Holy Week reading

 

By: Ambeth R. Ocampo - @inquirerdotnet

Historians read differently. While most people start with the so-called “Front Matter” (Title Page, Introduction, Table of Contents, etc.) historians usually start at the back of a book; checking out the Bibliography or the list of sources (manuscript, printed, oral, and digital) used in the writing of the book. Historians judge a book not by its cover but by its “Back Matter.” While normal people will consider reading a dictionary as penance for the sins of the past year, I find it an absolute joy browsing through early vocabularios or diccionarios of Tagalog from the 17th to 19th centuries. Added to my unusual taste in reading matter are bibliographies (lists of books or sources, often annotated, that form the basis of a given subject). Bibliographies published in the early 20th century from the likes of Wenceslao E. Retana, Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera, and James Alexander Robertson enabled me to talk authoritatively about books I have not read fully nor handled physically.

Last Palm Sunday, I was invited by a friend to a “pabasa” in his garage in Cardona, transformed into a “kapilya” with an altar dominated by a crucifix and three life-size processional images of saints with their heavy beards and equally heavy velvet vestments embroidered with gold and silver thread. Instead of flowers, the altar was festooned with “palaspas” in many various designs. There was a long table with people reading from, and chanting, the Pasion text in old Tagalog. Christ was being mocked and beaten when I arrived around 1 p.m. and if I cared to stay on until the evening I would hear the burial of Christ, chanted with accompaniment by the town band.

Four decades ago, during my first immersion into Philippine Studies, I assisted a visiting ethnomusicologist who recorded an entire Pasion in Angeles, Pampanga, over two days. At the time, I learned to distinguish different tones and tunes utilized by the readers. There was plain chant, there was one that was lilting, another was used when a penitent or flagellant entered the chapel. We were told that in the Malolos passion play or “sinakulo,” music that accompanied the scene of the death of the Virgin Mary was a rowdy drinking song like “roll out the barrels” that was replaced by “Anchors Aweigh!” when the Virgin ascends into heaven. For the Resurrection, “Lupang Hinirang” or the national anthem. This is the charm of our folk religiosity that is more Filipino than Roman Catholic, when the foreign was “indio-genized” and made our own.

Protect our citizens from dangers of April-May-June and July

At the Cardona pabasa last Sunday, I told people at lunch that this time I focused more on the words rather than the tune, fascinated by the unusual turns of phrase in Tagalog difficult to translate into English. The Pasion text in Cardona reminded me of the first time I heard the short-cut passion and death of Christ in a chanted novena during a wake in Poblacion or Old Makati. I heard it again, in the background, while on the phone with a classmate at a wake in Malabon. Of Jesus sweating blood in the Garden of Gethsemane, the novena prompt for a response was “Hesus ko, alang-alang sa masaganang dugo na iyong ipinawis nang manalangin ka sa Halamanan.” When Jesus was slapped on the face, “Hesus ko alang-alang sa tampal na tinanggap ng iyong kagalang-galang na mukha.” When he carried the cross on the road of bitterness, “Hesus ko alang-alang sa paglakad mo sa lansangan ng kapaitan, na ang Cruz ay iyong kababaw-babaw.” When he was stripped of his garments, “Hesus ko alang-alang sa damit mong natigmak na dugo na biglang pinaknit at hinubad sa iyong katawan ng mga tampalasan.”

Included in the novena is the Litany of the Virgin Mary that rendered, “Mother Most Chaste” as “Inang Walang Malay sa Kahalayan.” Most complicated was “Rosa Mystica,” translated as “Rosang bulaklak, na di mapuspos ng bait ng tao ang halaga” (A rose whose worth cannot be known by human reason). Tower of Ivory was rendered as “Torreng Garing” while “Singular Vessel of Devotion” became “Sisidlan ng mahal at tangi na makusaing sumunod sa Panginoong Diyos.” Mother Most Admirable became “Inang Kataka-taka.”

My Holy Week reading was “Pasyon Genealogy and Annotated Bibliography” by Rene B. Javellana, SJ, published in 1983. It lists 31 texts from the earliest extant by Gaspar Aquino de Belen “Mañga Panalañging Pactatagobilin sa Calolova nang tavong nag hihiñgalo: Ang may catha sa vican Castila ang M. R. P. Thomas de Villa Castin sa mahal na Compañia ni Iesus. At ysinalin sa vican Tagalog ni d[on] Gaspar Aquino de Belen. At ysinonod dito ang mahal na Passion ni Iesu Christong P[añginoon] Natin na tolá; at ypinananagano sa cataastaasang poong Iesus Nazareno” (1760), to the most popular that can still be bought on Shopee today being the “Pasion Henesis” because it has an account from Genesis. It is also known as “Pasion Pilapil” for Mariano Pilapil, not the author but a priest who wrote preliminaries to the text “Casaysayan nang Pasiong Mahal ni Hesucristong Panginoon Natin na Sucat Ipag-alab nang Puso nang Sinomang Babasa” (1814). Javellana provides a road map to all these old texts, a real penitence to the uninterested but engaging to the scholar.

Why is the Philippines Asia's Most Unique Country?

