New year traditions

Its the last day of  the year 2013, and as always, we are busy in the preparation for the incoming new year.  Its going to be a sleepless night since we have to stay awake until 12 midnight, and perform all sorts of practices that had been handed down from generation to generation.

After attaining the age of reason, I could not fathom how and/or why these practices are being done since they could very well be considered as just plain weird.   No offense meant, but what could be the relation of preparing noodles in having a long life?  

But hey, I am not a scrooge nor fretting because of that.  I  consider these practices as merely part of the fun and meant to be enjoyed.  For purposes of amusement, hereunder are the practices I have encountered and even practiced just to be “in” the crowd –

The food prepared to greet the new year should be something which signifies  prosperity, peace, long life, unity and happiness in the family. Thus, a must in every menu includes noodles cooked in any manner.  But one thing I was told by old folks is to always prepare what is called “bam-i”.  Two types of noodles are used here – egg noodles (canton) and bean noodles (sotanghon).  Added to the noodles are pork, liver, chicken, bell pepper, cabbage and a smorgasbord of other ingredients. Given the numerous and varied ingredients,  this  would hopefully bring forth long life and lots of good  fortune for the new year. 

Another must in the dinner table is any recipe using sticky rice. This would signify closeness and unity within the family.  Some of the food we have on the table consist of “biko” which is actually sticky rice cooked together with coconut milk and brown sugar; and  “arroz-valenciana” which is sticky rice, and added to it are pork, liver, chicken, raisins, green peas, and other ingredients you may want to add.  Again, the varied ingredients would signify good fortune. 

Fruit salad, a sweet concoction of various fruits, condensed milk, and cream  is also a must to bring forth a harmonious relationship between and among members of the family.  Not to be forgotten is the required 13 kinds of round-shaped fruits to bring forth prosperity and good fortune as well.   Some would say 12 is enough, but, old folks again say that if you want really good fortune, it should be more than 12.  The number 12 is based on 12 months in a year, and an additional year (thus, it becomes 13)  is for extra fortune.  No kidding! J

(Round-shaped fruits are a must in every table during the onset of the New Year)

Only pork, beef, or other meat products should be prepared.  No fish and chicken because these 2 animals have difficulty looking for food.  If you have them on your menu on New Year’s eve and the start of the year,  then you might undergo difficulty for the year just as these animals live difficult lives.   

Other food recipes are also prepared, but the foregoing are basic ones.  Believe it or not. J

In addition to traditional food, there is also the requirement of making lots and lots of noise  when 12:00 midnight approaches, and the new year begins.  This practice is purposely to drive out bad spirits which brought forth bad luck and/or misfortunes during the current year.  It is said that these bad spirits are driven out of your homes when there is noise.  To create these noise, resort is made through the use of firecrackers, loud music, and/or other instruments purposely to make such a loud bang. 

Another practice is to collect coins, put them in your pockets or any container and shake them at the strike of midnight.  It is also important to wear clothing with polka dots or with designs having round images. At the strike of midnight, doors, windows, drawers, and other closed furniture  should be opened. These beliefs, when done, again brings good fortune for the coming year.

If you lack the desired height, it is good for you to jump as high as you can at the strike of midnight to increase your height for the coming year.  Then there is this belief not to spend a single centavo on the first day of the year (January 1)  because you will keep on spending and/or losing money for the rest of the year. 

For families and couples in love, greeting the onset  of the new year together would mean unity and togetherness. 

And finally, the making of the New Year’s Resolution is another must.  Well for me, I do make such resolutions.  However, my New Year’s resolution can be summed up in only one sentence – that is, to be a better person than last year.  That would mean, becoming more patient, more understanding, more responsible, and so much more  room for improvement as a person.  

Whatever beliefs you may adopt, always remember though that we are responsible for what we make of our lives.  We cannot blame any practice or tradition for whatever misery that comes our way for the coming year.  Its all about choices and consequences.

Have a happy and prosperous New Year! J

Back to basics

With the recent calamities experienced by the people in the Visayas region, some would think that the celebration of Christmas in this part of the country would be bleak.  But just the opposite, Christmas has attained a whole new meaning for us.  We shun away the lavish decorations, parties, and gifts. Now, we know and experience the magic of the first Christmas – the birth of Jesus in a manger amidst the animals and shepherds.  It was simple and holy.  Learning the true meaning of the occasion is a gift in itself.   Going back to basics isn't a bad idea.  In fact, it is a privilege not all people undergo.  We can face each day always ready to accept whatever challenge would come our way.  And for that, we are so blessed.. 

No matter how simple it may be, a lantern hangs in the house as a constant reminder that the spirit of Christmas is very much alive despite the natural calamities experienced this year. :-) 

Cover-ups and the blame game

Two weeks have passed since the supertyphoon “Haiyan” made her presence felt in central Philippines.  So far, about 5,000 people were reported dead, and thousand more missing and left homeless.  The infrastructures lost were reportedly worth billions of pesos already.  Sadly, the snail-paced response of the Philippine government got the ire of a lot of Filipinos both here and abroad. More unfortunate is the unsavory reaction of public officials on the criticisms hurled against them.  Instead of making improvement and dealing with the issues head-on,  they resorted to cover-ups and the blame game. 

