National Heroes Day

August 30 connotes National Heroes Day in the Philippines. This is the day when Filipinos commemorate the Filipino heroes who lost their lives during the oppression against foreign land. And it is the date of tribute to the nameless heroes who sacrificed so much for their country men.

I suppose it is very easy to simply forget how it is to be oppressed when one already gained ones freedom. We also disassociate the word "Hero" to the true meaning of the word. Nowadays, heroes are the masked figures who have the physical strength of thousand men. Heroes are the comic characters and TV figures who can fly. Heroes are those who can punched with an iron hand. Heroes are now associated with fame, physical strength and supernatural powers. But is it really the meaning of the word?

As we are all born unique, we have different perception in life. For me, strength can not be measure by ones physical strength. Strength is measured by the capability of a person to do the right thing even if the world says otherwise. Strength is being afraid but would still go on despite impossible challenges ahead.  For me, heroes are those people who would rather choose the welfare of other people first before his/her own security, safety and welfare. It is being able to care for others without anything in exchange. Being a hero is about value and compassion. But sad to say that compassion is becoming over rated as times pass by. And the fact is, real value is not always seen by the naked eye.

To all Filipinos, Happy National Heroes Day

Bank Holiday in UK

August 30 spells bank holidays in England. This event is celebrated in  Wales and Scotland. This is considered a public holiday in the countries mentioned. Needless to state, banks are close today.  This includes other types of businesses as well.

Bank Holidays Act 1871 gave birth to summer bank holiday. The main purpose at the time was to give bank employees the chance to join cricket matches. The date of bank holiday was changed to the last Monday of August on 1971 through Financial Dealings Act 1971.

Since this is their holiday, it is a time of vacation, gardening and relaxation.

Just an information of what is happening on this date in one part of the world.

Have a great week end every one.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

I would like to greet every one

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

enjoy your holiday !!!!!!


Photo from : freefoto.com

ST. DAVIDS DAY

March connotes Saint Davids Day in England, Canada and some part of United States. This is actually a festival day. Saint David, also named Dewi Sant in the Welsh language, is the Patron Saint of Wales. He lived during the sixth century and was the archbishop of Wales. It was said that St. David died on March 1, hence, St. Davids’ had been commemorated and had been a national festival every 1st of March. Celebration is associated with a Red Dragon, worn as a pin, pendant of even flown as a flag.

Well, here is to greet those who observed the festival :

HAPPY CELEBRATION OF SAINT DAVIDS DAY!!

Source Of Picture:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/84516665@N00/406592095

PRESIDENTS' DAY

February 16 is Presidents’ Day and a legal holiday in United States Of America. Some say it is Washingtons’ Day or Washingtons’ birthday. Actually, George Washingtons’ birthday was February 22, 1782 . Abrahams Lincolns’ birthday, which was on February 12, and Washingtons’ birthday, which was on February 22, was merged and had been celebrated as one every 3rd Monday of February. Included of course is to honor the other presidents of the United States. The merging of the two presidential birthdays as a federal holiday was observed since 1971 during the time of President Richard Nixon.

For me, Abraham Lincolns’ greatest work is his major contribution to abolish slavery during his time. Of course we rely on what our text books or writings passed on thru generations, or world history for that matter, tells us. We are not there in person to witness their accomplishments or the accomplishment of the other noble men proclaimed in history. However, if we will base on the documents presented, as has been the source of writings and text books, I presume! Linconls’ contribution in abolishing slavery is one basis to state that he was a man who treasured equality and fairness. It is sad that in the modern world, living in a concrete jungle, so to speak, confronted by cut throat predicaments, where survival of the fittest stands..fairness, so much as equality..had been..in times…taken for granted.

Two noble men contributed to their community and their country, George Washington, being the first president of the United States of America and Abraham Lincoln, being the 16th President of his Land.

Just a thought and a little information.

Have a nice day everyone!!



