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DOH pushes for online celebration of Christmas season amid COVID-19
Consuelo Marquez November 05, 2020
The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday called on the public to make use of online activities for a safer celebration of the coming Christmas season due to the threat of COVID-19.

Look: UPDATED LIST Feb 26, 2021: The President declares All Souls' Day, Christmas Eve, and the last day of the year as 'special working days'

Palace urged to reverse Duterte proclamation on making Nov. 2, Dec. 24, Dec. 31 ‘special working holidays’
Christia Marie Ramos March 01, 2021
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday called on Malacañang to reconsider and withdraw a decision making November 2, December 24 and 31 “special working holidays.”

Look the poster in full size HERE right click - select save as

COVID-19: Vatican Holy Week celebrations under study
Vatican News 16 March 2020

IT’S THE SMALL THINGS
Yep, that’s right! It’s September first today. The “-ber” months are officially upon us, and a Christmas carol or two may have already played on the radio. After all, we Pinoys are known for celebrating the longest holiday season.

A survey conducted among Rappler readers reveals the new shopping habits of a modern, digitally-savvy market.
At least 100 days before Christmas, the ‘ber’ mode kicks in, in the Philippines. Here the ‘ber’ months are typically used to refer to one of the longest holiday seasons in the world.

Pasko Na! Christmas and "ber" Months
Kevin Sanders Sep 28, 2016
Filipinos love Christmas season so they start it relatively early: months ending with "ber" mark the beginning of the holiday season, so you can expect to see decorations and hear Christmas songs starting in September.

Christ the King feast marked; Catholics end liturgical year
November 21, 2020 Christina Hermoso
As Roman Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of the Christ the King tomorrow, November 22, a Church leader highlighted the kind of king that Jesus is – a king who serves.

Advent

Videos are in the album Advent

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The Colors of Advent - The Spirit of Advent - Evergreens and The Advent Wreath
Celebrating Advent - An Advent Reflection - Music for Advent

The Symbolism of the Advent Wreath

Advent for Filipinos
Msgr. Sabino Vengco Jr.
November 28, 2019

Hindi ka iiwan sa ere ng Panginoon. Hindi paasa ang Panginoon.
The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which literally means "arrival" or "coming." The Advent season reminds us how humanity waited for centuries for the coming of the Messiah.

St. Lucy (Lucia)

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Look also Memorial of St. Lucy

How to celebrate Saint Lucy day

Tradition tells us that Saint Lucy was born of noble, wealthy, Christian parents in Syracuse, Italy. The date of Lucy's martyrdom was December 13, 304.
Look the full description of the video HERE

Look the original lyrics of "Santa Lucia" in Neapolitan, and so translated to Italian and again to English HERE

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CCPO: No need for social distancing sticks in Misa de Gallo
Morexette Marie B. Erram December 12,2020
Law enforcers in Cebu City are urging churches here assigned to hold Misa de Gallo (dawn Masses) to strictly enforce distancing protocols.
The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) announced that they would not be arming themselves with meter-long sticks to ensure that physical distancing in churches would be followed.

The pilgrim’s center of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu City is being readied for the Misa de Gallo and Simbang Gabi Masses.
Except for several ‘minor’ concerns, churches and local officials here are ready to hold Simbang Gabi and Misa de Gallo (dawn Mass).

“The Filipino people take their devotion seriously”
Lydia O'Kane 15 December 2019
As the Filipino community in Rome gathers in St Peter’s Basilica for Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, a nun from the Philippines speaks about the faith of the community living in the city.

Remark this is an album in the album Christmas in the Philippines

Look the article as pdf HERE

Look the article as pdf HERE

Guidelines on the Celebration of SIMBANG GABI

Look as pdf HERE

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Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ December 25, 2020
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu

Christmas

Remark many of the below videos in this section are albums in the album Christmas in the Philippines

Look also OFWs Christmas

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In his first Christmas in the Philippines, the Holy See’s new Apostolic Nuncio urges Christians to strive to live a life of greater simplicity in imitation of the Babe of Bethlehem.

Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu

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What was the Christmas Star?
What was the Star of Bethlehem? Over the years many astronomical explanations have been suggested for this key aspect of the Christmas story.
The Christmas star in the Bible
Some of what we know of the Star of Bethlehem was originally included in St. Matthew’s Gospel, and some of it has come down to us as interpretation or embellishment.

Dreaming of a green Christmas? Here are 5 ways to make it more sustainable
Sharon George, Keele University December 15, 2018
A guide to a greener, more sustainable but generous Christmas

We wish everyone clarity of thought to realize our contradictions, our duplicity, nay, our hypocrisy.

Stand up for life. Stand up for purity. Stand up for human dignity. We cannot find Christmas joy in timidity and cowardice. Stand up and choose the Lord!

