With only over two weeks to go before the much-awaited holiday of Christmas, already it looks like Christmas all over town, with the lighted parols and belens along the streets proclaiming the celebrations, initially, of Pasko sa V. Rama, and now, Pasko sa Colon and Pasko sa Osmeña Boulevard. These should help offset the current disturbing political strife and surfacing investigations of malfeasance in local and national government. So for this week, we look back in Philippine history to a couple of literally earth-shaking events, of which, surprisingly, as I started writing this yesterday, no mention has been made by our normally watchful media.
The day before yesterday, Dec. 7th in 1941, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, now observed in the U. S. as Remembrance Day. For those of us who remember that far back, it was a distant geographical news event. Until the Japanese occupied the Philippines the next day, Dec. 8th, signalling for us the start of our involvement in World War II. And it was only after the States dropped that memorable atom bomb on Hiroshima that the Japanese were eventually defeated, World War II ended, the States granted us our independence on July 4, 1946, and the Republic of the Philippines was established.
Dec. 8th, yesterday, was significantly, especially for our predominantly Catholic nation, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holiday of obligation for Catholics.
While we observe the significance of dates, and in anticipation of Christmas, last Dec. 7th was the Feast of St. Nicholas. He was a 4th-century bishop in Asia Minor, is a patron saint of Russia, revered as a protector of children, who secretly gave to others, and was a helper to those in need. He is a prototype of the children’s Santa Claus who is supposed to come down the chimney on Christmas Eve when everyone is asleep, to fill the stockings the children have hung out for him, for them to discover when they awake on Christmas Day. I suppose his riding a sleigh drawn by reindeer as they come in through the snow from the North Pole completes the children’s concept of Santa (Ho! Ho! Ho!) Claus. While the evergreen Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and lights (topped with a star and hung with Christmas gifts) is an American practice from the mid-1700s.
Hmm-mmm… we Filipinos have added the belen either under or beside near the tree.
Which leads us on to the subject of Christmas parties now cropping up all over town. The first I attended was the traditional Aboitiz annual Christmas party for media held Friday last week, Dec. 2nd, at the newly opened Harolds Hotel. After the opening welcome message from President and CEO Eramon Aboitiz of the Aboitiz Group of Companies, dinner followed and a video showing Aboitiz’s involvements. This year there was Trivia Night emceed by Carol Go and Sam Constanilla. There were guessing games galore for media, supposed to be in on news in entertainment, the theater, movies, music, and even in math, Philippine and Asian history with some questions on Greek mythology and some answers to be written in Roman numerals!
Then topping the program was a Recycled Runway show featuring the informal, to mod to formal getup, but with a difference: all in recycled stuff, the formal evening gown in plastic cut from like black plastic garbage bags, pants and jacket from white rice bag containers printed with red trademark names, many jackets and short pants from woven plastic material in color, and for the current rain weather, an umbrella of vari-colored woven plastic bag material… all strutted in light flippancy! The much awaited raffle of many gifts at the end were climaxed with three main and three secondary gift prizes. The first gift prize everyone was eyeing was a small refrigerator filled with groceries and food products. This Bystander, often never a winner at raffles, got the second prize, also of groceries and food products. But some years ago, I won a Samsung TV. Well, some years are lucky, while some years are not, I supposed.
Then last Saturday, Dec. 3rd, I attended an On-the-Spot Children’s Painting Contest held at and hosted by Montebello Villa Hotel in partnership with Cebu Artists, Inc.(CAI). It was participated in by children aged 4 to 6, submitting 40 entries in various art media, from nine participating schools on the theme “Christmas in Philippines.”
Entries were judged with 50 percent for visual impact; 30 percent for composition; and 20 percent for relevance for relevance to the theme. Judges were Gregorio Borromeo Cancio Jr., president and GM of Montebello; Rosebud Sala, art collector and connoisseur; Guido Lubango, Remy Rault, and Celso Duazo Pepito, all CAI members; and Artist Sonia Yrastorza, CAI president. All winners portrayed the elements of Christmas in the Philippines: the nativity, the three magi, and the star that led them to the manger.
The musical program held before the announcement and awarding of winners featured a striking hand mime of “The Prayer” performed with lights out by dark-costumed members of SOS Children’s Village, with only their glowing luminescent hands performing.
Winners proclaimed at the main lobby by the Christmas tree were: first prize to 10-year-old Therese Martinez of the University of San Carlos-BED-SC, second prize to 12-year-old Koreen Rodriguez and third prize to Raili Ann Kapuno of St. Theresa’s College. Consolation prizes were won by 12-year-old Katrina Veloso of Bright Academy, 12-year-old Dave Padilla of Zapatera Elementary School and 11-year-old Kris Castanares of Golden Gate Children’s House.
