Posts Tagged ‘filipino’

The Happy Pinoy

Modern day fast-paced and workaholic lifestyle wherein our time for sufficient rest and relaxation has been hi-jacked by the inventions of light bulbs, computers, televisions, radios, etc. and other technologies and inventions that extend our daytime and sometimes makes us sleepless, has brought multiple stress-related diseases like depression, anxiety disorders, Hypertensions, heart attacks, diabetes, and other modern-day illness and diseases, which not only robs our physical body to have a sufficient break but also eats up our ability to stay constantly at peace, positive and happy. A suicidal rate has now been part of every country in the world.

Pinoy

With all of these, how can such group of people or nation in the world stay laughing out loud the problems and worries they are facing? ; For recent reports reveals that the Pilipinos are one of the most happy people in the world today. Wow, that is really good news for people seeking to be inflicted with a Happy diseases. But how can Pilipino stay happy and positive despite of the attacks and onslaughts of problems, diseases and calamities, whereas some other races succumb to suicide and depression? This is one of the mystery attitudes of Pilipinos aside from being a talented race which the other nations admire and enamored with.

The Blame Game of the New Philippine President

Since PNoy political campaigns, the theme of his would be administration is already showing, that is “I am the righteous one, they are evil”. In short, political hypocrisy!;to find fault from the former administration and exalting oneself to be righteous rather than focusing on the needs and necessities of every Filipino and to bring peace and harmony in the Philippines.

Noynoy

On his first days of work, his administration already start the blame game they plan to do and behind this political hypocrisy and self-righteousness are the so-called “Hyatt 10” or the “Black and White Movement” whose suspicious major agenda is only to take a personal revenge against the former administration for axing them from their respective former government seats during the former administration. They keep on criticizing and maligning the former administration for such this and that without showing a very solid convincing proofs, which is already becoming annoying and provokes nothing but contentions and strife again, rather than peace and true change (of Philippine political landscape, for example).The legacy of useless political bickering still continues and never have changed as his promise on his political campaign. You can expect more of this political blame game at his first State Of the Nation Address or SONA, as he says in the news that his SONA will “shock” the Filipino.

How the Filipino has is always victim of political hogwash and ear candy promises in choosing their leader? Has PNoy do something that will produce change when he was senator? Nothing! He just “blames and blame”.

The New Philippine President

However, to be just, let us give the new Philippine president a break, but if these blame games continue, I don’t think the Filipinos have finally chosen a right leader for their country.

Philippines Richest Man

This half Chinese, half Pilipino entrepreneur is of course, not only the No. 1 richest man in the Philippines but also the most famous man in the Philippines because of his very famous successful and well loved Malls which have branches nationwide or have spread on the entire Philippine – the SM Malls or SM Supermalls.

Mr. Henry Sy

The SM Mall is now the national Mall of the Philippines which have 37 branches nationwide or across the Philippines and four branches in China where the half bloodline of this Chinese-Pilipino entrepreneur resides. Of course, what I am talking about is none other than Mr. Henry Sy.

Because of this success of him in retail business (actually, the SM Supermalls are group of retail businesses residing within one commercial building), the Philippine Retail Association have bestowed him the title “The Father of Philippine Retail” ,only last 2005. Many retail business entrepreneurs have strive to be as successful as Henry Sy’s SM Supermalls but still failed because SM Supermalls holds already the appeal of Pilipino masses. However, there is another Philippine Malls that have an edge against SM Supermalls – The Robinsons Malls. The Robinsons Malls likewise SM Supermalls have many branches across the Philippines and sometimes it established its Malls head to head to SM Supermalls.

Mall Of Asia, Manila Philippines

Now, one of his large SM Supermalls that exist today is the SM Mall of Asia

Philippine Superstitions

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.

The Philippines has many languages. The Philippines has a total of 171 native languages that are still spoken and used in the country. Such a small country but has so many dialects/languages.

Filipinos, refer to languages as dialects.