First, when CNN correspondent  Anderson Cooper reported on the miserable situation of the people in Tacloban and the seemingly lack of government presence , no less than the President himself responded by saying that reporters should give accurate reports.  A lot of Filipinos gave mixed reaction to that statement of the President.  Who should we believe? The President sitting in air-conditioned room at the Malacanang Palace, or the reporter on the field?    But one thing is sure,  Mr. Anderson Cooper is a hero and has endeared himself to the Filipinos for his accurate reporting. 

Second, the President when interviewed live on CNN chided the local officials for the slow paced response,  and confusion in the relief distribution.  Again, this statement led most Filipinos to curse this government.  Either the President was ill-advised or just plain stupid.  Maybe he forgot that  Tacloban and most of Leyte has just been ravished by  a supertyphoon packing winds of around 300 kph.  Everyone in Leyte are victims of “Haiyan” including local officials.  Hours after the calamity, no local government unit there was functioning.  In fact some government officials and employees went missing.  They were helpless.  And here comes our dear President blaming the local officials for causing confusion on the relief distributions…  ?!#$!! L

Third,  when tons of relief goods starting pouring in, for reasons only known to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, they decided to re-pack these, and labeled with the name “DSWD” on the packs.  When confronted by local media, they simply stated that they need to check on the food items received because they might be expired already.  Someone familiar with the underworld said that days or weeks from now,  some of these imported relief goods might already be seen on the streets being sold by vendors.  How insulting could that be for the givers.  I don’t know what this government is up to.... God help the Philippines.    

Super typhoon

Supertyphoon with international name "Haiyan" just ravished central Philippines last November 8, 2013.  It first landed in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, then proceeded to Northern Cebu, Panay, then Palawan, before it exited to the West Philppine seas.  Because of its very wide area of coverage, the three main islands of the country - Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were affected.  However, its wrath was felt the most in the Visayas,particularly in Tacloban, Leyte.

Prior to November 8, 2013, everybody was already bracing for the coming of the supertyphoon.  The Philippine weather bureau, PAGASA, had been issuing regular updates as it approaches.  For us, ordinary citizens we were also preparing ourselves. Some tips on the preparation -

1. Pray.  Seek divine intervention for protection and strength in the midst of the calamity;
2. Prepare psychologically.  Hope for the best, but expect the worst.
3. Arm yourselves with all the necessary facts regarding the upcoming storm - the location, the strength, the possible damage it could cause.
5. Place in a backpack the following - extra shirt, light pants, undergarments, blanket, basic medicines like paracetamol, mefenamic acid and antibiotic, canned goods with the easy-open can, bread and/or biscuits, and water.
6. Get all important documents like passport, identification cards, birth certificates, employment records, transcript of school records, bankbooks, land titles,  and put it in a plastic envelope to secure them from getting wet, and place inside the backpack.
7. Using a backpack is convenient to free both of your hands which you may need in case a member of the family, especially the elderly, need assistance in case of mandatory evacuation.
8. Always have a transistor radio (battery-operated) on hand because power supply will not be available during the onset of the typhoon.  Getting updates on what is happening outside your area, as well as the location of the eye of the typhoon is important in order to prepare on the next possible move. Be vigilant and observant on what is happening around.
9. Stack-up on drinking water and food that does not spoil easily. Have an adequate supply of bread and biscuits.
10. Fill your vehicles with gas as it might be difficult to buy gasoline after the typhoon.
11. Have sufficient cash on hand in case ATMs would go off-line if power supply ran out.
12. Likewise, have an adequate supply of candles, batteries, and get your flashlights always ready on hand.  Since power supply will not be available after a supertyphoon, evenings will definitely be dark.
13. Finally, after everything has been prepared, pray, pray, pray, pray.....

Stacking up on adequate supply of drinking water is a must in times of calamity

A transistor radio has become a necessity for updates on the typhoon. 

November 1 & 2

For Filipinos, November 1 & 2 meant going to the cemeteries to pay respect to their dearly departed.  Every year, we never fail to visit the grave of my late father who has been laid to rest at Calamba cemetery, a Roman Catholic public cemetery being managed by the San Nicholas parish located at V. Rama Ave., Cebu City.  And every year, i never fail to be disappointed and disgusted about how the cemetery, supposedly a solemn place, has been converted into a commercial area where merchants display their wares for prospective buyers.  I wonder if the Catholic priests are also making a windfall over the earnings made during the two-day event.  Only in the Philippines... :-(

During All Saints Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls Day (Nov. 2) Filipinos from all walks of life, young and old,  visit their dearly departed and pray for the eternal repsose of their souls.

Public cemeteries, considered as a solemn place, has been converted into a brisk commercial area during the two (2) day-event.

Lighting a candle in memory of our loved ones have been a tradition for Filipinos during All Saints and All Souls day celebrated on November 1 and 2 respectively.

