11/365: On Fruitcake and Post-Holiday Practical Gifts Thoughts

Admit it or not you have forwarded/passed at least one Fruitcake that you received during the holidays to somebody else.  I did and please don’t judge me ha ha.  And yes! I also enjoy the joke “How many fruitcakes are there in the world”

Well I think it’s better that you passed it over than it stays in the fridge for indefinite time because nobody in your house will eat it.  As for me, don’t worry I only passed my fruitcake gift to visitors who come to my house without prior notification. Ha ha I’m mean!

I know that “it’s the thought that counts” when it comes to gift-giving.  But let me be frank – no fruitcake for me please.  You see, you can buy a good quality towel on the same amount you will spend for fruit cake.  So you’d rather buy me a towel.

Why towel?  Towel is a practical gift. It’s a necessity that everyone buys for himself like clothes.  It is a safe gift as well because you don’t need to worry about the style or whatever. It can be stocked and it never gets out of fashion.

Yey! We received several towels this holiday!

I also agree that when you can’t think of a holiday gift for a person you can never go wrong with food.  There are lots of sweets and goodies available that is beautifully packed as “good to go holiday gifts”.  You may choose goodies that are being sold of which part of the sale proceeds will be donated to charity.  That’s a double act of kindness. 



We annually received an abundance and variety of these goodies during holidays.  They are all so yummy and sweet as the people who gave them - my hubby’s (soccer) players.

Or…

Since this is holiday you might as well bring some real “cheers”!



Red wine is very fitting.  It’s good for the health and most family members will enjoy during “noche buena” and New Year’s Eve.  I don’t mind receiving  several bottles of these during the holidays.  I can stocked it anyway and consume on other future occasions.

Let me share some other gifts that we received last holiday that I liked most.

This battery operated lamp/light designed in the  old classic lamp. It can be both use as an adornment and  flash/emergency light.



Tea – simply because I’m a tea lover.  It can be stocked too and with long expiration date.  Maybe this long expiration date is also one of the reason why the fruit cake became a popular holiday gift.  But still – no fruit cake for me please.  I don’t want to pass one again. LOL. 



Yes it’s the thought that counts.  It does not have to be expensive but make sure that you just don’t grab anything because you are running out of time.  For me I’d rather give you a belated gift or nothing rather than give you a gift that you will just toss somewhere because you don’t like it or don’t know what to do with it.

What is the gift that you received that you like most last holiday? And why do you like it?

***

TRIVIA:
If a fruit cake contains alcohol it could remain edible for many years.   Wrapping the cake in alcohol-soaked linen before storing is one method of lengthening its shelf life.
A fruit cake baked in 1878 is kept as an heirloom by a family (Morgan L. Ford) in Tecumseh, Michigan.  In 2003 it was sampled by Jay Leno on The Tonight Show. 
(Source: Wikipedia)

10/365: A Book is Added to My Wish List–The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

This is a shameless request to anybody who owns a book and done reading “The Perks of  Being A Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky – please pass the book to me okay?  Consider it as one of my wish from this list. 



Not that I can’t afford to buy the book (defensive me – LOL), but I appreciate books that is owned and read by somebody rather than new ones especially if it will be passed to me with  dedication. Besides since last year I promised that I won't buy anymore books for myself  as long as I haven’t finish yet my reading queue.  In fact I am also giving away my book collection and there’s just very few left.  They are left behind because I just want to re-read them first  (one of which is part of the reason why I am liking this story right now).

For a movie and book lover like me I did not know what I’m missing till I chanced upon a part of this movie on HBO from somewhere.  I watched the movie in full back home and I fell in love with it.  It is now included in my “ Top List of Favorite Movie”.  As for the reason why, I will be definitely sharing them to you as I go along with this blog.  But for now I need to read the book first.

So throw that book over here please? Thanks!

“"And all the books you've read have been read by other people.  And all the songs you've loved have been heard by other people.  And that girl that's pretty to you is pretty to other people. And you know that if you looked at these facts when you were happy, you would feel great because you are describing 'unity'"  

~Stephen Chbosky~ The Perks of Being A Wallflower

9/365: The Feast of the Black Nazarene and Other Philippine Festivities in January

Today is the Feast of the Black Nazarene and as usual thousands of devotees joined this year’s procession.

