PASKO: Christmas in the Philippines
Text reprinted from: 
The Tagalog word Pasko derives from the Spanish word Pascua. Although the word Pascua means Easter, Pascua de Navidad refers to Christmas.
The Philippines is known for having the world’s longest Christmas season. The four months that end with the syllable –ber are considered Christmas months, which is why stores and households start playing carols on the first day of September! And the holiday season extends beyond December 31st. It doesn’t end until the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings (Tatlong Hari) which falls around January 6.
If Mexico has piñatas, the Philippines has its parol. Of course, a parol is not something to hit with a stick. It is a Christmas lantern, most commonly in the shape of a five-pointed star. The bamboo or rattan frame is covered with rice paper, tissue or cellophane. Almost every family either builds or buys one to hang by the window or door. Shopping malls construct giant versions of parol. Traditionally, a candle was placed inside for light to shine through; for safety reasons, people now use bulbs or even a flashlight. Families, schools and other places also display a creche or nativity scene called belen. Christmas trees made of plastic are decorated with lights, tinsel and balls. Read the rest of this entry »
November 27, 2012 by odnphil
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board for Professional Teachers (BPT) announced Monday that 25,136 elementary teachers out of 50,997 examinees (49.29%) and 20,834 secondary teachers out of 47,892 examinees (43.50%) successfully passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers (L.E.T.).
Myrna Libugan Tin-awan is among the new licensed elementary teachers.
“The ODN sisters helped me to create a new life. Through their mission in Lestonnac Youth Center, they helped me to become a professional teacher. They helped me to become a well-rounded person. Well-rounded because they did not only make me professional but they helped me to develop my social, emotional, economic and most of all my spiritual aspect in life.” (excerpt from My Life-changing Experience in Lestonnac Youth Center)
November 26, 2012 by odnphil
Feast of the Presentation of the Child Mary in the Temple
November 21, 2012
Theme - ”Faith: Live with Mary”
Pope Benedict XVI has declared October 11, 2012 until November 24, 2012 a “YEAR OF FAITH.” He mentioned that, “It will be a moment of grace and commitment to a more complete conversion to God, to strengthen our faith in him and proclaim him with joy to the people of our time.” The Pope added, “new impetus to the mission of the whole Church to lead men out of the desert in which they often find themselves, to the place of life, of friendship with Christ.”
As with Mary’s birth, we read that Anna and Joachim offered in the Temple when she was three years. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond.
In Tambo, Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City where presence of the mission of the Company of Mary has been cultivated, we celebrated the 14th Foundation Day. It has been a tradition in this community to honor Mary as our patroness and whose deep faith had been shown throughout her life. We too are encouraged to live FAITH with our beloved Mary. Read the rest of this entry »
November 12, 2012 by odnphil
I have been to many trials in my life. I have been to different ups and downs. But Sendong experience was the worst ever. Honestly, life after Sendong is really very difficult. I tried to be strong for my family and it hurts inside seeing them battling to survive, answering questions like, how to procure materials to build a new home, or should we go back to the old area even taking the risk again. Read the rest of this entry »
October 26, 2012 by odnphil
Pope surprises Archbishop Tagle
By Philip C. Tubeza
Reprint from: Philippine Daily Inquirer
Pope Benedict XVI has added Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle and five other prelates to the ranks of cardinals who will elect his successor.
Benedict made the surprise announcement during his weekly general audience in the Vatican Wednesday and said the new cardinals would be elevated at a consistory on Nov. 24.
The nominations help even out the geographic distribution of cardinals, which had tilted heavily toward Italy, according to the Associated Press.
By Fr. C. G. Arevalo S.J.
Reprint from : Philippine Daily Inquirer
(Editor’s Note: Excerpts from the Reflections of Fr. C. G. Arevalo, S.J, from the booklet, “Pedro Calungsod: Young Visayan Proto Martyr,” edited by Sister Bernadita Dianzon and published by Paulines Publishing House)