Planet Earth is slowly dying.  Its imminent demise is brought about by climate change, a phenomena of global magnitude.  The destruction of the ozone layer has caused this change in modern climate; and it has caused a devastating effect the world over.  The polar ice caps is slowly melting and is bound to trigger a worldwide innundation.  Hundreds o thousands of kangaroos died in Australia.  Flash floods killed thousands of people in Indonesia, and just recently, in the Philippines, where for the first time, the country has experienced a country-wide floodings.  Tthe Amazon Rriver is drying up that resuts in massive fish kills.  Tsunamis have nearly destroyed Malaysia and Maldives, and many extinct volcanoes are becoming active again.

If we, the people of the earth, would not do something about it, then we are seeing the last generation.  It is the time we unite together and come up with solutions to stop this deluge.  We should set aside political bickerings, and misunderstanding among countries, and focus our attention on this one problem that brings our world to a deterioting scale. We should stop ravishing Mother Nature because we are already feeling its scourge.  We should do away with toxic chemicals that destroy the ozone.  We should recycle our garbage instead of dumping it in vacant lots or in rivers.  Polluted rivers should be rehabilitated.  And its time too, to change our lifestyle.  Its time that we go organic.  It doesn’t only ensure us of a healthy lifestyles, but we also help in preserving the ozone by not using chemicals in spraying vegetables and fruit-bearing trees and in feeding livestocks.

I believe that there is still hope for our world.  If we could only band together, and do our share, we can still save our planet from the destructive effect of climate change.

Mt. Arayat is a 2000 ft. looming land mass that stands majestically against a stark-blue horizon in myhome province of Pampanga. It is known for its beauty as well as for its mystery.  Legend has it, that Mariang Sinukuan, the local goddess of nature, lives in the interior of the forest.  She is very beautiful as well as kind-hearted.  She is generous in giving gifts to the local folks, and she helps lost travellers find their way out of the mountain.  But she also punishes those who ravish nature.  Many inhabitants of the mountain see her bathing in the river on a clear moonlight.  Sometimes, she is seen prominading the hills and glens.

But aside from the legend, Mt. Arayat is often visited by local and foreign tourists.  The mountain is very beautiful.  A trek to its summit is a delightful adventure.  You can view the skyline of the whole province.  On its top, one can commune with nature to his heart’s content.  The many colorful florals and faunas, the chirping birds atop the branches on sun-drenched, emerald-green, trees, the swaying grass that dances in rhythm with the gentle breeze are a sight to behold.  The tranquil forest and the serene mountain lake send bliss to solitude.  So, if you want to escape the hussles and bussels of city life, Mt. Arayat is the place to be.  In this mountain, you can have everything that nature has to offer.

The goverment has also seen the potential of the mountain.  Plans are in the offing to develop it as a nature tourist spot.  To plant floras of export quality that will generate income and create jobs for the locals.  It will also be developed into a wildlife sanctuary.  If plans push through, Mt. Arayat will gain prominence as one of the foremost tourist destination in the Philippines.

A script called Baybayin was used in Luzon when Spaniards settled in the islands in 1521. Also indigenous people in Manila and among other native groups in the Philippines wrote on bamboo and specially prepared Arecaceae palm leaves, using knives and pointed sticks as pens.

They were using the primitive Tagalog script which has basic symbols. That is easy to write and understand. Modern Filipino literature are award winning. Some literary works are being studied in schools and is part of the learning curriculum. Also some literary works have television, theater and movie adaptations.

Notable Philippine Literary Works:
ï    Biag Ni Lam-ang
ï    Doctrina Christiana
ï    El Filibusterismo
ï    Florante at Laura
ï    Ibong Adarna
ï    Noli Me Tangere
ï    Dekada ë70

Geographic locations, presents dances in the Philippines that are often categorized in ethnic or geographic location. This Localization is often presented in the following categories:
ï    Dances of the Cordillera Mountains (Igor)
ï    Dances of Taga-Ummah (Muslim)
ï    Dances of the Traditionalists (Lumad)
ï    Dances of the Low-Land Western Christians

