With most vacation plans for this year foiled by the COVID-19 pandemic, families and friends may now start planning their vacations for next year - should the health situation improve - as Malacañang released the list of holidays for the year 2021.

Robredo hits gov't for scrapping 3 holidays in 2021
Feb 28, 2021
Vice President Leni Robredo scores the Duterte government for declaring All Souls' Day, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve as 'special working days'

Hontiveros says cancelled holidays disastrous to workers, urges Duterte to recall order
March 1, 2021 Mario Casayuran
Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday warned the Duterte administration that making November 2, December 24 and 31 as “special working holidays” would cut the take-home pay of thousands of workers.

Both: Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu

Ayon sa ilang manufacturer, bumaba ang bilang ng mga gumagamit ng paputok dahil sa anti-firecracker campaign ng gobyerno.

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Aika Rey December 30, 2017

Last June, President Rodrigo Duterte signed EO No. 28, banning private citizens from using firecrackers or staging their own firecracker displays at their homes.
According to the Department of Health, a total of 630 fireworks-related injuries were recorded from December 21, 2016, to January 5, 2017.

Emergency management expert Martin Aguda shares these family safety tips for handling firecrackers and fire

Look - or - Download the poster included "Emergency Numbers" in full size

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New Year safety tips - Dec 26, 2014
Red Alert together with safety expert Dr. Ted Esguerra give us some reminders on how to welcome 2015 by being injury-free. Watch it here!

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DOH warns against firecrackers - DOH, nagbabala muli laban sa paputok -  Dec 11, 2014
Ilang linggo bago mag-Pasko at Bagong Taon, muling nagpaalala ang Department of Health sa publiko laban sa panganib ng pagpapaputok. Inihayag naman ng Bureau of Fire Protection ang anim na lungsod na magpapatupad ng total firecracker ban.

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Firecracker injuries rise ahead of New Year -  Dec 25, 2014
Despite the "no firecracker" campaign of the Department of Health (DOH), many have been victimized already this Christmas season. A victim is sent to the hospital when he was shot by a stray bullet.

CONSIDERATA VI
'Deserve your privileged dash of spacetime. You have it, for now.'
Happy New Year
It is inspired by Desiderata

Fear weakens our reasoning and leads us to cocoons of silence. Rather than take a stand and let our voices be heard, we retreat.
As the light of 2016 fades, we gather our thoughts and look back at a year that gave us sorrows.

Get ready for a lucky year ahead, regardless of your animal sign's horoscope!

is the classification scheme that assigns an animal to each year in a repeating twelve-year cycle. The 12-year cycle of Chinese zodiac is an approximation to the 11.86-year cycle of Jupiter, the largest planet of the solar system.[1] It is a scheme and systematic plan of future action that relates each year to an animal and its reputed attributes according to a 12-year cycle.

The Video:

The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac
Jan 31, 2017
Paano nga ba nabuo ang mga zodiac signs? Alamin sa maikling alamat na handog ng Unang Hirit.

The Araw ng Kagitingan or the Day of Valor is celebrated in the Philippines every 9th of April as a national memorial day for the brave souls who fought during the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 during the World War II.

The holiday also pays respect and tribute to the many civilian men who died on the tragic Death March which started from Bataan and ended in Tarlac.

The Day of Valor a Public Holiday

FAST FACTS: Araw ng Kagitingan
Nigel Tan Updated April 09, 2017
Here are 9 important facts you should know about the 'Day of Valor'

Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat!

The Video in the album: Special non-working days - 'Public Holidays':
Officials highlight veterans' heroism on Day of Valor
CNN Philippines Apr 9, 2019
Again President Duterte chose to mark the Day of Valor by visiting soldiers in Jolo, Sulu. This story is about the ceremony President Duterte chose to skip at the historic Mt. Samat in Bataan.

On June 12, 1898, General Emilio F. Aguinaldo proclaimed at the balcony of his ancestral home on Calle Real in Kawit, Cavite, the independence of the Republic of the Philippines, and the Philippine flag was hoisted as the national anthem called Marcha Filipina was played in the presence of a huge crowd.

Why celebrate Philippine independence on June 12?
by Gemma Bagayaua-Mendoza June 12, 2014
Those who paid attention to their history lessons will remember that the Philippines did not remain free of a colonizing power long after that declaration.

Philippine Independence Day before 1962: July 4, not June 12

In 1962, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962, effectively moving the date of Philippine independence from July 4 to June 12 the date independence from Spain was proclaimed in Emilio Aguinaldo’s home in Kawit, Cavite.