Amid 'dark' bullying, Ateneo president says defend light of Christmas
'If hate and pain seem to be enduring, these can never be greater than love,' says Ateneo president Fr Jose Ramon Villarin in his Christmas Eve homily

In Greek, the original language of the New Testament, the word for “Christ” is Χριστός, which begins with the Greek letter that is essentially the same letter as the English letter X. So, originally, Xmas was simply an abbreviation of Christmas. No grand conspiracy to take Christ out of Christmas. Just an abbreviation.

Experts weigh in on why among all other countries, Christmas is celebrated the longest in the Philippines

UPDATED Here's a list of items and practices considered part of the Filipino Christmas but actually Spanish in origin.
Because Spanish missionaries brought Christmas to the Philippines, many cultural items and practices that are considered part of the Filipino Christmas actually trace their roots to Spanish tradition too.
Here are just some of them, many of them fixtures in Filipino Christmases.

5 signs you’re in a Pinoy Christmas get-together
Jules Matabuena December 20, 2017
Any of these sound familiar?

Despite the Americanization of our Christmas celebration, old practices and traditions from the Spanish colonial period remain with us to this day.
Before “Merry Christmas” or even “Maligayang/Maayong Pasko,” the cry of the season then was Felices Pascuas.

Many of the IP communities were converted and have accepted the tradition of Christmas.
With the free, prior and informed consent from indigenous peoples (IP) leaders, the first ever Christmas tree was lighted at the tribal hall in Sitio Simuwao in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, on Wednesday, November 24.

The kids are joined by their parents during the event
Hundreds of school children dressed up in colorful Christmas outfits on Saturday, December 1 for the 45th Silahis ng Pasko, held in Baguio City.

Text by Patricia Evangelista, Photos by Carlo Gabuco, Research by Rambo Talabong

The Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor issues a moratorium on demolitions around the country until January 2017.

Filipino Superstitions about Christmas etc.

Compiled by Laura B. Corpuz

Look the Tops

Look also "CHRISTMAS GREETINGS on Vintage Philippine Postcards" HERE

Many great cards

Look both as pdf in 1 file HERE

By Reynaldo Gamboa Alejandro, Marla Yotoko Chorengel

Philippine Christmas Art & Form

Just what the Philippine Christmas or, as we fondly call it, “Paskong Pinoy” is!

IN PHOTOS and Video: Magical Christmas spots south of Metro Manila
by Claire Madarang December 10, 2018
The south also comes alive with Christmas colors, and the sights are just an hour or so away from Manila

Dinarayo ngayon ang simbahan sa San Mateo, Rizal dahil sa Christmas relic, kabilang ang hinigaan ni baby Jesus at belo ni Mama Mary.

A great article telling about all the traditions

Look the article as pdf HERE

Staying in the city or looking to travel this Christmas? Take a look at these magical destinations that shine bright during the holidays in the Philippines

A ferris wheel is transformed into a massive lantern, a mesmerizing, hypnotic art installation, traditional, elegant holiday decor at a beloved hotel, and more

MEXICO'S  CHRISTMAS  GIFTS  TO  THE  PHILIPPINES

e.g. POINSETTIA or Pascua and the panunuluyan and the parol

Downloadable e-Book

Christmas in the Philippine

Christmas in the Philippine

Pasko Sa Aming Bayang Pilipinas
Lindsey Scharpenter

Look also

A lot about Christmas in the Philippines

Christmas in the Philippines and HERE

Filipino Christmas Tutorial 2011
Mikey Bustos

Look the article as pdf HERE

(Mary and Joseph's search for shelter for Jesus who was to be born) was done in the evening of December 24, 2010 in selected depressed areas of San Pedro Apostol, Cavite City. Gift-giving, handled by the Wise men and the Shepherds, for the poorest of the poor accompanied the PANULUYAN

When OFWs party
by Don Kevin Hapal December 02, 2016
It’s a night of happiness and games and good food – but also a night to remind them of all the things they miss from home.
It’s that time of the year again.
They all share one thing in common: they are about to celebrate Christmas away from their loved ones.

by/Dr. Margie Holmes

What gift should you get for someone you're flirting with?

Dec 22, 2012

Traditional Christmas Dances - Etc.

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Philippine Christmas Dances are dances expressive of the Christmas season practiced in certain regions in the Philippines.

Aside from the Christmas carols most Filipinos are fond of during the yuletide season, there are also Christmas dances that are performed to celebrate this festive time of the year.

Pandanggo Rinconada

The Pandanggo Rinconada is a staple among the Christmas veladas (evening programs or shows) in Nabua, Camarines Sur.