Two other events, the San Miguel Christmas Party for Media held at the Cafe Laguna, and our monthly meeting of Curta (Cebu United Radio and TV Artists ((CURTA) Inc. will be in my report next week.
Till then, as always, may God continue to bless us, one and all!
Christmas in Philippines
Showing posts with label Christmas in Philippines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas in Philippines. Show all posts
Friday, December 9, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Still zero for Aquino’s love life on Christmas
Unless a miracle happens, President Benigno Aquino III will remain loveless and car-less during the Yuletide season.At the Christmas Party of the Bulong Pulungan forum Tuesday at Sofitel in Pasay City, Mr. Aquino resorted to humor in fielding questions about his love life.
One journalist tried to ask about the state of President Aquino’s love life in a subtle way.
“I will not talk about your love life but I have a question about Coke, is it still zero?’’ asked columnist Donny Ramirez, eliciting laughter from the audience.
“Is that the question?’’ a laughing President said, apparently not clueless as to the real meaning of the query.
“What I drink is regular,’’ he replied, but added: “The reference to Coke zero is still the same.
President Aquino had earlier likened his love life to “Coke zero,’’ in reference to the variant of a soft drink brand that contains no sugar.
Another told the President she would ask him about his love life but requested Mr. Aquino to talk about poverty first.
“Somehow, they’re interrelated,” he said.
Christmas in Philippines
Monday, November 28, 2011
Magical Parade of Lights
The “Magical Parade of Lights” at Araneta Center in Quezon City features multicolored electric floats from Roxas City, depicting sea creatures illuminated by thousands of flickering bulbs. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Friday, November 25, 2011
Wizards cast magic in Christmas Village
The magical world of wizards is captivating the young and old alike in Bacolod, the City of Smiles.
They are flocking to the ancestral home of an artist-designer on San Juan Street to see Harry Potter, Professor Dumbledore and other famous wizards.
No, these are not the real Harry Potter and the well-loved Dumbledore in the popular book-series that has been made into a movie franchise. These are miniature replicas that have become added attractions to the famous Christmas Village created by Bamboo Tonogbanua.
The replicas are floating in the “clouds” above the village that fills a 6-by-8-meter room on the second floor of Tonogbanua’s home.
The magical world also features the famous London Bridge, cathedrals, castles and a train that looks much like the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter series, which are placed close to the ceiling at the center of the room.
17th year
Now on its 17th-year run, the Christmas Village has fascinated thousands of children and adults who visit it during the holidays.
Tonogbanua started the project in 1996 and has since increased his collection of miniature Christmas houses and objects. Some of the items were bought during his travels abroad, while others were gifts from his friends.
When he was a child, Tonogbanua said he was fascinated by Victorian and New England villages on Christmas cards, so he decided to recreate them.
The first Christmas Village covered only 32 square feet, but it has expanded every holiday. This year, it fills an entire room to the ceiling.
Opened on Nov. 21, the snow-covered village will run until Jan. 8, 2012, the Feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany of the Lord).
With its ski slopes, railroad tracks, rivers, tunnels, mountain tops, shops, bike trails and castles, the Christmas Village is a sight to behold because of the details and intricacy of the design. It has several moving objects, such as cable cars that carry the miniature skiers up and down the slopes, carnival rides, dancers twirling to a waltz inside a gazebo, trains running through tunnels, skaters in the park, and Santa Clauses dancing and flying on sleighs.
‘Sky’ view
Scattered throughout are nativity scenes and tiny blinking lights in all shades and shapes. Christmas music coming from various sections of the room boosts the festive atmosphere.
This year, Tonogbanua’s added magical treat has caught the fancy of many children craning to the “sky.” Parents have to lift them so they can take a closer look at the minute details amid the clouds.
In a room in front of the Christmas Village is another attraction. Miniature replicas of Jack Sparrow and other characters of the famous “Pirates of the Carribean” franchise stand in a giant treasure chest with a glass window. Of course, not far are their ships, weapons and many treasures.
Tonogbanua has again outdone himself.
Christmas in Philippines
They are flocking to the ancestral home of an artist-designer on San Juan Street to see Harry Potter, Professor Dumbledore and other famous wizards.
No, these are not the real Harry Potter and the well-loved Dumbledore in the popular book-series that has been made into a movie franchise. These are miniature replicas that have become added attractions to the famous Christmas Village created by Bamboo Tonogbanua.