Societal function, are other less common presentation of the Philippine dances that have been through their categorization as societal functions.
Philippine dances are unique as they not only convey the artistry of movement but these movements are often associated to a life function such as occasions like weddings, the mimicking of certain animal  movements or sounds through dance and even warding off evil spirits.
This type of dances are can be looked at or categorized as:
ï    Ritualistic Dances
ï    Mimetic Dances
ï    Life-Cycle Dances

Dance influences are another presentation of dances through the influences of the Spanish and Americans. They are as follows:
ï    Southeast Asian Influence
ï    Mainland Asian Influence
ï    Spanish Influences
ï    American Influences

Time periods, also has something to do with the dances in the Philippines. It varies on which time period it came from. As culture is constantly evolving, dances often change along with it. Categories are:
ï    Pre-colonial
ï    Spanish Colonial
ï    American Period
ï    Modern and Post Modern

There are 4 categorizations of typhoons in the Philippines according to PAGASA.
1.    Tropical Depressions
2.    Tropical Storms
3.    Typhoons
4.    Super Typhoons

In 1991 tropical storm Thelma, killed thousands of people from itís resultant flooding, in 2006 tropical storm Milenyo did the same and recently last September of 2009 typhoon Ondoy did the very same.

Endemic species in the Philippines includes the Tamaraw (Bubalus Mindorensis) or also known as Mindoro Dwarf Buffalo which is classified as critically endangered. And the Tarsier (Haplorrhine Primates), which are local sensations, that tourists from all over the world are very much interested with.

The Philippines lack of predators with the exception of snakes. Because lions, tigers and the likes are can only be found in zoos. Snakes such as pythons, cobras and birds of prey such as the national bird known as the Philippine Eagle, are found in some parts of the Philippines. Other native animals include the Palm Civet Cat, the Mouse Deer, the Visayan Warty Pig and several species of bats.

Philippine rainforests boasts an array of flora including several types of orchids and rafflesia as (giant flowers).
Among the trees in the Philippines, the Narra tree is considered to be the most important type of hardwood while the Banyan Trees or ìBaleteî are situated in most areas.

The Philippines major crops includes rice, corn, sugarcane, abaca (kind of hemp), and tobacco. Among all these rice is the most important source of food along with corn.
Coconuts, mangoes, watermelons and other native fruits are important contributors to the nationís income.

Due to the volcanic nature of the islandsí, mineral deposits are abundant and rich and it also allows the Philippines to become a powerhouse with regards to geothermal energy. The Philippine territorial waters encompass as much as 1.67 million KM. Producing unique and diverse marine life. The Philippines marine products include pearls, corals, crabs and seaweeds.

People in the Philippines are known to be superstitious. Filipino superstitions are mixed beliefs that are composed of different kinds of actions and so called ìritualsî that one person must do to avoid something bad to happen or to attract something good. They are a combination of Catholicism, Chinese Traditions, and Filipino Folk beliefs with strong pagan undertones.
Filipinos’ attitudes towards superstitions, is that there ís no harm in doing it so or trying. If it will bring good luck without hurting anyone itís worth trying then.

Though there are superstitions all over the world. Filipinos are notorious for being the biggest superstitions believers. In this article, are compilation of selected superstitions that are categorized accordingly.

Bad and Good Luck:
ï    Encountering a yellow butterfly will bring you good luck.
ï    Do not mend your clothes while wearing them or harm will befall you.
ï    Adorning your dress with pearls means you will shed many tears.
ï    Stepping on a pillow brings misfortune.
ï    If you sit on your bag while traveling you will not reach your destination.
ï    Wearing a diamond protects the bearer from evil-minded people.
ï    Dreaming of fish, trees or snakes means good fortune, money or happiness.
ï    Whistling at night invites evil spirits.
ï    A person who is headed somewhere could not proceed with her journey if she trips on something after leaving the house. Something terrible will happen to her.
ï    If a brown butterfly enters your house you will lose money.

