World Teachers' Day
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
Here is the complete list of 2012 Forbes 40 Richest People in the
Philippines
Peñafrancia Festival of Naga
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| 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 11th 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 3rd
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.
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| 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.
King of Comedy died at 83
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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.
UAAP Season 75
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.
Sandugo Festival
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| 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.
This Day in History: Gloria Diaz conquered the Universe
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”Sambali Festival and Our Lady of Piat
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| 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 16th
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
Pintados Festival
The Pintados Festival is a cultural-religious festivity celebrated
annually on the 29th 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 17th
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.
Manny Pacquiao: Pambansang Kamao
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 22nd in the 3rd annual Time
Magazine’s 100 poll for the World’s Most
Influential Person. He also ranked 2nd in the Forbes Magazine
list of World's Highest Paid Athletes
for earning $62 million between June 2011 to June 2012.
This Day in History: 114th Independence Day
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| 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.
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AMBO
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NINA
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BUTCHOY
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OFEL
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COSME
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PABLO
|
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DINDO
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QUINTA
|
|
ENTENG
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ROLLY
|
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FRANK
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SIONY
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GENER
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TONYO
|
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HELEN
|
UNDING
|
|
IGME
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VIOLETA
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JULIAN
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WINNIE
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KAREN
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YOYONG
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LAWIN
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ZOSIMO
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MARCE
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Balik Eskwela 2012
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.
Flores de Mayo
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.
Jessica Sanchez is our American Idol
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.
Magayon Festival
 |
| 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
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.
Obando's Fertility Dance
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| 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 15th 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 16th century. It is their way of thanksgiving for a bountiful
harvest.
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| kiping adorn the house facade |
Carabao Festival
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"
This Day in History: Araw ng Manggagawa
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.
Enchanting El Nido
Alona Beach in Panglao
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 PanglaoBoracay! You Sexy Beach!
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
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.
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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.
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
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.
Moriones Festival
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.