Philippine Independency: A Great History

 

      

  It is undeniable how significant is freedom to Filipinos considering the history of the country. Started from June 12, 1898, the Philippines gained back independency. Which leads to this year’s 123^rd commemoration. It has been an annual national holiday in the country. But how did this happen? What pushed Filipinos to fight for just? Who were the people behind it?

Going back from the past, the Philippines has been colonized by many countries which lasted for a period of time. By that means, the country and countrymen didn’t have freedom to rule its own. Spanish Colony, this lasted for over three hundred years. A lot of things happened, including Filipinos to submit and be dominated by the Spanish.

        These are some of the people, the national heroes of the said country. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, Marcelo H. del Pilar, Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, Juan Luna, Melchora Aquino, and Gabriela Silang. They have fought differently. In many ways, with immense knowledge and intelligence one used ink and paper. Several combatted with metal weapons. But above all the dissimilarity of manner, surely they sacrificed their life for the country.

Such a great history the country has. Being voiceless and powerless because of the colonization that lasted for years. Yet these amazing Filipinos fought to gain back independence. Surely, the national heroes will never be forgotten. The courage they’ve possessed was spectacular. That’s why every 12^th day of June is very important to the Filipinos.

 

Images retrieved from:

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Heroes in All Aspect

“Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary – it’s an act of infinite optimism.” —Gilda Radner

Known as a great responsibility, especially inside the family. Having to witness my mother as I grow up really amazes me every day. With all the circumstances, sacrifices, and many other deeds, one thing’s for sure, mothers have love and dedication. I always look up to them, considering that they make the world better, our life better. For me, being a mother is a choice, and choosing to be one is a lifetime commitment.

We only catch sight of their joyous smiles and laughter right? Because that’s what they want us to perceive them, gleeful. But behind those, surely are the thoughts and worries for the betterment of all. I believe that one of the most challenging part of motherhood is raising a child. It is like a body that you need to nourish, only with the essentials so that in the near future it will be healthy.

Considered as heroes, with the infinite sacrifices. Containing endless perseverance. With their unconditional love, we can face the world. By simply showing our love in our own different and unique ways, we can make them feel the best. Annually, we celebrate Mother’s Day on every second Sunday of the month May, may we cherish it and do not forget to give thanks and appreciate everything they’ve done for us.

 

 Images retrieved from:

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https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/mothers-day-greeting-card-super-mom-superhero-mother-character-red-cape-design-poster-banner-background-vector-flat-143581280.jpg

Commemorating Binatbatan Festival of the Arts

        “Binatbatan Festival traces its roots from the abel weaving industry of Vigan which has been in existence even before the Spaniards came to colonize the Philippines.”

The country is really full of cultures and traditions. And its citizens never fail to celebrate each and every one of it. Vigan, Ilocos Sur has many festivals, namely Binatbatan Festival of the Arts. Which happens on the last of April to the first week of May, this originally began on May 3, 1883.

Usually on the street, numerous of street dancers from different schools in the city are the participants. Wearing colorful Abel Iloko as costumes. Defining it, a woven fabric found in the Ilocos Region. Used as props are the wooden bamboo sticks to stimulate or perform the way how an abel is created. Also, it is one of the most awaited celebration. Considering that through this, the talents of young people are channeled as well as the culture itself is preserved.

Having said so, every celebration is in commemoration to the history which how a place started. Also a way to show patriotism. Appreciating the beauty of local and the products as well.

 

Images Retrieved From:

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CoVid-19 Vaccination: Encouraged to People

A disease that was previously referred to as ‘2019 novel coronavirus’ or ‘2019-nCoV’, now known as CoVid-19. New virus that is related to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). A person who carries this might have the symptoms including fever, dry cough, loss of taste and smell, tiredness, headache and sore throat. The initial outbreak was in Wuhan, China, wherein the virus originated. It has been widespread around the world, resulting it to be a pandemic.  The first suspected case in the Philippines was investigated on January 22, 2020.

