Year after year

YEAR AFTER YEAR

Gift giving and receiving and Christmas simply but surely go together. Many times, it's incurring our indignation. Only reluctant, many of us defer the most important decision during the most jolliest season of the year. What is the best Christmas gift for our loved ones??? Is it really an important decision, or does it delete the real meaning of Christmas? I am sure, many of us know the real answer.

The giving spirit of the holiday season seems to fade in the light of necessary obligations and finances, along the painful dilemma of giving gifts to those who want to buy for as opposed to those for whom you should buy!

Let's think about it: To whom are we obligated at Christmas: our boss, our cousins, our parents, our partner or our children and friends as well? What about the children? Should they give presents to people either then family members? How about the innumerable large families especially in the Philippines, because of econimics, resort to name drawing process at Christmas.

For me, firstly, Christmas is spirit. You can always find ways to give gifts without expenses. The most well known and always remembered gift is to do to someone like giving time. In my family we do this mostly during the season holidays. 

But if I look more around, mmh, sad to say, that "time as gift" doesn't satisfy most of all.Well, it's okay. There are so many ways to use your mind in terms of giving someone other things than putting Peso, Euro or Dollar notes. I am sure you know, that home made gifts can be also a very good idea... .

Sure, there is etiquette of gift giving at Christmas and also other occasions. Homemade gifts are most appropriate especially as Christmas gifts, according to Stuart E. Jacobson, book author of "The Art of Giving". Allow me to quote Jacobson, "Homemade gifts are wonderful. A gift of imagination, a gift of creativity, a gift, that shows (also!) time was put into it. A created time is a wonderful present."

When considering a homemade gift, instead of tumbling through crowded shopping malls (as I tried again yesterday - just 31 days until Christmas!) and getting a headache (I really got!)! While stumbling from one mall to the next, I found out again, that the real and whole essence of giving a gift is to bring pleasure to the person receiving it. Jacobson says in his book, "Homemade gifts are also ideal for children to give as presents. Kids can create things because they have unique imagination. Children should feel free to give something to anyone they spend a lot of time with. No monetary value should be placed on what a child should give to someone."

Very well said. I am just afraid, that it seems more or less impossible nowadays in these modern times... .

Merry Christmas!

TUE, DECEMBER 20, 2016 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINIONKlaus Doring

Yes, indeed: during the Christmas holidays, we tend to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, that we sometimes forget the essence of Christmas.

I am glad looking forward to a two weeks vacation “between the years” – meaning to say between December 22 and January 8. No teaching at University of Southeastern Philippines, although most students wish to be prepared for their January exam in Manila; no office hours in my agency….

(City Hall Davao City)

Christmas and vacation: Speaking about myself – I want to bring back Christ to the holiday season and indeed wish to share my blessings with the less fortunate. One of the best-known religious poems is “The Hound of Heaven” written by Francis Thompson, who tried to run away from God. He wanted to have a vacation from God. In reality it is Thompson’s own life. His poem shows clearly the fact in this world that we can have a vacation from physical and mental activities, but never from God.

As I stated before: according to the book of Genesis, after God created the universe in six days, he rested on the seventh day. In other words, he took a vacation. So if God rested after working for some period of time, there is no reason why man, who is finite and limited in his physical strength, should not take a vacation.

Vacation is freedom or release from tension or pressure of work. And, believe me, I learned already from my students, that they will enjoy Christmas and vacation. Many of us feel tired and weak. Some are stressed, overwhelmed, depressed worried about the future – the enumeration, in any order whatever, could be incessant.

Relaxation, meditation, and reinvigoration are badly needed for most of us nowadays. Life, affected by the “burnout syndrome” needs to be animated with energy and strengths.

Yes, Christmas has always been equated with all these worldly ways. Sure, there is indeed no-thing wrong with this. Let’s don’t only focus on non-stop merrymaking and count-less gifts. Let’s take a break, and let’s try to imagine and enjoy the real meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas again to everyone – also from this corner…

Make sure that during this season Christmas is in our hearts and do not allow this heart to be like a crib, full of dirt, broken glass and nails. Time out from our busy schedules and seemingly endless work and tasks – to take a pause should be really important for all of us.

