Palace highlights Christmas season as time for the family

Published December 24, 2022, 12:05 AM

by Manila Bulletin

On the eve of Christmas, the rush to find the perfect gifts and the most delicious food for Noche Buena comes to a halt. Filipinos will gather with their loved ones to celebrate the meaning of Christmas, continuing traditions that were temporarily halted during the pandemic or creating new rituals for the young ones to follow. Although consumerism has colored much of the season, shiny things cannot replace the memories that will be formed by the familial bond over a meal, around the Christmas tree, or under the parol.

Bonding with family is what was emphasized by Malacañang, when the President, as the “father” of the nation, has prioritized families during the holiday season. In fact, the President ordered the opening of the Palace grounds to the public – dubbed “Tara sa Palasyo,” a first in recent memory – at the start of Simbang Gabi. From Dec. 18 until today, Dec. 24, families are free to roam around to view Malacañang’s Christmas display and attend the Simbang Gabi held every 4:30 a.m. in front of the Mabini Hall.

Last Dec. 21, the President personally welcomed the families, some who even came as far as Cavite and Laguna. In a video posted online, the President emphasized how this season is for families: “Bring your families, bring the kids here before you attend Simbang Gabi… you can now enjoy the specialty of the Palace – puto bumbong.” 

The opening of Malacañang, according to the Office of the Press Secretary, is part of the President’s goal to make sure that Filipino children, especially those residing near the area, will have a joyful and meaningful Christmas. As of the evening of Dec. 21, more than 800 visitors have dropped by the Palace grounds to feel the Christmas spirit.

This emphasis on the family during Christmas was once again highlighted when the President said, during a gift-giving event organized by the DSWD last Dec. 22, that “helping every Filipino is always the government’s priority.”

“We assure you that you are always on our minds. Each day, the DSWD has been thinking of ways how to help you,” the President said.

The President made this pronouncement during the distribution of Christmas gifts and packages to hundreds of members of indigenous people groups as well as to street children in Luneta Park. Malacañang said the President came up with the gift-giving activity, so some of his constituents can still feel the season despite the current challenges. 

“We conducted this event, at least, for Filipinos to feel the spirit of Christmas … and for us somehow to see that our future will be brighter than before,” he said.

The call of the President to make this season an opportunity to bond with family reflects on his desire for each one of us to give our loved ones the precious gift of time. He even went to the extent of declaring Dec. 26 a special non-working holiday to “give people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with families and loved ones.”

This emphasis on the family is timely and relevant as we enter a post-pandemic world. To fully recover and gain what was lost, we must build from the ground up, planting new seeds of hope. The seeds will have to be nurtured by strong families. After all, a family is the most basic unit – and foundation – of a stable nation

What makes Zamboanga City unique?

 Zamboanga, a city that encapsulates the blend of Malay, Spanish, and Islamic traditions.

Datu Ulap

Zamboanga City is unique in that it encapsulates what the Philippines really is all about, and that is the blending of Eastern and Western cultures.

This manifests itself in many unique ways.

• City Hall decorated with traditional vinta boat designs.

The locals speak a unique language called Chavacano, the only Spanish creole language in Asia. The grammar is very Austronesian while the vocabulary is mostly Spanish-derived. Other languages in the country have a lot less Spanish influence.

• Fort Pilar was built in the Spanish colonial era in the 17th century. A Marian shrine was erected on the wall in 1960 showing Catholic influence.

Islam is also represented in the city as well. Today, 35% of Zamboanga residents are Muslim.

• Taluksangay Mosque, built in 1885. 

• Construction of Sadik Grand Mosque, once finished, will be considered the largest mosque in the Philippines.

The vinta boat is the traditional boat of the Sulu Archipelago and Zamboanga, and is one of the most famous symbols of the city.

• The vinta are locally known as lepa-lepa or sakayan, and are used by the Yakan, Sama-Bajau, and Tausug people.

• The Regatta de Zamboanga is an annual vinta boat race.

Indigenous cultures in Zamboanga retain many Islamic, Malay, and native values. The Yakan people are one of the Moro people groups that have settled in Zamboanga.

• The Yakan village is a place to get traditional Yakan weaves. The Yakan are known for their colorful and geometric patterns.

• Many of the Yakan people fled Basilan in the 1970s and 1980s to escape the armed conflict. Today they have established their own communities in Zamboanga.  

• Traditional Yakan wedding in Zamboanga. The wedding ritual is known for its tanyak-tanyak, or facial paintings with geometric shapes made of talcum powder and water.