The Philippines stands out among its Asian neighbors for numerous reasons. Renowned globally for their warm hospitality, Filipinos embody a spirit of kindness that transcends cultural barriers. Endowed with rich biodiversity, the country is home to unique species like the Tarsiers and boasts diverse ecosystems from coral reefs to lush rainforests. Its underwater world, adorned with sunken Japanese shipwrecks and teeming with marine life, offers unparalleled diving experiences. The iconic Jeepneys symbolize Filipino ingenuity and artistic expression, while the country's active volcanoes add a thrilling element to its landscape. With over 7,100 islands, each exuding its own charm, and cultural influences from Spanish colonization evident in architecture, art, and cuisine, the Philippines offers a tapestry of experiences that make it truly exceptional in Asia. Let us delve into the question, "Why is the Philippines Asia's Most Unique Country?" Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth coverage of global economies and geopolitics. Watch complete video and do not forget to visit our channel for more interesting videos. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Have you ever pondered why the Philippines stands out more in contrast to its neighbouring nations? 0:44 The Philippines host a wealth of endemic wildlife 1:24 The Philippines is a paradise for divers 2:07 Let's not overlook the Jeepneys 2:53 The Philippines, a nation abundant with natural wonders 3:38 Moving on to the Philippines' remarkable archipelago 4:16 Let's explore the massage culture deeply ingrained in the Philippines lifestyle 5:00 Another wonderland of the Philippines is Puerto Princesa Underground River 5:42 For over 300 years, the Philippines was under Spanish rule 6:20 In the realm of art, the Spanish brought Western painting techniques and styles 7:19 Another uniqueness of the Philippines is their cuisine 8:08 Don't miss out on future explorations and discoveries

Philippine Fairy Tales (XXXI) - Philippinische Märchen (XXXI): THE STORY OF GAYGAYOMA WHO LIVES UP ABOVE

THE STORY OF GAYGAYOMA WHO LIVES UP ABOVE

One day, while Aponitolau sat weaving a basket under his house, he began to feel very hungry and longed for something sweet to chew. Then he remembered that his field was still unplanted. He called to his wife who was in the room above, and said: “Come, Aponibolinayen, let us go to the field and plant some sugar-cane.”

So Aponibolinayen came down out of the house with a bamboo tube, and while she went to the spring to fill it with water, Aponitolau made some cuttings, and they went together to the field, which was some distance from the house.

Aponitolau loosened the earth with his long stick and set out the cuttings he had brought, while his wife sprinkled them with water from the bamboo tube. And when they had filled the field, they returned home, happy to think of the splendid cane they should have.

After seven days Aponitolau went back to the field to see if the plants had lived, and he found that the leaves were already long and pointed. This delighted him, and while he stood looking at it he grew impatient and determined to use his magical power so that the cane would grow very fast. In five days he again visited the field and found that the stalks were tall and ready to chew. He hurried home to tell Aponibolinayen how fast their plants had grown, and she was proud of her powerful husband.

Now about this time Gaygayoma, who was the daughter of Bagbagak, a big star, and Sinag, the moon, looked down from her home in the sky, and when she saw the tall sugar-cane growing below, she was seized with a desire to chew it. She called to her father, Bagbagak, and said:

“Oh, Father, please send the stars down to the earth to get some of the sugar-cane that I see, for I must have it to chew.”

So Bagbagak sent the stars down, and when they reached the bamboo fence that was around the field they sprang over it, and each broke a stalk of the cane and pulled some beans which Aponibolinayen had planted, and the stems of these beans were of gold. Gaygayoma was delighted with the things that the stars brought her. She cooked the beans with the golden stems and spent long hours chewing the sweet cane. When all that the stars brought was gone, however, she grew restless and called to her father, the big star:

“Come, Father, and go with me to the place where the sugar-cane grows, for I want to see it now.”

Bagbagak called many stars to accompany him, and they all followed Gaygayoma down to the place where the sugar-cane grew. Some sat on the bamboo fence, while others went to the middle of the field, and all ate as much as they wished.

The day following this, Aponitolau said to his wife:

“Aponibolinayen, I am going to the field to see if the bamboo fence is strong, for the carabao will try to get in to eat our sugar-cane.”

So he set out, and when he reached the field and began looking along the fence to see if it was strong, he kept finding the stalks that the stars had chewed, and he knew that someone had been there. He went into the middle of the field, and there on the ground was a piece of gold, and he said to himself:

“How strange this is! I believe some beautiful girl must have chewed my cane. I will watch tonight, and maybe she will return for more.”

As darkness came on he had no thought of returning home, but he made his meal of the sugar-cane, and then hid in the tall grass near the field to wait. By and by dazzling lights blinded his eyes, and when he could see again he was startled to find many stars falling from the sky, and soon he heard someone breaking the cane. Suddenly a star so large that it looked like a flame of fire fell into the field, and then a beautiful object near the fence took off her dress which looked like a star, and she appeared like the half of the rainbow.

Never had Aponitolau seen such sights; and for a while he lay shaking with fear.

“What shall I do?” he said to himself. “If I do not frighten these companions of the beautiful girl, they may eat me.”

With a great effort he jumped up and frightened the stars till they all flew up, and when the pretty girl came looking for her dress she found Aponitolau sitting on it. “You must forgive us,” she said, “for your sugar-cane is very sweet, and we wanted some to chew.”

“You are welcome to the sugar-cane,” answered Aponitolau. “But now we must tell our names according to our custom, for it is bad for us to talk until we know each other’s names.”

Then he gave her some betel-nut and they chewed together, and he said:

“Now it is our custom to tell our names.”

