COCONUT WATER; THE WATER OF LIFE

No wonder why  the coconut tree is called as the tree of life. Every part of this tree can be made into something  useful to human.  The husk and leaves can be made into a variety of products which can be used for decorations and furnishing. The oil and milk that can be extracted from its meat can be used as cooking oil and others use it in beauty products. The coconut water has many nutritional benefits. It is a natural antioxidant.
Coconut water or locally called Buko juice in the Philippines is becoming popular as people around the world are now more health conscious. Recently, there is a rise in demand of coconut water in the U.S.A. and in Europe.The Philippines is one of the exporter of coconut water

Why coconut water?
* Coconut water has a lower calorie that orange juice.
* antioxidant
* anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic effects due to cytokinins
* no cholesterol
* low in carbohydrate
* compared to other vegetables and fruit juices, it has more electrolytes, thus replaces fluid loss and slightly greater that than of Oral Rehydration Solution.  Coconut water is an isotonic solution that naturally rehydrates the body. It replaces loss minerals and fluids during rigorous exercises.
* natural source of vitamin B complex.
* better composition of minerals such as iron, manganese, calcium, zinc.
* has antibacterial and antiviral  properties which helps in fighting parasites, worms and viruses.
* a natural antibiotic.
* treat urethral and kidney stones
* raises metabolism
* it promotes weight loss
* controls diabetes
* natural body coolant
* helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
* helps lower blood pressure
* natural diuretics

These are the facts about coconut water and thus explains why it is gaining popularity and why many people prefer coconut water than sports drink. These fact shows that coconut water is no ordinary water. It is beneficial to everybody and has no side effects.

Trivia:
Did you know that the word COCO actually originates from the Spanish / Portuguese word which means "monkey face" because looking at the base of the coconut there are 3 round indented markings which resembles a monkey's face.

OBSERVANCE OF HOLY WEEK IN THE PHILIPPINES

It's Holy Week once again, the time when Catholics do their penance and commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ to save mankind. So how exactly do Filipinos celebrate Holy Week?

Starting on Palm Sunday, the day were we commemorate the victorious entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem. In the Philippines, during Palm Sunday, sidewalks near the church were full of vendors selling Palaspas or decorated palm leaves. Filipinos go to church early in the morning of Palm Sunday with their Palaspas to be blessed by the officiating priest. After the mass, the blessed palm leaves are placed on the front doors of their homes which they believed is an effective way to ward off bad spirits and spare their homes from being struck by lightning. The palm fronds will be left on their front door until the next Palm Sunday on the following year.

Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, Holy Wednesday -  During this time of the year, for many Catholics it is a time of prayer and reflection. In many places in the Philippines it is the start their traditional Holy Week  "Pabasa" which literally means reading, it is where the poetic prayer of life to resurrection of Jesus Christ is sung/chanted. It is also locally known as "Pasyon".


Maundy Thursday - the day in observance of the Last Supper. the washing of the feet,  the blessing of the bread and wine which symbolizes the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is also a tradition in the Philippines during Maundy Thursday to visit 7 different churches which is known as Visita Iglesia. During Visita Iglesia, most Catholics make the 14 stations. There were also diocese who celebrate Chrism Mass during Maundy Thursday. Chrism Mass is an annual gathering of all clergies wherein priests renew the vows which they made when they were ordained. Mass of Chrism was derived from the name of the "consecrated oil" itself. The Oil of Chrism/Holy Chrism/Sanctum Chrisma  is used in the administration of the sacraments of  baptism, confirmations and Holy Orders, in the consecration of things such as altar, paten, bells, chalices, and water for baptism.

On Good Friday Christians commemorates the passion and death of Christ, the seven last words { siete palabras ), the way of the cross (Via Crucis), there are also numerous street processions and stage plays locally known as "Senakulo".
During Good Fridays there were devotees who practice self-flagellation and some do their penance by having themselves crucified. Also on Good Friday, thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene flock to Quiapo Church to join the morning procession.