Praying in the quiet chapel or somewhere in your surroundings, time to forgive and mend a broken friend- or relationship, time to think about people, who we need in life, time to do good deeds.

+++

Ten Days to Christmas ...

... 7 Christmas treats in Makati

Joko Magalong

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• Christmas is fast approaching and with it comes deals aplenty.

Urbanits don’t have to travel far, as the City of Makati, Ayala Land, Mastercard, and their partner hotels serve you up a bevy of holiday treats — from staycation choices, various sights, and activities to unwind, bond,and relax.

1. Buy 1 night, get 1 night free

A guest room at Holiday Inn. Handout photo

Holiday Inn & Suites Makati takes the "giving" part of the season seriously with its exclusive holiday promos for Mastercard cardholders. Every night stay availed on the Best Available Rate during the weekend (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) will get an equal complimentary night’s stay in Holiday Inn’s partner hotels in Bangkok (Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukumvit22) or Singapore (Holiday Inn Express SG Katong).

This promo runs until December 31, 2016, while the complimentary night redemption can be enjoyed until March 31, 2017.

2. 2+1 buffet at Flavors

Running out of places to eat in Glorietta? Check out Flavors at the Holiday Inn & Suites.

The buffet as Flavors Restaurant of Holiday Inn. Handout photo

While the buffet is smaller compared to nearby hotels, the spread covers all the requisites from salad, Japanese (with fresh sashimi and rolls), main dishes that run the whole gamut from Indian, Filipino, and even French, a grill station, lechon, delectable desserts (including a version of Crepe Samurai by one of the previous chefs of the Intercontinental Manila, and a DIY ice cream station), and even a Mexican taco station. You get to taste everything and go back to get more of the things that you enjoyed the most, ideal for that business meeting, or family dinner.

For some holiday cheer, Flavors Restaurant offers the 2 + 1 exclusively for Mastercard holders, where for every two paying guests, the third guest gets to eat free. Perfect for those holiday get-togethers.

3. Bed and breakfast weekends

With your Mastercard, avail of Fairmont Hotel’s exclusive 50% off on its Bed and Breakfast Weekends package. The stay includes breakfast and lunch for two at the Spectrum Restaurant (except for Sunday brunch), and 50% off on all treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.

A guest room at Fairmont Hotel. Handout photo

Raffles Makati, meanwhile, offers 30% off when you use your Mastercard to book their Best Available Rates during weekends. A posh classic afternoon tea, as well as evening cocktails are included in the staycation at the Writer’s Bar.

Sip cocktails with your choice of tapas during Happy Hour at the Long Bar at Raffles and dine on delectable treats at the Spectrum’s buffet for lunch (except Sunday brunch) or dinner, with the Spectrum’s 3+1 package, where for every three paying guests, the fourth guest eats free.

Craft cocktails during Happy Hour at the Long Bar at Raffles. Photo by author

Relax and unwind with an automatic 30% off on all ala carte treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.

All promos are only available when you use your Mastercard. Book through the reservation desks of the hotels, or head on over to www.makeitmakati.com to book your packages.

4. Shopping rebate

Enjoy stress-free shopping at Rustan’s when you use your Mastercard, as cardholders get P500 off when you spend a minimum of P5,000 at Rustan’s Makati.

Platinum, World Elite, and World Mastercard holders also get additional perks like personal shopping, free delivery, and complimentary use of the VIP lounge.

5. Ayala Triangle Garden's Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. Photo by author

For a few years now, the Ayala Triangle Garden’s Festival of Lights has drawn crowds for its spectacle of light and sound.

Hailed by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the Seven Most Spectacular Light Shows in the World, this year’s presentation features not only features the now-classic tree-laden lights dancing to Christmas music, but laser light shows as well.

Already a Makati tradition, this light show never fails to astound and bring out the kid in all of us.

