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Showing posts from February, 2019

Philippine Culture: Holy Week with the Family

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by: Aye Baetiong This upcoming Lenten Season is the best time for family gathering in the Philippines.   Our traditions and customs in commemorating the lent week because of  the death of our Savior Jesus Christ and will end up joyous on Easter Sunday during His Resurrection.  One of the recognized religious services during this Holy Week is the Visita Iglesia, or The Way of the Cross. It involves going to a certain church or more than one church, depending on your preference and of course, the budget, to visit different stations of Jesus Christ’s carrying of the cross, recite the relevant scriptures and prayers, then reflect on the same. Customarily, the way of the cross is done by reading the passages, with the aid of pamphlet or leaflet, in front of a portrait depicting the events that led to Jesus Christ’s death. But with the disease-like effect of modern technology and modern minds, some innovators thought of a way to give a twist in visiting stations, as spiritually

Ash Wednesday in the Philippines

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by:  Melanie Queenie Bolanos On 6 March 2019,  Ash Wednesday, day 1 of the lenten season. Today we are reminded of us going back to dust and ashes, when the right time comes, and our soul hopefully will live with God forever. As Christians, we are alerted that our life on earth is short, and we may be called anytime; then give an account of our life to God on how we live fully in love in accordance to His will and precepts. The Ash is from the dried branches which were used of last year's Palm Sunday. The Parish collects it and burns it till its charcoal ash which is used on Ash Wednesday. Don't miss the chance of participating at Ash Wednesday if you are staying living at the temporary housing in Novaliches. There are several Catholic Churches nearby like Parokya ng Pagkabuhay Parish, San Bartolome Parish, Kingspoint Parish and the Our Lady of Angels Seminary. Honestly when Ash Wednesday comes in, I really look forward to Easter Sunday. But i

Philippines Survival Tips: Health Tips

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Aileen and Marty Soriano When travelling to our country these are important tips to help you: 1. When with children, it is best they all receive the vaccine shots necessary to combat diseases. It is however important to know the side effects of these vaccines. 2. One week before your trip, it is best to get the right amount of sleep and take all the vitamins and minerals needed to keep you healthy. 3. Take all the necessary precautions by bringing your personal medicines with you with doctor's prescription; or bring the doctor's prescription if you need to buy the meds in the Philippines. 4. Identify the hospitals and doctors nearby the furnished apartment you are staying even before arriving in our country, in case you need to see the doctor. 5. Upon arriving in the Philippines, make sure you get enough sleep. If you are coming in from a different time zone, it typically takes one or two weeks to adjust, take it easy before attending high ac