Philippines Celebrates Independence Day

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.

On September 29, 1898, the Malolos Congress formally ratified the Declaration of Independence. Then on August 6, 1898, the Revolutionary Government sent diplomatic notes to foreign nations, requesting then to accord formal recognition to the Philippines as a free and independent nation.

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Finding A Place Under the Sun

“Sa'n tayo sa bakasyon?“

The question may sound simple, but it's rather hard to answer. The underlying considerations such as budget, companions, schedule, time constraints, and most of all, where to go are the major factors that make the question a bit complicated.

Here are some of the more popular choices where you can cool off this season:

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The Bath Curse And Other Lenten Superstitions

Filipinos are a naturally superstitious people. Many believe that supernatural forces have a hold over certain events and actions. That explains why some Pinoys refrain from sweeping the house at night; they risk driving away their blessings. Or why holding coins in hand at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day is a sure-fire way of gaining good fortune.

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Travel For Free This Summer!

With students on vacation and the Lenten season around the corner, it seems that summertime presents great travel opportunities for people nationwide. Some would go home to their respective provinces for family gatherings, while others would probably hit the country’s numerous mountains and beaches for a much-deserved break.

In the process of making travel plans, it’s possible that some would even take advantage of free transportation services available, such as what Globe telecom offers now for its prepaid users.

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Banks Directed: Keep ATMs Full

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. in a memo reminded all banks to make sure that automated teller machines (ATM) will have funds to service withdrawal transactions this coming five-day Lent, and public holidays.

"As people flock to the provinces during long holidays like Lenten Season, demand for ATM service is expected to surge," said Espenilla. "Banks are therefore reminded to keep their ATM facility ready 24x7 and undertake ATM preparedness program."

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Feb. 25 A School Holiday

Malacañang has declared February 25 as a school holiday to allow students to participate in the 26th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986.

With the country now having an “entire generation” that was born after the 1986 bloodless uprising, Malacañang said that it is important for the youth to participate and learn from the festivities of the 26th anniversary of EDSA 1.

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Working Day For Pnoy's Birthday

 It will be a regular working day for President Benigno S. Aquino III even when he celebrates his 52nd birthday on Wednesday, February 8.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte said the President is expected to hear a Thanksgiving Mass and then go to work on his birthday.

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Top most-played Facebook games over the Holidays

New data from InsideSocialGames reveals more about the top most-played Facebook games. When people had downtime this holiday season, they were more likely to play Words With Friends and Farmville.

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'January 2 is not a holiday' — Valte

Malacañang said on Thursday that January 2 will not be a holiday. January 2 falls on a Monday and comes after long weekend holiday break, from December 30 to January 1. “January 2 is not a holiday,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte reminded Thursday.

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Santa Claus Sand Sculpture

A sand sculpture of Santa Claus, made by Indian sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik and his Santa-attired students, is displayed on the Golden Beach in Puri, 65 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, India, Saturday, December 24, 2011. Christmas is celebrated with much fanfare and zeal in India. 

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Noche Buena traditions through generations

Filipino Noche Buena traditions have evolved through the years, just as the country underwent socio-political changes in the various eras since the start of the 20th century, when the Philippines went through peacetime (before WWII), wartime (the Japanese occupation), liberation (the Commonwealth era under the Americans), independence (1946-1972), martial law, EDSA1 and EDSA2.

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Santa rescues driver from fire

A former volunteer firefighter in a Santa suit grabbed a man from a burning vehicle and then directed traffic around a two-vehicle traffic accident this week in the Dallas area, the Santa-clad man said on Wednesday.

Brad Luddeke received worldwide attention after photos shot by passersby of him dressed as Santa directing traffic were sent to local media outlets.

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Setting up the Christmas tree

Christmas is certainly not complete without the Christmas tree. The tradition of setting up the tree has long been done in Germany using real evergreens or conifers, particularly Fir trees which do not shed needles or lose fragrance. However, since pine trees grow only in a few places in the Philippines, not everybody can afford to have a fresh Christmas tree. And due to plant conservation efforts abroad, most people have stopped using real trees.

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Muslim world celebrates 'Eid'l Adha'

The celebration of the Eid’l Adha, also known as the Greater Eid or Festival of the Sacrifice, commemorates and pays tribute to the patriarch Abraham (Ibrahim among Muslims) and his willingness, as the Bible narrates, to sacrifice his son Ishmael, as an act of obedience to God. According to the Qu’ran, just before Abraham was to sacrifice his son, Allah replaced Ishmael with a ram, thus sparing his life. Eid’l Adha is a religious holiday observed by the Muslim community worldwide.

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Factors to Consider when Buying Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees are designed to eliminate the burden of having to use real trees. And, the tree you should have should be as beautiful and attractive as a real one. Before purchasing one, it is wise to consider these major factors to have the best Christmas tree that’s just right for your house: families of trees; height of the tree; contour of the tree; and, lighting of the tree.

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The Legacy of a 500-year Old Love

Love it or hate it, even the most hardened anti-Romeo will be hard pressed to avoid Valentine's Day this year. But as an exhibit at the British Library currently on show is testament to, there is a first for everything - even on Valentine's Day.

It is a letter, written from a young woman to her love, and is the first mention of the word Valentine in the English language. And, for the first time, the descendants of Margery Brews and her betrothed John Paston have been traced.

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Why Do We Celebrate Valentine's Day?

We celebrate Valentine's Day, because until 1969, it was one of the many Saint's Days observed by the Catholic Church. It was dedicated to the patron saint of romantic causes, St. Valentine.

Although it was removed from the Church's calendar in 1969, the religious meaning coupled with Valentine's Day's roots in Roman paganism have allowed it to continue as a holiday for everyone.

Early Christians saw Valentine's Day as a way to honor St. Valentine, of whom there were actually three. The Catholic Church recognizes three saints by that name, all who were martyred on February 14.

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Happy New Year!

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Merry Christmas to All!

Lupon Municipal Building
Lupon, Davao Oriental

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Happy Halloween!

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