The Basilica

Now that the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino in Cebu will temporarily be closed to the public, I will miss the various art works that can be seen inside. The ceiling has a Sistine chapel-like view which depicts scenes from the Book of Genesis.

Come January, 2014, during the feast of the Sto. Nino (the Child Jesus), the grounds of the Basilica will again be teeming with people from various walks of life...

People will again endure the long wait before they could see the image of the Sto. Nino encased in glass..

Earthquake...

October 15, 2013 is a date to remember for those living in Bohol and Cebu, Philippines, when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the two (2) provinces about 8:12 in the morning.  The tremor lasted about 30 seconds, sending the fear-stricken populace outside their homes.   People scampered outside their homes and edifices to seek safer grounds in open spaces.  Patients were immediately evacuated from the hospitals which became a hazard to their health.  I  witnessed how the electric post just outside our house swayed like bamboo  dancing with the wind.  Thereafter, electricity and water sources were cut off.  Big cracks can be found on the streets, as well as the houses and buildings everywhere.  The province of Bohol was hit the hardest.  Centuries-old  Catholic churches were razed to the ground.  Thousands were left homeless and their areas isolated due to the destruction of bridges.  Up to this writing, I can still hear people from Bohol pleading for help over the radio.   Efforts to bring the much needed help was limited by the lack of passable roads to the various barangays of  Bohol.  The after-shocks were  not helping.  So far, about a thousand  after-shocks have been  recorded, and the number seemed to be rising.  In fact, I just experienced the earth moving again while wiring this blog.  

As news reports come in, I am just teary eyed at the aftermath of the killer earthquake.   Despite this unfortunate event, I can still say that God was watching us.  The quake occurred on a holiday when there was no work and classes.  Most people stayed in their homes with their families.   It could have been worst.  A lesson is to be learned from this latest catastrophe.  Let us open our hearts and mind to discover what that lesson is,  and never question the will of God.  Everything happens for a reason. God bless us all... 

The bell tower of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, as shown in this file photo, was one of those destroyed during the earthquake which struck Cebu. 

Because of the cracks found at the entrance of the Basilica, the structure was declared unsafe for churchgoers. I would miss looking at the alter inside the Basilica as shown above. 

Sinulog in Cebu

Christmas season in the Philippines does not yet end  in December of each year.  For Cebuanos, it extends until the celebration of the Sinulog during the 3^rd Sunday of January, the feast day of Senior Sto. Niño, or the Child Jesus.  The festivities are made more apparent with the extensive decorations at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.   The word "Sinulog" comes from the root word "sulog" which refers to the the movement of water current or waves.  Thus, the fundamental dance steps consist of two-steps forward, and one-step backward, similar to how water moves.  Sinulog season in Cebu is a spectacle to see. 

A sculpture of the Child Jesus is among the amazing works of art found at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño

Grand decors adorn the altar at the Basilica during the festivities...

For the love of the sun

Sunrise in Bantayan, Cebu is a sight to see indeed.  The mixture of natural colors is a constant reminder how we should start each day with hope in our hearts.  Never despair for each day is a new beginning.

Sunset is likewise a spectacle of nature one should not miss while in Bantayan, Cebu. This was captured while strolling along the Bantayan wharf with the golden hour slowly unfolding before our eyes. 

The beaches of Bantayan, Cebu

The Budyong beach resort is one of the popular places to stay while in Bantayan because of its proximity to the nearby satellite market where food and other products are being sold. If one intends to stay for the Holy Week, booking starts at least six (6) months prior to the season. Otherwise, be contented with living on a makeshift tent for the duration of your stay. :-)

The white beaches of Bantayan Cebu can compete with the other popular beaches in the country.  I prefer this place because of its friendly people. I just love the simplicity of rural living. I do hope the local government of this place will take good care of its natural resources and protect them from abuses. 

More of Bantayan, Cebu

The Church of Sts. Peter and Paul in Bantayan, Cebu is considered one of the oldest churches in Cebu. During Holy Week, thousands flock to this site in order to pay respect to the sanctity of the event.

On Holy Thursday and Good Friday, the last days of Jesus Christ  before His resurrection are depicted through a procession of life-sized statues, beautifully adorned with flowers.  I was in awe at the spectacular show.

Holy week in Cebu

Cebu is but one of the many provinces in the Philippines which boasts of its rich cultural heritage.  One should not forget that it is in this province that Magellan, who discovered the  Philippines,  was slain to death by one of its native, Lapu-lapu, in Mactan Island.

It is stretegically located at the center of the Philippine archipelago, and considered the gateway to about 2/3 of the rest of the country.

I am so blessed and privileged to work and live in this beautiful province where the old and modern living co-exist. When in Cebu, one should not forget to explore its countryside.  Up north, Bantayan Island is a must see during the Holy Week. 





The Bantayan wharf on Good Friday
 

Fisherfolks in Bantayan island take a full day rest from any activity in observance of Good Friday. The photo above depicts the fishing vessels on standby at the Bantayan wharf.