Everything Pinoy: 2012

In 1993, UNESCO inaugurated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day, a day to celebrate teachers and the central role they play in guiding children, youths and adults through their life-long learning process. To contribute to the growth and development of the teaching profession in the country, a Teachers’ Month Campaign was conceived in July 2008 by the Metrobank Foundation Inc, De La Salle Philippines, Philippines Business for Education and Campaign for Social Response, with the special participation of the Department of Education and the support of key business institutions and major media partners.

The initiatives and successes of the Teachers’ Month Campaign since 2008 were solidified when President Benigno S. Aquino III signed the Proclamation No. 242 on August 24, 2011 declaring the period from September 5 to October 5 of every year as the “National Teachers’ Month”. The theme of this year’s celebration is “My Teacher, My Hero”. The President emphasized the need to generate public awareness and support for World Teachers’ Month in the Philippines. The occasion can be used to celebrate the unique role and service that teachers play in guiding families, strengthening communities and building the nation, he added.

Richest Pinoy

Forbes Magazine has just released its 2012 list of the 40 Richest People in the Philippines. SM tycoon Henry Sy retained his spot as the country’s richest person with an impressive net worth of $9.1 billion. There are also newcomers: Lucio and Susan Co of Puregold and civil engineer Michael Cosiquien of Megawide Construction. Two from 2011 missed this year’s $140 million cut off: Luis Virata of Nickel Asia and media tycoon Eugenio Lopez Jr.

Here is the complete list of 2012 Forbes 40 Richest People in the Philippines

Our Lady of Piat

The feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is celebrated every third Sunday of September in Naga City. Bicolanos and pilgrims from different parts of the country flock to Naga City to pay honor to The Virgin of Peñafrancia, the miraculous patroness of the Bicol Region. The festival is a one-week affair which starts with the transfer of the image of “Ina” from her shrine to the centuries old Naga Metropolitan Cathedral where a nine-day novena and prayers are held in her honor. On the last day, the image is returned to her shrine following the Naga River route. The colorful fluvial procession is lit by thousands of candles from devotees in boats escorting the image. When the flatboat reaches its destination, the devotees shout “Viva la Virgen” and the image is carried back in procession to the cathedral.

GenSan's Tuna Festival

The Tuna Festival in General Santos City is an annual week-long festival celebrated during the first week of September highlighting the significant role of the tuna industry in the province as its primary source of income.

The Tuna Festival started as a spontaneous event organized by the city’s tourism association back in 1998. The tourism association staged an event that showcased gastronomical tuna cuisine through culinary competitions and exhibits. From this spontaneous idea came the annual celebration of the Tuna Festival.

Buwan ng Wika

This August, we celebrate the Buwan ng Wika with the theme “Tatag ng Wikang Filipino, Lakas ng Pagka-Pilipino”. Education Secretary Armin Luistro are closely coordinating with the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino in promoting the national language. “Our national language defines us as a nation” said Luistro. He also emphasized the importance of our national language for communication, understanding, unity and progress of our country.

This Day in History: The Assassination of Senator Ninoy Aquino

Ninoy Aquino Day is a non-working holiday in the Philippines observed annually on August 21 commemorating the anniversary of the assassination of one of the greatest Filipino icon of our times, the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.. Ninoy was the husband of Corazon Aquino, the 11^th president of the Philippines. The two are treated as heroes of democracy in the country.

Kadayawan sa Dabaw

Kadayawan Festival is a celebration of good harvest that is being celebrated every 3^rd week of August in the city of Davao. It is derived from the mandaya word “kadayawan” which means anything that brings fortune, a celebration of life, thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, wealth of culture, bounties of harvest and serenity of living

It was said that long time ago, Davao’s ethnic tribes residing at the foot of Mt. Apo would converge during a bountiful harvest. This ritual serves as their thanksgiving to the gods especially to Bathala.

the icons of Davao: Philippine Eagle, Mt. Apo, Durian and Waling-Waling

Typhoon Reminders

Our country is experiencing at least 20 typhoons in a year that is why it is important to prepare for natural calamities. We often don’t know when the disaster will strike, so it is always to keep your survival kit handy and keep the important telephone numbers in case of emergency.

Last August our country experienced again an intense flooding in Metro Manila and in some provinces in Central Luzon. The rain and flooding wasn’t really caused by a storm but due to a monsoon that was intensified by a storm outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. This phenomenon is extraordinary that is why many of us are kept unaware

During the torrential rain, many infographic reminders went viral in the internet. I have compiled some of them so that we will know what to do before, during and after a disaster.

