This Day in History: Birth of the Philippine Republic

Opening of the Malolos Congress

  On the sunny morning of January 23, 1899, the First Philippine Republic, popularly known as the Malolos Republic, was inaugurated amidst colorful ceremonies at the Barasoain Church. This was also the first republic in Asia. The Malolos Constitution, which established the Malolos Republic states that the people have exclusive sovereignty. It states basic civil rights, separated the church from the state, and called for the creation of an Assembly of Representatives which would act as the legislature. It also calls for a presidential form of government with the president elected for a term of four years by a majority of the Assembly

Your Personality According to Chinese Zodiac

     The Chinese Zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao in Chinese, is based on a twelve year cycle, each year in that cycle is related to an animal sign and represents different types of personality. The Chinese zodiac is calculated according to Chinese lunar calendar.

     It is important to know your animal sign and its corresponding personality traits because once you are aware of it, you can begin to enhance your positive qualities and change your negative ones. This is important for harmonious relationships and good chi.

Feast of the Black Nazarene: Is it Faith or Fanaticism?

The Black Nazarene or the Mahal na Itim na Nazareno is a life sized, dark wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ carrying a cross believed to be miraculous by many Filipino Catholics. The statue has been housed at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Manila. Originally with fair complexion, it turned dark after it survived a burning ship on its arrival from Mexico in 1607.

Though the image was burnt, the people decided to preserve and honor it. Since then, miraculous things have been reported. The Feast of the Black Nazarene is celebrated every 9^th of January. It is considered one of the biggest religious events in the country. Every year thousands of devotees from all walks of life come to Quiapo to take part in the procession as a way of strengthening their faith or fulfilling their “panata”.

Different Ways in Cooking Sinigang

     Sinigang is a Philippine dish consisting of meat or seafood and vegetables simmered in a sour broth, often with a base of rice washing (water used to rinse rice). The sour soup goes well with rice, the staple food of all Filipinos. Sinigang is traditionally tamarind based. Other versions of the dish derive their sourness from ingredients such as guava, calamansi, kamias, or raw mango among others. If you’re tired of the classic sinigang in tamarind, you may try these recipes to suit your taste buds.

Viva Santo Nino!

Sto Nino de Cebu

     The Sto. Niño is a representation of the Child Jesus which literally means “holy child.” Filipinos, being largely Roman Catholics, venerate and are faithful devotees of the Sto. Niño. Many feasts are offered in honor of the Child Jesus and are celebrated every third Sunday of January.

      The devotion to the Sto. Niño is a mark left by the Spaniards when they assumed power over the Philippines. Ferdinand Magellan's arrival in Cebu shores gave birth to what is now an active religious tradition in the Philippines – a wooden image of the Sto. Niño was given as a gift to Hara Amihan (Queen Juana), wife of Rajah Humabon (King Carlos) – the two with their people were later baptized into the Catholic faith.

     Various provinces in the Philippines have their colorful and grandeur fiestas in honor of the Sto Nino. Some of them are listed below:

Cheesy Pinoy Pick-Up Lines

    

     Are you in love? Or you just want to make somebody smile? You can throw a punch line or break the ice using pick up lines. Pick up line is a conversation opener to engage an unfamiliar person for romance or dating, but nowadays pick up lines are used for funny group discussions. They have become more popular in sites, social media networks, SMS and even in movies.

Celebrating New Year Pinoy Way

     Bisperas ng Bagong Taon or New Year’s Eve is a much anticipated celebration in the Philippines; it is also one of the noisiest time of the year. There are a lot of traditions that Filipinos follow in the belief of ushering in a prosperous New Year. Some of these traditions may be old. Some are based on superstitious beliefs. And still others are based on pure positive thinking.

Filipinos continue to use fireworks despite the injuries and accidents because of the belief that the noise and the smoke will drive away bad spirits

It's More Fun in the Philippines

      

      The Department of Tourism launched its new slogan to attract visitors to our country with the line “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.  Before "Pilipinas Kay Ganda," the country had the more popular "WoW Philippines" catch phrase as its tourism slogan. The long-awaited tagline was developed by BBDO Guerrero which was personally supervised by DOT Secretary Jimenez and approved by the President and members of the cabinet.

Philippine Holidays for 2012

   

  Malacańang recently unveiled to the public, through the President Proclamation No. 295, the list of Philippine Holidays for the calendar year 2012. You may use this as a guide in planning for your next travel.

Popular New Year's Resolutions

    New Year is the only holiday that celebrates the passage of time. That is why, as the final seconds of the year tick away, we become reflective. From reflection, it turns to thoughts of self-improvement and thus the making of resolutions.