Believe it or not, Spanish was the original official language of the Philippines. Because for such a long time the Philippines was invaded by the Spaniards. And learning Spanish is mandatory at schools and universities during that time.

But after the independence of the Philippines, the national language of the Philippines has become Filipino or popularly known as Tagalog.

English, is also widely used in the Philippines. Since it’s a mandatory subject at schools and universities, up to now.

There are 13 indigenous languages in the Philippines with at least 1 million native speakers. They are:

1. Tagalog which is mainly spoken and used nationwide.
2. Cebuano, used in the Visayas area particularly in Cebu.
3. Ilokano, used in the Ilocos region (Ilocos Norte, Ilocus Sur, Abra etc.)
4. Hilgaynon, used and spoken in the western part of Visayas.
5. Waray-Waray, used and spoken in the provinces of Samar.
6. Kapampangan (Pampango), used and spoken in Pampanga located in Luzon.
7. Bikol (Bicolano), used and spoken in the provinces of Bicol.
8. Albay Bikol (Albay Bicolano), used and spoken in Albay, a province in Bicol.
9. Pangasinan, used and spoken in the Pangasinan area. It’s also known as “Pangalatok” to it’s native people.
10. Maranao, used and spoken in the provinces of Lanao (Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, etc.)
11. Maguindano, used and spoken in different parts of Mindanao.
12. Kinaray-a, used and spoken in Antique.
13. Tausug, used and spoken in Sulu.

There’s evidently a huge amount of dialectal variation among the languages of the Philippines. A good example of this variation are between Tagalog and Kapampangan. Because they are known to have very moderate dialectal variation.

But if you’re a tourist or someone who wants to settle and live in the Philippines, the best dialect to study and learn is Tagalog. Because it’s mainly spoken nationwide and is the national language of the Philippines. It’s easy to learn too, which is a plus.

Like the month of April in the Philippines, a Philippine May festivity also starts at very first day of the month. But May 1 is not a really boisterous festivity in the Philippines, for as we know it, it is a Day of all the workers not only in the Philippines but also to other countries in the world. It is day of political and social demonstration of the workers who wanted to voice out their voice to their respective governments. Most Filipino workers take advantage also of this special day to protest complains.

Coincide with this May 1 Labor Day demonstration and protests of the workers of the Philippines, is an Aliwan Grand Fiesta celebration being held at CCP Complex at Roxas Boulevard, Manila Philippines celebrating the Philippines’ 16 Regions in all grandest with floats and carnival-style parades, fireworks, and all the pride products of the 16 Regions of the Philippines all in displayed.

Moreover, alongside with this Aliwan Grand Fiesta celebration at Roxas Boulevard Manila Philippines is a similar float parade competition at Davao Oriental Philippines. This May 1 Davao celebration is called “Davao Gulf Regatta”. This celebration features decorated bancas and vintas in celebration of Davao gulfs.

May 1 is also the start of Flores de Mayo or Santacruzan in the whole month of May in the Philippines. All the regions of the Philippines held this kind of parade procession. It is the reenactment of Queen Elena of Constantinople in her search for the holy cross of Jesus. Queen Elena is said to be collecting all the memorabilia of Jesus. Similar with this religious festivity that is also held during May 1 is the Antipolo Pilgrimage which is held at Antipolo Rizal. This religious festivity is a long pilgrimage or like the santacruzan, from Manila Philippines to Antipolo Philippines. It is religious pilgrimage for Our Lady of Good Voyage.

Another solemn festivity during May 1 in the Philippines is the Viva Vigan Festival of the Arts held, of course at Vigan City Philippines, Ilocos Sur Philippines. It is a festival commemorating and reminiscing the history and cultural treasures of Vigan City.