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PANDERETAS - "Las Panderetas" - Philippine Folk Dance

by Rianne Hill Soriano HERE

Christmas ballet concert by Steps Dance Project, directed and choreographed by James Laforteza (with excerpts from The Nutcracker choreographed by Jeffrey Espejo, not shown here).

Remark this is an album in the sub-album "Dance & Ballet Ensembles"

Advent & Christmas Songs

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Tagalog only

Enjoy the lovely words and lyrics of traditional and popular Advent Christian hymns. Have a great time searching our extensive list of online Advent songs. Printable Advent hymns of praise and worship which are suitable for all Christian denominations.

Kasadya Ni-ining Takna-a

Links to many carols with text etc.

Look the article as pdf HERE

A blog about Filipino culture, traditions and music which includes awiting Filipino, tula, parabula, bugtong, salawikain atbp. Hatid sa inyo ni cathy.

Many filipino songs both with text and chords

Belén

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Parol - Christmas lantern

Most of the Videos in this section are albums in the album Christmas in the Philippines

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Filipino Christmas star-shaped lantern, its significance - meaning for Filipinos

Pampanga’s giant lanterns to shine in online festival
Tonette Orejas December 10, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic has forced craftsmen, local officials and civic leaders in this Pampanga provincial capital to cancel the competition in this year’s giant lantern festival.
Instead, they have opted to “perform” the mammoth creations to an online audience on Dec. 16 to continue the tradition that began 112 years ago.

Dec 20, 2017 - Video by Vee Salazar

My life is not happy, when I don't make lanterns.

A parolmaker from San Fernando - home of the giant lanterns - spent most of his life making lanterns.

The article HERE

Barangay Sta. Lucia wins giant lantern contes
December 15, 2019
THE lantern entry from Barangay Sta. Lucia in the City of San Fernando shone the brightest during the Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) held at the Robinsons Starmills on Saturday, December 14.

The article HERE

Look the article as pdf HERE

Kris Kringle

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Look the article HERE

Look also all the good links on the page

Christmas - Holiday Food and Drinks - Etc.

Read MUCH more about Christmas - Holiday food and drinks in the Philippines - and the general food culture

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Celebrating Christmas this year will cost Filipinos more due to high prices of goods.

Remark these are albums in the album "Different food and some recipes"

The Noche Buena Feast
Ham, queso de bola (Edam cheese) and hot chocolate are traditional
By Connie Veneracion

By/ Thomas Wenge

Christmas etc. e.g. alcohol, crimes, decor & LGBT

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So, this Christmas, drink only if you’re feeling festive and maybe switch out the gin for some eggnog.
Humans' relationship with alcohol is complicated. It’s a colorful thread woven into the fabric of our society.
As a chemical, alcohol is a very simple molecule, but its effects on the brain are quite complex. And different people respond differently to alcohol in different situations.

Look also Date rape drug and Abuse

by/Michaela Romulo Dec 15, 2014

Yes, we’ve all experienced these quirks. And often, we’re even the ones guilty of them. So stop and get yourself #InControl
It’s Christmas time and before we get carried away with the year-end Yuletide celebrations, it may be a good idea to pause for a minute and assess your holiday habits.

Kapamilya, for help you save money this Christmas, it is better if you will make your own Christmas decor. Nov 13, 2014

Remark this is an album in the sub-album "Christmas in the Philippines"

Visit the 'Winter Wonderland' features the different Christmas decor in trade fairs of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pasay City.

Jun 28, 2014

Remark this is an album in the sub-album "Christmas in the Philippines"

Find out why this mountain in Kapangan, Benguet is called "Santa Claus Mountain."

Dec 15, 2014

Remark this is an album in the album "Mountains" in the album "Mountains, Volcanoes, Lakes, Waterfalls, Rivers, Dams, Marsh, Mangrove, Etc."

'We are tired of being asked what is wrong with us that we can't find a partner or a spouse. We're not picky, afraid of commitment, or unable to keep a relationship. Believe it or not, we are actually loved.'

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the long Christmas season traditionally ends on this day, known colloquially as "Three Kings" or "Tres Reyes" (Filipino: Tatlong Hari).

The Feast of Three Kings (or Araw ng Tatlong Hari) is the official end of the liturgical Christmas season in the Philippines. It is also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, which commemorates the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi. It is also known as the Pasko ng Matatanda (Feast of the Elderly), the day that specially honors senior citizens.

The article above

For Centuries, the magical bearers of gifts for Filipino children were the Three Kings, not Santa Claus. Shoes were brightly polished and left on the window sills together with the cleanest socks, fresh from the laundry. The children knew that the Three Kings, on their way to Bethlehem, would pass by their homes to fill their shoes and socks with gifts. Some would thoughtfully leave some straw or dry grass for the camels; if these were gone in the morning, surely the cames must have been terribly hungry.