Death and Illness:
ï    Warts are caused by the urine of frogs.
ï    A lingering black butterfly is a sign that one of your relatives has just died.
ï    A wound inflicted on a Good Friday will take a long time to heal.
ï    Do not form groups of three or thirteen because one among you will die.
ï    It is said that the soul of the deceased returns on the 3rd, 5th and 7th days after death.
ï    A falling spider that lands on you is an omen that someone close to you will die.
ï    A widow who caresses her dead husbandís face is sure to re-marry.
ï    If someone sneezes at a wake, pinch him lest he join the dead.
ï    When a tree that was planted at the same time that a child was born dies, the child will die also.
ï    Give away your black dresses after 1 year of mourning to prevent another death in the family.

Love and Marriage:
ï    If you give your girlfriend a handkerchief as a gift it will make her cry.
ï    When a star appears near a half moon it is a sign that young couples are eloping.
ï    The groom must arrive at the church before the bride to prevent bad luck.
ï    The groom who sits down ahead of his bride will be a henpecked husband.
ï    If it rains during the wedding the couple will have many crybabies.
ï    Throwing rice at the newlyweds will bring them prosperity all their life.
ï    Breaking something during the wedding reception brings good luck to the newlyweds.
ï    A person who habitually sits at the head table during meals will never marry.
ï    Women who have moles under their eyes right where the tears fall will be widowed.
ï    A married woman, who wears a pearl ring, will cause her husband to commit adultery.

Money and Wealth:
ï    A house frequented by black ants means that itís owner will be rich.
ï    Anyone who pays his debts at right at night will become poor.
ï    A small anthill under the house is a sign of good fortune.
ï    A white butterfly is a sign of impending wealth.
ï    If your palm itches, it means you will soon receive a lot of money.
ï    Always keep a coin inside your suitcase or bag. If you donít spend it, youíll have money throughout the year.
ï    Give a generous discount to the dayís first customer so that your sales for the day will increase.
ï    Donít set your purse or handbag down on the floor, or you will not prosper.
ï    Never sweep the floor at night or youíll lose all your wealth.
ï    As soon as you see a shooting star, wrap some money in a corner of your handkerchief and play any game of chance, for you are sure to win.

Pregnancy and Childbirth:
ï    If a pregnant womanís abdomen is pointed, her baby will be a boy; if itís round, the baby will be a girl.
ï    A pregnant woman shouldnít have her picture taken or her child will die at birth.
ï    When a woman is about to give birth, place a lighted candle under her bed so that any witches passing by may be seen.
ï    Give an expectant mother anything she craves for, or she will have a miscarriage.
ï    If a pregnant woman eats a fruit from a tree all the remaining fruits will turn sour.
ï    After the baby is delivered, the umbilical cord must be rubbed on the newbornís cheek to produce dimples.
ï    A pregnant woman who eats twin bananas will give birth to twins. To prevent this, she must split the twin bananas behind her back.
ï    Visitors who do not enter the house, but stay or linger at the door, will cause a pregnant woman a difficult delivery.
ï    When a baby lies on her stomach for the first time, place a pencil, paper and a book under her so that the baby will be intelligent.
ï    If a pregnant woman wants to avoid the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, she should step over her husband while heís sleeping and all of her symptoms will be transferred to him.

Food:
ï    Donít put money on the table while you are eating.
ï    If you eat too many onions, you will become a playboy or playgirl.
ï    If you leave some rice in the pot there will always be something in the house to eat.
ï    Eating ripe papayas everyday controls sexual urges.
ï    If you choke briefly at mealtime, someone far away remembers or is talking about you.
ï    A woman who switches seats many times during a meal will have many suitors.
ï    The numbers of persons sitting down to a meal should not add up to 13.
ï    If you change your permanent place at the family table, the person you will marry have a short life.
ï    Donít stack your dirt dishes one on top of the other or it may lead to adultery.
ï    When a stranger or distant relative arrives in your home, serve him water first so that he brings you only good news.

Numbers and Colors:
ï    A red car is prone to accidents.
ï    A person with dark colored gums is said to be jealous.
ï    If you dream of your friends wearing white suits, it means that they will get married.
ï    Giving birth consecutively to 3 children of the same sex will bring good luck to the parents.
ï    13 is both a lucky and unlucky number.

