WHO IS SANTA CLAUS???

Christmas is in the air and one of the most Christmas figure is Santa Claus. Santa Claus also known as Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, St. Nick, St. Nicholas, Santa or Sinterklaas in Dutch. He is known to us as the fat, jolly man with white beard who wears a red suit with white fur, black belt and black boots. Legend tells us that he lives in North Pole together with his wife and his magical elves that help him in making toys for children as his gift but did you know that the true Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas. Saint Nicholas was born sometime in 280 AD in the village of Patara ( Southern Coast of modern day Turkey). He became an orphan at a very young age. His parents died of an epidemic. He was taught by his parents to be a God fearing child. He inherited all the wealth left by his parents which he used to help the needy. At a young age, he was made Bishop of Myra because of his devotion to the Lord.
During the time of Roman Emperor Diocletian, Saint Nicholas was imprisoned. He attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 after his released. He died in December 6, 343 AD and was then buried at a cathedral in Myra and at his grave, a unique relic was formed and was named manna. December 6, which is the date of his death became his feast day (December 19 in the Julian calendar). Today, he is also known as the patron saint of children and sailors.
Saint Nicholas have been linked with many legends. One of his well known story is the story of a poor man with 3 daughters. These woman were supposed to be sold to slavery by their father who couldn't afford their dowry for them to get marry but mysteriously on three different occasions, a bag of gold was seen at their home, providing the amount needed for dowries. It is said that the bag of gold was tossed in the open window and landed on a stocking placed near the fireplace to dry. This is how the custom of children hanging stockings waiting for gifts from Santa Claus. How about the Santa climbing on the chimney? It is said that on the third time that he had to toss the bag of gold into the window of the poor man, it was closed so he instead climb up the chimney and there he dropped the bag of gold.

PAROL: THE FILIPINO CHRISTMAS LANTERN

Philippines is the only country in Asia where Christianity is predominant.
Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the Philippines. Several business establishments and companies plays Christmas carols as early as September. We Filipinos started to decorate our homes with Christmas ornaments as early as October and Christmas decorations won't be complete with hanging a Parol outside the house. 
What is a Parol?  A parol is a star like Christmas lanterns used by Filipinos as ornament during Christmas season. They are traditionally made with bamboo and papel de hapon ( Japanese paper ).
The parol was created to symbolize the star that guided the 3 kings ( or should I say three astronomers) to Bethlehem were Jesus Christ was born.
It is said that the first parol was made by  Filipino artisan, Francisco Estanislao of San Fernando, Pampanga in the late 1920's. The new generation parol were now made of plastic materials, capiz or seashells, stained glass, etc.. There are also new different shapes of parol aside from the traditional star shape such as flower, angels, bells and snowflakes.
San Fernando in Pampanga is known as the Christmas lantern capital of the Philippines. This where you can see colorful and skillfully made parols being sold almost all over the town . It is where the evolution of Parol started. San Fernando is also the place where you can see giant lanterns. A giant lantern festival is being held annually in San Fernando during December and is locally called " LIGLIGAN PAROL" . It is a competition of giant parols and every barrio in San Fernando participate. The height of the entries were as high as 20 feet and is made with plastic materials and was being illuminated by thousands of light bulbs.This is one of the amazing things in the Philippines that was included in the Guinness Book of World Records.





Nowadays, several companies, schools and organizations in the Philippines also hold christmas lantern making contest which requires participants to use indigenous materials such as bamboo, pet bottles, plastics, straws, bottle caps, cans, and other garbage materials.
Are you done dressing your homes with Christmas decorations?

ANOTHER VICTORY FOR MANNY "PACMAN" PACQUIAO

The duel between the two great boxers Pacquiao and Margarito was really exciting. Although things did not happened as expected by boxing fans that there would be a knockout in the fight, both fighters showed their strengths and will to win the WBC title.
The bout lasted for 12 rounds and Manny Pacquiao brings home his 8th title after winning the WBC superwelterweight title. He makes another history in boxing.
Let us admit the fact that a lot of Filipinos were at first scared that Pacman couldn't win against Margarito who is much taller and with 6 inch longer reach but he proves them wrong when he dominated Margarito all over the 12 rounds of the fight and won with unanimous decision. With his boxing skills and speed, Manny he rocked the Tijuana Tornado.  Margarito wanted to pin Manny on the rope but Pacquiao, with his speed, always manages to escape and everytime Pacman did this, he has a suprising combination to counter against Margarito.  The fight was so intense that it made Mrs. Dionisia Pacquiao, the mother of Manny suffered from anxiety attack but was now fine.  Filipino boxing fanatics cheered everytime Pacman landed his powerful punches on Margarito. Pacquiao admitted that battling against the "Tijuana Tornado" was very hard.
Pacman slowed down after seeing Margarito's condition. Pacquiao even told when interviewed that he was waiting for the referee to stop the fight. Also in a separate  interview to Roberto Garcia, the Mexican's trainer, he admitted that he already wanted to throw the towel to stop the fight but believes that his boxer could still make it as he is a tough boxer and a brawler.

Margarito's face became a mess after the bout. His eyes were almost close, blood were on his face from the big cut under the right eye.
Filipinos pride Manny Pacquiao, once again proved that he is indeed the best pound per pound boxer in the world.

Pacquiao only suffered minor bruises and swollen fist after the fight while Margarito had to seek medical attention as his right has right had swollen too bad after receiving powerful punches. The Mexican boxer undergoes an MRI and result shows that he had a fractured orbital bone under his right eye. He would have to go on a surgery but not until the inflammation had subside.
Btw, to all boxing fans there, watch out for the upcoming Marquez-Katsidis fight this November 27. (Juan Manuel Marquez will be fighting against Australian boxer Michael Katsidis).
Congratulations Manny Pacquiao for the victory!! Who would be his next challenger? Would he be finally facing Floyd Mayweather jr. or will he retire?