I just came from a two-week Christmas vacation with my whole family in Manila. The last time I went home was five years ago, with my husband, also in the holiday season. This time, kasama na ang dalawang anak namin. I wanted to make them feel how warm and special this season is in our hometown.
I really missed spending Christmas and New Year in Pinas. The traditions are I should say extra-special, as compared with what we have in the US. Nothing beats the smell of smoke coming from bibingka and puto-bumbong stalls. Masaya magsimbang-gabi kasama ng buong pamilya at humigop ng mainit na sabaw ng mami sa labas ng simbahan pagkatapos ng misa. Na-miss ko rin ang caroling ng mga bata tuwing gabi, kaya nga noong huling uwi ko, lagi akong may nakahandang coins for them. I love it how families enjoy Noche Buena and Monito Monita. The street parties prepared by the neighborhood people after midnight just spell one word --- FUN.
The New Year celebration is no different. In fact, I think it is more extravagant than the Christmas celebration. I think I'll never trade "sinturon ni Hudas" and "bawang" with the "more sophisticated" fireworks displays in other countries.
Sabi nila mahirap daw ang buhay, pero parang hindi uso ang kahirapan 'pag Pasko at Bagong Taon sa Pilipinas. Balik-US na kami, mag-iipon ulit para makapagbalik-bayan agad.;-)
From:
MariahSam
Monday, July 06, 2009
Subject:
Buko pies ... yummmmm
Message:
I remember buko pies in Iloilo City. Buko pies especially from real fresh young coconut could jazz me up any day. But there's no such thing like that here in Las Vegas! Come on down here and start this business. Anyone? Let us name the business: Iloilo Buko Hut! Right smack in the Mid section of the Strip! I dare you, compadre. Hey, anybody heard about my dad in Manduriao? He's up in the years, but everyone calls him lovingly as "DIGOL". I miss you a lot Papa. This is your daughter, MaritessSamuelle.
From:
RueCooks
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Subject:
The Truth About Pinas
Message:
Much has been said about our beloved country. And yet it still remains a mystery to many as they have not taken the time to see the beauty of Pinas. I have, and I can only say one thing about it... Awesome! I will never get tired of Pinas. I come and visit at least 3-4 times a year where my wife and I explore every nook and corner of this beautiful country. We have done it all. We drove around in our SUV to see Quezon Province, Mountain Province, Cordillera Central, the coastal roads from Zambales to Pangasinan, etc. We rode our mountain bikes in Pangasinan, Bolinao, Baguio, Banaue, Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Dumaguete and Davao. We went hiking and exploring in the the mountainsides of Banaue together with some natives who served as our guides and eventually became our very good friends, too. We covered hundreds of miles as we cruised around in our motorcycle and met new friends along the way, as we enjoy the amazing cuisine and camaraderie of our kababayans. I love it and I will never get tired of exploring Pinas. Yes I have travelled in many different parts of the world as well and they too are very beautiful. However nothing comes even remotely close to one's native land. It is my Home... It is my country and I am very proud to say that I am a Filipino.
I have lived in Canada for more than 28 years and yes this is also my home and the birthplace of all my children and they too love Pinas in their own way. I have shared with them our history (using Zaide's textbook) and they all speak our national language. They too have spent their vacations here in Pinas and loved every minute of it. Now that they are all grown up they still come and visit from time to time. My second son who is 21 spent 4 months in Cebu as a volunteer worker in an orphanage while enjoying the sites during his free time. My eldest son spent a year back in 2005 working as a volunteer as well and also attended a short term studies in Manila.
We love Pinas... is it obvious enough for you? Mabuhay!
From:
Junar
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Subject:
Greetings to my Family
Message:
I'm Junar Blas, presently working in China. I haven't seen my family for so long and really missed them. I wish and pray that I could go home and be with them for good. Miss you a lot and I love you!
From:
Dale Rice
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Subject:
Untitled Chronicle
Message:
I left the country in 1973, few months after the imposition of martial law. I got married while serving the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe. I became successful in my chosen career. I raised my family in U.S. and after 35 years, I finally returned to the Philippines to reconnect with my roots. Time had stand still for me. In spite of the many years of being away from the country, I have remained a true Filipino in many ways. I fell in love again with the country and its people.