6. Circuit's Christmas tree

The Circuit Christmas tree. Photo by author

Another sight only found in Makati, the Circuit’s Christmas tree rises up to 56 feet, fully laden with lights. It’s immersive, as you can step inside the tree and marvel at the lights from another angle.

7. Take up archery

Kodanda Archery at the Makati Cinema Square. Photo by author

Adventure can be found right at the heart of Makati at the Kodanda Archery Range located in Makati Cinema Square. For at least an hour, instructors will teach you to how to shoot with your bow and arrow. A fun and different bonding activity for family and friends, as you learn a potential zombie apocalypse skill.

Paskohan sa Kapitolyo 2015

Comval provincial government brings again the “Paskohan sa Kapitolyo 2015” with this year’s theme on Christmas Carnival. The children-inspired concept is also in celebration to the Children’s Month this November. Everyone is invited to witness the earliest Christmas Lighting on November 20. (Romulo adapon/ ids comval)

A Night Before Christmas

Mother Teresa once said, "It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you".

That is why in November, Christmas will be celebrated early in Davao City. Seda Abreeza Hotel and Lighthouse Homeschooling Network (LHN) jointly pesent "A NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS- A Special Dinner-Concert for the benefit of 'special' (differently-abled) youth trainees at SHINE Life Skills Center.

The fund-raising event will feature Davao City's very own AVI (Agdao Violin Institute) String Quartet. Their live, soothing music will play, while guests dine buffet-style at the T'nalak Hall, Seda Abreeza Hotel on November 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 pm.

This is a rare event where people reach out to 'special' individuals. It is an opportunity to "let God love others through you" and actually find joy in doing it.

Be a part of this worthwhile evening of dining, music and dancing. Let it be Christmas in November.

What could be a Christmas gift?

TUE, OCTOBER 20, 2015 BY THE MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR LEAVE A COMMENT

IN MY OPINION
Klaus Doring

Gift gi-ving and receiving and Christ-mas simply but surely go together. Many times it’s incurring our indig-nation. Ma-ny of us defer the most important decision during the most jolliest season of the year. What is the best Christmas gift for our loved ones??? Is it really an important decision, or does it delete the real meaning of Christmas? I am sure, many of us know the real answer.

The giving spirit of the holiday season seems to fade in the light of necessary obligations and finances, along the painful dilemma of giving gifts to those who want to buy for as opposed to those for whom you should buy!

Let’s think about it: To whom are we obligated at Christmas: our boss, our cousins, our parents, our partner or our children and friends as well? What about the children? Should they give presents to people other than family mem-bers? How about the innumerable large families especially in the Philippines, because of economics, resort to name drawing process at Christmas.

For me firstly Christ-mas is spirit. You can always find ways to give gifts without expenses. The most well known and always remembered gift is to do to someone like giving time. In my family we do this mostly during the season holidays.

But if I look more around, mmh, sad to say, that “time as gift” doesn’t satisfy most of all.Well, it’s okay. There are so many ways to use your mind in terms of giving someone other things than putting Peso or Dollar notes. I am sure you know, that home made gifts can be also a very good idea….

Sure, there is etiquette of gift giving at Christmas and also other occasions. Homemade gifts are most appropriate especially as Christmas gifts, according to Stuart E. Jacobson, book author of “The Art of Giving”. Allow me to quote Jacob-son, “Home-made gifts are won-derful. A gift of imagi-nation, a gift of creativity, a gift, that shows (also!) time was put into it. A created time is a wonderful present.”

When considering a homemade gift, instead of tumbling through crowded shopping malls (as I tried again yesterday!) and getting a headache (I really got!)! While stumbling from one mall to the next, I found out again, that the real and whole essence of giving a gift is to bring pleasure to the person receiving it. Jacobson says in his book, “Homemade gifts are also ideal for children to give as presents. Kids can create things because they have unique imagination. Children should feel free to give something to anyone they spend a lot of time with. No monetary value should be placed on what a child should give to someone.”