Zamboanga has always been a mixture of these cultures. 

• Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray visiting Zamboanga and indulging in the local culture and food scene. 

• Zamboanga was known as a city of mixed cultures even back in 1966. 

• Zamboanga in 1940, starts at 14:10

Zamboanga, much like Mindanao, has a unique culinary scene.

• Satti is the local version of satay, eaten with sticky rice, and is a popular breakfast item. It is served with a sauce or gravy.

• Spanner crab is another local specialty. This crab is local to the Zamboanga Peninsula and the Sulu Archipelago. The dish is called curacha in Chavacano and kagang pamah in Tausug. It is cooked with coconut milk, ginger, chili, and other spices. 
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What is the geography and climate like in the Philippines?

By: 

Bisaya

Proud Bisaya Ko

Pinoy Podcaster

Lived in Iligan City

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands situated between the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea in Southeast Asia. The country is roughly divided into three central geographical regions: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon is the largest island and home to the capital city of Manila, as well as other major cities such as Quezon City, Caloocan, and San Juan. The Visayas region comprises around 7,107 islands and is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Mindanao is the southernmost region and home to most of the country's Muslims. The Philippines has a tropical climate characterised by hot weather and high humidity levels. The rainy season typically runs from June to October, while the dry season lasts from November to May. Typhoons are also a common occurrence during the rainy season. Despite these challenges, the Philippines is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. It is also home to some of the most welcoming and hospitable people in the world. Thanks to its natural beauty, diverse landscape, and friendly locals

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 , the Philippines is a popular tourist destination for travellers from all over the globe.

Footnotes

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K-pop group Super Junior ‘Celebrate’ at Super Show 9 in PH: ‘Manila is the best’

by Jonathan Hicap

K-pop group Super Junior’s “Super Show 9: Road in Manila” proved to be a mixed show of nostalgia and celebration of their new album “The Road,” which came out in two parts in July and December.

Super Junior became the first K-pop group to hold a full-scale concert in the Philippines through
“Super Show 2” in 2010, which ushered in other acts and put the country on the radar for Korean shows.

Twelve years later, Super Junior members continue to hold the “Super Show” franchise, enchanting fans around the world. 

Super Junior (Jonathan Hicap)

Super Junior (Jonathan Hicap)

Super Junior (Jonathan Hicap) 

Super Junior (Jonathan Hicap)

The “Super Show 9” in Manila was held on Dec. 17 and 18 at the Mall of Asia. It was supposed to be held in August but due to personal reasons, Super Junior deemed it best to postpone it.

Super Junior opened the show with “Burn the Floor” followed by “The Crown,” “Super” and “Mr. “Simple.”

“Manila is the best,” Super Junior member Siwon told the audience.

Kyuhyun joked, “Would you like something to drink? I’ll give you my sweat.”

“This is the last show of the Super Show in 2022. I wanna say thank you so much for waiting for us,” he said.

“Today, you have to enjoy without any regrets,” said Leeteuk. 

They also performed “Ticky Tocky,” “Paradox,” “Mystery,” “2YA2YAO,” “Believe,” “My Wish,” Callin’” and “Celebrate,” while K.R.Y., composed of Kyuhyun, Ryeowook and Yesung sang “I Can’t.”

The boy band also sang “Spy,” “Rokuko,” “Mamacita,” “Latte” (Leeteuk, Shindong and Siwon),” “House Party,” “Everyday,” “Wonder Boy,” “Let’s Dance,” “Devil” and “Mango.”

D&E (Donghae and Eunhyuk) thrilled the audience with “Bad” and “Danger,” followed by Super Junior’s “Black Suit,” “Sorry Sorry,” “Bonamana”and “Walkin.’” Super Junior ended the concert with “White Love.”

“Thank you so much for keeping the promise.This year will be the last but next year there will be another start,” said Shindong.

“I feel very sad right now,” said Ryeowook as he bid farewell to the audience. “I wanna do it once again. I hope we can meet each other again in 2023. You’ll come to our next ‘Super Show,’ right?”

“And I’m thankful that I can spend the last part here in Manila with the Philippine ELFs. And I feel happy that while performing, I could see your happy smiles,” said Donghae.

“We will meet next year,” said Kyuhyun.

Promoter Pulp Live World brought the first ever Super Junior concert in Manila through “Super Show 2” in 2010 and has been handling the show since then.

“Being the promoter of Super Show and Super Junior since Super Show 2 is like a sacred trust,” Happee Sy-Go of Pulp Live World told Manila Bulletin.