“Yes,” said she; “but you tell first”

“My name is Aponitolau and I am the husband of Aponibolinayen.”

“I am Gaygayoma, the daughter of Bagbagak and Sinag up in the air,” said the girl. “And now, Aponitolau, even though you have a wife, I am going to take you up to the sky, for I wish to marry you. If you are not willing to go, I shall call my companion stars to eat you.”

Aponitolau shook with fear, for he knew now that the woman was a spirit; and as he dared not refuse, he promised to go with her. Soon after that the stars dropped a basket that Gaygayoma had ordered them to make, and Aponitolau stepped in with the lovely star and was drawn quickly through the air up to the sky. They were met on their arrival by a giant star whom Gaygayoma introduced as her father, and he told Aponitolau that he had acted wisely in coming, for had he objected, the other stars would have eaten him.

After Aponitolau had lived with the stars for some time, Gaygayoma asked him to prick between her last two fingers, and as he did so a beautiful baby boy popped out. They named him Takyayen, and he grew very fast and was strong.

All this time Aponitolau had never forgotten Aponibolinayen who, he knew, was searching for him on the earth, but he had been afraid to mention her to the stars. When the boy was three months old, however, he ventured to tell Gaygayoma of his wish to return to the earth.

At first she would not listen to him, but he pleaded so hard that at last she consented to let him go for one moon. If he did not return at the end of that time, she said, she would send the stars to eat him. Then she called for the basket again, and they were lowered to the earth. There Aponitolau got out, but Gaygayoma and the baby returned to the sky.

Aponibolinayen was filled with joy at the sight of her husband once more, for she had believed him dead, and she was very thin from not eating while he was away. Never did she tire of listening to his stories of his life among the stars, and so happy was she to have him again that when the time came for him to leave she refused to let him go.

That night many stars came to the house. Some stood in the windows, while others stayed outside by the walls; and they were so bright that the house appeared to be on fire.

ponitolau was greatly frightened, and he cried out to his wife:

“You have done wrong to keep me when I should have gone. I feared that the stars would eat me if I did not obey their command, and now they have come. Hide me, or they will get me.”

But before Aponibolinayen could answer, Bagbagak himself called out:

“Do not hide from us, Aponitolau, for we know that you are in the corner of the house. Come out or we shall eat you.”

Trembling with fear, Aponitolau appeared, and when the stars asked him if he was willing to go with them he dared not refuse.

Now Gaygayoma had grown very fond of Aponitolau, and she had commanded the stars not to harm him if he was willing to return to her. So when he gave his consent, they put him in the basket and flew away with him, leaving Aponibolinayen very sad and lonely. After that Aponitolau made many trips to the earth, but at Gaygayoma’s command he always returned to the sky to spend part of the time with her.

One day when Takyayen was a little boy, Aponitolau took him down to the earth to see his half-brother, Kanag. The world was full of wonders to the boy from the sky, and he wanted to stay there always. But after some time while he and Kanag were playing out in the yard, big drops of water began to fall on them. Kanag ran to his mother and cried:

“Oh, Mother, it is raining, and the sun is shining brightly!”

But Aponitolau, looking out, said, “No, they are the tears of Gaygayoma, for she sees her son down below, and she weeps for him.”

Then he took Takyayen back to his mother in the sky, and she was happy again.

After that Takyayen was always glad when he was allowed to visit the earth, but each time when his mother’s tears began to fall, he returned to her. When he was old enough, Aponitolau selected a wife for him, and after that Takyayen always lived on the earth, but Gaygayoma stayed in the sky.

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Eines Tages, als Aponitolau unter seinem Haus saß und einen Korb flocht, verspürte er großen Hunger und sehnte sich nach etwas Süßem zum Kauen. Dann fiel ihm ein, dass sein Feld noch unbepflanzt war. Er rief seiner Frau zu, die im Raum darüber war, und sagte: „Komm, Aponibolinayen, lass uns auf das Feld gehen und Zuckerrohr anbauen.“

Also kam Aponibolinayen mit einem Bambusrohr aus dem Haus, und während sie zur Quelle ging, um sie mit Wasser zu füllen, machte Aponitolau einige Stecklinge, und sie gingen zusammen auf das Feld, das in einiger Entfernung vom Haus lag.

Aponitolau lockerte die Erde mit seinem langen Stock und legte die mitgebrachten Stecklinge aus, während seine Frau sie mit Wasser aus dem Bambusrohr besprengte. Und als sie das Feld gefüllt hatten, kehrten sie nach Hause zurück und dachten glücklich an den herrlichen Stock, den sie haben sollten.

Nach sieben Tagen ging Aponitolau zurück zum Feld, um zu sehen, ob die Pflanzen überlebt hatten, und stellte fest, dass die Blätter bereits lang und spitz waren. Das erfreute ihn, und während er dastand und es betrachtete, wurde er ungeduldig und beschloss, seine magische Kraft einzusetzen, damit der Stock sehr schnell wachsen würde. Nach fünf Tagen besuchte er das Feld erneut und stellte fest, dass die Stängel hoch und zum Kauen bereit waren. Er eilte nach Hause, um Aponibolinayen zu erzählen, wie schnell ihre Pflanzen gewachsen waren, und sie war stolz auf ihren mächtigen Ehemann.

