candidates then introduced themselves to the audience.

The candidates paraded in their regional traditional costumes and the Hanbok, a Korean National dress. They then displayed their talents in singing, dancing and acting. For the evening dress competition, the male contestants wore the Barong Tagalog, while the women wore the Filipiniana. There was a question and answer period, where questions ranged from the ordinary, "Why do you think you deserve the title of Ginoo or Binibining Kalinagang Pilipino?", to the more difficult," What can migrants who are far away from their families do to maintain fidelity to their spouses and families?"

The chairman of the Board of Judges was the Honorable Ambassador Luis T. Cruz, assisted by Mylo Fausto, the Cultural Officer of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Ms. Maricon Ebron, the Tourism attache, Miss Loreta Medina, a free lance writer, Ms. Cathy Garcia from the Korea Times.

Israel Antonio (Baguio City) and May Heducos (Bukidnon) were crowned Ginoo at Binibining Kalinangang 2008. The first runners-up were Mark Brazas and Jenilyn Danting, while Kishore Patrimonio and Sheryl de Villa were the second runners-up. There was also raffle with the first prize of 1 million won going to Celestino Gequinto Jr. Mila Casao won a PAL round trip ticket to the Philippines. Aniceta Alsagon won a colored television and Mhac won a digital camera.
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2008-11-16T19:21:00.000-08:00

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A Book Launching at Power Books (Makati, Philippines)

The Filipino Family Surviving the World
by Dr. Ma. Lourdes Arellano-Carandang
and Dr. Queena N. Lee-Chua

The Filipino family today is facing many changes, within itself and in the larger society. But the family remains the moral center of society where values are learned, and role models, emulated. To rebuild the nation, it is the belief of award winning clinical psychologists, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Arellano-Carandang and Dr. Queena N. Lee-Chua, that we need to start taking care of the family. In their book The Filipino Family Surviving The World, they discuss the impact of these developments on parents, teens and children and suggest ways of coping with changes.

Perhaps the change that has had the most direct impact on the Filipino family today is global migration- the significant increase in the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). This has resulted in changes in the structure and composition of our families. There are now more single-parent families, mother-headed, father-headed, child-headed, blended families and many others.

Dr. Carandang explains affirmation via total listening.

Dr. Carandang, or as she is known by many of her patients, former students and mentees, Tita Honey, tells the story of families currently experiencing the ups and downs of the OFW experience in the section of the book entitled, The Inner Lives of OFW Families. Here are some of those family stories:

Mirasol Family

Romy Sr. and Aurora have five children. The two eldest children are married while the three younger ones, all adolescents, live with them. Romy also has a two-month-old daughter from an extramarital affair.

A year ago, Aurora left to work in Qatar as a reflexologist but ended up as an "all-around". She left to earn money for her children's education. But her departure saddled them with a huge debt, resulting in their having to mortgage their family home.

Romy has to learn how to budget their expenses and to take care of the children's school needs. He works as a tricycle driver until the wee hours of the morning. He says that the work helps him cope with loneliness. He used to drink, but his children didn't approve, so he stopped.

The youngest in the family, 15 year old Romy Jr., echoes the overwhelming sadness felt bu the whole family: "Nawala ang ilaw ng tahanan, nawala 'yung laging nasa bahay, nawala 'yung nag-aalaga ng buhay at 'yung nag-aalaga din sa amin. (The light of the home had gone, the one always at home had gone, the one taking care of the household had gone, and the one taking care of us had gone)."

Romy Jr. says talking to his mother on the cell phone twice a month helps to alleviate the sadness. Activities such as fixing the house and doing the laundry with his siblings, as well as studying, have also helped him cope with his mother's absence.

His passion for singing and solving logic puzzles, and his aspirations to finish school and pass auditions for a national singing competition on TV have helped him rise above feelings of burden and sadness.

The Mirasols hope that Aurora will return home for good. Romy Sr. says nothing good has come out of her leaving. "Parang wala namang magandang nangyari. Lahat kami nangungulila. Wala akong nakitang improvement sa buhay namin (Nothing good seemed to have happened. All of us are orphaned, I haven't seen any improvement in our lives)".