Black Saturday - a day of silence and solemnity. Some are busy preparing for events on Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday - This is the end of the 40 day lent.  On Easter Sunday, at pre-dawn, there were 2 different procession which starts from 2 different points. One of them carries the image of the risen Christ and the other one carries the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is covered by black veil. The procession will meet at a point where a little girl dressed up as an angel  and was positioned on a high platform awaits to unveil the image of Mary which signifies that Mary has met his risen son. There are also some who have Easter parties for children which involves Easter egg hunting.

                                                                    amulets from Quiapo, Manila

Filipinos are indeed fascinated with talismans/amulets which is locally known as anting-anting. During Lenten Season specially on Good Fridays, those who possess amulets sanctify and recharge its power. They go to certain places such as Mt. Banahaw which is known as the mystic mountain or a   

haven for people search or spirituality.
 

              Mount Banahaw

Many Catholics believe that penance through crucifixion and self-flagellation would save their souls from the fires of hell, although this lenten tradition has been practiced in the Philippines by many Catholics for decades, church officials discouraged extreme corporal mortification. Also the Department of Health have given warning to flagellants for the possibilities of being infected with tetanus.
I agree with the church officials who were against this kind of penance. The observance of Lenten Season should be sacred. Instead of self mortification, why not have their repentance from sins the right way, which I believe is through meditation, fasting and abstinence.




                                                                         flagellants from Pampanga                        

MASSIVE QUAKES AND TSUNAMI HITS JAPAN

                                                            (photos from bbc.co.uk)
  
March 11, 2011, Friday, an 8-9 magnitude earthquake hits Japan at 2:46pm (local time). It is said that it is the most powerful earthquake to hit Japan in at least 100 years. The horrific earthquake triggered a devastating tsunami. Reports says that the huge deadly wave was measured at 23 feet tall (7 meters). There were countless injuries and undetermined number of deaths and hundreds were missing.. Tsunami warnings were also in effect in part of the Philippines, Guam, Taiwan, Russia, Indonesia, Peru, Hawaii, Marcus Islands and Marianas Islands. According to Reuters, Geneva Red Cross warned that the wave could be higher than those in the Pacific Islands. In the Philippines, people living near the coastal areas were asked to evacuate the area. As of the time of writing this article, some of the areas given tsunami warnings have already experienced first waves.
There were 30 recorded aftershocks in Japan with a 7.1 magnitude as the highest.
Kyodo news agency reported that Japanese Government had already dispatched a total of 8,000 troops to assist in recovery and they also asked for U.S. military assistance.
Videos of the tsunami were shown on different television stations showing sea vessels and cars and debris rode off the high waves and slammed on structures.
Firefighters battled over a large fire at Cosmo Oil Refinery in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. It was burning out of control with over 30 meters of high flames.
Japan shut several nuclear power reactors including those operated by Tokyo Power Electric Company, Tohoku Electric Power Company, and Japan Atomic Power Company causing millions of homes without electricity.
USGS said that this quake was the 5th strongest in history since 1900.

sources: www.digitaltrend.com
                 www.bbc.com.uk
                 www.cnn.com
                 www.eturbonews.com
                www.yahoo.com
                www.bloomberg.com 

IMPROVING YOUR HOME 'S ENERGY EFFICIENCY AT HOME WITH INSULATION ; A GUEST POST BY SAMANTHA HARRIS

                                                          image from http://www.ekii.co.uk

Recently, I received an e-mail message from Ms. Samantha Harris asking me if she could have a guest post on my blog. Of course without a doubt, I reply with a yes since I've been reading other bloggers post, I already know that Ms. Harris' articles are worth reading. Yesterday, Samantha sent me an e-mail again with her article attached. Here is the article by Ms. Samantha Harris;

Improving Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Insulation

There are many ways to save on energy around the house – you can purchase Energy Star appliances, switch to compact fluorescent bulbs, or undergo a home energy audit to account for your expenditures.    However, it’s worth knowing before you begin that the largest chunk of your electricity bill almost invariably goes to heating and cooling your home.  The EPA estimates that anywhere between 43 and 60 percent of the electricity used by buildings goes toward powering the HVAC (heating, ventilating, air conditioning) system.  One way to make sure that your system is not working harder than it has to is to check your insulation.