Ungefähr zu dieser Zeit blickte Gaygayoma, die Tochter von Bagbagak, einem großen Stern, und Sinag, dem Mond, von ihrem Zuhause am Himmel herab, und als sie das hohe Zuckerrohr unten wachsen sah, wurde sie von einem Verlangen erfasst um es zu kauen. Sie rief ihren Vater Bagbagak und sagte:

„Oh, Vater, bitte sende die Sterne auf die Erde, um etwas von dem Zuckerrohr zu holen, das ich sehe, denn ich muss es zum Kauen haben.“

Also schickte Bagbagak die Sterne herab, und als sie den Bambuszaun erreichten, der das Feld umgab, sprangen sie darüber, und jeder brach einen Stiel des Rohrstocks ab und riss einige Bohnen heraus, die Aponibolinayen gepflanzt hatte, und die Stiele dieser Bohnen waren aus Gold . Gaygayoma war begeistert von den Dingen, die ihr die Stars brachten. Sie kochte die Bohnen mit den goldenen Stielen und verbrachte viele Stunden damit, das Zuckerrohr zu kauen. Als jedoch alles verschwunden war, was die Sterne brachten, wurde sie unruhig und rief ihrem Vater, dem großen Stern, zu:

„Komm, Vater, und geh mit mir an den Ort, wo das Zuckerrohr wächst, denn ich möchte es jetzt sehen.“

Bagbagak rief viele Sterne zu sich, die ihn begleiteten, und alle folgten Gaygayoma bis zu dem Ort, an dem das Zuckerrohr wuchs. Einige saßen auf dem Bambuszaun, andere gingen in die Mitte des Feldes und alle aßen so vnächsten Tag sagte Aponitolau zu seiner Frau:

„Aponibolinayen, ich gehe auf das Feld, um zu sehen, ob der Bambuszaun stark ist, denn die Carabao werden versuchen, hineinzukommen, um unser Zuckerrohr zu fressen.“

Also machte er sich auf den Weg, und als er das Feld erreichte und anfing, am Zaun entlang zu schauen, um zu sehen, ob er stabil sei, fand er immer wieder die Halme, die die Sterne gekaut hatten, und er wusste, dass dort jemand gewesen war. Er ging in die Mitte des Feldes, und dort lag ein Goldstück auf dem Boden, und er sagte sich:

„Wie seltsam das ist! Ich glaube, irgendein schönes Mädchen muss an meinem Stock gekaut haben. Ich werde heute Abend zuschauen, und vielleicht kommt sie zurück, um mehr zu erfahren.“

Als es dunkel wurde, dachte er nicht daran, nach Hause zurückzukehren, aber er bereitete seine Mahlzeit aus Zuckerrohr zu und versteckte sich dann im hohen Gras in der Nähe des Feldes, um zu warten. Nach und nach blendeten blendende Lichter seine Augen, und als er wieder sehen konnte, war er erschrocken, als er sah, wie viele Sterne vom Himmel fielen, und bald hörte er, wie jemand den Stock zerbrach. Plötzlich fiel ein Stern, der so groß war, dass er wie eine Feuerflamme aussah, auf das Feld, und dann zog ein wunderschöner Gegenstand in der Nähe des Zauns ihr Kleid aus, das wie ein Stern aussah, und sie erschien wie die Hälfte des Regenbogens.

Noch nie hatte Aponitolau einen solchen Anblick gesehen; und eine Weile lag er zitternd vor Angst da.

"Was soll ich tun?" er sagte zu sich selbst. „Wenn ich diese Gefährten des schönen Mädchens nicht erschrecke, könnten sie mich fressen.“

Mit großer Anstrengung sprang er auf und erschreckte die Sterne, bis sie alle aufflogen, und als das hübsche Mädchen nach ihrem Kleid suchte, fand sie Aponitolau darauf sitzend. „Sie müssen uns verzeihen“, sagte sie, „denn Ihr Zuckerrohr ist sehr süß, und wir wollten etwas zum Kauen.“

„Gern geschehen im Zuckerrohr“, antwortete Aponitolau. „Aber jetzt müssen wir unsere Namen gemäß unserer Sitte nennen, denn es ist schlecht für uns, zu reden, bis wir die Namen der anderen kennen.“

Dann gab er ihr etwas Betelnüsse und sie kauten zusammen und er sagte:

„Jetzt ist es bei uns Brauch, unsere Namen zu nennen.“

„Ja“, sagte sie; „Aber du erzählst es zuerst“

„Mein Name ist Aponitolau und ich bin der Ehemann von Aponibolinayen.“

„Ich bin Gaygayoma, die Tochter von Bagbagak und Sinag oben in der Luft“, sagte das Mädchen. „Und jetzt, Aponitolau, obwohl du eine Frau hast, werde ich dich in den Himmel tragen, denn ich möchte dich heiraten. Wenn du nicht bereit bist zu gehen, werde ich meine Begleitersterne rufen, um dich zu fressen.“

Aponitolau zitterte vor Angst, denn er wusste jetzt, dass die Frau ein Geist war; und da er nicht wagte, sich zu weigern, versprach er, mit ihr zu gehen. Bald darauf ließen die Sterne einen Korb fallen, den Gaygayoma ihnen befohlen hatte, zu machen, und Aponitolau trat mit dem schönen Stern ein und wurde schnell durch die Luft in den Himmel gezogen. Bei ihrer Ankunft wurden sie von einem riesigen Stern empfangen, den Gaygayoma als ihren Vater vorstellte, und er sagte Aponitolau, dass er klug gehandelt habe, als er gekommen sei, denn wenn er Einspruch erhoben hätte, hätten ihn die anderen Sterne gefressen.