The Feast of the Black Nazarene is one of my dream blog post.  I mean, I want to write something about it only if I actually experience (or cover) it.  Funny that the festivities is being celebrated here in Manila and is very accessible for me and yet I can not do it.  The truth is I don’t have the courage yet to do it.  I’m not sure if I can handle such crowd (and I’m not even sure that my family will allow me to do it).   But I’m sure that you will agree with me when I say that the crowd (devotees) of this feast is really overwhelming.

This feast also marks the beginning of other grand festivals in January such as the nationwide celebration of the Sto. Niħo Festival , the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo Aklan, the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City and the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City.

I was searching from the net for the dates of this year’s celebration for these festivals when I chanced upon this page from the Department of Tourism site. 

It is a fact that Filipinos are known for celebrating the grandest feast and festivals.  But it still surprised me big time to find how many feast and festivities the Filipinos are celebrating.  Let me share you the list for the January celebration.  But first let me acknowledge and pay credits to the Department of Tourism for this information - Thank you!

And watch out!  Because I will also be posting the feast and festivities for the other months too.  I’m sure you all adventure-seeking people are going to love this!

STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL
January | Nationwide
A grand procession of over two hundred well-dressed images of the Child Jesus.

BULAKLAKAN FESTIVAL
January 1 | Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila
Annual procession, parade of flowers and costumes

FEAST OF THE THREE KINGS
January 2 | Gasan, Marinduque
A feast honoring the three kings who are visiting houses around the Poblacion of Gasan

ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL
January 3- January 16 | Kalibo, Aklan
Scene of a yearly celebration in honor of Sto. Nino held every third week of January, popularly known worldwide as Ati-Atihan. So called because Aklanons, domestic and foreign tourists, wipe soot on their faces and done ethnic paraphernalia and masquerade around town as Negritos and make merry and dance in the streets to the beat of ambulant ethnic troubadours.

BAILES DE LUCES
January 5 | La Castellana, Negros Occicental
The town’s celebration of Charter Day and a befitting culmination of the Christmas season, the festival is conceptualized as a festival of hope and thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for all the blessings received in the year that was and hope for a prosperous new year. Its unique feature is the use of lights or “luces” as props and adornment and its nocturnal festivities and streetdancing

LINGAYEN GULF LANDING ANNIVERSAY
January 9 | Lingayen, Pangasinan
Lingayen, Pangasinan (6 hours from Manila by land) Commemoration of the liberation of Pangasinan from the Japanese invasion led by Gen. Douglas McArthur of the US Pacific Command on Jan. 9, 1945

FEAST OF THE BLACK NAZARENE
January 9 | Quiapo, Manila
An intense, day-long festival highlighted by a mammoth procession through the streets.

BINIRAY FESTIVAL (Fluvial procession)
January 9 | Romblon
Sto. Niño-inspired revelry and fluvial procession.

COCONUT FESTIVAL AND FAIR
January 10- January 13 | San Pablo City, Laguna
A grand mardi-gras celebration which pays homage to Laguna Province''s most ubiquitous crop.

ARAW NG KORONADAL "HINUGYAW FESTIVAL"
January 10 | Koronadal
Translated literally, it means "Day of Koronadal" and indeed it is. Hinugyaw Festival, dubbed as the "Festival of Festivals", is a celebration of the different cultures that has dwelled on the fertile valley of Koronadal for many years now.

BINANOG FESTIVAL
January 10- January 16 | Lambunao, Iloilo
Binanog is a yearly festivities celebrated by the Lambunaonos every January in honor of infant Jesus. Binanog means a pool of dance by the people in hinterland of Lambunao. The following are the Binanugan, the dance depicting the movement of the birds, the Inagong sayaw-sayaw, a celebration dances and the Dinagmay, the courtship dance. The dance movement is accompanied by lively drum beatings.