May 1 festivity in the Philippines does not end at Vigan City, it still extends to Calape Bohol Philippines that celebrates Pahinungod Festival, the Pilipinyan Festival at Tagaytay city Philippines, the Balangay Festival at Butuan City Philippines, the 100 Island Festivals at Aliminos Pangasinan Philippines, the Araw ng Santiago at Santiago city Philippines, the Pista ng Produktong Pilipino at Subic, Olongapo City Philippines, the Boa- Boahan “Alinsangan “ Festival at Nabua Camarines Sur Philippines, and the Magayon Festival which celebrates Mt. Mayon at Albay Philippines.

Following the May 1 festivity is Dayaw Dalan Festivity held during May 2 at San Jacinto Ticao Philippines, simultaneous with Holy Cross Festival at Alitagtag and Baun Batangas Philippines. Then on May 3 the Carabao-Carroza Festival is held at Iloilo city Philippines where of course decorated carroza being pulled by carabaos. On May 3 also is the Feast of the Holy Cross held at Sta. Cruz Marinduque Philippines.

Like May 1, May 3 also is full of festivity in the Philippines aside from what I mention above,on May 3 also the Sublian Festival is held at Batangas City Philippines as well as the Garlic Festival at Sinait Ilocos Sur Philippines.

Another distinct Filipino attitude is the “hiya” or “shame” attitude wherein one is either ashamed to borrow money or one is oblige no matter what to pay what one owes to another, lest one will be labeled “walang hiya” or “no shame”. Another Filipino cultural trait related to this attitude is the Filipinos “utang na loob” or “reciprocity” attitude if one owes something from a favor done or anything, one should pay it, lest a ruin in relationship will happen. This “reciprocity” of Filipinos is sometimes called the “debt of gratitude”. These two cultural traits of Filipino makes their relationship not only to their families but also to other people brings harmony and good-relationship attitude. Moreover, there is another distinct cultural trait among Filipinos – the Bayanihan traits. This Bayanihan trait of Filipino promotes close friendship with their neighbors. This distinct Philippine culture is about helping your fellow neighbor when one is need of urgent help. Filipinos gather together and contribute whatever they could help their fellow neighbor in need. For this Bayanihan trait of Filipinos means togetherness in times of help and need. This is one of the beautiful traits of Filipinos that unites them one another despite of their differing beliefs and traditions which they have inherited from their respective ancestors.

Though Filipinos have distinct cultural traits, their literature is also distinct with the conglomeration of different fables, legends, and prehistoric stories and scary stories from their ancestral conquerors’ culture which has now become a colonial legacy on the Philippine literature and arts. Some of these are the belief in Jewish God which the Spaniards and Muslim conquerors have brought which is the prevalent belief of Filipinos today. The Hindu and Malay-Native American belief in Voodoo or “Arbularyo” (faith Healers) doctors and psychic surgeon is also high believed by most Filipinos today. When one Filipino does not have money to go to a medical doctor, Filipinos resort to “arbularyos” and psychic surgeons. Moreover, the beliefs in demonic creatures and evil spirits such as the “aswang” or weredog, the “tikbalang (half horse-half man creature), the kapre (giant smoking tobacco up on a tree), the beliefs in dwarf and elves, mananangal (witch that could divide oneself into two parts having a bat wings), the belief in fairies and engkanto (minor spirits),as well as belief to Christian and Muslim beliefs about Satan and arch-angel Michael still within the fabric of Filipinos cultural beliefs.

Aside from their mixed literature, their art of dancing and visual arts still have reflections of colonial influence. Such as their famous folk dance – the singkil and tinikling come Muslim influence, as well as their modern dance today have traces of American and Spanish influenced.

Furthermore, Filipinos visual arts, such the style of their paintings cinemas, and structural architecture are colonial inspired ones.

Philippine arts like Philippine literature is indeed a combination of different cultures being Filipino is the final product or child or offspring of this marriage cultures, thus, Filipinos are said be excellent peoples in terms of arts and literature and cultural values.