Nachdem Aponitolau einige Zeit mit den Sternen zusammengelebt hatte, bat Gaygayoma ihn, zwischen ihren letzten beiden Fingern zu stechen, und dabei sprang ein wunderschöner kleiner Junge heraus. Sie nannten ihn Takyayen und er wuchs sehr schnell und war stark.

Während dieser ganzen Zeit hatte Aponitolau Aponibolinayen nie vergessen, der, wie er wusste, auf der Erde nach ihm suchte, aber er hatte Angst gehabt, sie den Sternen gegenüber zu erwähnen. Als der Junge jedoch drei Monate alt war, wagte er es, Gaygayoma von seinem Wunsch zu erzählen, zur Erde zurückzukehren.

Zuerst wollte sie nicht auf ihn hören, aber er flehte so heftig, dass sie schließlich zustimmte, ihn für einen Mond gehen zu lassen. Wenn er am Ende dieser Zeit nicht zurückkäme, sagte sie, würde sie die Sterne schicken, um ihn zu fressen. Dann rief sie erneut nach dem Korb und sie wurden auf die Erde gesenkt. Dort stieg Aponitolau aus, aber Gaygayoma und das Baby kehrten in den Himmel zurück.

Aponibolinayen war wieder voller Freude, als sie ihren Mann sah, denn sie hatte geglaubt, er sei tot, und sie war sehr abgemagert, weil sie in seiner Abwesenheit nichts gegessen hatte. Sie wurde nie müde, seinen Geschichten über sein Leben unter den Sternen zuzuhören, und sie war so glücklich, ihn wieder zu haben, dass sie sich weigerte, ihn gehen zu lassen, als die Zeit für ihn gekommen war zu gehen.

In dieser Nacht kamen viele Sterne ins Haus. Einige standen in den Fenstern, während andere draußen an den Wänden blieben; und sie waren so hell, dass es schien, als stünde das Haus in Flammen.

Aponitolau hatte große Angst und rief seiner Frau zu:

„Du hast Unrecht getan, mich zu behalten, obwohl ich hätte gehen sollen. Ich fürchtete, dass die Sterne mich fressen würden, wenn ich ihrem Befehl nicht gehorchte, und nun sind sie gekommen. Versteck mich, sonst kriegen sie mich.“

Doch bevor Aponibolinayen antworten konnte, rief Bagbagak selbst:

„Verstecke dich nicht vor uns, Aponitolau, denn wir wissen, dass du in der Ecke des Hauses bist. Komm raus, sonst fressen wir dich.“

Zitternd vor Angst erschien Aponitolau, und als die Sterne ihn fragten, ob er bereit sei, mit ihnen zu gehen, wagte er nicht, abzulehnen.

Nun hatte Gaygayoma Aponitolau sehr liebgewonnen, und sie hatte den Sternen befohlen, ihm keinen Schaden zuzufügen, wenn er bereit wäre, zu ihr zurückzukehren. Als er also seine Zustimmung gab, legten sie ihn in den Korb und flogen mit ihm davon, was Aponibolinayen sehr traurig und einsam zurückließ. Danach unternahm Aponitolau viele Reisen zur Erde, doch auf Gaygayomas Befehl hin kehrte er immer wieder in den Himmel zurück, um einen Teil der Zeit mit ihr zu verbringen.

Eines Tages, als Takyayen ein kleiner Junge war, nahm Aponitolau ihn mit auf die Erde, um seinen Halbbruder Kanag zu sehen. Für den Jungen aus dem Himmel war die Welt voller Wunder und er wollte immer dort bleiben. Doch nach einiger Zeit, während er und Kanag draußen im Hof ​​spielten, begannen große Waropfen auf sie zu fallen. Kanag rannte zu seiner Mutter und rief:

„Oh, Mutter, es regnet und die Sonne scheint hell!“

Aber Aponitolau blickte hinaus und sagte: „Nein, es sind die Tränen von Gaygayoma, denn sie sieht ihren Sohn unten und weint um ihn.“

Dann brachte er Takyayen zurück zu seiner Mutter in den Himmel und sie war wieder glücklich.

Danach war Takyayen immer froh, wenn er die Erde besuchen durfte, aber jedes Mal, wenn die Tränen seiner Mutter zu fließen begannen, kehrte er zu ihr zurück. Als er alt genug war, wählte Aponitolau eine Frau für ihn, und danach lebte Takyayen immer auf der Erde, aber Gaygayoma blieb im Himmel.

Stars help Kathryn Bernardo celebrate her 28th birthday in El Nido

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Kathryn celebratesher birthday at Isla Amara Resort in El Nido, based on photos and videos splashed on X (formerly known as Twitter) Tuesday night.

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Kathryn Bernardo (Images by @Lance8637)

Stars came down in El Nido, Palawan, on March 26 to help actress Kathryn Bernardo celebrate her 28th birthday.

Kathryn marked her birthday at Isla Amara Resort in El Nido, based on photos and videos splashed on X (formerly known as Twitter) Tuesday night.

A heartwarming video clip captured the moment when the staff of the chic resort surprised Kathryn with a simple birthday cake and a bouquet of her favorite flowers.