Comedy King Rodolfo “Dolphy” Vera Quizon died on July 10, 2012 after a four year battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He died at the age of 83. A statement from Makati Medical Center revealed the exact cause of his death. “We would like to inform the public that Mr. Rodolfo ‘Dolphy’ Quizon passed away today at 8:43 pm due to multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute renal failure”.

Following Dolphy’s death, fans and friends of the actor flooded the internet with condolence messages. President Benigno Aquino III also declared July 13, 2012 as “National Day of Remembrance” in honor of Dolphy’s contributions to the Philippine showbiz industry.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines or UAAP was established in 1938. It is composed of eight universities in the Philippines. Each year, teams from these member schools play in 15 different sports which include basketball, women’s volleyball, baseball, football, swimming, track and field, relays, tennis and soccer.

The member universities are the University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, National University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Adamson University and University of the East.

re-enactment of blood compact between
Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legazpi

The Sandugo Festival also known as the Blood Compact Commemoration is a month long celebration every July in the city of Bohol to commemorate the Sandugo or the signing of a treaty of friendship between a local Philippine leader Datu Sikatuna with the Spanish king conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. The Sandugo treaty is called a blood compact because the participants each drink a small amount of the other’s blood. This was a traditional way to formalize treaties of friendship in the country. It was the first international treaty of friendship and comity between the Filipinos and the Spaniards.

Many tourists from around the country gather for this special event which involves colorful costumes, loud drum beats, street parades, church services, fireworks, beauty pageants, cockfighting and sport tournaments. The most awaited part of the whole festival is the reenactment of the blood compact which features actors, singers and dancers. This is done to make people remember the origin of the cause of their celebration.

The United States of America conquered the moon when Neil Armstrong took its first human step on it but the Philippines conquered the Universe when Ms. Gloria Diaz bagged the Miss Universe title on July 21, 1969 in Miami Beach Florida, USA. She was the first Filipina to win the title and third Asian to do so. With her natural charm and wit, she confidently answered the final question on how to entertain the first man from the moon if he landed in her hometown. Her immediate response was, “Oh! Uh, just the same I do. I think if he has been in the moon for so long, I think when he comes over he wants to change, I guess”

Our Lady of Piat

The Sambali Festival is being held every July 1 and 2 annually in Piat, Cagayan. The said festival is a religious and cultural revival to commemorate the Christianization of the Itawis region of Cagayan. During the 16^th century when the Spaniards set foot in Cagayan, they found out that the Itawis town, particularly Piat was inhabited by an aggressive Kalong sub-ethnic group that originated from the mountains of Kalinga Apayao. The Spaniards tried to convert them to the Catholic faith, but they failed and it led to war. However, the Spaniards did not give up. In 1604, the image of Our Lady of Piat, which was originally known as “Nuestra Senora del Santissimo Rosario” was brought to Cagayan from Macau and made numerous miracles. Because of this, the people of Piat were gradually converted to Christianity.

Popular Pinoy Soup

Summer is over and the cold rainy season is here. It’s time to indulge on some warm soups and dishes that will surely satisfy your cravings and warm your belly. Forget the ice cream, smoothies and all other summer comfort foods because we deliver to you some of the Filipino popular foods that are best eaten during the rainy season of the year.

ARROZCALDO

Ingredients:

1 kilo chicken; cut in small pieces

1 cup uncooked malagkit or plain rice or combination

1 small onion; chopped

4 cloves garlic; chopped

1 root ginger; sliced

Fish sauce

Cooking oil

Salt to taste

1 tbsp minced fried garloc

1 tbsp green onions

Larong Pinoy

A few decades ago, kids used to gather in the streets or in the neighborhood playground to play their favorite Larong Pinoy. It is an important part of growing up; it also teaches camaraderie and sportsmanship. Some games are physically challenging, some are intellectually stimulating. Traditional Filipino street games are commonly played using native materials but since there is a limited resource of toys, Filipino children usually come up on inventing games without the need of anything but the players themselves.

With the increasing popularity of western sports activities like basketball and volleyball and the emergence of high tech gadgets, children playing traditional street games gradually reduced. If only we could revive it and maintain it, children of today can reap the benefits of playing these games - a positive influence on our physical, mental and emotional well being.

According to Magna Kultura Foundation, Larong Pinoy fosters appreciation of national culture especially the new generation. Through play, children can experience the Filipino spirit and in fun way, it instills patriotism.

The following are popular Filipino Games we used to play growing up:

1. Chinese Garter – two people hold both ends of a stretched garter while the other attempt to cross over it. The goal is to cross without having tripped on the garter

The Pintados Festival is a cultural-religious festivity celebrated annually on the 29^th of June in Tacloban, Leyte. The festival is based on the traditions of the ancient tattooed “pintados” warriors and in honor of Sr. Sto. Niño.