This is especially applicable if your home is a little older.  The U.S. Department of Energy reports that only 20% of homes built before 1980 contain the correct insulation in the ceilings, walls, floors, crawl spaces, and attic.  But be careful while checking the condition of your insulation, since many homes built prior to 1980 feature insulation or other construction materials that contain asbestos.  This thread-like mineral is extremely dangerous when inhaled, and can cause lung conditions such as lung scarring, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest or abdomen.  Mesothelioma symptoms may take between 20 and 50 years to appear after asbestos exposure, and are many times confused with less serious conditions until the cancer has spread beyond the capability of treatment.

The good news is that mesothelioma is almost completely avoidable.  As long as asbestos remains bound up in construction or other fireproofing materials, it is relatively harmless, so as long as your insulation is sufficient and in good condition, it does not need to be removed.  However, if it appears to be damaged, fraying, or significantly worn, you may need to consult a licensed abatement specialist who will have the proper protective gear for working with asbestos.  Since 1989, however, insulation now makes use of alternative materials for fire and soundproofing, including fiberglass, rock wool, and cellulose.

The attic is of crucial importance when it comes to properly insulating a home, since the conditioned air can easily escape through holes or cracks.  The Department of Energy sets the standard for attic insulation at between R-30 and R-60.  The R-value of the insulation refers to a measure of thermal resistance, with higher numbers providing more.  The right number within that range for your how depends on climate, building design, and budget, among other factors, though R-30 should serve as a lower limit for all areas of the U.S.

In addition to indoor cavity insulation, newer homes can also be insulated from the outside with insulative sheathing to prevent heat from being lost through the wood frame of the house.  Structural insulated panels, which provide both support and insulation, are becoming popular building materials as well.  Other steps should be taken to augment the insulation, such as sealing any cracks or gaps and replacing leaky or ill-fitting windows.  But be sure to keep your health and safety in mind – asbestos can be found in many different construction materials including caulk and weatherstripping, and mesothelioma symptoms are no joke.  If you have any doubts about the safety of your insulation or your ability to properly renovate it or install it, do not hesitate to call a professional contractor.

PHILIPPINES COMMEMORATES THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF PEOPLE POWER REVOLUTION

25 years has passed after the historical non violent revolution that happened in the Philippines. On Friday, February 25, Filipinos are celebrating the 25th anniversary of EDSA Revolution. The term EDSA revolution was derived from the name of the main avenue where most of the non violent protest happened.  EDSA Revolution is one of the peaceful revolution that happened in history. This prayerful mass revolution became an inspiration to many countries.
What makes Filipinos unite and decide to make a human barricade which is composed of more that 2 million people is their longing for the restoration of freedom that was said to be stolen by the dictatorship of then Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos.
Marcos won the presidential race during 1965 election against Diosdado Macapagal. In 1969,  he was  re-elected again as president defeating Sergio Osmena Jr. At this point in time, several Filipinos were already against his leadership.  He was not allowed to run again for presidency for the the third time. On September 23, 1972, President Marcos declared Martial law (Proclamation number 1081) and his reason is rising civil disobedience. He suppresses liberty. He ordered arrest of his political opponents including then Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. By imposing Martial law, President Marcos prolonged his stay in power.
Benigno Ninoy Aquino who was explicitly refused permission to return and was threatened by death was determined to set his foot back to the Philippines. On August 21, 1983, the brave Aquino was assassinated at the Manila International Airport which is now known as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. His assassination started a series of protests and rallies.  President Marcos announced a presidential snap election( Batas Pambansa number 883). Ninoy's widow, Corazon Cojuanco Aquino was encouraged by opposition leaders to run for presidency. During the election, there were several reports that Marcos alllegedly interfere illegally with the election process. Despite all of these allegations, he was still proclaimed by the Commission on Election as President on February 15. 1986.