She added, “I mean, this K-pop idol group are basically among the few acts that represent the genesis of a genre that has clearly overtaken the world – K-pop!”

“So it is truly not only a great honor and privilege to be their promoter for all Super Shows in the Philippines since 2010 but also a massive responsibility — one that is tied to not only these amazing artists that have become family but also to the legion of ELFs that continue to love this pioneering K-pop group that has impacted our lives in such a positive and incredible way,” said Happee.

According to her, “They will forever be so special to me. And me, being ever so loyal in everything, I know that I will continue to love them even until Super Show 100! So brace yourselves! Haha.”

Super Junior’s “Super Show 9: Road in Manila” was presented by Pulp Live World.

Families prepare for ‘pre-pandemic’ Christmas eve celebration

Published December 23, 2022, 9:49 AM

by Christina Hermoso

With the ease in Covid-19 restrictions and with more people vaccinated against the coronavirus, age-old Christmas Eve traditions that have been passed on from one generation to the other will, once again, be observed around the country as the nation celebrates Christmas Eve on Saturday, Dec. 24.

Christmas Eve (Facebook)

Many families will observe a pre-pandemic celebration this year marked by reunions, gatherings, and the traditional Noche Buena feast. 

Many will also be physically attending the Misa de Gallo (Christmas Eve Mass), the culmination of the nine-day ‘Simbang Gabi’ novena masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary that began last Dec. 16. It will be celebrated in all Catholic churches shortly before midnight or earlier in some parishes.

In some churches, the Eucharistic celebration will be marked with the reenactment of the journey of Saint Joseph and the Blessed Mother in search of lodging for the soon-to-be-born Messiah.

The religious play, which was patterned after the Spanish “Las Posadas,” is known as “panunuluyan,” “pananawagan,” or “pananapatan.” Churchgoers excitedly await the play as it serves as a ‘reenactment’ of the events surrounding the Birth of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago.

Church rites during the holy mass on Dec. 24 will include the lighting of the white center candle – the Christ candle -in the Advent wreath to herald the Birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. The Belen will also finally be complete with the addition of the Baby Jesus, which has been conspicuously missing in some manger since it was set up. 

The Christmas Eve Mass is traditionally held at midnight following the belief that Jesus was born at night (Luke 2:6-8). This is also reflected in reference to Christmas Eve as the Holy Night, or “Heilige Nacht” in German, and Good Night, which is Noche Buena in Spanish, and in widely popular Christmas songs like Silent Night and Oh, Holy Night.

After the midnight mass, families will once again gather after missing it for the last two years for the Noche Buena, the traditional Christmas Eve feast where popular holiday fares and Filipino favorites are served.

The feast is in part in thanksgiving for the blessings of the current year while prayerfully anticipating a better year ahead for the family. Gifts are usually opened after the festive dinner while children excitedly await their surprises from “Santa Claus.”

The Christmas season liturgically begins on Christmas Eve and lasts through the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January.

DOT targets 4.8 million foreign visitors in 2023

by Jun Marcos Tadios

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is eyeing to surpass this year’s foreign tourist arrivals as it continues to launch various programs to strengthen the local tourism industry,

For 2023, the DOT said it is targeting 4.8 million foreign visitors, which is double than 2022 arrival which is now at 2.46 million, according to DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

She said the Department is eyeing 2023 projections with full optimism, as the industry is on a spiking trajectory in terms of progress. 

The DOT had initially projected 1.7 million tourist arrivals this year, but the actual count recorded 2.46 million as of Tuesday, Dec. 19.

The United States emerged as the country’s top tourist market with 461,967 visitors, followed by South Korea (387,780), Australia (122,971), Canada (112,015), the United Kingdom (93,440), Japan (91,557), Singapore (50,964), India (49,330), Malaysia (44,357), and Vietnam (37,028).

The Tourism chief stressed that the Department would close the year with a promising trajectory of 2.5 million visitor arrivals accounting to close to 30 percent of the industry’s pre-pandemic arrivals data when the Philippines recorded 8.3 million arrivals in 2019.

Thus, she said, “is a far cry from the 164,000 recorded in 2021.” 

Frasco added the new projections are made with consideration of factors that are beyond the control of the Department, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, rising fuel prices, inflation, and the continued lockdowns in China which, for the longest time, has been the top tourist market of the Philippines.

“We look at it with optimism in a sense that our goal is to exceed our conservative projections in the same way that we have been able to exceed it this year,” Frasco said.