SINULOG (KABANKALAN) FESTIVAL
January 10- January 16 | Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental
Revelers garbed in distinctively colorful costumes with bare bodies painted in black soot take to the streets to the riotous and frenzied beats of drums celebrating the feast of El Señor Sto. Niño.

MAKATO STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL
January 15 | Poblacion Makato, Aklan
The ati-atihan festival of Makato dates back before the Spaniards came to sow the seeds of Christianity into this land. During the celebration, thousands of Catholic devotees from all over the country and those from abroad felt the urge to come and join in the wholesome, frolic and religious fervor of thanksgiving to the Holy Child, Sto. Niño.

PASUNGAY FESTIVAL
January 15 | San Joaquin, Iloilo
Celebrated every 3rd Saturday of January. This spectacular & exciting event find its origin on a hillside in one of the inland barangays of the municipality when resting farmers witness for the first time the fight between the two raging bulls, set loose by their herdsmen. It caught the fancy of the barangay folks and soon it became a popular entertainment in most barangay fiestas. During the municipal fiesta, the best bulls from different barangays are pitted against each other by weight category in a "Bull Derby".

KAHIMUNAN FESTIVAL
January 16 | Libertad, Butuan City
Butuan''s version of the Sinulog of Cebu which has an equally lively and spectacular street dancing.

PANGISDAAN FESTIVAL
January 16 | Brgy. Tangos, Navotas
One of the highlights of the Navotas Day celebration featuring a street dancing and float competition focusing on the fishing industry.

KINARADTO FESTIVAL
January 16 | Buenavista, Guimaras
This cultural festival makes maximum use of the rich cultural tradition of the oldest municipality of the province. The presentation of songs, dances and musical tableau depicts the various influences Buenavista has been subjected to. Celebrated in honor of the town’s patron saint, Sr. Sto. Niño, Kinaradto promises the participant loads of unforgettable positive experiences.

KAHIMUNAN FESTIVAL
January 16 | Libertad, Butuan City
Butuan''s version of the Sinulog of Cebu which has an equally lively and spectacular street dancing.

KINARADTO FESTIVAL
January 16 | Buenavista, Guimaras
This cultural festival makes maximum use of the rich cultural tradition of the oldest municipality of the province. The presentation of songs, dances and musical tableau depicts the various influences Buenavista has been subjected to. Celebrated in honor of the town’s patron saint, Sr. Sto. Niño, Kinaradto promises the participant loads of unforgettable positive experiences.

BATAN ATI-ATI MALAKARA FESTIVAL
January 16 | Poblacion Batan, Aklan
The participants celebrating this festival wear masks made up of paper mache and prepared costumes. The festival is celebrated in honor of the Sto. Niño with merry making for a bountiful harvest, peace and prosperity, street dancing along the streets and plaza of the poblacion. A holy mass is celebrated before the start of the contest on Sunday morning proceeded with a parade of participating tribes.

FIRE WORKS DISPLAY & CONTEST
January 16 | Arevalo, Iloilo City
Highlights of this District Fiesta of Arevalo are the multicolor fireworks. The skyline becomes a celebration with the dazzling display of sparkles and blazing lights.

CARACOL FESTIVAL
January 16 | Glorietta 4 Park Makati City, Metro Manila
Official Festival of the City of Makati by virtue of resolution No. 251 of Jan. 21, 1991 displaying the call of the local Government for the protection and conservation of our ecology.

BANSUDANI FESTIVAL/FEAST OF THE DIVINE SAVIOR
January 17 | Bansud, Mindoro Oriental
A thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest which coincides with town fiesta. It features dances and cultural presentations by schools and barangay communities.

SADSAD SA KALYE
January 19 | Janiuay, Iloilo
“Sadsad Sa Kalye” is a dynamic mass presentation expressing the beliefs, views, visions and aspirations of the Janiuaynons based upon tradition, historical experiences, and culture of the people of Janiuay. It is a street-dancing affair buoyed by the kaleidoscopic prism of cultured grace and fineness that reflects the embodiment of all that are beautiful in man’s body and soul. “Sadsad” is a native word meaning dance.