On February 22, 1986, Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos together with the Reformed The Armed Forces Movement (RAM), SFP and YOU (Young Officers Union) prepared to confront Marcos and his cronies.. Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin through Radio Veritas summoned every Filipinos to support the Rebel leaders by going to EDSA. Millions of Filipinos gathered at EDSA to show their support. Priest, nuns and civilian together formed a human chain to prevent government troops in full combat gear to come near the camps. Priests and nuns lead the prayer vigil holding in their hands their rosaries, civilians hold flowers which they offer to the government troops for peace. This scenario melted the heart of the soldiers, they retreated. The historical EDSA Revolution ended without bloodshed.

The will of the Filipinos to recover its democracy prevailed. Corazon Aquino was sworn in as President of the Philippines on February 25 and Marcos was exiled in Hawaii together with his family and his cronies.

What happened in EDSA 25 years ago made a lasting impact in the world. Let us all continue what we have started at EDSA. Let's continue in making the Philippines a unique nation.

BINAURAL BEATS; ARE THEY REALLY MADE AS DIGITAL DRUGS???

Did you know that there are a lot of people who are now  using Binaural brainwaves as drug substitute? There are claims that through the use of binaural beats, one can get "HIGH" without the use of prohibited drugs.
Some of you might think this is something new but actually, this  technology was long been discovered by Heinrich Wilhelm Dove in 1839 and after a Century and a few decades, Biophysicist Gerard Oster made a research and  has found out that with the use of binaural beats, the human brain responds in tune with the frequency of the beats and call it " Frequency Following Response".
What is exactly a binaural beat?  A binaural beat is an audio technology designed to synchronize brainwaves. They are the result of 2 different auditory impulses that originates from the left and the right ear. The effects of the brainwave depends on the difference in frequencies of each tone in each ear. Binaural beats can alter moods, consciousness and behavior. Binaural beats are also called I-dosing or digital drugs. 
Although some binaural beats simulates prescription drugs, there are some made for brain enhancements, relaxation and meditation. Binaural tone makers offers hundreds of  brainwave "DOSES" such as depressants, opioids, stimulants, pain relievers, narcotics, relaxants. Almost all the moods that you want has been put into binaural beats. These are made possible through different binaural frequency  waves. So therefore, binaural tones or idosers are not really just for getting "high", It depends on the user.

DIFFERENT BINAURAL BRAINWAVE PATTERNS:
Gamma waves - 40 hz above - these are use for higher mental activity such as for problem solving, consciousness, fear.
Beta waves - 13-39 Hz - these are for active thinking and active concentration, paranoia, cognition and arousal.
Alpha waves - 7-13 Hz - these are for pre-sleep and pre-wake drowsiness and for relaxation.
Theta waves - 4-7 Hz - these are for deep meditation, relaxation, dreams and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
Delta waves - 4 Hz and below are for loss of body awareness and deep dreamless sleep.

What does one need for dosing?  FIRST Follow the guides. You  need to have the PC application,  mp3 player or cellphone and a stereo headphones, then find a cosy place such as your bed or reclining chair where you can relax while listening to the binaural beat.

Although there are claims that binaural beats have beneficial effects on others, before trying something new to you, consult someone who is knowledgeable in Idosing or do some research first as there are always pros and cons in everything.


(DISCLAIMER: the author does not claim ownership of the photos and videos shown above, it is the property of their respective owner. The author is not in anyway affiliated to i-dosers.com or any binaural beat makers. This article is made only  for purpose of pure information)

sources: www.wikipedia.com, www.i-dosers.com, www.i-dose.us, www.youtube.com

ORIGIN OF VALENTINES DAY

                   photo from candyaddict.com

This month, love is in the air in many places in the world. It is the season of love. The month of romance specially to those who are in intimate relationship. People are giving gifts such as flowers, chocolates, candies and cards to their love ones. This is all because of Valentine's Day. It was actually Saint Valentine's Day but later on shortened to simply Valentine's day. 
Who is Saint Valentine and why do we celebrate it on February 14? 
There were numerous legends as to who is really St. Valentine. There are some who believe that he is a Christian priest who performed many miracles and because of his beliefs and teachings,  he was imprisoned and later on beheaded on February 14.