Fernandez Family

Six years ago, Arcadio and Aloha lost their jobs when the restaurant they worked for burned down. Soon after, Aloha left for Singapore to work as a caregiver. Arcadio was reluctant to let his wife leave, but both of them decided that the sacrifice would ensure a better future for their children.

It took Arcadio about two months to adjust to the changes brought about by his wife's departure. He stayed home, did domestic chores such as laundry and cooking, cleaning the house, and even bathing 10-year old Jolo. Arcadio says he had difficulty with Jeralyn, an adolescent with issues regarding body changes and low grades, but their relationship has improved.

It is a plus that the Fernandex couple has a good relationship. Arcadio writes to Aloha every day and she, for her part, calls him daily. They pledge their faithfullness to each other, and respect each other deeply. He is also thankful that his wife has a good employer.

Arcadio is now able to buy what his children require, and has adjusted to the role of mothering his kids. He is attuned to and sensitive to their physical and emotional needs. His children are a source of comfort, and he copes by spending a lot of time bonding with them and observing simple family traditions. His goal is to have the kids finish schooling and his wish is that his wife does not get sick. These two things give him hope and energy to continue despite his wife's absence.

Dr. Carandang's Message to all OFWs: Stay in touch,///Chris Carandang singing his own composition,
and believe in the resilience of your children. ////////"Panibagong Buhay".

The Strength and Resilience of the Children

Despite the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness and hopelessness that is especially felt by the father and some of the children, many of these family members have displayed an admirable resilience, and eventually found coping mechanisms that work for them individually.

Out of the pervasive sadness, it is the children who have been able to draw strength from deep within themselves to look beyond the present situation and imagine a better, happier, more beautiful future when the family will be truly complete.
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Click here to set an appointment with a psychologist/doctor in the Philippines using our website.
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Kapuluan: Philippine Art Show in Korea

2008-10-27T09:29:00.000-07:00

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Kapuluan (Archipelago): Islands of Vision

A Philippine Art Show in Korea

Video 1: The Artwork ---------------------------- Video 2:The Event

The Artists:
Loreta Medina calls on the shamanistic, animistic roots of pre-Hispanic Philippines, finding faces and stories in the bark of trees. William Gaudinez puts together cultural items, such as seashells, gems, animal bones and wood to construct colorful assemblages and wall works. Samuel Penaso uses his abstract paintings to depict the beauty and richness of his place of birth, Bohol. Jimmy Vista features Filipino life in rural settings in his vibrant works, mostly rendered in water color.

The opening ceremony on October 8 featured chanting and poetry reading. On October 14, there will be a lecture on Mangyans and the eight Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups found on Mindoro Island.

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1 comments:

pieces said...: Ang galing talaga ng pinoy!May pambihirang kakayahan at talento.Lalo na ang mga ipinakita ng mga artist na ito.....Talagang maipagmamalaki natin sa buong mundo.sana marami pang mga pinoy na magpakita ng kanilang natatanging kakayahan at talento.....At tangkilikin natin at suportahan natin ang sariling atin!more power po sa mga artist na ito............Mabuhay philippines!!!!!!; October 16, 2008 4:19 AM

Viva La Virgen!

2008-10-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

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Our Lady of Penafrancia Fiesta 2008, Naga City

Watch & Pray
The Procession of Our Lady of Penafrancia
(click above to link to first video on YouTube)

Divino Rostro:........................................Waiting for the Start:

Devotees still lined up around Naga Cathedral
at midnight to venerate Our Lady:

For more pictures of Ina (Our Lady) including the Fluvial procession,
click here.

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Submit your thoughts on these videos and pictures by simply clicking on the word "comments" just below. Stay in touch!

Hindi ka nagiisa... One. Filipino. Never Alone.
Click to return to main website: www.ofwparasapamilya.com
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1 comments:

Yola said...: Ang ganda ganda ng OUR LADY OF PENAFRANCIA,talaga pong magpahanggang ngayon ay naroon pa rin ang mga taong nanampalataya sa mga ganitong kaarawan ng ating mga debuhong Berhen....Kahanga hanga talaga ang kanilang pananampalataya.At mukhang mga antik na po ang mga statue ng ating mahal na poon. Nagagalak po sana akong makarating sa Lugar na yan.; October 24, 2008 5:33 AM