Groups will take to the streets on Friday, June 12, to protest – inspired by the widely criticized mañanita for the Metro Manila police chief

Police block protesters in 'grand mañanita' rally on Independence day
June 13, 2020
Although hundreds of individuals manage to take part in the protest in UP Diliman, other protesters were barred from entering the campus

Supporters of anti-terror bill in Cebu City allowed to rally on Independence Day
John Sitchon June 12, 2020
None of them were detained unlike the 8 individuals arrested for protesting in the University of the Philippines Cebu against the passage of the anti-terrorism bill a week ago

LISTEN: These Independence Day releases will inspire you to raise your voice
June 12, 2020
Celebrate – and protect – freedom to the tune of these new songs by Dicta License, Carousel Casualties, Zild Benitez, and Martin Riggs

WATCH: Aling Marie attends grand mañanita on Independence Day
June 12, 2020 - with Video
She first gained popularity because of her viral video calling out President Duterte's diehard supporters

Never again, vow Filipino journalists on Independence Day
June 12, 2020
At least 30 groups and close to a 100 journalists sign a joint statement to 'renew our pledge to serve the people, to continue speaking truth to power, and to guard and defend freedom of the press and of expression from all threats'

Groups will stage protests in various parts of Metro Manila to commemorate the country's 121st Independence Day

IN PHOTOS: Celebrations, protests mark Independence Day 2019
June 12, 2019
Government officials proudly raise the Philippine flag in celebration of 121 years of independence, while protesters angrily lift their placards to call for 'true freedom' in the country

IN PHOTOS: How Poblacion in Makati celebrated Independence Day 2019
Amanda T. Lago June 12, 2019
Folk dances, lechon, OPM bands, and the determination to have a good time – Repoblacion 2019 was as Filipino as it got

Filipinos on Independence Day 2019: 'We’re far from free'
June 12, 2019
Are we – as individuals, as a people, and as a nation – truly free? Netizens don't seem to think so.

On Independence Day, mother who lost son to Oplan Tokhang calls for 'true freedom'
Elijah Allen Macaspac June 12, 2019
A woman who lost her son due to 'Oplan Tokhang' chooses to head to the streets and protest on Independence Day

Duterte skips PH Independence Day rites in Luneta
June 12, 2017 - with video
This was supposed to be Duterte's first Independence Day as president

117th Philippine Independence Day Celebration JUN 12 2015

How Filipinos celebrate Independence Day
May iba-ibang paraan ang mga kababayan natin sa pagdiriwang ng ating kalayaan.

Why Independence Day celebrations are being held in this Iloilo town
Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, gaganapin ang pagdiriwang ng ating Independence Day hindi sa Luzon, na siyang nakagawian, kundi sa Visayas sa makasaysayang bayan ng Santa Barbara sa Iloilo. Paano nga ba pinagyayaman ng mga Ilonggo ang makasaysayang lugar na ito?

PNoy's Speech during the 117th Anniversary of the Philippines Independence Day, June 12 2015
Santa Barbara Church, San Barbara, Iloilo City

How Filipinos celebrated Independence Day
Ipinagdiwang ng mga Pinoy ang ating Araw ng Kalayaan sa iba-ibang paraan. Bukod sa pagdalo sa mga flag-raising ceremony, dinayo rin ang Aguinaldo Museum sa Baguio City. Jun 12, 2015
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118th Philippine Independence Day Celebration, Flag Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremony, 12 June 2016
Outgoing President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday presided over Independence Day activities for the last time, as he prepares to bow out of office after assuming the presidency in 2010.
Aquino arrived at the Rizal Park in Manila at past 8 a.m. for the 118th Independence Day celebrations.
He was welcomed by Manila Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estada, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lt. Gen. Gloriosio Miranda.

118th Philippine Independence Day Vin D’ Honneur

IMPORTANT: LOOK more about Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr.

a national non-working holiday in the Philippines observed annually on August 21, commemorating the assassination of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr.

‘I wished he did not have to leave Boston’
August 21, 2020 Isabel de Leon
Thirty-seven years ago, in a small room near their garage that fateful day in August of 1983, in Boston, USA, a father gave one wistful look at his son and left the fate of their family to him with the words: “alam mo na lahat ng iyong gagawin (You know what to do).”
Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Cojuangco Aquino III looked back to that day when his father, former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino II, packed his bag and decided to return to Manila after living in exile for three years.

Ninoy Aquino dared to believe in fairer, more humane Philippines
Pia Ranada Aug 21 2020
Ninoy Aquino's death helped Filipinos find the 'strength to take the first steps toward a freer, fairer, more humane society,' says Vice President Robredo

Ninoy: A story of redemption
Carlo Santiago Aug 21 2020
'Ninoy’s generation is fading away, as well as those that came after him. And as generations fade, so, too, will their memories.'

2 opposition senators remember Ninoy
August 21, 2020 Hannah Torregoza
Two opposition senators urged Filipinos Friday to remember the heroism, indomitable spirit, and the love for country that former Sen.
Ninoy Aquino exhibited during his lifetime before his tragic death in 1983.