*Valentine of Rome - a priest in Rome who was martyred in 269 AD and was buried at Via Flaminia. 
*Valentine of Terni -  once a bishop in Interamna (know today as Terni) in 197 AD. He was persecuted under the Aurelian empire. He was also buried in Via Flaminia. 
In 14th Century, distinctions between the two martyrs were lost.  In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14 as Valentine's day but Pope Paul VI remove it from the Roman Calendar of Saints though its religious observance is still allowed.There were some who believes that these were just made by the Catholic church who looked for a suitable patron to replace Lupercus, a pagan god  of ancient Romans. Prior to the celebration of Valentine's day, a pagan festival already exist and was celebrated on February 13 to 15 to turn away evil spirits and purify their city and for health and fertility. The celebration is named Lupercalia named after Lupercus.
But whatever its origin, we all know that February 14 is Heart's day or a special day for those who were in love. 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

(sources: history.com, wikipedia)

WELCOMING THE YEAR OF THE METAL RABBIT

This February 3, 2011, many of us would be celebrating the Chinese New Year. Many of us believes that Chinese New Year is a celebration of change.  It is the 4709th year in the Chinese calendar.

 Metal Rabbit Years
1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023

There are many beliefs when it comes to welcoming the Chinese New Year.
Here are some of what Chinese people do during New Year's eve, to attract good vibes and for continues flow of blessings throughout the year.
Clean your house, every corner should be swept but then after, put away all the brooms and brushes. Never sweep the floor on New Years Day because they believe that sweeping the floor during New Years Day will drive away all the luck that is in store for the coming year. Cleaning the house should start at the front door going to the center of the house, keep the dust and throw it after the 5th day. If possible, hang red paper lanterns and decorate with red scrolls. Wear new clothes. Have a new haircut but not on the day of New Year because it means driving away good luck.
Settle all your debts. Resolve all problems and differences with the whole family, friends, colleagues and neighbors. Never say anything negative on New Years Day. Never utter the word four for in China it means death. Knifes and other sharp objects should be kept away during the New Year to avoid accidents.
Chinese fill their dining table with lots of foods. One of the most common ritual during Chinese New Year is  eating Nian Gao or TIKOY for the Filipinos. It is also known as Chinese cake. Tikoy is made of glutinous rice. Nian Gao or tikoy symbolizes unity for the whole family throughout the year and its sweet taste is for good relationship. Some also have Hopia which symbolizes eternity and hope. There should also be noodles as this symbolizes long life.

If you are going to give Ang Pao ( a Chinese red envelope with Chinese characters outside.) which contains money, it should be divisible by 2, for the reason that in China, even numbers means harmony.

In order to chase away bad spirits and bad luck or negative energies, Chinese do the Dragon and Lion dance. There are difference between a Lion dance and Dragon dance. A lion dance is usually composed of 4 person, 2 for the head and 2 for the body of the lion. They are the ones who goes in business premises to get the hanging Ang Pao while the dragon dance is composed of 10 to 50 persons.  It has a longer body and controlled by poles.

The year of the Rabbit is considered to be the most luckiest year.
A rabbit is a symbol of  long life, good manner, and compassion. A person born under the sign of the rabbit were said to be private. He would rather do things by himself discreetly instead of being the center attention. He would be lucky in business and other transactions involving money. Although moody, a person born under the rabbit sign would live in tranquility. He is considerate and understanding, he avoids conflicts. Metal rabbits are very intense whether at work or romance. They are very ambitious.
A person born under this sign is said to be compatible with a person born under the sign of the pig, sheep and dog but not with rooster and rat.

Good Luck to all of you on the year of the Rabbit!  
KUNG HEI FAT CHOI!!

HOW DO CHINESE NEW YEAR STARTED?

