PhiLIPPINE HERITAGE MONTH 2010 part 4 SANTACRUZAN @ INTRAMUROS

The Philippines is rich in tradition handed down by our ancestors. Festivals are part of the Filipino culture which are largely influenced by Spanish religious practices. Some festivals are in honor of a patron saint or major events in the life of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Filipinos love fiestas. They are celebrated all-year round. Visitors, both local and tourists, are always welcome to celebrate the festivities which are special occasions for Filipinos to extend their hospitality and friendship.

All over the country, especially in the summer months, May is the merriest time of all. It is the season of colorful festivals and Flores de Mayo or Santacruzan is one such festival. Another festival to watch out for is the Lucban Festival in the province of Quezon.

The Santacruzan is a big event for many towns. Traditionally, it is a way to give thanks to God and to the Virgin Mary for the rains that begin to bless the land and cause the flowers to bloom. But the central event of the festival is the procession of religious statues. For Filipinos, there is no limit to expressing their utmost devotion to the Mother of God. During this month of May, petitions and prayers have more chances of being answered.

PHILIPPINE HERITAGE MONTH 2010 part 3 " Saludo de la Virgen de los Desamparados "

Philippine Heritage Month 2010 brings us to one of the most important landmark in the district of Santa Ana, Manila,  Nuestra Senora de los  Desamparados or Our Lady of the Abandoned. Better known today as the Santa Ana Church. The church is a living testament to the rich history of the Philippines.

It is one of the oldest church outside the walled city of Intramuros. This church was built in 1720 by Fr. Vicente Ingles who was a parish priest there at that time. It was also Fr. Ingles who brought the image to the church of Our Lady of the Abandoned.

PHILIPPINE HERITAGE MONTH 2010 opens " VIVA INTRAMUROS "

The Filipino Heritage Festival spearheaded by Bambi Harper, Armita Rufino and Chichi Salas formally opened the Philippine Heritage Month last night with a thanksgiving mass at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila. It was officiated by Archisbishop Jesus Dosado of Ozamis. The mass kicks off a month long fiesta of specially chosen activities dwelling on the rich heritage of the Philippines and its filipino people.

Rediscovering the North - Part 2- TUNGNGOD, LAGAWE - home of the HUDHUD singers

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I was up at 4:00am.... actually I did not have any choice but to be up early.. I was awaken by the crowing of the roosters which served as my alarm clock. They sounded like there were more than 500 roosters crowing at the same time with a sprinkling of ducks quacking, dogs barking as their chorus. And another thing that also woke me up that morning.... there was an earthquake at 4:00am. Vangie and Iggy slept thru the earthquake. I prepared my coffee and stayed by the balcony to wait for sunrise... I wanted to take a photo of Lagawe at sunrise.

Rediscovering the North - Part 1- LAGAWE, IFUGAO

This is my first trip out of town after 4 weeks of being sidelined due to a freak accident which resulted in a fractured foot. After getting a go-signal from my doctor... I was raring to go!!!! My son, Iggy, asked me to join him on his trip to Northern Luzon. Our destination?? LAGAWE, IFUGAO. Iggy was commissioned by the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts ( NCCA ) to make a video/ documentary on LAGAWE, IFUGAO and the Hu'dhud of Aliguyun and Hananga. I will talk more about this on my succeeding blogs.

We were going to be with Floy Quintos - director, Gener Caringal - choreographer of Philippine Ballet Theater, Jesse Lucas - musical director/ composer, Bert Delvo and Leo Diaz- asst. videographers of Cinematiconcepts, Del Cayetano, project manager  and Nasser Lubay - Filipino artist. This is in connection with the upcoming event----- PHILIPPINE HERITAGE MONTH 2010 for the whole month of May. I am going to be with them as we celebrate the Philippine Heritage Month 2010.