Three Kings Celebration at the Kawakawa
Traditional Family Celebration of the Feast of the Three Kings, Kawakawa, Tuburan, Ligao City, Philippines.
Gift-giving to selected children of poor families will follow after the program. And the celebration cannot be complete without our Traditional Fireworks at the Kawakawa as our tribute to our honored Three Kings.
The Kawakawa Management Group together with the Carmelite Nuns of the Divine Mercy Shrine and Monastery, true to their mission of reviving our cultural practices and traditions invited families to unite during the re-enactment of the Nativity/Ephipany, this revered religious traditions of many generations.

Saint Valentine's Day

Look also for Valentines day in the sections Festivals - Fiestas - Events - Where to Stay - Etc!

and Where to Eat - and - Romantic date destinations

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Historical archives make mention of at least three different individuals and perhaps as many as seven credited with the name of Saint Valentine or Valentinus. The three discussed here were all martyred for their faith and have been recognized by the Catholic Church.

Look The Legend of Saint Valentine as pdf

commonly known as Valentine's Day, or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is observed on February 14 each year.

St. Valentine was a Priest, martyred in 269 at Rome and was buried on the Flaminian Way. He is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travellers, young people.

Look also HERE, HERE and HERE

Remark this is an album in the album Philippine Postal Corporatio" in the album Government Authorities - Etc.

14 Regional languages of love on Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2021 Jhon Aldrin Casinas
Is saying “I love you” or “Mahal kita” not enough to express your feelings to your loved ones this Valentine’s Day?
If the answer is yes, why not express your love in a special and unique way by using these regional languages.

"Araw ng mga Puso" or "Hearts Day"

Look also Valentine’s Day in the Philippines

The Single’s Diary: How to Have Fun during Valentine’s Day

Grab the opportunity to tell your loved ones how you really feel!

Cupid Approved Valentine's Day Party Fun

Whether you need Valentine party games for a couples' or singles' valentine party, you're sure to find the perfect game for your party here

Lenten - Cuaresma

Remark some of the videos in this section are albums - in the album Lenten (Cuaresma)

Look also The Pope and the Vatican

The bishop of the Diocese of Lucena has suspended the holding of religious rites and practices during the Holy Week this year to avoid attracting crowds in churches and pilgrimage sites in the province and prevent the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Why people eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday
Francisco Guzman and Pete Burn February 25, 2020
Shrove Tuesday also known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras (in French) and by many other nicknames.
It's the big hurrah before Christians start Lent, a season of prayer, penance and fasting in preparation for the Easter season.

Religious views
For Roman Catholics, fasting, taken as a technical term, is the reduction of one's intake of food to one full meal (which may not contain meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays throughout Lent)

The 40-day Lenten season, when many Christians observe fasting, began in mid-February. A scholar explains how the practice may have emerged around the 5th century.

A priest from the Diocese of Tarlac has composed and released a prayer for Lent.
Father Melvin Castro of the Mater Dolorosa Parish in Tarlac posted the prayer “To Mary (Ad Mariam)” in his Facebook page last week.

I think that cutting down is done in order to make a little more room in our hearts for one another, and also maybe a little more room for God

Why do Christians wear ashes on Ash Wednesday?
Feb 17, 2021 The Conversation, Michael Laver
Churches started to use ashes early as the ninth century as a symbol of repentance. In 1091, Pope Urban II ritualized their use to mark the beginning of Lent.

Where do ashes for Ash Wednesday come from?
Paterno Esmaquel II March 05, 2019
No, they don't burn random leaves or pieces of paper for Ash Wednesday
The penitential season of Lent begins on Wednesday, March 6, as Catholics have their foreheads marked with ashes to symbolize repentance from sin.

400 days of Lent
Feb 17, 2021 Pablo Virgilio David
'I wonder how many people are unjustly detained in our country today. Have we even cared to ask? I never thought before that our indifference to their suffering can indefinitely prolong our Lent and make our rituals of penance meaningless.'

'Kapag walang masyadong nangyayaring pagbabago sa lipunan, ang isa nating dapat tingnan ay ang loob'

Filipinos take part in Ash Wednesday rites

“Penitential Rite (Scrutiny)”, which may be used on the Second Sunday of Lent or on a Lenten weekday either during Mass or outside Mass.

Apr 1, 2015

Basbas explores the world of the Lenten rituals of rural Philippine Christendom

Pabasa is a Filipino Catholic tradition done during the lent season featuring the burial of our Lord Jesus Christ. The life and passion of our Lord Jesus Christ is read / sung during the Pabasa. The hymns varies from region to region of the Philippines.