The most important and grandest of the social, traditional holiday in China is the Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year. It is a great time for family get together. Although many Chinese has adopted the Western calendar, wherein Chinese celebrating New Year on January 1, they still observe the traditional Chinese New Year.
There is a known Chinese legend that tells how the Chinese New Year started, It is said that the traditional holiday in China started when their ancestors fought Nian, a cruel monster who greedily eats on  crops, livestock  and the inhabitants specially the children. It is said the he would come during lunar month to hunt for villagers (if you are aware of the game World of Warcraft, the boss OMEN was actually inspired by Nian). Villagers were very afraid of him. They would locked themselves at home. so as not to be one of Nian's prey. During one of Nian's attack, an old, wise man from the village have noticed that Nian was sensitive to loud noises and that he was afraid of children wearing red. The villagers came up with a plan that when the monster would again attack, they would beat drums and gongs, and would light up firecrackers (by that time they use gunpowders) to make loud noises  and they would wear red robes. When the monster Nian attacked, they did what has been planned and the beast ran out. Ever since, the ferocious monster no longer appeared in the village. Since then, they celebrate their victory every year during winter, making loud noises by beating drums, gongs, lighting firecrackers and wearing red, thus making it the celebration of the Chinese New Year.
GONG HE XIN XI, Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái!,

THE FEAST OF THE SANTO NINO

 photo taken from photobucket.com

Like the feast of the Black Nazarene, the feast of Santo Nino ( holy child) is also celebrated every January. The feast of Santo Nino is usually celebrated every third Sunday of January. The Spaniards were the ones who introduced the Santo Nino to the Filipinos. 
When Magellan reached the Philippines in 1521, he introduced Christianity to Filipinos. He convert many Filipinos into Christians. The gift given by Magellan to Hara Amihan, the wife of Rajah Humabon  ( the chieftain of Cebu) on her baptism is a wooden image of child Jesus (Santo Nino). Magellan died a few weeks later in a battle with Lapu-Lapu in Mactan, his men returned to Spain. In 1565, another group of Spaniards arrived in Cebu, Philippines, headed by explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. One of his men, Juan Camus found the image of Santo Nino inside a wooden box.
Santo Nino is the prime of all Christian relics in the Philippines. In fact the image that was found by Juan Camus was enshrined in San Agustin Church in Cebu which is now known as the Minore Basilica del Santo Nino. 
There were many places in the Philippines wherein they celebrate festival in honor of Senor Santo Nino.
The Philippines' biggest and most popular festival in honor of the Senor Santo Nino is the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.

FESTIVALS IN THE PHILIPPINES  IN HONOR OF THE  SANTO NINO;


ATI-ATIHAN Festival -  held annually in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. Celebrated on the third Sunday of January.
SINULOG Festival - held annually in Cebu City, Philippines. Celebrated on the third Sunday of January.
DINAGYANG Festival - held annually during the fourth Sunday of January in Iloilo City, Philippines.
BINANOG Festival - held every second Sunday of January in Lambunao, Iloilo.
KABANKALAN SINULOG Festival - in Kabankalan, Negros celebrated annually during second Sunday of January. 
HINIRUGYAW Festival - held every January 30 - February 6 in Calinog, Iloilo.
BANSUDANI Festival - in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro every January 17 to 19.
KINARADTO Festival - celebrated annually in Buenavista, Guimaras every January 16.
KAHIMUNAN Festival - Butuan City, Butuan's version of Sinulog Festival held every January 16.
BATAN ATI-ATI MALAKARA Festival - in Poblacion, Batan Aklan. Celebrated every January 16. 
ALTAVAS STO. NINO Festival - held annually in Poblacion, Altavas, Aklan every January 21-22.
DINAGSA ATI-ATI Festival - Cadiz, Negros Occidental held every January 24-30
BINIRAY Festival - held annually in Romblon, Romblon every January 9.
SANTO NINO Fiesta in Marilao , Bulacan every last Sunday of January. 
TONDO FIESTA -  celebrated every third Sunday of January in Tondo Manila.

SINULOG PHOTO TAKEN FROM PHOTOBUCKET

The celebration of the feast of the Santo Nino started in Cebu and is now celebrated in many parts of the Philippines. There were hundreds of stories about the miracles of the Santo Nino which made the holy infant close to the hearts of every Filipino. Celebrations features novenas, processions with images of the Santo Nino, tribal dance competitions, fireworks and games for childrens. 

VIVA PIT SENOR SANTO NINO!!!