Very well said. I am just afraid, that it seems more or less impossible nowadays in these modern times….

+++

You can email me: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthe philippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdorings classicalmusic.blogspot.com.

JAN VAN DAM*: Christmas Parols in The Philippines

boys watching the colorful display in this shop  

The southeast Asian island nation has the world’s longest festive season — and pulls no punches in its celebratory zeal for the period, with lavish light displays, masses, and festivals held throughout the country from September until January.

☆ The Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world — from September to January.
☆ The festive season is marked by traditional masses, spectacular light displays and family gatherings
☆ Some villages organise contents for the best Christmas decorations
☆ Traditional paper and bamboo lanterns known as ‘parols’ light up many Filipino villages and towns.

The parols are as important to Filipinos as the Christmas tree to Western culture — without parols Christmas wouldn’t be complete.

Christmas lanterns known as ‘parols’ light up many Filipino homes or streets. They were first created in the late 1800’s by artisans to help villagers find their way to churches to pray. Old paintings from that time show these lanterns already. The lanterns were used by people to light their paths during the ritual Yuletide dawn masses called ‘Misa de Gallo’ [midnight mass], because electricity was unavailable at the time in many rural areas. They were made of bamboo and paper and had a candle inside. Such lanterns are now more likely to glow with electronic lights, and made with plastic or capiz, but the ethos remains the same — a guiding light in the darkness for worshippers wanting to congregate and pray.

Make your own Christmas Parols in the Philippines.

Try to make your own parol for next year. A nice website with a good way to make a parol can be found on My Parol dot com And another one can be found at the website of the Bayanihan Community Center .

If you like to insert a lightbulb or candle, you need to make provisions before you finish the parol, but I do not need to tell you this. If you do: be carefull, because the paper and the bamboo might catch fire easily…

lantern parade in San Francisco  

Summary

 

Article Name

Christmas Parols in the Philippines

Author

Jan van Dam

Description

The Philippines has the longest Christmas season of all countries in the world: September - January. This is about the famous Christmas Parols in the Philippines, history and how to make them.

 

(c) 2103/2014 Jan van Dam (http://www.expatinthephilippines.com)

It's Christmas in The Air...

It's known already: The Philippines got the longest Christmas Season worldwide.

It's October, and Christmas is also already in the air. I found a very wonderful album:

Inspirational Diva Jamie Rivera shares her newest composition in her first ever Christmas album with some of the best-selling artists in the country. Her song "Christmas Around The World" features among many others Toni Gonzaga, Bugoy Drilon, Erik Santos and Janella Salvador. Find also a special renditions of classic Christmas songs like "Pasko Na Sinta Ko", "I'll Be Home For Christmas", "Joy To The World", "Gloria in Excelsis Deo" and many more.

The wonderfulo album is avalaible at all record bars in the Philippines or can be downloaded via amazon.com.

Waiting For the Promise

The most awaited season of the year has finally come. Again. The most joyous month is here at last. At times it makes me wonder how life would be without the month of December. Something is indeed very special on this season that brings about changes not only in the atmosphere but also in our zest for living and life.

In this beloved country Philippines, the air becomes coller especially during mornings when fields and forests embrace and kiss the morning fog.

The first streak of light that pierces the darkness from the earth is the sign of life. The stillness of the dawn which has long awakened by the crowning of the rooster and singing of the birds add color and harmony to the fabric of God's creation. This is the beauty of life and the joy of mankind.

December is the "well of life" where you draw a renewed commitment. Christmas is a testimony that the whole creation and its people are worth living and dying for as did the Messiah. For many of us, December is a glow that blossoms across the Eastern horizon bringing the promise of a new day.

Yes Christmas is just around the corner...

I always become very thoughtful and melancholy during this very special season. I am sure, that's okay. For me, and for each one of you, my dear readers. During this time, I try to delete topics such as war, corruption, killing, natural disasters et cetera.

Let's consider it like this: Christmas should be the song that awakens our hardened hearts; to move us up to create a better world, a new earth and new people at least. Yes, I know, I am very much blue-eyed!