SINULOG FESTIVAL
January 20 | Cebu City
Celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January, is Cebu''s biggest and most popular festival. The feast is in honor of the Holy Image of Senyor Santo Niño de Cebu. Fiesta Senyor, as it is widely known, is the most celebrated among Cebu''s festival where people converge along the routes of a grand solemn procession and partake in the gaiety amidst a mardi gras parade immersed in wild colors and the constant beating of drums.

PANDOT SA BACOLOD
January 20 | Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
A true to life dramatization depicting the life of Bacoleños during the Spanish times and the life of being a Catholic

BINULIGAY FESTIVAL
January 20 | Jamindan, Capiz
A cultural and fiesta celebration.

ALTAVAS STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL
January 21- January 22 | Poblacion Altavas, Aklan
This day marked the end of the Fil-American war in Altavas. Since then, January 22 is being celebrated as an Annual Thanksgiving and Armistice Day in Altavas. Later, the date was adopted as its municipal town fiesta. This is the continuation of the joyous celebration of peace when Fil-American war ended in this municipality.

DINAGYANG FESTIVAL
January 22- January 23 | Iloilo City
A spectacular street merrymaking in honor of the Holy Child Jesus.

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PEACE AND GOOD VOYAGE
January 24 | La Carlota City
These features cultural shows and traditional fiesta activities like procession, traditional games and cultural presentation.

IBAJAY ATI-ATI MUNICIPAL AND DEVOTIONAL FIESTA
January 24- January 25 | Ibajay, Aklan
A religious feast in honor of its patron saint Sto. Niño, held by transferring the holy image of the patron from Ibajay Cathedral Rectory and enthronement at St. Peter Parish Church, by way of amusing the image from where it was originally discovered and brought to the church.

DINAGSA ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL
January 24- January 30 | Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
A revelry from sunrise to sunset, with ceaseless and rhythmic beating of drums. A sea of humanity in cadence with black soot “ati” performing rituals, all in honor of El Señor Sto. Niño. A spectacular fluvial parade where the Infant Jesus is carried aboard a fishing boat around the river, out to sea and back. “Dinagsa” connotes the sudden surge of good things washed ashore, such as the generous catch of fish and other sea foods, which Cadiz is famous for. Throw all cares to the wind as you street dance with gaily-costumed ati-tribes. Be game however if you find your own face painted black by playful ATIS.

SANA-AW FESTIVAL
January 28 | Jordan, Guimaras
Primarily a celebration of the economic endeavor that made Jordan what it is today. Sana-aw also pays tribute to the skillful artisans and the enduring workers in an endearing characterization through dance drama.

HINIRUGYAW FESTIVAL
January 30- February 6 | Calinog, Iloilo
An annual festivity of Calinog’s devotion to Sr. Sto. Niño. It is a nine day event and its activities consist of an opening salvo, food fest, live Sto. Niño contest among young boys not older than seven years old, Search for Lin-ay Kang Hinirugyaw and the contest proper for all participating tribes in three judging areas.

STO. NIÑO FESTIVAL
January 30 | Malolos, Bulacan
The Malolos Sto. Niño featuring a week long exhibits, a month procession featuring more than a hundred caros of drivers Sto. Niño images.

BALOT SA PUTI FESTIVAL
January 31 | Pateros
One of the highlights of the Pateros Town Fiesta celebration

Have you experienced any of these feast and festivities?

8/365: Baby It’s Cold Outside… And Yet I’m Dreaming of A Colder Place Like Baguio City

This is the time of the year that I am loving the Philippine weather. A lot colder than usual.   I feel that people and things are fresh-looking during this kind of weather.  The roads are not too dusty and people look a little less stress compared to during sunny days. As we say it in Filipino “bawas init ng ulo”.

Not that I don’t like summer in the Philippines.  It’s just that sunny days are more often felt in the Philippines than colder days.  I mean colder without the rain (and the floods).

When I checked on the temperature today it says 28 °C for Manila and 18 °C for Baguio City

The funny thing about me when I feel this kind of weather while in the city is that I have this urge to go to  Baguio (or Tagaytay).  I want to feel a colder weather than what I am feeling right now.   That may sound funny but yes I always feel this way every time I am feeling a colder Manila weather.