Honor all freedom fighters on Ninoy Aquino Day
Mara Cepeda August 21, 2019
'Many talk about being willing to die for our country. Ninoy was one of the courageous few who actually did,' says Vice President Leni Robredo

Kris Aquino remembers dad Ninoy on 36th death anniversary
August 21, 2019
'Dad knew how to make people feel special and important,' Kris says of her late father

Every year, Ghost Month affects wedding dates, business deals, and even the Philippine stock market – here's what you need to know to fend off bad luck.
Every year around August, Feng Shui experts warn us against a slew of activities, lest misfortunes happen.
The annual Ghost Month affects more aspects of your life than you think, having a hand in business openings, the Philippine stock market, and even wedding plans.

While there are no laws that officially proclaim a Filipino a national hero, there are criteria that determine how a historical figure qualifies as a national hero.

Selection And Proclamation Of National Heroes And Laws Honoring Filipino Historical Figures
May 18, 2015

Fast Facts: National Heroes Day
Nigel Tan

Filipinos are urged to be the heroes they want to see in society

Duterte skipping National Heroes' Day rites
August 26, 2019 - with Video
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano will attend the National Heroes' Day event in his place

a national public holiday in the Philippines to honor the country's heroes and is held on the last Monday of every August to mark the anniversary of the Cry of Pugad Lawin, the beginning of the Philippine Revolution by the Katipunan and its Supremo Andrés Bonifacio in 1896.

National Heroes Day Aug 30, 2020:

National Heroes Day 2020
Sep 1, 2020 Bulatlat

Modern-Day Heroes (National Heroes' Day 2020)
Manila Bulletin Online

Commemoration of Araw ng mga Bayani at the Libingan ng mga Bayani
Rappler

Heroes and martyrs
kodao phils

PH observes National Heroes' Day
CNN Philippines

Remark this is an album in the album Regular and Special Holidays

IBP pays tribute to fallen judges, lawyers, prosecutors on Nat’l Heroes Day
August 31, 2020 Rey Panaligan
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) paid tribute on National Heroes Day to fallen judges, prosecutors, and government and private lawyers “who were killed or harmed because they were doing their sworn duty.”
“The fact that quite a number of such cases remain unsolved is a shared frustration, shame, and responsibility of Filipino lawyers,” IBP National President Domingo Egon Q. Cayosa said in a press statement.

Duterte honors past, present heroes on National Heroes’ Day
August 31, 2020 Argyll Cyrus Geducos
President Duterte recognized the sacrifice of the country’s past and modern-day heroes as the Philippines commemorates National Heroes Day on August 31.

‘Be kind and be brave,’ Robredo says on National Heroes’ Day
August 31, 2020 Mara Cepeda
'Fight, if necessary. Do not shrink from struggle or sacrifice,' says Vice President Leni Robredo
Vice President Leni Robredo challenged Filipinos to be brave enough to love even those beyond their immediate circles as the nation marked National Heroes’ Day on Monday, August 31.

Look also Life and Struggles of Andres Bonifacio

The album Special non-working days - 'Holidays'

Bonifacio Day 2016

LIST: Bonifacio Day activities, protests
November 29, 2017
Several protests and activities are lined up on Thursday, November 30, to mark Bonifacio Day not just in Metro Manila

Bonifacio Day rallies set to push, protest Duterte’s revolutionary gov’t
November 29, 2017
Rallies supporting President Rodrigo Duterte's proposed revolutionary government will be held on Thursday, November 30, 19 cities and towns, mostly areas where Duterte won in the 2016 presidential election

Duterte skips Bonifacio Day ceremony
Pia Ranada November 30, 2018
'He has to fly to Mindanao to attend to the problem of insurgency in Mindanao,' says Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, without elaborating

Inspired by Andres Bonifacio's activism, groups from various sectors are staging protests on Bonifacio Day, November 30, to speak out on issues surrounding the Duterte administration, including its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IN PHOTOS: Remembering the Supremo through monuments
Nov 30, 2020 Judiel Libot
Who’s that man wielding the bolo?
The image of Andres Bonifacio wielding a bolo, raring to lead revolutionaries in battle is firmly etched in most Filipinos minds.

Robredo on Bonifacio Day: Courage is compassion, not brute strength
Nov 30, 2020 Mara Cepeda
Vice President Leni Robredo, who recently drew the ire of President Rodrigo Duterte, warns against 'the cosmetic courage of bluster'

Militant protesters hold a rally to mark Andres Bonifacio Day in front of the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA-7) office on November 30. There was a tense standoff for a few minutes between the police and at least 80 members of militant groups in Cebu, who held a rally in Mandaue City to mark Andres Bonifacio’s 157th birth anniversary today, November 30.

a Philippine national holiday commemorating the life and works of José Rizal, one of the Philippines' national heroes. It is celebrated every December 30, the day of Rizal's execution at Bagumbayan, now known as Rizal Park, in 1896.