Lockdown and quarantine were implemented to the different parts of the world, especially those countries that have high and increasing number of patients every day to flatten the curve. Everyone is also encouraged to always wear masks, face shields, keep social distancing, take supplements to strengthen the immune system as well as to at least be physically active even at home. With these, scientists around the world attempted to create vaccines. Due to the fact that there is still no underlying cure for the said disease caused by the virus.

There are successful vaccines made and evaluated, ready to be distributed in the different parts of the world. According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than 480,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines arrived in the Philippines from the COVAX Facility, the international partnership established to ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines around the world. The Philippines is among the first countries in Southeast Asia to receive vaccines from the COVAX Facility. The priority of the vaccination are the front liners and health workers of the country. And it is not mandatory but each one is encouraged to have a vaccine to be protected against the preventable disease. I, if given the chance is willing to subject myself for the vaccination. As stated by the Department of Health, with the BIDA steps and observance of minimum public health standards, vaccination is an important way to protect yourself from getting severe COVID-19. Also one of my family members has had the vaccine, with few side effects felt mentioning, headache and body pain. While some people are afraid to be vaccinated. Considering of their beliefs and thoughts like, it is not yet tested enough and frightened of the side effects they may encounter. Which should not be because it needs the authorization of the FDA first.

Pandemic caused by CoVid-19 disease has been widespread even up to these days. From Wuhan, China until it reached the other parts of the world. Health protocols were established for people to follow in order to decrease and control the number of patients. Lockdown and quarantine have also helped. With the created vaccines by different scientists that were tested, are now distributed to different countries including the Philippines. In which is not mandatory but each one is encouraged to be vaccinated to cope with the avoidable disease.

Images retrieved from:

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The Day of Valor

           

             Araw ng Kagitingan commemorates the heroism of Filipinos as well as American Soldiers way back when the Japanese occupied the Philippines during World War II. The said event is celebrated every April 9 annually. It is a non-working holiday. But how is it this year, especially the pandemic is still widespread?

Normally, roads are reserved for parades in the different localities in the country. This is to honor the Filipino war veterans who died and serve the Philippines also those who contributed military service to defend whether it be during at war or peace. In this manner, they are acknowledged to preserve our sovereignty as well as in defending citizens’ national security. Unfortunately, this is still prohibited like last year considering that the curve hasn’t flattened yet and insisting it would risk everyone’s life. Instead, people extended their gratitude to the soldiers’ deeds through online with the use of social media applications.

Filipinos are indeed patriotic. For the people who sacrificed and contributed for the country’s ascendancy are not forgotten but remembered and is celebrated each year. This is the reason why its history, culture, and tradition are preserved from generation to another generation. Even in the middle of pandemic, citizens made a way to show their unending gratitude.

References:

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/araw-ng-kagitingan/

https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/philippines/araw-ng-kagitingan

Images retrieved from:

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Lenten Season 2021

 

From the old English, Lent means ‘lengthen’. It is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. According to Father William Saunders of the Catholic Education Resource Center, "The number 40 has always had special spiritual significance regarding preparation most importantly, Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert before He began His public ministry (Matthew 4:2)."

Lent is initially fasting, both from food and festivities. Fasting is believed to deepened your relationship with God, because with this, the body reconnects to the emotion, mind and soul. During this season, Christians mainly the Roman Catholics pray for God’s forgiveness. Repenting also, recognizing and expressing sincere regret about the sins made. This year 2021, it took place from February 17 until April 1. As health protocols should be followed in the middle of pandemic, the solemn religious observance was done at home. And some churches and parishes connected to people through online. A way to deliver God’s word to individuals.

Even in the middle of the pandemic, Filipinos are indeed religious people. It wasn’t a hindrance to connect and repent to God. The sacred season this year 2021 may not be done in the traditional way but each individual had unity by heart.

 

Resource/s:

https://www.vox.com/identities/22287343/lent-fast-ash-wednesday-easter-2021-dates

https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/life-and-relationships/holidays/lent/what-is-lent-about-and-why-is-it-important.html

Images retrieved from:

https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/images/good-friday-lent-season-and-holy-week-concept-royalty-free-image-1583865483.jpg

https://parade.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/when-is-lent.jpg

 

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