I have mentioned in some of  my posts that my favorite destination for a getaway is  Baguio and Tagaytay City.  I have been to these places for several times but they are all during the summer.  The purpose of those trips is of course is to escape the Manila heat.

So maybe to have a different experience I would like to try a colder Baguio.  Also, not that I am happy about the effect of the frosting of vegetables in Baguio and Benguet, but I want to experience seeing them by myself.

Photo taken during one of our Baguio trips after one of our early morning jog/run around Burnham Park.  This is one activity that we truly enjoy while in Baguio.  Regardless of wherever our accommodation is we always run from our place going to Burnham Park.

But oh don’t get me wrong.  Not because I am enjoying the cold weather that means that I like the climate in the countries with winter season.  Not really especially at this time that they are experiencing a deadly chill.

What kind of weather do you enjoy anyway?

7/365: Totally Random: Hybrid Bus

I don’t like Metro Manila buses.  No offense but I have valid reasons that I’m sure most people taking the public transport regularly will agree with me on this.

I don’t like the way they are being driven, of being too crowded and overloaded, their smell of expired air freshener and their unwashed curtains.  I don’t like when their drivers are inconsiderate with their female passengers by stepping on gears and breaks that caused us to be knocked or rolled down while riding and alighting from these buses.  They are also being the favorite targets of unscrupulous people like hold-uppers and pick-pockets. 

I could stand eternally waiting for public transports like jeepneys, taxi, tricycles or even “habal-habal”  but the Metro Manila buses will always be my LAST choice for a  a ride. This does not include the buses for provincial trips though – I love them.

That is why I was amaze when I saw this beautiful bus stopped in front of me looking so clean  fresh, and not too crowded.  I can see the whole inner part of the bus from the avenue where I was standing from through its clear and wide windows.

It was a very inviting scene for someone on the road waiting for public transport. I automatically hopped in the bus feeling both excited and curios.  And when I was inside the bus the more I got impressed! 

Here are some of the photos I took while inside the bus.  I’m feeling awkward while taking these photos because some of the passengers are looking at me but I can’t help myself ha ha.

Near the driver’s seat

view from my seat

Some facts and features of  the Hybrid Bus:

• Electricity-diesel powered making it environment-friendly and energy-efficient
• Emit-less compared to a typical diesel engine bus
• It has six closed-circuit television cameras, high-powered air conditioners
• It has a GPS system that tracks the location of each bus, coral-colored people with disability, elderly and pregnant seats, luggage and shopping bag racks
• It has low floors for easy entry and exit
• It has a 27-seating capacity but can accommodate as much as 50 people
• Initial route (M1) is navigating through Buendia and Kalayaan, the major avenues of South Superhighway, Roces, Ayala, Makati Avenue, Pao de Roxas, Edsase
• Fare is in the flat rate of PhP20.00

Finally I’m seeing another pleasing public transport in our city roads that’s why I’m too happy to share it with you through this random post.  If you want to know more information about these hybrid buses you can check them on this link.

By the way let me close this post by greeting one blogger friend Arline of The Pink Line.  This lady is currently inactive with blogging but not with the outreach programs of Pinoy Bloggers Outreach (PBO) .

Bless your good heart dear and Happy Birthday to you!

6/365: Back To Reality While Looking Back at My Holiday That Was.

Why is it that as much as you wanted to linger in the holiday spirit it’s the more you feel that you have just been off loaded from a roller coaster drive?   I mean you are enjoying the spin and yet before you knew it the enjoyable spin suddenly stops and then time is over.

This is how I always feel during the Christmas season particularly in the month of December. I feel that things happen so fast and the moment that I am finally enjoying then reality is back - just like a strong thud!

Pardon me for ranting about this today.  As you know today is the first Monday of 2014 and most people will be either going back to work, school or to whatever usual regular thing they do.

The same thing for myself.  I am now bracing myself to be back to reality.  I just really wish that whatever the coming days will bring will serve as inspiration and not a distraction to my on-going "365 Day Blogging Challenge".