What is cooking in the kitchen of Pampanga Philippines why it was dubbed as “The Culinary Center of the Philippines”? Pampanga foods is indeed one of the best well cooked food in the Philippines, thus Pampanga Philippines was crown with it. Moreover, not only it is the national chef of the Philippines but it is also called “the Christmas lantern capital of the Philippines” and “Christmas capital of the Philippines”. For beautiful large Christmas lanterns are being made on it and having a festival about it every Christmas season.

Pampanga Philippines is located at Northern part of the Philippines at the heart or center of Luzon region. Pampanga Philippines was once become the main capital of the Philippines during the British invasion of Manila Philippines for two years.

Aside from delicious dishes Pampanga Philippines is well known, it is also have tourist attractions that one should visit. For example, the famous Pampanga swam, the “Candaba Swam and Wild Duck Sanctuary” at Candaba Pampanga where you could witness a multitude of different species of birds. Which some birds migrated from the neighboring countries of the Philippines.

After a sight seeing at Pampanga’s famous swam lets take a scroll and have a dive in the freezing water of another famous tourist spot in Pampanga – the Ecological semi –resort Mt. Arayat Park located at Arayat, Pampanga. Within it there is the so- called 100 steps which leads into the upper side of the mountain wherein you could see the whole view of Pampanga, as well as if you like you could tread up on the very top of the mountain. Furthermore, though this resort park is on the foot of Arayat Mountain, its waters are really freezing cold. However some tourists who visit it still enjoy swimming in it. Another famous park in Pampanga is the Bayanihan Park or formerly known as the Astro Park where it is the entrance toward another famous historical location in Pampanga, the formerly united States Air Force Base – the Clarkfield Pampanga. Within the park, there are a lot of nightclubs and hotels where lot of foreign tourist flocks.

There are a lot of parks and historical landmarks we could go here in Pampanga Philippines but wait a minute let us dine in into the kitchen of this national chef. Lets taste the Pampanga’s famous meat foods such as the pork and chicken tocinos, the longaniza (which is said to be the Philippine-styled sausage), the beef tapa, the hot dogs, the relleno, the embutido, the lechon,the bulanglang, and the sisig baboy. Let’s also taste their sweet delicacies like turones de casoy, buro, pastillas and many others. For we heard that Pampanga’s foods not only the Filipinos enjoy, but also a growing number of foreign tourists enjoy the Pampanga’ cuisine. Philippines national chef really captures every one’s tastes.

Pampanga Philippines is one of the best places in the Philippines in terms of culinary side, if you are planning to have a food trip adventure in the Philippines. Do not forget to bookmark Pampanga Philippines in your food trip adventure plan when you are planning to pay a visit to the Philippines whenever you wanted to.

The Boracay Island: The White Sand Beach Getaway

How these perfect island getaways come into the sight of the world? According to the repots of its discovery, it was not the Filipino themselves who made this island come into now a hit and world- famous island beach resort, rather it was said that a foreign traveler who seeks scenes for their movie projects discovered this beautiful island. It was said that it was on the travel book of German author name Jen who bring tourist into the Boracay Philippines. Since then, it was history.

Boracay Philippines is an island and beach resort well known for its white sand seashores, crystal clear water ,with a 4-kilometer palm fringed coast., and the mostly visited tourist spot in the Philippines. Boracay Philippines or Boracay Island is situated at Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay is basically an Aklan province at the Panay Island.

Actually Boracay resort is divided into two beaches: the White Beach and the Bulabog Beach, contrary to some who knew that when you say Boracay beach, it is not entirety of it.

However, not only two beaches located at Boracay Island but there other beaches also situated there. The White Beach and the Bulabog Beach are just the two primary beaches which tourists flocks.

The White Beach is dedicated for main beach activities, while the Bulabog beach is dedicated for windsurfing and kite boarding.