 

Alden Richards, Dominic Roque, Jericho Rosales, Maymay Entrata, fashion designer Mark Bumgarner, Kakai Bautista, and Rambo Nunez husband of Maja Salvador, were among the celebrities who graced Kathryn's birthday party in El Nido. Darren Espanto, AC Bonifacio, and Tim Yap also greeted Kathryn.

The box-office star celebrated her birthday in style as she partied with friends and guests on a yacht.

At midnight on March 26, Kathryn's former sweetheart, Daniel Padilla, greeted her on Instagram with a happy birthday in Japanese.

Fans of Kathryn were thrilled to see her celebrating her special day, with many commenting that they had never seen her so happy again.

Netizens said Kathryn deserves to be happy.

In November 2023, Kathryn and Daniel shocked fans when they jointly announced their split on social media after 11 years of being in a relationship.

Philippines to face more cyclones in 2024 with La Niña’s return

Gaea Katreena Cabico - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is likely to experience more tropical cyclones in 2024 than last year due to the potential return of La Niña, the state weather bureau PAGASA said on Tuesday.

PAGASA projected 13 to 16 cyclones this year, marking an increase from 11 storms in 2023, an El Niño year. However, the figures are still below the average of 19 to 20 storms the country typically sees annually. 

Ana Liza Solis, PAGASA’s climate monitoring chief, said there are usually more cyclones during La Niña because of warmer ocean temperatures. There is a 62% chance that La Niña will develop during June to August.

"Since the warming of the ocean temperature is closer to us, it is possible that tropical cyclones may develop closer to our seas,” Solis said partly in Filipino. 

“We will experience the possible effects of La Niña during the last quarter of the year,” she added.

La Niña brings stronger trade winds, pushing warm surface water in the western Pacific, where the Philippines is located, and drawing up cool water in the eastern Pacific. Warm water creates more rain. 

Science Secretary Renato Solidum noted that since warm water is closer to the Philippines during La Niña, cyclones could reach land faster. 

“It means the lead time is shorter. For cyclones closer to land, there is less time to prepare,” he said in Filipino. 

Early this March, PAGASA issued a La Niña Watch. Historically, pre-developing La Niña events are characterized by below-normal rainfall. The weather bureau said this suggests a possible slight delay in the onset of the rainy season “likely with the confirmed effects of the ongoing El Niño.”

El Niño, the climate pattern associated with extreme heat and drought, is gradually weakening, but its effects will persist in the coming months. 

Solidum said drought will affect 48 provinces, while dry spells will impact 24 provinces by April. By May, 54 provinces will experience drought and 10 will face dry spells.

The number of drought-stricken provinces will decrease over the next months: 25 by June, 23 by July, and 10 by August. 

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (19): kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen

 The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER!

By: AuthorMarcel Iseli

19. kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen

Putting the facts straight and not to mince matters is exactly what the German saying “kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen” stands for. 

This saying originated in the theatre world. In the past, comedies in the theatre were quite ruthless – even high-ranking statesmen and politicians were often attacked and criticized by the actors. 

So that they could not be punished for what they said, actors had to hide their faces behind something. At the beginning of the theatre, however, masks did not yet exist, so they simply took a piece of paper instead of using masks.

But not everyone chose to hide between this pseudo-mask. Some courageous actors still chose to speak openly without hiding behind a piece of paper, so they literally did “kein Blatt vor den Mund nehmen.”

And that’s exactly where this fascinating German saying comes from.   

 

Example: Mit meiner Frau legst du dich besser nicht an! Die nimmt nämlich in Sachen Politik absolut kein Blatt vor den Mund!  

Translation: You better not mess with my wife! She doesn’t mince matters when it comes to politics.  

HAPPY EASTER!

 HAPPY EASTER!

Each year, Easter falls on a different day – and this year it's coming a little early. In 2024, Easter falls on Sunday, March 31. But why is the holiday coming earlier than usual, and how is it determined? According to experts, it has to do with a full moon.

Easter Monday is a Christian holiday celebrated the day after Easter Sunday.

In many countries in Europe and South America, this day is known as "Little Easter". The Catholic Church calls it "Monday of the Angel".

Formerly, it was celebrated as Easter Week in many places but this was reduced to a one-day celebration in the 19th century.

Emperor Constantine (272-337 AD) imposed eight consecutive public holidays in Rome, a period called the “Octave of Easter”. Monday, like other days, was a public holiday. Masses were held every day to celebrate the Easter feast. During this period, pilgrims could also take the opportunity to travel to Rome. This Easter octave, however, came to an end under Napoleon Bonaparte.

From 1801 and the signing of the Concordat with the Pope, the then-First Consul undertook to reorganize the practices of the Catholic Church of France. He also removed public holidays, which numbered 50 at the time. Napoleon chose to keep Assumption, Ascension, Christmas and All Saints. On the other hand, it abolished the public holiday week following Easter, keeping only one day exempt from work: Monday. 

To die is to live! We are always shocked when in the middle of our surroundings, somebody passes away. Our usual questions are: "Why die so young? Why he, why she? A natural reaction, indeed.

When Jesus finally gave up His spirit on the cross after three hours of bitter agony, the Pharisees said: "Finally, that impostor has gone. He deserved to die that kind of death!"

