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REFLECTIONS: Christmas on the Road
Family on a Journey Christmas is a story of a family on a journey. The famous nativity scene in Bethlehem is nestled against a backdrop of two journeys made by the family of Jesus: one from Nazareth to Jerusalem before his birth, then another from Jerusalem to Egypt (and vice versa) after his birth. The […].....»»
Pope Presides Over Christmas Eve Mass with a Touching Message: Our Hearts Are in Bethlehem – The Daily Guardian
Title: Pope Francis Calls for Humility and Compassion in Christmas Eve Homily Date: [Date] Vatican City – In a solemn Christmas Eve homily delivered at.....»»
Somber Bethlehem marks Christmas with vigil as bombs rain on Gaza
'Bethlehem is a message. It is not a city, it is a message of peace to the whole world,' says Father Ibrahim Faltas, a friar at the somber Christmas vigil.....»»
Survey shows that 1 of 4 Pinoy workers would rather monetize Christmas parties
MANILA, Philippines — Although majority of Filipino workers prefer to have workplace Christmas parties, some workers would rather monetize these parties, which have always been a part of Filipino celebrations of the season. This is shown in a recent survey of the Catholic Church-run Radio Veritas. READ: 5 Gift Ideas: Perfect Digital Christmas Gift for.....»»
Exploring Simbang Gabi: A Dive into Filipino Christmas Tradition
Simbang Gabi, a cherished Filipino Christmas tradition, holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. Often called the “Misa de Gallo” or “Rooster’s Mass,” it is a series of dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve. This spiritual pilgrimage is more than just attending church services; it’s an integral part of Filipino culture, fostering.....»»
Eco-friendly ornaments adorn mall’s 33-ft Christmas tree
SM Supermalls began the first of 84 Christmas Tree lighting ceremonies to usher in the holiday season at SM Aura with “Ilaw at Ligaya,” a modern Filipino spectacle featuring a Pinoy-themed fashion show set to Pinoy carols and beats by Pinoypela, ROFG and Prestige Band. Leading the lighting ceremony of a giant Capiz parol and a bedecked 33-foot Christmas tree were Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, SM Supermalls president Steven Tan and SM Engineering Design and Development president Hans Sy Jr. “Ngayong taon, inaanyayahan namin kayong lahat na mahal naming pamilyang Pilipino na ipagdiwang ang pagbibigayan at saya ng tunay na Pasko dito sa SM. Hihintayin namin kayo at ang mga mahal ninyo ngayong araw ng ilaw at liwanag!” Tan shared. [caption id="attachment_200874" align="aligncenter" width="525"] The Filipiniana-themed fashion delighted audience with its mix of fashion forward streetwear and formal pieces.[/caption] From eco-friendly ornaments incorporating rattan, raffia, abaca and buri that adorn the tree and mall décor to the glittering curtain of LED lights that brighten the halls, this year’s holiday display at SM Aura is especially meaningful and unique. Taking center stage is the mall’s 33-foot Christmas tree adorned with handmade ornaments using locally sourced materials, such as Christmas balls wrapped in rattan and abaca, iridescent orchid blooms of capiz and traditional bamboo parols. A stunning three-foot capiz shell star to represent the Star of Bethlehem sits atop the tree bringing light, hope and joy to mallgoers this festive season. The highlight of the night featured mall tenants Rhett Eala, Kultura, Dona Lim, Frankie General Store, Plains & Prints and Zarah Juan in a fashion runway show directed by Runway Productions’ Joey Espino which delighted the audience with its mix of Pinoy streetwear and formal pieces worn with whimsy and fun accessories. SM Supermalls will continue to launch its much-awaited Christmas centerpieces all over the country, from this week towards the end of October and early November, with uniquely designed and themed trees and holiday installations. The post Eco-friendly ornaments adorn mall’s 33-ft Christmas tree appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valenzuela lights ‘Tree of Hope’