Aside from white sand and crystal clear water and beach activities Boracay is also an island buffeted with some weather disturbances like an ordinary country or region. Thus, Boracay is not an everyday Paradise which one or which a tourist dream of. There are two kinds of weather disturbances that struck this beautiful island, namely weather disturbances causes by the cool northeastern winds, and the hot southwestern winds, basically the easterly typhoons. Consequently, despite of these weather disturbances still more tourist flocks into it. During the cool and windy seasons, tourist could do windsurfing and kite boarding activities, while during the hot seasons; of course the White Beach is the main spot for tourist activities. Aside from windsurfing and kite boarding activities, there are also activities like diving, boat tripping, and imagine horseback riding on the White Beach. Moreover, there are also a snorkeling activities, as well as beach volleyball and massaging activities. You could check this up in full details at the web.

There are also of course events and festivities being held in Boracay. The Asian Windsurfing Competition, the Ati-atihan festival which is celebrated either at the second or third week of January on Boracay. The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation which held dragon boat races which is held annually during the month of April or sometimes the month of May.

If you are lured to get to Boracay and dive-in into its crystal clear waters and bathe your body with its white powdery sand, if you are from Manila just go onboard of the Philippine Airlines with a ticket flight to Kalibo, Aklan.It is only take a 50-minute to go there. Then, from Kalibo, ride a bus or jeepneys whose destination is to Caticlan, it is a two hour travel then. Then from there you will ride a boat toward the Boracay Beach itself. Have a Happy trip to Boracay Philippines.

Manila has many tourist spots that the Philippines can be proud of aside from what we have mentioned above. Like Intramuros which is beside the Rizal Park. In it lie a number of historical sites, namely, The Fort Santiago which was once a prison cell for Filipinos who fight against the Spaniards, the San Agustin Church, the Manila Cathedral, the Casa manila and the San Juan De Letran School.

In the Philippines there are many tourist spots not only in Manila, as well as in the Visayan and Mindanao region. Like the Chocolate Hills and beaches in Bohol. Bohol is in the Visayas region. Moreover, the famous El Nido resort in Palawan is also in Visayas region. The Beautiful beaches in Glan Sarangani bay. Sarangani is located in Mindanao region. The Diving spots in Batangas city like the, Layag Layag Point and Mapating Rock at the Maricaban Island.

So much of the tourist spots in the Philippines you can Google it anyway them in full details at Google Philippines. Let’s talk about the Philippines’ famous foods and dishes.

Have you ever taste the sweet and sour Mango fruit of the Philippines? Don’t you know that the Philippine Mangoes are one of the best mangoes in the world today? You can either enjoy the Philippines mangoes on raw or dried type.

The second fruit which the Philippines are proud about is the Durian fruit. The durian fruit is not as sweet as the smell of a mango fruit but it is the opposite of it, a stinky smell! However, it is not the smelly smell you are after why you buy this fruit rather its delicious mixed taste of sweet and sour taste.

Let’s go to the kitchen of a Filipino native, what Filipinos are burning in their stoves? Of course, rice will not be out from their table but mostly soup base food is Filipinos main dishes, like sinigang na baboy(or Baka) and Nilaga (both are pork or beef and vegetable soup, respectively),tinola (chicken and vegetable soup),Sinigang na Hipon( shrimp and vegetable soup),the famous Adobo dish ( a pork or chicken “ginisang”(on the oil of fried garlic and onions, and other fried optional spices) soup where soy sauce is the base),the Kare-kare ( a pork or chicken ginisang soup where peanut and aciete extracts is the soup base),and other delicious Filipino dishes. You could Google them on the net if you want a complete list of Filipino dishes as well as their complete recipes.

Among Philippines’s most favorite snacks are halo-halo, banana cue and of course, Fishballs is on the top of our list. You could check them up in the web anyway for complete information about them.

If you want to tour this country and get around in it, most of about Philippines means of transportation is by jeepneys, bus, train and tricycles and rarely taxis. However, if you want to travel the country in a larger scale, you have to get into domestic planes and ships to go about Philippines most tourist visited places and regions. And be yourself as the witness of the big tourist population Philippines have, adding more of you to the already large regional population Philippines have in every region.