May this holy season bring us all the peace and joy that we are always waiting for. Merry Christmas to all of you!

Holiday Hazards

Re-posted Editorial from MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR with friendly permission of the publisher Marietta Siongco:

This the season to be careful. As the Christian season approaches and homes and establishments get festooned with various lighting fixtures, it would be well for all of us to be mindful of the actual materials we use for such decorations. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has given out a list of approved Christmas lights brands, and of the scores that are being sold in he market, only 20 have actually passed muster. Most of us do not think twice about our purchases and rarely even look at what brand of lights we buy, but our choices can literally be a matter of life and death, We look back to 2004 and remember that even then-house speaker Jose de Venecia lost a daughter to a fire in their home that originated from faulty Christmas lights. Dozens of other such fires have occurred over the years, adding a bitter note to virtually every holiday celebration.

...

However, it is goverment's failure to prevent such brands from being sold in the first place. The DTI has approved only 20 branches - but what does government intend to do with the rest? How do the faulty brands get into the country in the first place? There is an obvious failure here on the part of the government agencies tasked to guard against such faulty and dangerous merchandise.

...

The Catholic Church in The Philippines and the Concept of Christmas

Here is an interesting post of a Dutch expat living in the Philippines for good:

http://www.expatinthephilippines.com

Season of Homesickness

(A repost of my column "IN MY OPINION" from MINDANAO DAILY MIRROR - December 16, 2011).

+++++

Much could be written or told about all the wonderful places worldwide. A lifetime would not be enough to discover the whole world. Millions of Filipinos migrants are still working and living in many countries all over the world. But those Filipinos are so occupied and tired with work, that in a half-day of not working, they don't even have the energy to go out anymore.

They prefer to rest instead. they work until dawn. There's even no more time for letters or send emails anymore. They get up early next day to do the same activities. Again and again... . They fail to appear on dates or appointments even schedules were already set. On the last minute going out on a free half-day, but suddenly guests arrive who need to be served for example. All these and more make it very diffcult for the OFWs to find time even for themselves.

Christmas time should let uns remember and remind us of our beloved ones somewhere out there. Being "there" is something like being in a garden of roses. Everybody is free to pick up flowers, but surely everybody will not find that easy because the roses are on top of the thorns. being abroad is even more complicated then that.

Indeed, much has been written and talked about homesickness of mind and heart - especially during Christmas season and the time between yesterday and tomorrow.

Many Filipinos stay in countries, where deep winter is reigning right now. Wearing three jackets a day, warm winter clothes and, from the start one must be always on top form, but not only lively but also egantly.

Homesickness usually attacks, when 'your people abroad" receive unpleasant notes from home, as I heard many saying before: "Problema at magpadala ka ng pera!"

The loved ones overseas even try to save  a little amount for airfares just in case they need to  come immediately to their families in the Philippines. many times they consider the difficulty and complication in sending money home. Many imes they even can't afford to visit the Philippines for a long time... .

Homesickness comes, when we hear that one of the boys at home doesn't want to go to school anymore. Homesickness comes when misunderstandings between husband and wife or closed friends arise... .

How about me? Sure, homesickness comes along also for me, especially during this time. Even living in the Philippines as an expatriate for good since 1999, I still do miss my home country Germany and many people there. Season of homesickness... .

Searching for the King

CHRIST FELLOWSHIP CHURCH (with  the address: 777 V. Mapa, Davao City)

in cooperation with

OUTREACH HELPER FOUNDATION, INC.

presents

SEARCHING FOR THE KING -

a dramatic Christmas Musical by David T. Clydesdale - on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at 6 p.m. and on Sunday, December 25, 2011 at 5.30 p.m. Admission is free.

"Two different worlds seeking the truth. A biblical story of a Magi as he follows the star of Bethlehem parallels the contemporary story of BENJAMIN, a soldier stationed in the Middle East 2,000 years later who is looking up the same stars. Both are searching for the truth , and they both find it at the foot of the manger."