Celebrities graced Valenzuela City’s “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony over the weekend which also marked the beginning of a three-month-long celebration of the 400th Founding Anniversary of the city. The occasion was held at the Valenzuela City People’s Park with no less than popular Yuletide singer Jose Mari Chan, Patrick Quiroz and Itchyworms spicing up the rites that set the Christmas spirit of the Valenzuelanos. The “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony is a yearly tradition focusing on a 50-foot tree, along with several decors and installations. It has been long-running since 2004. This year, the lighting ceremony is coupled with another historical commemoration — the kick-off celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the City of Valenzuela. It is a modern Pinoy Christmas theme bridging the past and future, as a herald to 400 years of history and progress. Mayor WES Gatchalian were joined by SM Supermalls president Steven Tan and CDO Foodsphere Inc. assistant vice president Jason Ong in lighting up the “Tree of Hope” this year. Dedicating the Tree of Hope, the city also welcomed PWD children and teens as the primary beneficiaries for this year. Likewise, students from the city’s state universities the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and Valenzuela Technological College or VALTECH (formerly named ValPoly) also participated in the event. Mayor Gatchalian extended his warm greetings and emphasized the meaning of the “Tree of Hope.” “For our ‘Tree of Hope’ Lighting tonight, may this event not be a symbol of hope, but also serves as a reminder that the light that has guided over the past 400 years, will be the light that shall guide us in the future,” he said. Joining the event were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian, City Councilors Ricarr Enriquez, Gerald Galang, Niña Lopez, Sel Sabino-Sy, Mickey Pineda, Atty. Bimbo dela Cruz, Louie Nolasco, Marlon Alejandrino, SK Federation president, Councilor Goyong Serrano, and Liga ng mga Barangay president, Councilor Jonjon Bartolome. The PWD children and teens performed a meaningful doxology to start the event right. To further make this a night to remember, the local government invited the Christmas icon, Jose Mari Chan, to sing his signature song, “Christmas in Our Hearts” while setting the “Tree of Hope” and the fireworks alight. A colorful and dashing fountain display provided the finishing touches to the ceremonial night. Days after the event, multiple attractions in the city such as the Valenzuela City Family Park, WES Arena, Fatima Avenue, and Polo Family Park were also set to illuminate their Christmas installations. Meanwhile, some of the anticipated huge events for the upcoming months are as follows: Oktoberfest, Polo Fiesta activities, Mass at San Diego de Alcala Church, Casa de Polo blessing and inauguration, Industry Summit, Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela Awarding, Cultural Night, Valenzuela’s coffee table book launch, a visit from delegates of Bucheon, South Korea, Food Fiesta and a Christmas Bazaar. These activities in line were all open for the Pamilyang Valenzuelanos. The post Valenzuela lights ‘Tree of Hope’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valenzuela kicks off 400th founding jubilee
The City of Valenzuela kicked off its three-month-long celebration of its 400th founding anniversary with a tree of hope lighting ceremony at the Valenzuela City People’s Park last 30 September 2023. The event was attended by Mayor Wes Gatchalian, special guests Jose Mari Chan, Patrick Quiroz, Itchyworms and hundreds of Valenzuelanos. The Tree of Hope lighting ceremony is a yearly tradition in the city, but this year it was especially significant as it marked the beginning of the 400th founding anniversary celebration. The tree of hope is decorated with lights and ornaments that symbolize the city’s history, culture, and progress. It is a reminder of the city’s resilience and its bright future. Gatchalian said that the 400th founding anniversary celebration is a time to reflect on the city’s past and to look forward to its future. “We are proud of our rich history and our many accomplishments. We are also excited to see what the future holds for Valenzuela,” said the mayor. The tree of hope lighting ceremony was just the beginning of a series of events that will be held throughout the city in celebration of its 400th founding anniversary. The day of the commemoration is 12 November following Pueblo de Polo’s founding date, 12 November 1623. Back-to-back celebration awaits the city with Polo Fiesta and Casa de Polo inauguration as two of the grand slated events at #Valenzuela400 this month. Meanwhile, some of the anticipated huge events for the upcoming months are as follows: Oktoberfest, Polo Fiesta activities, Mass at San Diego de Alcala Church, Casa de Polo blessing and inauguration, Industry Summit, Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela Awarding, Cultural Night, Valenzuela’s coffee table book launch, a visit from delegates of Bucheon, South Korea, Food Fiesta, and a Christmas Bazaar. These activities in line were all open for the Pamilyang Valenzuelanos. The post Valenzuela kicks off 400th founding jubilee appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valenzuela city lights ‘Tree of Hope’, celebrates 400th founding anniversary