Babies and Children:
ï    A baby who sucks on her toes means her mother will soon be pregnant again.
ï    Kissing a babyís feet will result in the baby talking back to his parents when he grows up.
ï    Stepping over a child will slow his growth.
ï    A baby must not be kissed when he us sleeping because he will turn naughty when he grows up.
ï    Cutting a babyís eyelashes during her first month will make them grow long and beautiful.

Hereís a complete list of Nationwide Holidays in the Philippines:
1.    January 1 – New Yearís Day
2.    Varies – Chinese New Year
3.    February 25 – People Power Revolution Day
4.    Varies – Maundy Thursday
5.    Varies – Good Friday
6.    Sunday – Easter Sunday
7.    April 9 – Bataan and Corregidor Day (Day of Valor)
8.    May 1 – Labor Day
9.    June 12 – Independence Day
10.    July 27 – Iglesia ni Cristo Day (New Holiday)
11.    August 21 – Ninoy Aquino Day
12.    Last Monday of August – National Heroesí Day
13.    October 31 – Day of the Dead
14.    November 1 – All Saintsí Day
15.    November 2 – All Soulsí Day
16.    Varies – Eidul Fitr (end of Ramadan)
17.    November 30 – Bonifacio Day
18.    December 25 – Christmas Day
19.    December 30 – Rizal Day
20.    December 31 – Last Day of the Year

Local holidays, are only observed at the specific place where the holiday is coined. Most of these local holidays are dates when a city or town is liberated or founded or made into a city. Like Foundation days, local festivities and festivals, also included are birthdays of saints and some former presidents of the Philippines, which the holiday is only observed in their respective home towns.

Christianity arrived in the Philippines with the landing of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. Roman Catholicism in the Philippines is the predominant religion and the largest Christian denomination estimately to have 81-85% of the population.

Orthodox Church
Orthodoxy has been continuously in the Philippines for more than 200 years. Protestantism arrived in the Philippines with the coming of the Americans at the turn of 20th century.
Islam reached the Philippines in the 14th century with the arrival of the Malaysí and Javanese merchants and Arab merchants from Malaysia and Indonesia although the spreading of Islam in the Philippines is due to the strength of Muslim India. Hinduism also existed in the Philippines for centuries. Atheism and Agnosticism also has small percentages in the population.

Being invaded by different countries, the Philippines don’t have an identity of its own. But once the country got it’s independence it is able to have its own identity and have changed the country’s national symbols accordingly. The national symbols are mainly composed and consist of things that represent Philippine traditions and ideals and convey the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.

The official national symbols of the Philippines are as follows:
•The flag of the Philippines, the flag’s colors, design and structure are cannot be changed.

•The coat of arms of the Philippines also can’t be re-designed or changed.

•Lupang Hinirang, the Philippine national anthem cannot be re-arranged in any way.

•Sampaguita (Jasminum Sambac) is the national flower of the Philippines. It’s a small, white, fragrant flower. It symbolizes simplicity and purity.

•Narra (Pterocarpus), the national tree of the Philippines. It is chosen to be a national symbol, because of the tree’s durability, strength and sturdiness.

•Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi), is the country’s national bird. It is considered to be critically endangered. Species of this kind in the Philippines are tagged with a micro chip to protect them. People who are caught or traced to hunt and eat them will be put in jail as a punishment.

There are also some unofficial symbols of the Philippines but nevertheless they are recognized by the Philippine government.
They are as follows:

•Cariñosa or Tinikling as the national dance. Symbolizes being graceful.

•Carabao (water buffalo) is the national animal. Because it, being a hardworking animal. It symbolizes industriousness and hardworking.

•Bangus (milk fish), is considered to be the Philippines’ national fish. It symbolizes versatileness. Because this fish can be cooked in many ways.

•Mango is the national fruit. Because it is said that the mango variety in the Philippines is the sweetest variety in the whole world.

•Barong and Baro’t Saya- the Philippine national costume or garb for male and female.

•“Bayan Ko” and “Pilipinas Kong Mahal” are the national songs.

•Arnis and Sipa, as the national sports (games).

•Anahaw (Livistona rotundifolia), the national plant. Because of its usefulness, can be used as a fan, hat or umbrella. Symbolizes the Filipino’s being resourceful.

Official or unofficial, these symbols can tell a story or describe or give preview on how Filipino people are and like.