Let's remember: After the waving of the tree branches by the Jewish crowd and Hosannas of Palm Sunday, the arrest of Jesus betrayed by Judas in the Garden of Olives, the imprisonment and humiliation of Holy Thursday night, the carrying of the cross, crucifixion, and death at Good Friday, - Jesus Christ rose from the tomb on Easter Sunday - glorious and will never and die again!

For Jesus, dying was not the end of everything. It was the beginning of a new life. Symbolically we see the Easter Resurrection of our Lord depicted in various ways, which always point to life after death. Especially in parts of the world where deep winter lets all plants and trees "sleep" for a couple of months, people enjoy the spirit of the new shoots that come out of a big trunk of a tree.

Eggs were usually symbols used in springtime long before Christianity came into existence. The eggs symbolize life, which its causing it to grow. Since Easter usually occurs at spring time (March or April), which is already summer in the Philippines, this egg-symbol was still in use among the pagans of early times when Christian were celebrating Easter.

A blessed Easter to all of you, my dear readers. Walk this day with great confidence in your heart, mind and soul.

And, enjoy your egg hunting with your loved ones...!

GMA Network features special programming schedule for Holy Week 2024

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Mar 25, 2024 10:21 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• On Good Friday, “Jesus” airs at 6:00 am, while the internationally acclaimed religious program “Power to Unite” starts at 7:30 am.

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In observance of the Holy Week season, GMA Network presents its special Holy Week programming schedule this Maundy Thursday (March 28), Good Friday (March 29), and Black Saturday (March 30).

Maundy Thursday opens with the biographical religious drama “Magdalena” at 6:00 am.

Following it is a lineup of animated movies: “Rise of the Guardians” at 7:30 am, “Stuart Little 3” at 9:00 am, and “Lassie” at 10:30 am.

The comedy-drama film “Marley & Me” then airs at 12nn, followed by animated and adventure movies “The Adventures of Tintin” at 2:00pm; and “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” at 3:00 pm

The award-winning documentary program “The Atom Araullo Specials” comes in at 5:30 pm.

Afterward, tune in to GMA’s flagship newscast “24 Oras” at 6:30 pm, the Hollywood classic retelling of the Biblical story of Moses in “The Ten Commandments” at 7:00 pm, and “Reporter’s Notebook” at 11:00 pm. 

On Good Friday, “Jesus” airs at 6:00 am, while the internationally acclaimed religious program “Power to Unite” starts at 7:30 am.

Kids can look forward to “Adventures of Tom Thumb and Thumbelina” at 8:00 am; “Anastasia: Once Upon A Time” at 9:00 am; and “Jumanji” at 10:30 am.

Recall Jesus' seven last words from the Sto. Domingo Church via “Siete Palabras” at 12:00 nn, to be followed by “Women of the Bible” at 2:00 pm.

Catch “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” at 3:00 pm and CBN Asia's Blocktime at 5:30 pm.

GMA’s flagship newscast ‘24 Oras’ again airs at 6:30 pm, followed by drama film “Tanging Yaman” at 7:00 pm and the epic biblical drama film “Son of God” at 9:00 pm.

Cap off the night with GMA Public Affairs’ “I-Witness” at 10:30 pm.

On March 30, Black Saturday begins with “The Story of Jesus for Children” at 6:00 am and “Dragonlance” at 7:30 am.

Teens’ favorite animated features are made available starting at 9:00 am with “Wonderpark” followed by “Scooby Doo” at 10:30 am, “Superman Returns” at 12:00 nn, and “Smurfs The Lost Village” at 2:00 pm.

Then catch another installment of “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” at 3:00 pm, followed by “Farm to Table” at 5:30 pm, “Seven Sundays” at 7:00 pm, “Forrest Gump” at 9:00 pm, and GMA Public Affairs’ “Brigada” at 11:00 pm.

Cherish our Lord this Lenten Season through these Holy Week specials from March 28 - 30 only on GMA-7.

Cloud clusters to bring rain showers in parts of Visayas, Mindanao

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has spotted cloud clusters near the eastern parts of Visayas and Mindanao, which are expected to bring scattered rain showers in the area. | 🎥 : DOST-Pagasa

LIST: Concerts, events this April 2024

Clockwise: Abigail Adriano in "Miss Saigon," Boys Like Girls, the cast of "One More Chance the Musical," and the cast and crew of "Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical"

Daniel Boud for GMG Productions, Ralph Lubiano, Philstar.com / Jan Milo Severo, Kristofer Purnell

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — April brings on the summer heat and excitement, with no shortage of enjoyable shows and concerts to attend throughout the country.

Musicals dominate the month as one famous international production returns to the Philippines after over two decades, while local theater companies stage original productions sure to capture the hearts of many.

Here are several of the concerts, events and productions happening in April (minor spoiler, Saturday the 13th is a PACKED date):

'Miss Saigon' (whole of April except Mondays)

Boublil and Schönberg's iconic musical set during the Vietnam War where a bargirl has a relationship with an American marine continues its run at the Theater in Solaire nearly the entire month.

'Monet & Friends Alive' (whole of April except Mondays and the 30th)

The multi-sensory experience of French painter Claude Monet and other artists of the Impressionist era ends its run in the BGC Arts Center this April.

'Red-Ol-Mania' (April 6)

Red Ollero headlines a comedy set in the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, featuring rising stars in the local stand-up comedy scene.