Welcoming two momentous events in one, the City of Valenzuela commenced the “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony at the Valenzuela City People’s Park over the weekend and was graced by special guests: Jose Mari Chan, Patrick Quiroz, and Itchyworms. Alongside, the ceremony also marked the beginning of a three-month-long celebration of the 400th Founding Anniversary of the city. The “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony is a yearly tradition of the city, setting the Christmas spirit early for the Valenzuelanos. This traditional lighting of the 50-foot tree, along with several decors and installations, has been long-running since 2004. This year, the lighting ceremony is coupled with another historical commemoration — the kick-off celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the City of Valenzuela. It is a modern Pinoy Christmas theme bridging the past and future, as a herald to 400 years of history and progress. Mayor WES Gatchalian were joined by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and CDO Foodsphere Inc. Assistant Vice President Jason Ong in lighting up the Tree of Hope this year. Dedicating the Tree of Hope, the city also welcomed PWD children and teens as the primary beneficiaries for this year. Likewise, students from the city’s state universities the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela and Valenzuela Technological College or VALTECH (formerly named ValPoly) also partake in the event. The historical evening occurred at the heart of the city, the Valenzuela City People’s Park, where many of its residents gathered to witness the gleaming lights from the display. Mayor Gatchalian extended his warm greetings and emphasized the meaning of the Tree of Hope. “Sa ating ‘Tree of Hope’ Lighting ngayong gabi, nawa ito ay hindi lamang maging simbolo ng pag-asa, kung hindi rin magsilbing paalala, na ang liwanag na gumabay sa ating sa nakalipas na apat na raang (400) taon, ay siya ring liwanag na gagabay sa ating hinaharap (For our ‘Tree of Hope’ Lighting tonight, may this event not be a symbol of hope, but also serve as a reminder that the light that has guided over the past 400 years, will be the light that shall guide us in the future)." Joining the event were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Mayoress Tiffany Gatchalian, City Councilors Ricarr Enriquez, Gerald Galang, Niña Lopez, Sel Sabino-Sy, Mickey Pineda, Atty. Bimbo Dela Cruz, Louie Nolasco, Marlon Alejandrino, SK Federation President, Councilor Goyong Serrano, and Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jonjon Bartolome. The PWD children and teens performed a meaningful doxology to start the event right. To further make this a night to remember, the local government invited the Christmas icon, Jose Mari Chan, to sing his signature song, “Christmas in Our Hearts” while setting the Tree of Hope and the fireworks alight. A colorful and dashing fountain display provided the finishing touches to the ceremonial night. Following days after the event, multiple attractions in the city such as Valenzuela City Family Park, WES Arena, Fatima Avenue, and Polo Family Park were also set to illuminate their Christmas installations. A post-lighting concert took place at the Valenzuela City Amphitheater wherein special guests, Patrick Quiroz and the band, The Itchyworms, livened up the stadium. Valenzuelanos jammed with some of their iconic songs, concluding the monumental night on a strong note. Getting the ball rolling, the tree-lighting occasion is one of the city’s main festivities for its 400th founding anniversary tribute. The day of the commemoration is 12 November, following Pueblo de Polo’s founding date, 12 November 1623. Back-to-back celebration awaits the city with Polo Fiesta and Casa de Polo inauguration as two of the grand slated events at Valenzuela400 this month. Meanwhile, some of the anticipated huge events for the upcoming months are as follows: Oktoberfest, Polo Fiesta activities, Mass at San Diego de Alcala Church, Casa de Polo blessing and inauguration, Industry Summit, Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela Awarding, Cultural Night, Valenzuela’s coffee table book launch, a visit from delegates of Bucheon, South Korea, Food Fiesta, and a Christmas Bazaar. These activities in line were all open for the Pamilyang Valenzuelanos. For the past 400 years, the City of Valenzuela sought several developments and innovations — and it has never stopped evolving. From an agricultural provincial town of Polo to a highly urbanized, industrial, and liveable city, this notable transition led Valenzuela to be recognized as one of the progressive cities in the country. The post Valenzuela city lights ‘Tree of Hope’, celebrates 400th founding anniversary appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valenzuela City kicks off joint Christmas and 400th-anniversary celebration