Rizal a reminder that 'true freedom goes with kindness, integrity'
Mara Cepeda December 30, 2018
Vice President Leni Robredo says the national hero should inspire Filipinos to 'work for his vision of a Philippines free from hate, division, and tyranny

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Robredo on Rizal Day: 'Bravely defend the rights of Filipinos'
Vice President Leni Robredo says Jose Rizal's life and work 'brought hope to those in despair and courage to those living in fear'

Senators on Rizal Day: Protect the freedom he died for
Senator Francis Pangilinan calls Jose Rizal a 'millennial who cares, and says he used his talents to fight for the country's liberation from Spain

Both by Mara Cepeda December 30, 2016

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WHY WE CELEBRATE RIZAL DAY EVERY 30TH DAY OF DECEMBER
Quennie Ann J. Palafox

Jose Rizal - His life and His works

the Videos

Dr. Jose Rizal's 119th anniversary of Martyrdom (2 videos)

Commemoration of the 120th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal 12.30.2016 (2 videos)

Yes, death did lead to a revolution, but it also allowed for a lot of speculation

President Duterte's Proclamation Number 310 gives the late president's home province 'full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion'

Again About Philippines just ask: Is "Duterte, a Marcos lapdog"

FALSE: Nancy Binay 'approved' Marcos Day bill
Oct 29, 2020
Senator Nancy Binay did not vote to approve the bill. The senator says she left the committee hearing before it was tackled, and says she 'will not support any bill that would cause historical revisionism'

Ferdinand E. E. Marcos, Sr. - President, Dictator

Marcos' 100th birthday 'no reason to celebrate' – lawmakers
by Bea Cupin September 11, 2017
Legislators from the House point out that President Rodrigo Duterte's proclamation counters Philippine law, which recognizes the atrocities during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

Groups warn of growing authoritarian rule on 48th Martial Law anniversary
September 22, 2020
'Anong koneksyon ni Duterte kay Marcos? Parehong-pareho ang rehimen nila,' says Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares
Several groups marked the 48th anniversary of Ferdinand Marcos' declaration of Martial Law through a protest held at the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines on Monday, September 21.

Marcos' regime built on structure of falsehoods: journalist
ABS-CBN News Sep 21 2020
Marcos' martial rule regime was "built on a structure of falsehoods," a journalist said Monday, as the Philippines' marked the 48th anniversary of the declaration of martial law. Look the Video in the album Ferdinand E. E. Marcos, Sr. - President, Dictator, Martial Law, Burial, Etc.: Marcos' regime built on structure of falsehoods

Rallyists remember 48th year of martial law
September 17, 2020 Raymund Antonio
Several progressive groups and activists will stage protest actions on Monday, September 21, to mark the anniversary of former President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of Martial Law in 1972, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

The Video: Duterte to respect Congress’ decision on proposed ‘Marcos Day’
Sep 3, 2020 INQUIRER.net
Malacañang on Thursday distanced itself on the proposed measure to declare September 11 a holiday in Ilocos Norte to commemorate the birth anniversary of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, saying President Rodrigo Duterte will respect the decision of Congress on the matter. Video by RTVM

'Do not let revisionists win': #ArawNgMagnanakaw trends on Marcos’ birthday
September 11, 2020 Alois Isinika
With a mix of wit and facts, netizens were quick to ride the Twitter trend #ArawNgMagnanakaw on Friday, September 11, the birthday of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Looking Back - Marcos: Playing with history
Ambeth R. Ocampo September 11, 2020

‘Marcos Day’ in Ilocos Norte adds insult to injury
September 5, 2020 Vanne Elaine Terrazola
Senator Leila de Lima is opposed to the proposal to declare a holiday in the province of Ilocos Norte in honor of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

The irony of a 'Ferdinand Marcos Day'
September 4, 2020 Fernan Talamayan
'Is it possible to honor the revolution and the dictator it overthrew at the same time?'

Human rights groups slam bill declaring Sept. 11 as FM Day in Ilocos Norte
September 3, 2020 Raymund Antonio
Human rights groups said House Bill No. 7137 declaring Sept. 11 as a special non-working holiday in Ilocos Norte to celebrate the birth anniversary of President Ferdinand Marcos is part of efforts to revise history by the Marcos family.

‘Senate may pass bill on Marcos day in Ilocos Norte,’ says Sotto; opposition rejects ‘insult’ to victims of abuses, rights violations
September 3, 2020 Vanne Elaine Terrazola
The Senate may pass a similar bill on the proposed declaration of a “President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Day” in the province of Ilocos Norte.