'Kaia: Kaiaversity' (April 6)

P-pop girl group Kaia celebrates its second anniversary with a fan concert at the Music Museum in San Juan.

'BaRaptasan' Grand Finals (April 6)

The Cultural Center of the Philippines Kanto Kultura BaRaptasan Grand Finals is going to be held in Rizal Park Open-Air Auditorium in Manila to mark the 100th anniversary of Balagtasan, in honor of Filipino poet Francisco Balagtas. The show promises a modern twist on word jousting.

'Ikon: Get Back' (April 7)

Korean boy band Ikon returns to the Philippines with its "Limited Tour" by staging a "Get Back" concert in the Araneta Coliseum.

James Taylor (April 8)

James Taylor is performing in the Philippines after previously canceling his 2017 concert. He will be joined by his All-Star Band in the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

'Umi: Talking to the Wind' (April 11)

American singer-songwriter Umi returns to the Philippines to promote her latest extended play "Talking to the Wind" in Samsung Hall in Taguig.

'Randy Santiago: Eyecon' (April 12)

"Mr. Private Eyes" Randy Santiago will hold a one-night Concert Party in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Plenary Hall with fellow concert veterans Pops Fernandez, Juan Miguel Salvador, Gino Padilla, Nina and Rachel Alejandro as well as a some of Original Pinoy Music (OPM) newcomers.

'One More Chance the Musical' (April 12 to 14, 19 to 21, 26 to 28)

The Philippine Educational Theater Association adapts the 2007 film "One More Chance" into a musical using the songs of local band Ben&Ben.

Kim Seon Ho (April 13)

Korean actor Kim Seon-ho is coming back to the Philippines for a fan meet in Mall of Asia Arena, his fourth time visiting the country in just over a year.

'Neocolours: Tuloy Pa Rin Ang Awit ng OPM' (April 13)

The OPM group behind hits like "Tuloy Pa Rin," "Maybe" and "Say You'll Never Go" joins forces with Gloc-9, Noel Cabangon, Ice Sueguerra and Jinky Vidal in Music Museum.

'Baekhyun: Lonsdaleite' (April 13)

EXO member Baekhyun brings his solo Asia tour "Lonsdaleite" — his first in-person solo concert in over a decade since debuting — to the Araneta Coliseum.

'Whee In' (April 13)

Mamamoo member Whee In brings her first-ever world tour to the SM North EDSA Skydome the same day she releases her mini-album "Redd."

'ZCON' (April 13)

"Asia's Vocal Supreme" Katrina Velarde leads Filipino Gen Z singers Khimo Gumatay, JM Yosures, Reiven Umali and Sam Mangubat in a concert in Makati's Samsung Performing Arts Theater. 

Lola Amour (April 13 and 27)

Local band Lola Amour is holding two album launches, one in Makati's Circuit Event Grounds and another in Cebu's Draft Punk, following the release of its eponymous debut album.

'Janella Salvador: Reimagined' (April 19)

Actress-singer Janella Salvador marks the delayed 10th anniversary of her being in the show business with a concert at the New Frontier Theater that also features her mother Jenine Desiderio, Martin Nievera, Darren Espanto, her "Darna" co-star Jane de Leon, her former love team partner Mario Mortel, and drag queens Arizona Brandy, Brigiding, Lady Morgana and M1ss Jade So.

'Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra: Fete Francaise' (April 19)

The conclusion of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra's 39th season under Maestro Grzegorz Nowak in Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

'Jeremy Passion and Gabe Bondoc: Parallels' (April 20)

R&B singers Jeremy Passion and Gabe Bondoc return to the Philippines by bringing their "Paralles" tour to the Music Museum after going around Australia.

JR Richards (April 20)

Dishwalla's original vocalist JR Richards is having a concert in SM North EDSA Skydome.

Boys Like Girls (April 20)

Rock band Boys Like Girls returns to the Philippines just two years after performing in Manila and Cebu. This time, the band is hitting the Araneta Coliseum — the only arena-level show of its 2024 Southeast Asia tour — with special guests We The Kings.

We The Kings (April 20)

Speaking of We The Kings, the rock band will have its own concert in SMX Convention Center Davao, a decade after the band's last Philippine solo concert.

'Awit ng Panahon: Noon at Ngayon' (April 21)

An era-encompassing concert in New Frontier Theater headlined by Hajji Alejandro, Rachel Alejandro, Gino Padilla and Kris Lawrence.

Incubus (April 25)

Incubus has included Manila as one of its stops in its 2024 concert tour, having last visited in February 2018 at the same venue the band will be performing at this year, the Araneta Coliseum.

'Debbie Gibson: Electric Youth' (April 26)

Pop singer-songwriter Debbie Gibson heads to the New Frontier Theater to mark the 35th anniversary of her album "Electric Youth."

'Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya Ni Edgar Musical' (April 26 to 28)

"Buruguduystunstugudunstuy," a musical based on the songs by popular Filipino rock band Parokya ni Edgar begins its run in Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City. 

FreenBecky (April 27)

Thai "GAP: The Series" stars Freen Sarocha and Rebecca "Becky" Armstrong return to Manila for a fan meeting in New Frontier Theater in what will be the pair's fifth visit to the Philippines.

Kuh Ledesma (April 27)

Singer-actress Kuh Ledesma will stage a concert in Winford Resort & Casino with special guests Nathan Randal and David Young.