The Pintados Festival recalls the pre-Hispanic history of the native Leytenos and showcases the cultural heritage of the people of Leyte by incorporating native music and dances. The word “pintados” refers to the body tattoos of the native warriors which represented courage and beauty.

When the Spaniards came to Visayas in 1668, they found heavily tattooed men and women whom they called Pintados. In the 17^th century, the friars banned the use of tattoos branding the practice as savage and evil. In 1888, the missionaries from Spain brought the image of the Child Jesus that was known as El Capitan to the island. The Leyte natives were drawn to the story of the Child Jesus and became devotees and worshipers of El Capitan.

Parada ng Lechon

The Parada ng Lechon is celebrated annually every 24th of June in Balayan, Batangas. This festival commemorates the feast day of St. John the Baptist and is celebrated by a procession of roasted pigs or lechon.

During the event, a mass is held at the Immaculate Conception Church. After the mass, the participating lechons are lined up at the church patio, the parade then proceeds after the blessing of the roasted pigs in St. John’s name. In this festival, one can witness a hilarious sight when the roast pigs are dressed according to the theme of participating organizations. Some of the lechons are dressed in wigs, sunglasses, clothes and whatever the decorators want. While the parade passes by the streets, bystanders will drench the participants with water. They are even free to take a piece of lechon while on parade.

Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao also known as Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is a Filipino boxing superstar that was named Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America. He is the first 8-division world champion as well as the first to win the lineal championship in 4 different weight classes. He is also a three time The Ring and BWAA Fighter of the Year winning the award in 2006, 2008 and 2009. He was long rated as the Best Pound for Pound Boxer in the world by some sporting news and boxing websites including BoxRec.com, Sporting Life and The Ring Magazine. Pacquiao has a record of 54 wins, 4 losses and 2 draws with 38 wins coming by a knockout. He was ranked 22^nd in the 3^rd annual Time Magazine’s 100 poll for the World’s Most Influential Person. He also ranked 2^nd in the Forbes Magazine list of World's Highest Paid Athletes for earning $62 million between June 2011 to June 2012.

Aguilando Shrime in Kawit Cavite

One of the most important events in the Philippines is the Independence Day. Observed every June 12, it commemorates the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain in June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite. With the public reading of the Act of Declaration of Independence, Filipino revolutionary forces under Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the Philippines from the colonial rule of Spain.

This Day in History: Mt. Pinatubo, the Aftermath

Mt. Pinatubo lies at the intersection of the borders of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. Before the volcanic activities in 1991, its eruptive history was unknown to most people. It was covered with dense forest which supported a population of several thousand indigenous people, the Aetas.

Top 10 In Demand College Courses

A college degree is important if you want to pursue a successful career. While the cost of college education is increasing every year, finding a high-paying job is equally hard because of the stiff competition. So choosing a course in college needs time and deliberation, here’s the top 10 in demand college courses you may want to consider.

Typhoon Names in 2012

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration or PAGASA already presented the list of names of the typhoons that will hit the Philippine Area of Responsibility this 2012. The names of the typhoons are arranged alphabetically as it happens after the other. Since its June and the start of the rainy season, we are expecting a wet 2012 considering that an average of 20 storms visit the country every year.

AMBO	NINA
BUTCHOY	OFEL
COSME	PABLO
DINDO	QUINTA
ENTENG	ROLLY
FRANK	SIONY
GENER	TONYO
HELEN	UNDING
IGME	VIOLETA
JULIAN	WINNIE
KAREN	YOYONG
LAWIN	ZOSIMO
MARCE

The Department of Education is all set up for the opening of school year 2012-2013 in public elementary and secondary schools nationwide on Monday, June 4. The opening of classes will also start the pilot implementation of the K-12 Basic Education Program. Of the 21.49 million enrollees this year, 5.76 million are secondary, 14 million are elementary and 1.73 million are kindergarten. They will be accommodated by over 45,000 public schools nationwide.

This Day in History: Philippine National Flag Days

The celebration of Philippine Flag Days starts on May 28 and lasts until June 12. It commemorates the Battle of Alapan on May 28, 1898 when the flag was first carried in an uprising led by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Imus, Cavite. The event culminates on June 12, commemorating the proclamation of Philippine independence in Kawit, Cavite when the flag was first waved.