So before I let myself be engulfed by reality, let me check if  I had been kind enough to  myself during the Christmas season.  The reason why I’m having this check right now is because I tend to forget about myself during the holidays. I shopped for gifts to be given away, be a mom, sometimes work even during holidays.

There was even a time that I did not attend any holiday-related party because I am so caught up with responsibilities.

What about this recent holiday?  Hmn…

1. I was able to set up our holiday home décor during the first week of December.  I used to set up in mid-November in time for my son’s birthday.  Anyway at least our home was not décor-less during the holidays.

2. One of the best part of my December is that I joined the most important running event of the year – the 37th Milo Marathon National Finals.  I joined the media fun run and for some twist of  fate and luck I brought home a most cherish possession a runner could have.   A trophy from the most prestigious running event in the country.

And oh, I also received two awards from work. 

3. Sometimes I missed parties and get-together invites because they are scheduled at the same time.  Specially during the last weekend before December 25 – they are clogged on that date.

This time I was able to at least attend three holiday parties one of which is a swimming party from one of my hubby’s association.  Brrr… night swimming on a cold December breeze!  It was fun anyway!

4.  I also had the chance to spend time with good old friends.

5. The disappointing part of my December is my not being able to complete the 9 Midnight Masses (Simbang Gabi). I missed the last two nights due to commitments which are also holiday related.  This is the first uncompleted Simbang Gabi after a series of years that I am able to complete the 9 masses.

6. When in the city, we usually stay at home during Christmas Day because we are expecting visitors.  We are the perennial hosts (LOL).  It was actually during the last week of December (just before New Year) that I find time to enjoy the holiday with my family and shop some things for myself.  I joined my kids during their shopping spree using their “aguinaldo” (Christmas cash presents) and we roam around the city hopping from one mall to another.  Those are days of quality time spent with my awesome three!



7. December 31st was one great New Year’s eve.  We welcomed 2014 with the usual bang and fireworks and lots of food!


I could say that my last month of 2013 was busy (as usual) but fun and enjoyable!  How did you spend your holidays?

By the way let me close this post by greeting one funny blogger friend - Lallah of Telelalahbells who is celebrating her birthday today January 6.

Happy Birthday girl! Hope that you will come back to blogging soon!

5/365: Sunday Poem and Photograph: Santa Missed You This Christmas Buddy And I Never Replaced The Vase

How do I break thee? Let me count the ways.

I break thee if thou art at any height

My paw can reach, when smarting from some slight,

I sulk, or have one of my crazy days.

I break thee with an accidental graze

Or twitch of tail, if I should take a fright.

I break thee out of pure and simple spite

The way I broke the jar of mayonnaise.

I break thee if I’m in a playful mood,

And then I wrestle with the shiny bits.

I break thee if I do not like my food.

And if someone they shards together fits,

I’ll break thee once again when thou art glued.

~Henry N. Beard, Poetry for Cats~

The photograph was taken during the first Christmas spent with our adopted stray cat "Timothy Mingz".  The Christmas stocking is an extra stocking of my daughter with her name on it.  We temporarily labeled the stocking with “Mingz” name and hang it in the cabinet where my favorite vase used to be an adornment until Mingz broke it.

The following Christmas I permanently named that stocking with Mingz’ name and just like my kids, Mingz always got presents from Santa on Christmas mornings. 

A pang of sadness hit me as I hang the Christmas stockings last Christmas.  Mingz went to cat heaven in February of last year.  Last Christmas was the first Christmas without Mingz.    I never replaced the vase even after he died.

I used the poem “How Do I Break Thee” to add a little lightness in this post.  I saw that there’s an on going fun in Facebook that my fellow blogger is on that I interestingly joined.  It goes like this:

“Fill Facebook with poetry. Like my status and I will give you a poet. Select a poem written by the poet and post as your status.”

“How Do I Love Thee”  by Elizabeth Barrett Browning is one of my most favorite poem.  I just thought that it is fitting to add a poem patterned to this when writing about my most beloved pet.

How about you?  Who is your favorite poet or what is your favorite poem? Can you relate it to your pet? Or to anybody?