Hear Pabasa Tune 2 (mp3)

Includes many works especially appropriate for Lenten

The Video Likhang Yaman ng Marinduque

The Battle of the Morions, or Moryonan, aims to encourage towns and schools to train the new generation in making morions and costumes

Pangasinan State University Lingayen Campus

Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday - Semana Santa "Holy Week" (Mahal na Araw) - Easter

Remark many of the videos in this section are albums in the album Holy Week "Semana Santa" & Easter

Look above Vatican to hold Easter celebrations without congregation due to virus
and also these pages: Pilgrimage sites - etc., The Pope and the Vatican e.g.: Masses, messages and Blessings, Follow humble leaders, Holy Week 2019 in the Vatican with the Pope and Walk for Life

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Download the article

Why the Holy Week has no fixed dates
Nigel Tan
Compared to holidays like Christmas, the Holy Week doesn’t have fixed dates. Know the reasons behind the Holy Week's seemingly random feast dates.

Palm Sunday 2020 with Pope Francis and of the Passion of the Lord - Recitation of the Angelus prayer

An empty Saint Peter’s Basilica is where Pope Francis is set to begin the most unusual celebration of Holy Week in history.
Francis is scheduled to preside over a Mass on Palm Sunday, April 5, in Vatican City, without the physical presence of the faithful due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Look also this article
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Palm Sunday 2020 with Cardinal Tagle
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle leads an online Palm Sunday Mass at 2 pm, Manila time, from the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rom.
Tagle is now prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, one of 9 members of what can be considered the Pope’s Cabinet. He is archbishop emeritus of Manila. Look also this article

Don’t get tired of waving your palms
Father Benjamin B. Espiritu III
Proclaim our coming victory over this pandemic, a victory only possible if we don't give up on ourselves, if we don't give up on each other, if we don't give up on God

Catholics in quarantine mark first online Holy Week
Paterno Esmaquel II
‘There is still the Holy Week but we celebrate it differently, and hopefully, more deeply,’ says Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila

IN PHOTOS: Catholics get creative in 1st Holy Week under quarantine
April 10, 2020
This Holy Week, what used to be done inside jam-packed churches have been brought out into the empty streets

The grand carriages of Baliuag: Pomp and pageantry in piety
Marga Deona
In the town of Baliuag in Bulacan, Good Friday is more festive than Christmas - the video in the article you can also look in the album Holy Week "Semana Santa" & Easter

Easter Triduum - Paschal Triduum, or The Three Days

Holy Thursday marks the end of Lent. On this day there are two celebrations: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The evening Mass is also called "Coena Domini" and marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, the three days in which the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus are commemorated.

Filipinos celebrate the feast of Christ's resurrection through the Easter Vigil and the traditional Salubong procession

Kapag ang relihiyon sa atin ay naging ritwal na lang; kapag ito'y parang obligasyon na lang na wala nang epekto sa buhay, pag-iisip at pag-uugali ng tao, para itong templong wala nang apoy

Are you still a Christian with firm convictions, or have we become so deeply compromised that we are no longer sure on which we stand?

What's the difference between getting wet on Good Friday and on Easter Sunday? The Holy Week observance in the Philippines has combined the religious faith with folk and even pagan beliefs.

Bookmark this link to watch Cardinal Tagle's Holy Week services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Black Saturday (Easter Vigil)

Cardinal Tagle hits 'sellers' of people: Repent like Judas
Paterno Esmaquel II April 17, 2019
There is goodness even in Judas, says Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as the Philippines marks Holy Week 2019

TRANSCRIPT: Cardinal Tagle's homily on Palm Sunday 2018
March 25, 2018 - with the Video: Cardinal Tagle hits violent, arrogant ‘kings’ on Palm Sunday 2018
'Sa panahon natin ngayon, kay dami-raming sumusunod sa mga hari na ang ginagamit ay dahas, armas, pananakot – kapos na kapos sa pag-unawa at pakikiisa sa mga mahihina'

Ngayong umaga ay bumisita si Love Añover sa Regina Rica, isang sikat na pilgrim site sa Tanay, Rizal na dinarayo raw ng mga deboto lalo na tuwing Semana Santa. Aired: (March 16, 2018)

The Vigan Conservation Complex has a booth for ‘pasyon’ sing-along, except it’s open only on request. Still, the city continues with its century-old Holy Week traditions

Look also HERE

Maayong adlaw mga higala. Ania ang SunStar Holy Week Special alang karong adlawa, April 13, 2017

More than ever we need to ask ourselves: Why do we do any of these things (mass, services, prayers, etc.) for Holy Week at all? Is it possible we’ve forgotten why?