Filipinos like to celebrate fiestas. In fact they are commemorated all year round most especially during May. May is the merriest month of the year. It is the season of colorful festivals and Flores de Mayo is one such festival. Flores de Mayo is a catholic festival held during the whole month of May in the Philippines. It is celebrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The name is derived from the Spanish word “flores” which means flowers. It is believed that Flores de Mayo originated back in 1865 from the town of Malolos in Bulacan. During the last days of May, when rain begins to pour after a long period of dry spell, flowers magically bloom. Because of gratitude for the beneficial rains, the people gather the flowers and decorate the church altar. They would also make novenas and floral offerings to the Virgin Mary.

First there were Camille Velasco and Jasmin Trias on Season 3. Then, Ramiele Malubay in Season 7 and Thia Megia in Season 10. And now, another contestant with filipino blood is making the country proud, the 16-year old power belter, Jessica Sanchez.

Mayon Volcano

Magayon Festival is an annual festival during the month of May in Albay that relieves the legend of Mayon Volcano. The festival derived its name from Magayon, a bicolano word which means beautiful. The celebration is also held in honor of Nuestra Senora La Porteria, Daraga’s patron saint. The Legend of Mount Mayon that has been the center of the celebration of the Magayon Festival is about the tragic love story of Daragang Magayon, the most beautiful woman in Bicol and a tagalog warrior, Pangaronon. Their tragic love affair was believed to cause the mounting of Mount Mayon.

Brigada Eskwela also known as the Bayanihan sa Paaralan is a nationwide voluntary effort of teachers, parents, students, community members and other organizations to do minor repairs and clean-ups on their school in preparation for the start of the school year. This week long event began in 2003 as part of the Oplan Balik Eskwela Program of the Department of Education. It encourages volunteers to give out their time, effort and even donate construction materials such as paint, cement, lumber and other materials which could be used for minor repairs and building.

procession of the 3 patron saints with
thousands of spectators and participants

Obando Fertility Dance is an annual 3-day festival celebrated during the month of May in Obando, Bulacan. The Fertility Dance is a Filipino dance ritual. It was then called “Kasilonawan” it was headed by a “katalonan” or the high priestess. This ancient fertility ritual was very important to the early Filipino women because fertility is equal to her worth.

When the Franciscan missionaries arrived in the Philippines, they introduced the saints Sta Clara, San Pascual and Nuestra Senora de Salambao to substitute their traditional pagan gods.

Pahiyas Festival

Pahiyas Festival is a colorful feast celebrated every 15^th day of May by the people of Lucban Quezon in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. The festival’s name came from the term hiyas (jewel) and pahiyas (precious offering). The feast is an ancient farmer’s harvest celebration that date backs to the 16^th century. It is their way of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

kiping adorn the house facade

The Carabao Festival is celebrated on the feast day of San Isidro Labrador, the farmer’s patron saint from May 15 to 16 as a tribute to the water buffaloes or carabaos in the farming towns of San Isidro Nueva Ecija, Pulilan Bulacan and Angono Rizal.

Funny Pinoy Business Names

Filipinos are known to be a happy people. Our comical attitude reflects even in the word play of business establishments that are based on western names and personalities. Here are some of the names that are not only funny but also a creative way in naming business establishments.

1. Parlor in San Juan is named "Cut & Face"
2. Wholesaler of balut in Sto.Tomas, Batangas: "Starducks"
3. Fast food eatery in Nueva Ecija: "Violybee"
4. Internet cafe in Tondo named "Cafe Pindot"
5. In Manila , there's a laundry named, "Summa Cum Laundry"
6. Petshop in Ortigas: "Pussies and Bitches".
7. A pet shop in Kamuning: "Pakita Mo Pet Mo"
8. Bakery in Cavite: "Bread Pit".
9. Bank in Alabang: "Alabank".
10. Restaurant in Pampanga named, "Mekeni Rogers"
11. Restaurant in Pasig : "Johnny's Fried Chicken: The 'Fried' of Marikina".
12. A boxing gym in Batangas: "Blow Jab"
13. A tombstone maker in Antipolo: "Lito Lapida"

Labor Day or Araw ng Manggagawa is a non-working holiday celebrated on May 1 of every year in the Philippines. It was started in the US in 1884. In the Philippines, it was first celebrated in 1903 when the country was still under the American rule. Ten years after, the Congreso Obrero de Filipinos fought for important labor laws that we are enjoying at the present time such as the 8-hour working day, the abolition of child labor, just labor standards for women and liability of capitalists. Since then, Labor Day in the Philippines has been commemorated not only with parades and celebration but also with rallies and demonstrations of the labor sector.

El Nido is a magical place. Here you can find beautiful lagoons, caves that need to be explored and a very diverse variety of wildlife. From its towering marble cliffs to its white sand beaches with crystal clear waters, it is truly the Philippine’s last frontier.

