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                        

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)

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.

HELLO 2011, GOODBYE 2010!!!!

To my family, friends, followers, subscribers, and visitors, a Happy and Prosperous New Year to all of you!!!!! 

Thanks to all of you who keeps on visiting my blog even though I wasn't updating my blog regularly this past few weeks due to my busy schedules. 

I'll do my best to this year to give you more informative and interesting articles. 

I am wishing you all the best this year! May the blessings of the Lord enrich your family and friends, not only in wealth but in health, love and happiness.

ps: you can add me on facebook 
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MY NEW HEADER!

I've been very busy this past few days so I have less time to update my blog, sorry guys! but have you noticed my new blog header? I've been wanting to change my header but couldn't find time and can't decide what design I have to used, thanks to my friend and fellow blogger Jeffrey Serrano who unbeknown to me had the effort to make a simple yet beautiful header for me. If  i am not mistaken, Jep of  www.jep-s.blogspot.comwill be venturing soon on making art design business besides his busy schedule at UST being a Mechanical Engineering student and author of multiple blogs.
Regarding my blog being not updated, my apologies dear readers..I'm trying my best to give you more interesting and informative topics soon...thanks!

SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES: ARE THEY INTENTIONALLY MADE???

Have you been aware that most of the movies, musics, commercials, ads and logos have been embedded by subliminal images?

So what is a subliminal message? Wiktionary.org has defined subliminal messages as a signal or a message embedded in other object, designed to pass below the normal limits of perception.
The word is derived from latin word sub which means below and limen meaning threshold.

Subliminal messages as scientist says, leave a mark on the brain. They found out that humans record images that we are not even aware of having seen by the use of brain scanners.
Have you ever experience that suddenly it comes to you and your companion's mind  that you both crave for something while listening to a music or when watching your favorite television program that has been interrupted by a commercial advertisement? Unbeknown to you that the phenomena could be a result of subliminal messages.
It has been said that movies, musics, commercial, banner ads, logos, billboards, etc... has been using subliminal messages as it was discovered that the subconscious mind was very suggestible via subliminal messaging.
There are subliminal messages that are made to help individuals to become succesful, become goal oriented or help students excel in school others are meant to gain more consumers, and there are some that according to articles that i've read are embedded with satanic messages.
Here are some of the image and video results that I've found when I googled subliminal messages....

how about subliminal messages on backmasked musics?







 Is subliminal messages made for a purpose or are they results of imagination? Are they just coincidental?

HOW WELL DO YOU LOVE YOUR DOG?

How well do you love your dog? Are you taking them for granted. OH No! don't you think its time to give them the attention they need, give them some cuddle and treat them to a walk. Just like humans dogs needs proper care too. They won't be called mans bestfriend for nothing. Their loyalty, devotion and intelligence are incredibly rewarding. No other animals displays such traits.  Here's some advice for you..


Grooming - they need to be groomed too. Do it at least twice a week or depending on your dog's coat type. Brushing your dog will help their coat stay mat free, odorless and healthy.

Nails - your dog's nails needs to be trimmed or it will bring pain to your dogs. You can do it yourself without the need of a groomer by using a special kind of dog clippers.

Chewing - Are you annoyed by your dog chewing just everything? Why not give them a nylon bone or a squeaky toy.

Ears - your dog needs they ears to be clean. You may have to clean to them regularly. Try using a cotton buds soaked in oil and wipe the ears out thoroughly, take a cotton ball then put baby oil on it and stick it in the ear and twist. done!

Walking - take your dog out and keep him on a routine this will help them to learn how to housebreak and make less mistake at home. (Housebreaking is the process of training a domesticated animal that lives with its human owners in a house to eliminate outdoors, or in a designated indoor area, rather than inside the house.)

Feeding - your pet dogs need to be fed twice a day or depending on the dog type. Be sure to give them fresh water and don't just give them food. Be aware that not all edible for humans can be suitable for your dogs too. They have different metabolism. Some foods may cause mild upset in their stomach, others may cause severe illness and others may cause death.

Here are some foods you must avoid feeding your dogs...

Alcoholic beverages that may cause intoxication, coma and even death.
Cat Foods which are generally too high in proteins and fats.
Bones which may obstruct or lacerate their digestive system.
Grapes and raisins which contains unknown toxins that can damage their kidneys.
Hops which can cause panting, increased heart rate, elevated temperature, seizures and death
Human vitamins that contains iron may damage their digestive system linings and other organs including their liver and kidneys.
Avocado can cause diarrhea and vomiting because it contains persin.
Fish may it be raw, cooked or canned can cause vitamin B deficiency and may lead to loss of appetite, seizures or sometimes death.
Macadamia nuts can affect digestive system, nervous system and their muscles.
Milk and other dairy products can cause diarrhea to adult dogs if given in large amounts.
Raw Eggs can cause coat problems.
Salt if given in large amount can cause electrolyte imbalance.
Sugary foods can lead to diabetes, obesity and dental problems.
Xylitol or artificial sugar can cause hypoglycemia which can cause liver failure, vomiting and weakness.
Chocolates and coffee can cause vomiting and diarrhea and be toxic to the heart and nervous system.