Look the article as pdf HERE

Look also HERE

7 Last Words 2018
The Seven Last Words is a religious tradition held by Catholics usually on Good Friday where the faithful meditate on the final words of Jesus on the cross. This year, 7 priests from the Society of St. Paul will focus on these Words of Jesus in relation to the life of discipleship, as priests and persons in Consecrated Life.

1st word reflection:

The chain of anger-revenge is broken
April 16, 2019
Theologian Karl Rahner comments that the executioners of Jesus knew what they were doing; what they did not know was that they were deeply loved

‘Father, forgive them, they know not what they do’
Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas April 17, 2019
Ignorance is killing us as it killed our innocent Lord. There is a time for mercy but there will soon be a time for reckoning.

2nd word reflection:

'Today you will be with me in Paradise'
Majar Sabio April 16, 2019
The penitent thief admitted his deserved punishment and defended Jesus’ innocence, and now only asks future acknowledgment. The Savior King, generously giving until the end, promised immediate and eternal fellowship.

3rd word reflection:

Pagninilay sa Siete Palabras: Huling habilin ni Kristo ay mahalin ang iyong kapwa
Fr. Lopito "Bembol" Hiteroza April 17, 2019
Ang paghahabilin ni Hesus kay Maria at kay San Juan na magkanlong sa isa’t -isa ay tanging terrestrial na mensahe niya habang nakapako sa krus

4th word reflection:

Forsaken and desperate?
Fr Martin M. Macasaet SDB April 17, 2019
Cusswords, vulgarities, and obscenities are becoming common and ordinary. There are no longer any qualms of conscience in using them, and they have even become fodder for jokes, laughter, and applause in public.

5th word reflection:

'I thirst'
Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB April 18, 2019
Christ’s thirst was not only physical. It is the agonizing cry of one who is surrounded by blindness, hardness of heart, cruelty.

6th word reflection:

Pagninilay sa Siete Palabras: Naganap na
Rev. Charles Jenkin J. Mendoza April 18, 2019
Ano ang Naganap? Ang kanyang pinasimulang ministeryo ay natatapos doon sa Kalbaryo. Ang pagkakasugo ng Ama ay tinupad niya ng walang labis at walang kulang

7th word reflection:

Self-entrustment, not surrender
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David April 19, 2019
He is neither giving up nor giving in. No, he is not surrendering; he is embracing his Father’s will as his own, and doing it as an act of love.

The Roman Missal and the Easter Vigil
The rubrics for Holy Saturday found in the Missale Romanum, editio typica tertia address several matters which will be helpful to those involved in the preparation of the celebration of the Easter Vigil.

is a verse narrative about the life and suffering of Jesus Christ. The verses are structured in five-line stanzas, with each line containing eight syllables. The pasyon is commonly sung during Holy Week, starting Holy Monday. The reading of the pasyon is a traditional religious practice in the Philippines and people gather around the reader of the pasyon to listen and reflect. It is seen by many of its practitioners as a vow or panata.

Lyrics - full text

IGNACIO LUNA & SONS

Here is the set of Mass readings in Catholic churches around the world for Palm Sunday 2020.
Editor's Note: For Holy Week 2020, Rappler is publishing the Mass readings for each day of the week. Below is the set of Mass readings in Catholic churches around the world on Palm Sunday, April 5.

Palm Sunday 2017, Cebu City
Apr 8, 2017
Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma called on the Catholic faithful to reflect on God's love to mankind and value life as he leads the Palm Sunday celebration, which marks the beginning of the Holy Week, on April 9, 2017 at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

How Filipinos Celebrate Easter

Let's go EASTER EGG HUNTING!

OTHER WAYS OF CELEBRATING EASTER FOR FILIPINOS

Look the article HERE

Many fun-filled Easter family activities at Boiser's Residence.

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Easter egg hunting

Bloody Filipino Observances for the Atonement of Sins

Life-size images of Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles during the Last Supper can be found in the National Shrine of St. Joseph right at the very heart of Mandaue City.

Justino 'Paloy' A. Cagayat Jr.