Alona Beach is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is a beautiful, well developed one and a half kilometer stretch of fine, white sand. Surrounded by tall, swaying palm trees and the azure waters, it is truly a tropical paradise!

WHAT TO DO IN ALONA BEACH

1. Diving – Bohol is a haven for diving enthusiasts. The diving spots here are mostly coral rich sites flourishing with various marine life. Notable dive spots are the Black Forest in Balicasag and Diver’s Heaven, southwest of Panglao

Boracay is considered as the world's second best beach. A lot of tourists from different countries visit Boracay not only for it's world renowned white beach but also for the leisure activities one can do in this island paradise.

WHAT TO DO IN BORACAY

1. Island Hopping – when you’re in Boracay you should know that it is not the only island you can visit. Nearby islands such as Crocodile island, Puka Beach and Panoly Beach are similarly rich in sights and wonders that will take you closer to nature

A New Wave in Waterparks

With the hot and humid weather in the Philippines, one can conclude that there are only two seasons in the country: hot and hotter. But don’t worry, there are a lot of water parks and resorts nearby offering not just only lap pools but pools producing different kinds of waves, a feature increasing in popularity in water parks and resorts. So you will feel the fun in the beach in the comfort of a swimming pool.

8 WAVES WATERPARK

Amusement and Theme Parks Near the Metro

If you don't want to go to the beach this summer, you may opt to visit amusement parks or museums. It's still a great way of having fun with family and friends. Here's a list of theme parks to choose from just a few hours drive from the Metro.

ENCHANTED KINGDOM

Location: Is a theme park at San Lorenzo South, Balibago, Sta Rosa Laguna, a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

Attractions: Grand Carousel, Jungle Log Jam, Space Shuttle Max, Rialto Theater, Flying Fiesta, Rio Grande Rapids, Anchor’s Away, EKstreme Tower Ride, etc.

Contact Information: new.enchantedkingdom.ph

This is it! Pansit!

Pansit is a popular stir fried noodle dish in the Philippines. Noodles were introduced by the Chinese and have been adopted into our local cuisine. The term pansit is derived from the Hokkien word pian i sit which literally means something conveniently cooked fast. It is very popular in the Philippines that it is always served during birthdays because according to tradition noodles represent long life and good health. There are as many variations of pansit as there are provinces in the Philippines. Here are some of them:

Atay Con Misua (Binondo)

Chami (Binondo)

Chamisua (Binondo)

La Paz Batchoy (Iloilo) – a noodle soup made with pork organs, crushed chicharon, chicken stock and round noodles

Lobihon (Binondo)

Lomi (Batangas) - made of egg noodles in soupy sauce, topped with sliced fish balls, crab meat, shrimp balls, green peas, carrots and cabbage

Funny Pinoy Signs

Filipinos are one of the happiest people in the world according to the 2009 Happy Planet Index. We can find happiness in almost every situation, even in simple things around us. If you are a balikbayan, you know you are already here in the Philippines if you spot a bakery named Bread Pitt or a Barber shop named Felix the Cut. Here are more funny photos and sign boards that have spread viral in the internet compiled in a slideshow. Hope you enjoy watching!

This Day in History: Araw ng Kagitingan

Araw ng Kagitingan is a national holiday in the Philippines which fall annually on April 9. It commemorates the heroism of Filipino soldiers during the World War II. At the dawn of April 9, 1942, after a month of defending against the Japanese invaders, exhausted and lacking in food and medicine, Major General Edward King Jr, head of the commanding force in Luzon surrendered more than 76,000 Filipino, Chinese and American soldiers to Lieutenant Masaharu Homma. This was known as the Fall of Bataan. The soldiers were forced to take a 90-mile march to Camp ‘O Donnell. Thousands of soldiers died during the hike (also known as the Bataan Death March) due to starvation, dehydration, exhaustion and diseases before they could reach the camp.

Observing the Lenten Season Pinoy Way

Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, as such, the observance of Holy Week or Mahal na Araw is an important religious event. Here are some of the practices of Filipinos during the Lenten Season.

Ash Wednesday – it marks the first day of Lent which begins 40 days prior to Easter. Masses are held and the priest marks the forehead of the faithful with black ashes in the sign of the cross, while saying “Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return”

Moriones Festival is an annual religious festival held during Holy Week in the Island of Marinduque. Morion means “mask”, a part of the medieval roman armor which covers the face. Moriones on the other hand refers to the masked and costumed penitents who march around the town for seven days searching for Longinus. This week long celebration starts on Holy Monday and culminates on Easter Sunday when the story of Longinus is re-enacted in pantomime.

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