Blog Your Blessings Sunday: The Light

The Parol, technically called Philippine Christmas lantern, was adapted from the Chinese lantern and the Mexican piñata to symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Patterns of the parol evolved from the five-pointed star-shaped paper lantern that was crafted by an artisan named Francisco Estanislao in 1928. His creation was made of bamboo strips pasted with papel de japon (Japanese paper), illuminated by a candle or kalburo (carbide). This kind of lighting was adapted by barrio folks to light their paths during an annual ritual dawn Mass called Misa de Gallo, due electricity being unavailable at the time.

The star-like shape of the parol which has been its original design remains common in the Philippines and considered distinct for Filipinos.The crafts are usually made in the barrios and the poblacions and is rarely done in urban areas. On the contrary, Parañaque, a city in Metro Manila, has the largest production of Parols.

The parol has become an iconic symbol of a Filipino Christmas and is as important to Filipinos as the Christmas Tree is to other cultures. Its appearance on houses and streets which usually starts in September along with other Christmas symbols signals the coming of the season. The parol is associated with the Simbang Gabi, a series of dawn masses that lasts for nine days. Parols remain until in January, usually removed by the sixth day of the month, to honor the "Three Kings" and their visit to the child Jesus. (Wikipedia)

Without the parol, christmas would be less festive for us Filipinos. And it makes me proud that this christmas ornament is distinctly a Philippine product

Sa Araw ng Pasko ( On Christmas Day)

Andrea's class performed this during the Family Day celebration of her school last December 19. They lip synched and danced to this tune. after the second stanza, the kids went down the stage, looked for the parents and led us back the stage. It was a touching moment for me. Right before the song ended, they handed us a long stemmed rose. My eyes were filled with tears already. The lyrics touched my heart. I have heard the song many times, and it never failed to bring tears to my eyes. But hearing it this time is far more different with dad away from us this christmas.

The song is written in "Filipino", the official language used in the Philippines. It touches the hearts of Overseas Filipino Workers who are celebrating christmas away from home. The song talks about how Christmas celebration in the Philippines is uncomparable, how the celebration would be different if they are home, if the family is complete. The song also wishes the OFW's a Merry Christmas whatever part of the world they are.

To all the OFW's MERRY CHRISTMAS

All Star Cast
Sa Araw Ng Pasko

'di ba't kay ganda sa atin ng pasko
Naiiba ang pagdiriwang dito
Pasko sa ati'y hahanap-hanapin mo
Walang katulad dito ang pasko


Refrain
Lagi mo na maiisip na sila'y nandito sana
At sa noche buena ay magkakasama


Chorus
Ang pasko ay kay saya kung kayo'y kapiling na
Sana pagsapit ng pasko, kayo'y naririto
Kahit pa malayo ka, kahit nasaan ka pa
Maligayang bati para sa inyo sa araw ng pasko


Sa ibang bansa'y 'di mo makikita
Ang ngiti sa labi ng bawat isa
Alam naming hindi n'yo nais malayo
Paskong pinoy pa rin sa ating puso


Dito'y mayro'ng caroling at may simbang gabi
At naglalakihan pa ang christmas tree, ang christmas tree

Blog Your Blessings Sunday: One man's trash is somebody else's treasure

I have been thinking about cleaning my closet but I was too lazy to start it. However, when my aunt mentioned that the church she is associated with invited some indigent families on December 23, and the church members are encouraged to bring used items to share it with them, I gladly started cleaning out my closet at once.

While going through my things, I was overwhelmed with a lot of emotions. Every piece of clothing has a sentimental value, which makes it more difficult for me to let go of. But I have set my mind that the things that does not see the front of my drawer or cabinet will have to go. In no time, I have 3 big bags full of old clothes, bags and shoes which were only kept for sentimental reasons. It is sad to let go of the things that brings back the past, but the thought of being able to clothe other people is more than enough compensation. Besides, i am not letting go of the memories, just the symbols. Because the memories will forever be embedded in my heart.

I may not have the happiest christmas this year because one member of my family is away, but I am sure that I have made someone smile through my "trash".

I promise to do this every year. And when I am more stable financially, I will be giving more than just used things.

Christmas in our HOME

December they say is the happiest time of the year for Filipinos. Relatives from around the globe come home to the Philippines to celebrate Christmas. Family reunions, high school reunions, college reunions and other kind of reunions happen during christmas time. People are more friendly, more forgiving during this time too.

Once the "ber" months start, christmas songs will be heard over the radio. Christmas lights and lanterns in every Filipino home will entice you with thir ryhtmic burst of colors. Christmas trees of all kinds and sizes will be put up.

I for one, have set up our christmas tree as early as October. Usually, some would wait until All Saints day is through. But I would like to enjoy the christmas athmosphere longer, so I started early. Setting up the tree was quite sentimental for us. Andrea and I decorated the tree but our mind would drift from time to time to dad. For six years, the three of us celebrated the holidays together. This year is totally different. dad won't be able to join us because he is working abroad. But the thought that there are millions of Filipino families who will be celebrating with one member away from them, is quite comforting. I salute these families who have endured incomplete christmas celebration for years. But I take my hats off to the OFW's (Overseas Filipino Workers) working in all parts of the world, their predicament is more difficult because they have no family to celebrate with them physically.

The Department of Tourism made a commercial with a tag line "Come home this Christmas". Home referring to the Philippines. But this is not limited to the OFW's, this is an open invitation to ALL. I wish every one could come to their "home" this christmas.

Merry Christmas to all!

Thank you

Since my mom was hospitalized, I have been inactive in submitting a post for Blog Your Blessings every Sunday. Again, this does not mean that I stopped counting my blessings. I have received countless blessings during my "hibernation" period and included in my blessings are the people who constantly visited this site and those who expressed positive thoughts when mom was recuperating.

Sandy
Blue Panther
cybercelt
paulie
stev
msdemmie
marilyn
and to the nameless bloggers who checked on me but opted to remain anonymous

B I G T H A N K S to all of you.
And now, IM REALLY BACK!