Welcoming two momentous events in one, the City of Valenzuela held its annual “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony at the Valenzuela City People’s Park on 30 September, an event graced by special guests Jose Mari Chan, Patrick Quiroz and Itchyworms. The ceremony also marked the beginning of the three-month-long celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the city. The “Tree of Hope” lighting ceremony, a city tradition since2004, sees the lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree and the installation of holiday decor to set the Christmas spirit early for Valenzuelanos. This year, the lighting ceremony is coupled with another historical commemoration — the kick-off celebration of the 400th founding anniversary of the City of Valenzuela. It is a modern Pinoy Christmas theme bridging the past and future. Mayor Wes Gatchalian was joined bythe CDO Foodsphere and SM Supermalls in lighting up the Tree of Hope this year. The city also welcomed PWD children as the primary beneficiaries of the event, along with students from PLV and VALPOLY. Singers from PLV performed Christmas carols, while the local government invited Christmas icon Jose Mari Chan to sing his signature song, “Christmas in Our Hearts”, while the Tree of Hope was lit amid fireworks. A colorful and dashing fountain display provided the finishing touches to the occasion. Multiple attractions in the city such as Valenzuela City Family Park, WES Arena, Fatima Avenue and Polo Family Park are also set to turn on their Christmas installations in the coming days. A post-lighting concert took place at the Valenzuela City Amphitheater where guests Patrick Quiroz and The Itchyworms livened up the crowd. The city's 400th founding anniversary celebration happens on 12 November, following Pueblo de Polo’s founding date of 12 November 1623. Back-to-back celebrations awaits the city with the Polo Fiesta and Casa de Polo inaugurations as two of the grand events slated for #Valenzuela400 this month. Other huge events unfolding in the following months include the Oktoberfest, Polo Fiesta activities, Mass at San Diego de Alcala Church, Casa de Polo blessing and inauguration, Industry Summit, Gawad Dr. Pio Valenzuela Awarding, Cultural Night, Valenzuela’s coffee-table book launch, a visit from delegates of Bucheon, South Korea, Food Fiesta, and a Christmas Bazaar. Over the past 400 years, the City of Valenzuela has never stopped evolving. From an agricultural provincial town of Polo, it has become a highly urbanized, industrial and livable city, recognized as one of the progressive urban centers in the country. Thus, reaching four centuries of growth and progress is a milestone worth celebrating for all Valenzuelanos, and an inspiration to continuously commemorate and honor the rich history that established the city. The post Valenzuela City kicks off joint Christmas and 400th-anniversary celebration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Idolizing Danny Dolor (The man I might have been if I had at least P500 million)
Here’s sharing with you Cyber Proust’s (now Proust Redux) winning piece when he joined the 2010 Philippine Star Lifestyle Journalism Contest sponsored by Rustan Commercial Corporation and the Stores Specialists, Inc. The announcement called for feature articles, as many as one could submit, about heroes, dead or alive. Cyber Proust submitted three — one about his mother; another about a blogger who tells stories about his clan and people like them, making for a good read for people interested in Philippine upper class but not necessarily high society; and this one, about Danny Dolor, Cyber Proust’s patron and benefactor when Cyber Proust had not yet declared himself rich. Here goes: My hero, my icon, the man I’d rather be When people are asked who they want to be if they ever get the chance to live their lives all over again, they almost always say they want to be the same person. If you ask me the same question, I’d have the same answer, only because I want to keep the same set of parents. But if I could keep my Dad and Mom, and still be someone else, I’d look at you straight in the eye, and declare, I want to be Danny Dolor. I