7 Iloilo churches you can go to for Visita Iglesia
Carl Don S. Berwin April 18, 2019
One of the first places in the Philippines to accept Catholicism, Iloilo province has a lot to offer with its heritage

Presented via 360-degree video on YouTube, the Virtual Visita Iglesia brings us to 14 different churches across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

To navigate on mobile and see each church in 360-degree view, scroll up and down or swipe left and right on the screen, while listening to and praying the Stations of the Cross

St Pauls Philippines takes pilgrims rendered homebound by COVID-19 to a virtual Visita Iglesia of the ancient churches of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in Ilocos Sur. Look also this article

Origins of the Stations of the Cross
Nigel Tan March 28, 2018
Know the story behind the origins of this Catholic act of devotion that commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ

Look also HERE

From the Sagrato of St Peter's Basilica -T he Way of the Cross presided over by Pope Francis

Prayers - Tagalog

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, Cebu City, Apr 4, 2015

Salubong
in the article also recipe for: Lumpiang Ubod, the one dish that really deserves to be in every Filipino Easter fiesta

Look the description of Salubong in the above link

Remark 4 parts

Filipinos celebrate Easter with crucifixion, flogging
Agence France-Presse March 30, 2018
Though frowned upon by the Church, the gruesome reenactments of Christ's final moments draw thousands of believers and tourists in a carnival-like atmosphere that is big business for locals.

Two Catholic rituals in the Pampanga province present a concatenation of theatre, faith, and cultural spectacle: libad (water ritual and festival) in Apalit; and the pamamaku king krus (nailing on the cross) in Cutud.

This is the Roman Catholic 'Gloria' sung in Tagalog whose tune was composed by Philippine composer E. P. Hontiveros. The Choir singing is from Cavite City and this was the Gloria on Easter Vigil which proceded the seventh reading (Ezekiel) and preceded the Epistle (Romans). This was performed on the recently restored (2006) Pels & Sons four-manual pipe organ of 104 ranks at the Manila Cathedral, Basilica Minor of the Immaculate Conception, Intramuros, Manila. This is the largest pipe organ in all of Southeast Asia.

I sang this song on Easter Sunday 2011. Enjoy! and God Bless!

Video taken during the 2011 Easter Paschal Vigil at the Annunciation of the Theotokos Orthodox Cathedral in Sucat, Paranaque, Manila, Philippines. The concelebrating Orthodox priests are the Reverend Father Nikitas Mellios, Episcopal Vicar of the Philippine Exarchate and Father James Doronela, parish priest of the Annunciation Orthodox Church.

Remark this is an album in the album The Annunciation Orthodox Church in Manila  in the album Religious beliefs outside the Roman Catholic Church

Look more about the Annunciation Orthodox Church in Paranaque, Manila HERE

Miniature watercolors paintings on vintage, pre-ban ivory and mother-of-pearl, encased in genuine Philippine antique reliquary and brooches. The artworks are created between 2005 and 2011.

Pandora: The Wawa Dam lady

 and the Wawa Dam has claimed the lives of over 40 people starting 2007 according to a local. An engkanto named, Pandora was the reason behind the deaths.

Every holy week, almost 15 to 16 people died in the dam

The video:

Why does Pandora lure young men into the depths of the Wawa River?

Ascension of Jesus - Ascension Day

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Look also about

Feast of the Ascension

Remark this is an album in the album Lenten - Cuaresma, Palm Sunday, Easter, Ascension Day, Whitsun & Undas

Whitsun - Pentecost & Trinity Sunday

Remark many of the videos in this section are albums in the album "Whitsun - Pentecost"

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Look also HERE

Traditional Latin Mass - Pentecost Sunday - Parish of Our Lord of the Divine Mercy, Sikatuna, Quezon City

A little "Whitsuntide Parade" on a small street in Manila

Trinity Sunday, officially called "The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity," is one of the few celebrations of the Christian Year that commemorates a reality and doctrine rather than a person or event. On Trinity Sunday, Christians remember and honor the eternal God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Trinity Sunday is celebrated the Sunday after Pentecost, and lasts only one day, which is symbolic of the unity of the Trinity.

Look also HERE and

the Video: Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, May 27, 2018

St. John's - San Juan's Eve and Feast day

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Pope Francis reminds the faithful that 24 June is the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, and invites everyone to draw closer to God.

The Videos: Taong Putik Festival, Bibiclat, Nueva Ecija

Amid water crisis, San Juan’s Wattah Wattah festival pushes through
Ralf Rivas June 24, 2019
UPDATED The San Juan City government pushes through its annual Wattah Wattah festival amid a water supply crisis, but says it reduced the number of water trucks for the celebration

Less water to be used in San Juan's 'Wattah Wattah' Festival
June 18, 2019
Less wet, but more tourists for this year's 'Wattah Wattah' Festival in San Juan City
Less water will be gushing out of hoses during the revelry this year for the "Wattah Wattah" Festival of San Juan City, which was one of the several metro cities affected by the water shortage.

Remark these are albums in the album "Feast of St. John the Baptist"

Undas - All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day

November 1 – All Saints Day Special non-working day

Look also Live In A Graveyard

Remark most of the videos in this section are in the album Undas "All Souls Day" & Halloween Celebration

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While cemeteries are closed on Sunday, November 1, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Catholic Church urges families to remember and pray for dead relatives and friends through virtual Masses on All Saints' Day.
All Saints' Day or Undas this year comes as Super Typhoon Rolly (Goni) batters the Philippines, prompting the Catholic Church to call for more prayers. Father Jerry Orbos, SVD, leads this online Mass on Sunday, November 1.