Remember your dogs have emotions too. They range a lot of emotions just like we do. This are just a few things that might help you in caring your dogs. There are still a lot of things that could help you give the utmost care for your bestfriend.

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RAINING WITH ICE PELLETS!

This afternoon the so sky was dark, a sign that there will be a heavy downpour of rain. I prepare my umbrella and wear my jacket as I was going to fetch my daughter from her school. I was all set and about to go out when It began to rain with lightning and crackling loud thunders. I heard pebble like dropping on the roof. I decided to go out despite of the heavy downpour of rain only to be surprised that it was not an ordinary rain but it was accompanied with pellets of clear ice and I've seen pieces of it right in front of my doorstep. I've been hearing stories of the same thing from other places here in the Philippines, but I was skeptic about it until I see it myself this afternoon. Whoa! it was raining with ice here in Buenavista, Cavite. Well, it lasted only for a couple of minutes but it was a different experience.
I put here some picture of an ice pellets just to give you an idea of the size of those clear ice kernels that I've seen here in Cavite although it is not as many as this.

Below is the actual picture that I have taken myself but unfortunately it melted so fast that right after I grabbed my camera, I've just captured a few melted sleets.

DANGERS OF BEING UNTRAINED IN MOTORCYCLES...

Motorcycles are said to be the best mode of transportation because you can easily beat up traffic and it is in fact the most affordable type of motorized transport. Lately, there have been an increased in the number of motorcycle users here in the Philippines but noticeably have a higher rate of fatal accidents than automobile. Watch the news everyday and surely there would be reports regarding an accident involving a motorcycle. You would probably hear comments whenever accidents happens that it is a pure mishap and nobody wants it. Nope! accidents won't  happen without a cause. Haven't you noticed that the common cause of motorcycle accident is that when the motorist pulls-out or sometimes a motorcycle suddenly turns in front of an automobile and there are also riders who violates the right of way, where they always counter flows to avoid a long line of traffic. I am not against motorcycle riders but what I am pointing out here is the increase number of moto-riders that are untrained and those who are drunk driving. A rider must have a proper training right after they have purchased a new bike. Why not take a safety course first, this is for your own sake. Remember that most people are used to seeing larger moving objects in the streets. Take time to hone your skills. I was really thankful to see that local governments have their campaigns that gives warning to motorcycle riders.





I opt not to put some shocking videos or pictures here for the sake of my minor readers but i found this video from youtube that for me has a given a clear message of the dangers of being an untrained owner of a motorcycle.

439th MANILA DAY AND FEASTDAY OF SAN JUAN

Today, the city of Manila celebrates its 439th foundation day since on this day in the year 1571, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi of Spain founded Manila. It was also the day of nativity of St. John the baptist, the cousin of Jesus Christ. St. John's birthday was celebrated in the Philippines yearly by towns and cities that bears his name and those whose patron saint is San Juan. It has been a tradition to residents of this places to have water fights and even splashes water on whoever is passing by which symbolizes St. John's work of cleansing the original sin. Today, surely the City of Manila and residents of San Juan City in Metro Manila will surely have their fireworks, outdoor salu-salo, street parties even amateur contest and not to forget the parade of lechon in Batangas. (Oh my! i miss watching the evening show in Mulawin st. San Juan City which is the hometown of my lovely spouse). Every streets probably would have their drinking spree on both celebrations but let's just hope that this would end up peaceful without those "pasaways" looking for trouble.
Mabuhay ang mga taga Maynila at San Juan!!!