OPHIUCHUS; THE NEW ZODIAC SIGN

Ever heard of the latest about zodiac signs? This new year, well, there will be an addition to the list of our sun sign by the name of Ophiuchus.
Professor Parke Kunkle of the Minnesota Planetarium Society says that our zodiac sign were no longer accurate as there is already a date problem. According to Kunkle, things have moved and the sun is in a different constellation and that we are about a whole constellation off.
So you might be wondering where the name Ophiuchus came from. We all know that the name of our zodiac signs came from the name of our constellations. There were 88 constellations and one of them is Ophiuchus which is also known as Serpentarius which literally means serpent bearer or serpent holder. As a new added zodiac sign,  the symbol of Ophiuchus is a man holding a serpent.

HERE ARE THE NEW SUN SIGNS ACCORDING TO MINNESOTA PLANETARIUM SOCIETY:

Capricorn: Jan. 20-Feb. 16.
Aquarius: Feb. 16-March 11.
Pisces: March 11-April 18.
Aries: April 18-May 13.
Taurus: May 13-June 21.
Gemini: June 21-July 20.
Cancer: July 20-Aug. 10.
Leo: Aug. 10-Sept. 16.
Virgo: Sept. 16-Oct. 30.
Libra: Oct. 30-Nov. 23.
Scorpio: Nov. 23-29.
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29-Dec. 17.
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 - Jan. 20
Here are the characteristics of those who were said under the sign Ophiuchus;

the lucky number of those under this sign is 12. He is a seeker of wisdom, knowledge, love and harmony. He is destined to be separated with his family at an early age but loves them so well. He would love to wear vibrant color dresses. Many people would be jealous of this person. He would make a great architect or builder, He has an inventive nature.

The latest addition to the sun sign as Kunkle had said, shocked horoscope believers. In fact many people says that they would still use the zodiac sign that they get used to and not the new one.

****Kunkle's Ophiuchus zodiac sign is now being criticized by other astrologer and said to be a hoax and is unacceptable. Astrologer Rob Brenzy says ignore the misinformation, and that there is nothing wrong with the zodiac sign and it isn't changing.

In an article from Time.com it says leading astrological experts say this won't change things at all. That's because Western astrology strictly adheres to the tropical zodiac, which is fixed to seasons.

AN UPDATE ON THE FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE 2011

Right after the mass in Quirino Grandstand that was led by Fr. Anton Pascual, devotees of the Black Nazarene  rushed to the stage of  Quririno Grandstage where the image was enshrined since last Saturday for the "pahalik". Devotees hurriedly climb up the stage for them to be the first to wipe their face towels on the image of the Black Nazarene and be able to grab the rope that will be use to pull the carriage of the Black Nazarene. Father Anton Pascual led the Lord's prayer for the devotees to be pacified. The priest  asked devotees to kneel down.  The cross was even dislodged from the image due to the uncontrollable  male devotees who were excited and can't wait to carry the image. It took a couple of minutes before the image was brought to the "Andas" (carriage).  This was similar to last year's celebration wherein the image was placed on the left side of the stage. Devotees was uncontrollable, they tried to grab the rope and climb the platform where the image is, even though the mass is still going on.
Thanks God there were no reported death in this year's celebration but there were around 700 people who sought medical attention. 
Quirino Grandstand turned out to be like a dumpsite after millions of devotees left the ground to join the " TRANSLACION". Thanks to our MMDA clearing group who were dedicated to their job, who immediately clean the area.
The procession of the Black Nazarene took 16 hours; it started 8am right after the image of the Black Nazarene was placed on the carriage at the Quirino Grandstand and reaches Quiapo Church at 12 midnight.

 Here are some pictures I took in this year's celebration.

 

at the Qurino Grandstand

replicas of the Black Nazarene

 

one of the banner used by a group of devotees

 

ati-atihan who joined the parade at Echague, Manila

 

devotees waiting for the procession

 

MMDA Band

 

vendors around the vicinity of  Sta.Cruz, Manila

waiting for the Black Nazarene

  

 

 volunteers, ambulances and rescue missions

 

 parade along Echague street.

 

 banners at the beginning of the procession

the Black Nazarene