The Video: PH cemeteries 'most likely' closed during Undas amid COVID-19 pandemic
Sep 8, 2020 ABS-CBN News
Cemeteries in the Philippines will be "most likely" closed during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, or Undas, due to the coronavirus pandemic, an official of the national COVID-19 task force said.

The Manila Cathedral is blessing cremated remains starting Sunday in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The Manila Cathedral said that it will hold the “Rite of Blessing of Cremated Remains” after each Sunday Mass until Nov. 8.
“The family may bring the urn and a picture of their beloved dead, and we will celebrate a worthy liturgical blessing for them,” it said in an advisory.

In today’s Mass, the whole Church commemorates all the saints - not only those whose names we celebrate in her calendar but all the heroic men and women who followed Christ faithfully during their lifetime. We pray that they may intercede for us so that we can join them in the joy that our Lord has prepared for all of us.

Here are some reminders and the government hot lines

EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTARY. All Saints day, All Souls day here in Cebu City and throughout the Philippines. A two day holiday where families from all over the Philippines come together and pray for the Dear departed. But it's for Family bonding, a reunion event... and it's more like a celebration. I saw no tears only laughter with the kids running around having fun. People eating, sitting on, or next to the grave. It's a happy time remember the past...

IMPORTANT: Look all the links in the article!

Undas 2017: Prohibited items inside cemeteries
October 30, 2017
Cops will confiscate the items once they see them inside public cemeteries

All Saint’s Day (or officially The Solemnity of All Saints)
instituted to honor all the saints, known and unknown, and, according to Urban IV, to supply any deficiencies in the faithful’s celebration of saints’ feasts during the year.

Mga basura, problema sa Catholic Cemetery.

To remember their deceased loved ones, millions of Filipinos visit cemeteries today, All Saints' Day. Being a predominantly Catholic country, All Saints' Day is among a few holidays in the Philippines.

Aside from you and your family, there are others who will also pay respect to their departed loved ones. Know how to act properly in the cemetery with these reminders from Unang Hirit. Oct 27, 2014

Nanawagan ang isang environmental group na huwag gawing basurahan ang mga sementeryo sa paparating na Undas. Nagbigay din sila ng tips para makasiguradong "waste-free" ang mga sementeryo.

that gives full opportunity to our people to properly observe ’All Saints’ Day with all its religious fervor which invariably requires them to travel to and from different regions of the country.”

In Christianity, All Souls' Day commemorates the faithful departed, in particular (but not exclusively) one's relatives. In Western Christianity the annual celebration is now held on 2 November and is associated with the three days of Allhallowtide, including All Saints' Day (1 November) and its vigil, Halloween (31 October)

The Anglican Communion, the Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church, and other Protestant churches. Meanwhile, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

Here is a translation of the address Pope Benedict XVI gave the solemnity of All Saints, when praying the Angelus from the window of his study. He spoke to the thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square.

On this page there are also many good links to prayers - videos and other informations

Catholics make way for the All Soul's Day
In a Muslim's way
Notions and Beliefs of other Sects
Chinese Customs on the All Soul's Day

By Karen A. de la Trinidad
Technical Writer, camarinessur.gov.ph

The article above HERE

By Honor Blanco Cabie, October 3, 2012

Undas Celebration - Bacao I Gen. Trias, Cavite Philippines (3 videos)

All Saints Day, Sta. Monica Parish, Minalin, Pampanga

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Filipinoes Flock to Cemeteries on All Saints Day

Every first day of November, Sagadians gather at the cemetery to remember their departed loved ones. But instead of lighting traditional candles, they use woods of old pine trees locally called “saeng“, a flammable wood from old pine trees, to create bonfires on the graves previously blessed by a priest, on the tombs of their deceased loved ones. They call it “panag-apoy”, a tradition long been practiced in Sagada, Mountain Province.

The article HERE

Got fear of cemeteries?

The article HERE

The Video

Sagada Panag-apoy ritual, from preparation week to the evening NOV 1.

The Day of the Dead Celebrated November 1 in Typical Pinoy Style

UPDATED Some faiths have practices similar to Undas, while others do not commemorate it at all

Live In A Graveyard

An interview with a Chinese-Filipino family on November 1, 2010 about their old traditions during All Souls Day. Shot at Manila Chinese Cemetery, Philippines

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November 1, 2010 at Chinese Cemetery, Davao

Remark these are sub-albums in the above album Undas "All Souls Day & Halloween Celebration"

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