Source Of Picture: http://ecmps.pqa.com/blog/images/PresidentsDay-w.jpg

AUSTRALIA DAY

January 26 is a National Holiday in Australia because today is their Australia Day. It is also known as their National Day because this day marks their nationhood. This day commemorates the First Fleet of the British Flag at Sydney Cove. This is also the day of the proclamation of the British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of Australia. There had been a lot of controversies surrounding this day for the Australian people. Some call this day the Invasion Day. For the Indigenous Australian, this day is perceived as British colonialism, thereby bringing the destruction of the Indigenous culture. Well, so much for history. At present, It is observed thru family gathering, parades, citizenship ceremonies and various presentation. I suppose fireworks as well! Bottom line of this entry is, on this day, our Australian brothers and sisters are celebrating their National Holiday!! It is a Holiday so heres’ a toast to the Australian people;

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!!

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION!!!

I celebrated New Year with my family. It has been a tradition to prepare eight rounded fruits on the table like apple, orange, chico, water melon and more. The requirement is that these fruits should be rounded. I prepared “balut” and “penoy “. We always give ten “balut” and ten “penoy” to our relatives nearby. When the clock strikes midnight, we always share abundant foods on the table. There is always the ham, cheese, fried chicken, jumbo hotdog and of course, crispy pata. After dining together, my father will go around the compound and throw coins in every part of the house. Specially our house. It has been a lucky charm for my father. He welcomes the year with showering the compound with coins..from P10 peso coin to 5 cents. When I was little, I used to get a lot. One year I got a almost a hundred pesos. Needless to say, as soon as my father starts throwing money people would surround the area. Even neighbors would be going inside the compound and pick up the coins on the ground. Its quite fun, you know! I remembered I used to wake up early in the morning sweeping. I reached beyond the gate just to find the money that were left in the street. This has been practiced by my father for years and he never missed even once. Sometimes I thought of continuing what he started. However, it is only me and my son. My son is not a bit interested joining the crowd picking up the coins. Even just for the fun of it. Until now I pick up some of the coins but I am not anymore as persistent as I was when I was still a kid. I now leave it to the younger generation to make the most of the fun. Well, that was how we celebrate our New Year. I know every family have our respective ways of welcoming the new year. What is yours?

Source Of Picture:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamakap/339793042

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERY ONE!!!

This is to greet Leslie, Richard, Cecille, Zhey, Grapes, Rose, Devianty, Qwonk and all the blogger out there!!!!

... And the same greeting for my son Cen,

.... With my wish that this year 2009 will be filled with more blessings the whole year through for all of us !!!!!!!!

Source of Pictures:

http://www.pendemonium.com/images/temp

http://www.dgreetings.com/newyear/newyear11.htm

CHRISTMAS EVE

On Christmas eve we celebrate the traditional Noche Buena. My family observed this tradition every year. We did not fail even once. We are all awake at 12:00 midnight. Of course my mother, myself included, were always awake even before 12:00 midnight for the food praparation. The traditional ham and quezo de bola will always be on the table. In our family theres always the never forgotten crispy pata because it is a favorite of my father and my brother. Hmm..tempting, isn’t it? Anyway, up until now we also observe opening gifts after Noche Buena. Below the 7ft Christmas tree, we have the gifts we bought for each member of the family. After the noche Buena we are all gathered around the Christmas tree, pick and open our gifts. I got a jacket from my parents. I bought a bag from Tomato shop for my mother. A jacket and a wrist watch for my father. Of course for my teenage son you can take your pick. I bought a 21 inches Flat Screen Sony color tv for him. It will replace his current tv set. I bought a laptop for both of us. For my blogging and for his research. There is a bonus because as soon as internet had been set up, he realized research is not the only thing he can do in the internet. I am planning to buy a dvd player for him. We already have one but he used to have a second dvd player that he and only he could use. Its like a personal stuff for him. He had some issues with his personal dvd and I intend to replace it this holiday season. Later I will be going to the mall and I will be buying a pocket watch for him. Also, he is a collector of anime items. I am planning to buy him at least one of his collection. So, what do you think, may I consider any of those as a Christmas present for him? Well, those are the ones I gave to my family. For myself, well I did not really get much this holiday season but it is fine. This season is not about how much or how many I received, right? The love and respect of my son is more than enough. The support of my parents are more than enough. I think that had been good enough for me to survive the trials and to endure some realities in my life. Not to mention accepting that there are things that I should have had but were taken away from me just like that. And of course, surviving the health issues I am facing at the moment. Life goes on and on this season, we should be happy. I hope every one have a pleasant day today!!

SOURCE OF PICTURE:

http://blogs.menupages.com/boston/Christmas%20Eve.jpg