The replicas are floating in the “clouds” above the village that fills a 6-by-8-meter room on the second floor of Tonogbanua’s home.
The magical world also features the famous London Bridge, cathedrals, castles and a train that looks much like the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter series, which are placed close to the ceiling at the center of the room.
17th year
Now on its 17th-year run, the Christmas Village has fascinated thousands of children and adults who visit it during the holidays.
Tonogbanua started the project in 1996 and has since increased his collection of miniature Christmas houses and objects. Some of the items were bought during his travels abroad, while others were gifts from his friends.
When he was a child, Tonogbanua said he was fascinated by Victorian and New England villages on Christmas cards, so he decided to recreate them.
The first Christmas Village covered only 32 square feet, but it has expanded every holiday. This year, it fills an entire room to the ceiling.
Opened on Nov. 21, the snow-covered village will run until Jan. 8, 2012, the Feast of the Three Kings (Epiphany of the Lord).
With its ski slopes, railroad tracks, rivers, tunnels, mountain tops, shops, bike trails and castles, the Christmas Village is a sight to behold because of the details and intricacy of the design. It has several moving objects, such as cable cars that carry the miniature skiers up and down the slopes, carnival rides, dancers twirling to a waltz inside a gazebo, trains running through tunnels, skaters in the park, and Santa Clauses dancing and flying on sleighs.
‘Sky’ view
Scattered throughout are nativity scenes and tiny blinking lights in all shades and shapes. Christmas music coming from various sections of the room boosts the festive atmosphere.
This year, Tonogbanua’s added magical treat has caught the fancy of many children craning to the “sky.” Parents have to lift them so they can take a closer look at the minute details amid the clouds.
In a room in front of the Christmas Village is another attraction. Miniature replicas of Jack Sparrow and other characters of the famous “Pirates of the Carribean” franchise stand in a giant treasure chest with a glass window. Of course, not far are their ships, weapons and many treasures.
Tonogbanua has again outdone himself.
Christmas in Philippines
Philippines’ new tourism slogan out before Christmas
A new branding campaign to sell the Philippines to the world is in the works and will be ready before Christmas.
Newly appointed Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said that all it needs is a catchy slogan.
Jimenez told the Senate finance subcommittee scrutinizing his department’s P4 billion proposed budget for 2012 that his other major plan is to involve all Filipinos in the effort to attract tourists.
“There are many well-meaning suggestions as to what the slogan should be. Even journalists are giving their inputs. We’re getting strong encouragement and inspiration from interested people,” Jimenez told reporters in Filipino in an ambush interview after the Senate hearing.
He refused to elaborate, however.
“Bear with us about our plans,” Jimenez earlier told members of the subcommittee. “We will show you when our new branding campaign (is ready). The possibilities are very real and well within our grasp. Our best estimate is in about two months, we will be ready to talk to people about our new campaign,” he assured.
This prompted subcommittee chairman Senator Ralph Recto to say he expects something “better than Chickenjoy,” a popular fast-food product whose promotion was handled by Jimenez’s own advertising agency.
“The lack of money has never been a serious obstacle for…Filipinos,” Jimenez said, noting his department’s relatively small budget.
“We are creative. I said (during a meeting with Department of Tourism officials) that the Thais, the Malaysians are already worried because of what we are about to do in tourism,” Jimenez said.
“We have beaten them before with a whole lot less in resources and we can do it again,” Jimenez added.
Jimenez also said the effort to lure travelers also requires the concerted effort of all Filipinos who need to believe in the product first.
“Tourism is a national activity. I cannot overstate the importance of Filipinos talking about it on Facebook. Brag about your country, talk about it. Sometimes, it is one’s face that betrays whether you have confidence in your country. We must not be squeamish about competing with the rest of Asia. Selling is a delicate exercise and it shows on your face if you do not believe it,” he explained.
In its presentation, the Department of Tourism said it plans to attract 4.1 million foreign and domestic tourists next year and earn P1.2 billion from tourism-related industries. Hopefully, the increase in arrivals would generate jobs for 4.4 million Filipinos.
Tourism Undersecretary Daniel Corpuz said the Philippines had a measly 3 percent share of the 3.5 million tourists that went to Southeast Asia in 2010.
A tourist in the Philippines spends $700 on the average and stays 8.2 nights in the country. Koreans constitute the biggest market.
Christmas in Philippines
Newly appointed Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said that all it needs is a catchy slogan.
Jimenez told the Senate finance subcommittee scrutinizing his department’s P4 billion proposed budget for 2012 that his other major plan is to involve all Filipinos in the effort to attract tourists.