can think of a hackneyed thousand and one reasons why I prefer to breathe and eat and live like Sir Danny, but let me stick to the quintessential five. First, he is rich which we all want to be. He is an art lover which I profess to be. He is a trailblazer even if he is a Libran who prefers balance, while I am an Arian who always wants to be the first. He was a good son who took care of his mother in her old age, which every good son should do especially if he were single. I am single, but I was always away from home, too busy changing and finding writing jobs. The closest I got to emulating Sir Danny was spending endless nights conversing with my mother whenever I was home during Christmas breaks. Sir Danny, on the other hand, never travelled abroad because he wanted to be by his mother’s side every night of the year. When he visited Lipa, their hometown, he would pick up his mobile phone to check on his mother and sister Fe in their Makati home, rattling off his orders to their yaya — check their temperature, don’t forget the medicine after their merienda, and so on. Finally, Danny Dolor is a good Catholic who hears Sunday Mass, fingers his beads when in the car, and joins the procession on Good Friday beside his own Mater Dolorosa. How I wish I could give away lands on which to build churches, donate thousands of portfolio bags for priests attending their annual convention, and build a museum in honor of a townsman, Alfredo Maria Obviar, who may yet be the first Filipino bishop to be beatified and, in God’s time, canonized. First conversation I am lucky to have an icon whom I have seen up close. I have seen Danny Dolor when he goes into a trance as he describes his first conversation with National Artist Atang de la Rama, to whom he became a friend and confidante, or fits of laughter as he recalls the usually funny repartee between his friends Sylvia La Torre and Oscar Obligacion when the latter was still alive. For all the secrets and fun times we have shared, I stick to calling him Sir as I did the first time I interviewed him in his thickly-carpeted, air-conditioned and perfume-smelling den. I had known about the man before I ever met him. I knew about his Tribung Pinoy which concertized all over the country in the late 1970s all the way to the mid 1980’s. I never saw them perform in person, but I read about Danny Dolor and his gang of sopranos, tenors and baritones who rendered their harana, danza, balitaw and, of course, kundiman, in schools and churches, and quixotic venues like the Culion Leper Colony in Palawan, the mental hospital and the women’s correctional where the patients and inmates cried, sang, danced and thanked him because no one ever came to sing for them. The path-breaking Danny Dolor also produced the first ever concert at the Cultural Center of the Philippines featuring an all-Filipino-traditional-music repertoire. Danny Dolor’s house, at that time when I interviewed him, was along Tamarind corner Banaba in uppity Forbes Park. In the den, paintings, sculptures, plaques, and trophies vied for the attention of first-time guests. I immediately liked a Zalameda portrait of a basketball player, but what impressed me was a plaque with Latin inscriptions which, my host explained to me, was his papal award. He next brought me to the lanai, thrice as large as the den, where beside the lacquered opium bed stood a gigantic St. Joseph. He showed me a life-size oil portrait of Charito Solis, Ramon Valera ternos worn by Gloria Romero and his sister Fe, and original drawings of Darna by Mars Ravelo. The man, who knows his art, takes pride in his penchant for everything Filipino. It is an interest that goes a long way back to his childhood during the Japanese occupation. In the family hacienda where they evacuated, he listened to the farmers sing native songs. In grade one a year or two later, the young Danny sang Bayan Ko before his classmates, to the shock of the teacher who probably expected Jack and Jill. When Sir Danny was in grade school, he watched Filipino films in the movie houses along Rizal Avenue. As a high school student, he listened to the Mabuhay singers over the radio. In college, he watched Tawag ng Tanghalan on television. Is it any wonder that he should mount a best-selling exhibit of movie ads from the golden years of Philippine cinema? Or that he has maintained, for more than ten years, a column in the Philippine Star, “Remember When?” featuring the movie stars and great musical talents of yesteryears? Danny Dolor is unique in that he straddles the worlds of show business and high society, which many find incompatible. Not with him who has produced movies, including