“And we feel that we would be able to exceed our pre-pandemic numbers way earlier than the 2025 year that was told to us when we assumed office with the improved policies under the Marcos administration,” she added.

Ranked third

Frasco welcomed the PUBLiCUS Asia survey result which placed the tourism agency third in government agencies with the highest approval ratings nationwide.

The survey, conducted between Nov. 25 to 30, likewise ranked the DOT 8th in terms of trust rating from the public.

“We are grateful for the Filipino people’s positive response and support for the work we have done in the past 6 months to usher in the recovery of the tourism industry,” said Frasco.

“We are optimistic that just as we have greatly exceeded our targets this year, 2023 will usher in more record-breaking numbers, translating to more livelihood and employment opportunities for our fellow Filipinos. We are thankful for our continued partnership and collaboration with the hardworking men and women of the Philippine tourism industry from the public and private sectors across the country,” she added.

Priority goals

Meanwhile, Frasco announced their priority goals for next year, which include stronger collaboration with national government agencies and local government units (LGUs) in developing the country’s tourism portfolio and exemplifying the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE).

This will highlight the training of 100,000 tourism workers, the highest record set by far for the industry, according to the secretary.

On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Frasco signed a formal partnership with the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) to enhance the overall tourist experience at the established tourist centers around the country.

The partnership, she noted, would provide improved internet connectivity in at least 94 destinations all over the country, and more digitalized tourism services.

Frasco said the goal is to make travel seamless for all types of travelers, thus, the launching of the E-arrival pass together with the DOT, DICT, BI, BOQ, and DOH which integrates all the requirements of five government agencies into one platform.

“It makes travel as convenient as possible for any Filipino or tourist coming into the country by removing any barriers that would otherwise dissuade tourists from coming into the Philippines,” she said.

The DOT also launched two of its newest tourism programs which include the Philippine Travel Experience which would give tourists a window to discover the country’s tourism gems; and the “Bisita, Be My Guest Program”, wherein the DOT is giving away condominium units, cars, and other amenity packages for returning Filipinos who can bring home in acquaintances, friends and family members to the country.

PH tourism competitiveness

The DOT has also laid the groundwork for the Philippines to be more tourism-competitive in Asia and the world through the establishment of one-stop-shop tourist centers called Tourist Rest Areas (TRA) in 10 strategic locations across the country which are: Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon; Samal Island in Davao del Norte; Baguio in the Cordilleras; Dauis in Bohol; Saud in Ilocos Norte; and Carcar, Carmen, Medellin, and Moalboal in Cebu, and in January 2023, in Roxas in Palawan.

“Aside from diversifying our products in arts and film tourism, we are also developing the country’s existing tourism products including dive and marine sports tourism, education, health, and cruise tourism, food and gastronomy tourism, culture and heritage tourism, MICE tourism and halal tourism,” Frasco said.

The secretary said she will also ensure the continuity of her listening tours, which have proven to help gather the most important insights from industry stakeholders on the ground, with the intent of establishing an inclusive, collaborative, and consultative Tourism Department.

She said the DOT is also in close coordination with its partner government offices such as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), as well the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Health (DOH) for the enhanced travel connectivity and ensured the safety of tourists.

Job generation

In terms of increasing employability, Frasco said the DOT has collaborated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in the launching of the Trabaho, Turismo Asenso! last September in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cebu and Davao to fill in the gaps in the tourism workforce.

The collaboration has aggregated 157 tourism-related companies and offered a total of 8,310 jobs with 9,000 cumulative registrants.

Tourism training sessions have also been conducted for 25,770 industry stakeholders from tourism-related establishments, Community Based Tourism Organizations (CBTOs), local tourism officers, and members of the academe to equip them with the needed knowledge and skills for the advocacy programs of the sector toward a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Philippine tourism.

 

Marcos declares December 26 non-working day

by Joseph Pedrajas. MB

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared December 26 as special non-working day to give Filipinos ample time to celebrate Christmas with their families.

Marcos signed Proclamation No. 115 as he noted that Christmas Day or December 25 falls on Sunday—which is the usual day off for most working Filipinos.

The President believed that a longer weekend will encourage families “to get together and strengthen their relationship towards a more productive environment.” 

Declaring the date a non-working day “will promote domestic tourism” as well, he added.

Marcos already ordered the Department of Labor and Employment to issue the appropriate circular to implement the proclamation for the private sector.

Earlier, Malacañang updated the list of regular holidays and special non-working days for 2023, allowing “long weekends.”

Proclamation 90, released Nov. 11, amended Proclamation 42, declaring the regular holidays and special non-working days.