“There are many well-meaning suggestions as to what the slogan should be. Even journalists are giving their inputs. We’re getting strong encouragement and inspiration from interested people,” Jimenez told reporters in Filipino in an ambush interview after the Senate hearing.
He refused to elaborate, however.
“Bear with us about our plans,” Jimenez earlier told members of the subcommittee. “We will show you when our new branding campaign (is ready). The possibilities are very real and well within our grasp. Our best estimate is in about two months, we will be ready to talk to people about our new campaign,” he assured.
This prompted subcommittee chairman Senator Ralph Recto to say he expects something “better than Chickenjoy,” a popular fast-food product whose promotion was handled by Jimenez’s own advertising agency.
“The lack of money has never been a serious obstacle for…Filipinos,” Jimenez said, noting his department’s relatively small budget.
“We are creative. I said (during a meeting with Department of Tourism officials) that the Thais, the Malaysians are already worried because of what we are about to do in tourism,” Jimenez said.
“We have beaten them before with a whole lot less in resources and we can do it again,” Jimenez added.
Jimenez also said the effort to lure travelers also requires the concerted effort of all Filipinos who need to believe in the product first.
“Tourism is a national activity. I cannot overstate the importance of Filipinos talking about it on Facebook. Brag about your country, talk about it. Sometimes, it is one’s face that betrays whether you have confidence in your country. We must not be squeamish about competing with the rest of Asia. Selling is a delicate exercise and it shows on your face if you do not believe it,” he explained.
In its presentation, the Department of Tourism said it plans to attract 4.1 million foreign and domestic tourists next year and earn P1.2 billion from tourism-related industries. Hopefully, the increase in arrivals would generate jobs for 4.4 million Filipinos.
Tourism Undersecretary Daniel Corpuz said the Philippines had a measly 3 percent share of the 3.5 million tourists that went to Southeast Asia in 2010.
A tourist in the Philippines spends $700 on the average and stays 8.2 nights in the country. Koreans constitute the biggest market.
Christmas in Philippines
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Dina Bonnevie wants a boyfriend for Christmas
“I can feel it coming. Siyempre mas masarap pag hindi malamig ang Pasko,” says actress Dina Bonnevie, who wants a boyfriend for Christmas. “I still have to decide whether to spend Christmas with my dad here or fly to Switzerland to be with my mom and sisters. Dyahe naman maki-join ako sa celebration ni Tin and Oyo or Danica and Mark.”What about Bossing Vic? “We keep in touch,” she says. “But not to the point of DINA Bonnevie
meddling in each other’s lives. Ang cheap naman if I ask him who he’s dating. He should be the one to wonder who I’m dating (laughs).”
May Ms D’s heart have its D-day soon!
Excited ‘lolo’
Mark Gil sounded like the excited lolo-to-be that he was when he called me.
“Andi is due to give birth on the third week of November,” he said. “She’s bored and spends most of her time online. I hope I won’t have work when she gives birth because I want to be with her in the delivery room. Still, I’ll definitely rush to the hospital to be with her.”
No more paternity issue. Andi and her coming baby are assured of the Eigenmann’s full support from maternity to eternity.
Big lie?
A concerned friend of Benjie Paras and his wife Lye sent me this text message: “Benjie refuses to talk about Jackie Forster, who has been bad-mouthing him. He doesn’t want to give her the attention she craves. But as someone who knows the truth, I feel the need to clarify things. Jackie claims they were supposed to be partners in ‘Survivor’ but he declined. That’s a big lie. GMA had plans of getting Benjie but not to pair him with Jackie because his kids would object. The two main reasons why he didn’t join: He can’t bear being away from his family that long and they couldn’t agree on his talent fee. His wife is not show biz at all.
Jackie mentioned that Lye might be the reason why Benjie refused to pair up with her. The kids are more upset with Jackie now. Benjie is such a good man. He doesn’t deserve such negative talk.”
Being a good friend of Benjie and Lye, I know how much they value family. Despite his busy schedule, Benj makes sure he drives his kids to and from school. Jackie has no place in his life anymore. It’s a whole new ball game for the former PBA MVP/Rookie of the Year.
Psycho-thriller
GMA Films’ psycho-thriller “The Road,” which opens Nov. 30, is loaded with cliffhangers that will capture the viewers’ imagination from beginning to end. Directed by Yam Laranas, it is top-billed by Carmina Villaroel, Marvin Agustin, Rhian Ramos and TJ Trinidad. Brace yourself for one hell of a road trip!
Christmas in Philippines | Movie Schedule Philippines
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