Indie films, and concert tributes honoring luminaries of the silver screen like Director Hermogenes Ilagan and movie queen Carmen Rosales. His involvement in the upper strata, on the other hand, is never without a good reason. For example, he collaborated with the socialite businesswoman Nedy Tantoco in organizing the best-selling Ramon Valera retrospective exhibit. If he is chummy with the grand dame Imelda Cojuangco that’s because he is a loyal and trusted officer the Cofradia de la Inmaculada Concepcion, of which she is the chair. Every year, come Feast of the Immaculate Conception, they gather hundreds of children from depressed areas to receive their first holy communion. Imagine the mix For all of these, he takes a break from his duties as chairman of various companies that include a hospital, hotel, educational institution, bank and subdivisions. Imagine the mix — movies, music, church, business and high society. And he dances the Rigodon too. How can one not desire such completeness? There’s something though he’d rather not be said about him. In my times of need, he does not hide under his canopied bed, and in the milestones of my life, he gives me a thick red envelope. Once I ran out of cash to pay my rent, I called him up and told him that if only I could touch the tip of his pants, I was sure to have what I needed. Scolding me first for being such a cheap copy of the woman in the bible, he said Yes to my pleadings, while reminding me to help him prepare another souvenir program for yet another concert tribute for another forgotten gem of Philippine music. The man does not believe in outright charity. Not to me, anyway. And while he is patient with me, he insists that I “fix” my life for “all these things you delight in will soon come to pass” and “if you do not take care of yourself, who will?” and so on. From his mother, he passes on a classic gem, “Never do anything that people will notice from afar,” a rough translation of “Huwag kang gagawa ng kahit anong matatanaw mula sa malayo.” In short, don’t be a show-off. My hero and icon, Danny Dolor, is not only a model for living the successful and well-lived life that I dream about. He is also a saviour, a mentor and an angel who, despite the “professional distance” we keep between us as a “client” and as a “talent,” if the relationship must breed results, has come closest to being my “Tito” and best friend. Sir Danny will not be pleased with this article. He will think that I need to borrow money from him again. The post Idolizing Danny Dolor (The man I might have been if I had at least P500 million) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Piolo to play a priest-serial killer in period horror flick
After successfully playing the iconic role of Crisostomo Ibarra in his first musical theater experience, Piolo Pascual returns to the silver screen with another larger-than-life character. The 46-year-old actor is set to play the mysterious Fr. Juan Severino Mallari, a revered Filipino Catholic priest in the 19th century who turned out to be behind the gruesome murders of his own parishioners totaling to 57. Mallari is the first documented serial killer in the Philippines. “This is an interesting story to tell,” Pascual said during the media launch of his new project titled "Mallari," with the movie’s director Derick Cabrido and executive producer John Bryan Diamante (representing Mentorque Productions). “I’m proud to say that we have something like this,” he added, mentioning the impressive production valued that the historical horror flick promises to deliver. “It’s a true story, though we’re fictionalizing it. Having that cinematic experience, hopefully we can bring it to a bigger audience abroad.” Pascual, who was born into a Catholic family, revealed that he had serious thoughts about entering the priesthood in his youth. Years later, he became a born again Christian, and he likewise seriously thought of becoming a pastor in his church. He made it clear that there’s no problem with him playing a murderous priest: “In terms of my religion, my beliefs, I believe that you can actually kind of compartmentalize that in such a sense that your personal views are different from your professional job. “So this is something professional. Even before when I became a Christian, I asked my pastor, in terms of compromises, in terms of limitations, he said, ‘A role is a role.’ You don’t necessarily believe in it, but that’s just the story, it’s just a character. “When I commit to something, when I do a character, I don’t think of my compromises. I don’t think of me as a person, but I think for the role. So, I leave the compromises at home and I just be the character when I’m on the set,” he said. Pascual also confessed to being a fan of horror movies, that’s why he’s thrilled to be finally starring in one. It’s all systems go for the "Mallari" team, according to director Cabrido and executive producer Diamante. They’ve also submitted the script for consideration in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival, which traditional opens every year on Christmas Day. The post Piolo to play a priest-serial killer in period horror flick appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Julie Anne thrilled to sing duet with Sarah one day