ANG SEX ED NG DEPED

Balitang idadagdag na ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DEPED) ang sex education sa basic education curriculum kabilang ang na ang kinder at elementarya simula ngayong pasukan. Isasama ito sa araling Music, Arts, Physical Education at Health (MAPEH). Ito raw ay makatutulong upang ang maimulat ang isip ng mga kabataan sa pugsugpo ng lumalalang problema sa populasyon, upang maging mga responsableng magulang, at ang mga maaring idulot ng pakikipagtalik. Diumano'y mas mainam na ito kaysa kung saan saan lamang matutunan ang mga bagay na ito gaya ng internet.
Ano kaya ang masasabi ng simbahan sa usaping ito? Matatandaang nating minsan nang tinutulan ng simbahan ang isinulong ng Department of Health (DOH) ang pag-gamit ng mga kontraseptibo upang masugpo ang paglago ng populasyon at paglaganap ng sakit sa ating sa ating bansa.Ako po ay isang sagradong katoliko ngunit sa usaping kontraseptibo ay sang ayon ako sa DOH. Bakit? Di naman lingid sa atin ang pagdami ng mga batang lansangan na makikita mong nasasangkot sa pagnanakaw dahil sa kahirapan, ginagamit ng mga magulang upang mamalimos, nanguumit at kung minsa'y makikita mo pang sumisinghot ng solvent. Di lang yan idagdag pa natin ang paglaganap ng sakit na nakukuha sa unsafe sex.
Ngunit sa usaping sex education di pa ba sapat ang itinuturo sa mga nasa ikalimang baitang sa araling agham patungkol sa ating reproductive system? kailangan pa nga bang palawigin ito ay ituro sa mga murang isipan ng musmos pa lamang? Nakakasiguro ba tayo na may sapat na kaalaman ang guro na tatalakay dito at hindi ang mga sariling opinion lamang ang marinig sa kanila ng mga mag-aaral dahilan upang lalong mabuhay ang kanilang kuryosidad patungkol sa sex? Hindi ba dapat ang usaping ito ay para lamang sa mga batang ang edad ay may kakayanan nang makabuntis at mabuntis? Bakit hindi na lamang ipaubaya sa mga magulang ang pagtalakay nito, di ba't ang mga magulang ang mas nakakaalam kung ano ang nakabubuti para sa kanilang mga anak?  Bakit kailangang imulat dito ang mga bata pati na ang mga nasa kinder pa lamang? Ito po ay mga pansariling kong opinyon lamang... kayo ba ay sang ayon na maituro na ito sa mga bata sa kanilang paaralan?

MAY AASAHAN BA TAYONG PAGBABAGO?

 Di pa man opisyal na naihahayag, nasa 90 porsyento na ng bilang ng boto ng pinoy ang pabor kay Sen. Noynoy bilang Pangulo ng Pilipinas. Ilan na rin sa kanyang mga katunggali ang umatras upang bigyan siya ng daan. Ayon kay Manong Johnny, maaring opisyal na itong ihayag sa pagitan ng Hunyo 4 hanggang 15  pero sabi nga nila e virtually confirmed na ito mula pa noong Mayo 11 sa tulong ng "automated election". Maliwanag na sa Hunyo 30, sa pagbaba ng kasalukuyang pangulo ay may bago na naman na mamumuno ng ating bansa.
 Ngunit may aasahan kaya tayong pagbabago sa ating bansa ngayon na may bago nang manunugkulan sa pinakamataas na posisyon ng gobyerno? Sana nga!!!! marahil sambit ng halos ng nakakaraming pinoy.  Mula pa noon ay marami na ang umaasa ng pagbabago, umaasang makakaahon sa kahirapan ang masa, umaasang ang mga mauupo sa puwesto sa gobyerno ay may malasakit sa bansa at sa kapwa. Sana matapos na maiproklama ang mga nanalo sa nagdaang halalan ay magkaisa't magkasundo ang lahat ng pulitko anuman ang partido nila upang malabanan ang corruption sa ating bansa na isang malaking sanhi ng kahirapan. nawa'y maibigay sa tao ang dapat ay kanilang benepisyo mula sa gobyerno. bawat proyekto nawa ng mga bagong halal na manunungkulan sa ating bansa ay pabor sa ating mga mahihirap at hindi sa mga pansariling interes lamang. nawa'y masolusyunan ang lumalalang krisis at patuloy na pagtaas ng mga bilihin. Di nga ba't lahat sila'y ay nangakong gagawa ng paraan upang mabigyan ng disenteng hanapbuhay ang bawat pilipino. Hindi ba't kay ganda kung lahat ay may trabaho, maaring mabawasan ang lumalalang krimen dahil sa kagutuman at makakaiwas ang mga lulong sa droga kung sila ay may pagkakaabalahan na at ang bawat matatanda ay makatanggap ng sapat na benepisyo mula sa pamahalaan. Sana nga!, sana nga! makaasa tayo ng malaking pagbabago sa ating bansa.

JUNE BRIDE

Ever wonder where the term "June Bride" comes from?
According to researchers in early 1500's most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, (yes, you read that right! ...YEARLY!) and still smells good by June, however, they were starting to smell so they carried a bouquet of flowers with them to conceal their unwanted odor.(LOL!!)
Month of June was named after Juno, (Roman goddess of marriage, heart and home) the wife of Jupiter. Every couple of course would want to start their life together under her protection.
June is also the month were many flowers bloom. Roses are abundant during this time of the year which is the most loved flower by women.

back to school

It's school time again!!!! A few weeks left and it is the start of a new school year. I'm pretty sure that lot of students are excited to go back to school after a long summer vacation specially those in grade school and high school. Well, everything is shiny and new! hahaha!!! Almost all of them are eager to meet their new teacher,  classmates and be reunited with their old pals. On their first week of class,  every student will have their own contribution of  their summer vacation experiences,  their souvenirs from places they visited, new friends they've met during the long vacation, new bags, new shoes, new high tech gadgets and for those high school students....their new crush. well, that's a typical back to school scenario...Agree??