For more details and information please contact Liza Faye or Karin, The Edge Radio Davao 104.3 FM: 0922-8519603, 0921-6482243, 082 - 2973215.

The Jolliest Season in The Philippines

Many times I have been asked, if I am a preacher or pastor. I am not any of them. I was born and grew up in a parish house. While treading on different paths around the globe, through life, God has been more or less my permanent compadre. This might explain the "religious touch" in many write ups from time to time.

When the Christmas spirit sweeps through the Philippines, i learned how this spirit infects residents, tourists and a lot of expats alike with its gaiety.

The "official" Christmas season in the Philippines stretches from December 16 to January 6, but Christmas carols began already in October, and the season decorations stay up until the end of January. I remember my time as radio host in the Philippines: requests for Christmas tracks started already in September (!). They didn't surprise me while being on air for almost five years... .

Spanish missionaries introduced Christianity in the Philippines in the early 16th century. Many Christmas customs are derived from European roots. A creche is commonly found in church yards and on store facades, but often the carabao and the chicken have replaced the ox and ass. Humble farmers and fishermen bring offerings of fruits and fish to the babe in the manger. Real evergreen trees or the real Christmas tree, which can be found in Europe or other parts of the globe are rare in the Philippines. Filipinos have devised imaginative rattan representations, or "silver trees' fashioned with aluminium foil.

No dwelling or business address however, is too humble to display a "parol", the traditional star shaped Japanese paper and bamboo lantern that is a unique Christmas symbol in the Philippines. There are plenty of examples nationwide which show us how to celebrate the jolliest season of the year. 

Las Pinas (near Manila!) is very well known for its lantern makers. Have you seen already the marketplace overflowing with fanciful designed lanterns? San Fernando, Pampanga is famous for its spectacular lantern parade on Christmas Eve.

Yes, the Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas season worldwide infecting every one with gaiety. Count me in...!

I feel very touched when the "Gloria in excelsis Deo' rings triumphantly. After midnight families gather together around a table of traditional fare: foods and gifts. Towns are filled with wonderful and biosterous parties, noisemakers, and fire workers (NOT in Davao City!).

For me as a foreigner, who experienced the jolliest season of the year many times already, it is always an unforgettable event. 

Merry Christmas and Maligayang Pasko!

10th Christmas in the Philippines/10.Weihnachtsfest auf den Philippinen

This has been our 10th Christmas in the Philippines together with some family members - and, I must confess, it was wonderful.

Dies war das 10. Weihnachtsfest auf den Philippinen zusammen mit einigen Familienmitgliedern, und, ich muss sagen, es war wunderschoen.

Christmas in the Philippines - no more culture shock for me as before... .

Weihnachten auf den Philippinen - kein Kulturschock mehr fuer mich ... .

The Song of Christmas

Christmas, the song, awakens our hardened hearts and move us to create a hopefully better world. Maybe a new earth and new people at last - if we allow ourselves to be showered by the real spirit of our Lord.

Christmas, this great day bears the message that God is with us. He has not abandoned his world, and even in the darkest moments of our time.We might live in corrupt and dirty times, as we experienced daily and as many people like to preach us more and more.

Let us not despair then even if difficulties rise before us, either in our personal lives or in the life of humanity. Christmas holiday should be spent at home where love binds us together. Somebody has prepared delicious food for the Media Noche. We have brought our gifts for every one. My family and i happily arrange our gifts under the colorful Christmas tree.

On the streets everybody lingers around. Houses are well lighted, there's music, there's is laughter, noise. Enemies hopefully come into reconciliation; jealous hearts change. Rich and poor people try to overcome their mutual gaps in life for this very special season.

Next year nobody can tell how we might celebrate Christmas again. Will it be the same? Will it be with a difference? We therefore hope the best.

This will be my 10th Christmas as an expat in the Philippines. Meanwhile the culture shock has gone.

Merry Christmas to all of you my dear readers. And: PEACE all over the world!