Julie Anne San Jose has long been GMA Network’s answer to Sarah Geronimo, but the “Maria Clara at Ibarra” star knows better than to claim that she’s in any way on equal footing with the “Popstar Royalty.” When asked playfully by Boy Abunda whether she’s willing to be pitted in a back-to-back concert with Geronimo, San Jose humbly replied: “Oh my God. Na- pressure ako. Unang-una, Tito Boy, hindi po ako lalaban because there is only one Sarah Geronimo. “There can only be one Sarah Geronimo. It would be an honor, of course, na maka-duet po si Miss Sarah. Because I really look up to her.” San Jose appeared as a guest in Abunda’s Fast Talk where she expressed her admiration for Geronimo whom she had never worked with before. “Kasi nga po she’s one of the people that I really look up to and isa siya sa mga naging influences ko rin sa music,” said San Jose. She recalled the first time she met Geronimo in person. “Actually, share ko lang, naging choir po ako sa isang church po namin sa may Mindanao Avenue, and then malapit po si Miss Sarah doon. Tapos nakita ko po siya sa church nag-perform siya kasi Christmas noon so, like, wala lang, fangirling. Nag-fangirl talaga ako. It would be such an honor. I love her,” said San Jose. The post Julie Anne thrilled to sing duet with Sarah one day appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Palma: Jesus is the light in all troubles in life
CEBU CITY, Philippines — As the Catholic faithful celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ followed by the Feast of the Sagrada Familia, of the three kings, and of the Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu, Archbishop Jose Palma reminded them of the real essence of these big celebrations in the Catholic Church. Palma celebrated the Christmas […] The post Palma: Jesus is the light in all troubles in life appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Praying for a peaceful, healthy & happy 2021
I made an effort to hear Mass in a church after experiencing the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that was felt in parts of the Philippines (including Metro Manila) on Christmas day......»»
Millions are suffering this Christmas
Reader, how was your Christmas celebration? How did COVID-19 make it different from your previous Christmases? I am almost ashamed to say that for me and mine, there wasn’t that much difference. Simbang Gabi, for example, I have attended for over 40 years. With the age restrictions on church attendance, I couldn’t physically be there, […] The post Millions are suffering this Christmas appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
In Bethlehem and elsewhere the coronovirus dampens the joy of Christmas
BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK (AP) – Bethlehem began Thursday with a stream of joy marching bands on Christmas Eve and the triumphant arrival of top........»»
Quiet Bethlehem Christmas means ‘less business, more religion’
Deprived of its usual tourist influx by the pandemic, Bethlehem will celebrate a quiet Christmas this year that is less about commerce and more about religion, says its parish priest. In a normal year hundreds of thousands of visitors flood the Palestinian city in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, located less than 10 kilometers (six miles) […] The post Quiet Bethlehem Christmas means ‘less business, more religion’ appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Families gather tonight for Christmas Eve
CHRISTMAS Eve is a special day to Filipinos. After going to church for midnight mass, families gather for “Noche Buena,” an annual get-together for members of the family who may not have seen each other for months or even years. They exchange gifts and generally enjoy one another’s company. They may not see […].....»»
Quiet Bethlehem Christmas means less business, more religion
Deprived of its usual tourist influx by the pandemic, Bethlehem will celebrate a quiet Christmas this year that is less about commerce and more about religion, says its parish priest......»»