Yeksistence

St. Francis Xavier Parish Lent Schedule 2012

2012-02-25T13:32:00.000+08:00

February 22 - Ash Wednesday
6:00 AM - Holy Mass
4:00 PM - Confession
5:15 PM - Holy Mass

February 24 - Friday
  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
  5:15 PM - Holy Mass
5:45 PM - Via Crusis

March 2 - Friday
  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
  5:15 PM - Holy Mass
5:45 PM - Via Crusis

March 9 - Friday

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
  5:15 PM - Holy Mass
5:45 PM - Via Crusis

March 14 - Wednesday

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
9:00 AM - Holy Mass - Blessing & Opening of Jubilee Door
5:15 PM - Holy Mass

March 16 - Friday

6:00 AM - Holy Mass
  5:15 PM - Holy Mass
5:45 PM - Via Crusis

March 21 - Wednesday

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
  5:15 PM - Holy Mass
5:45 PM - Confession

March 23 - Friday

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
  5:15 PM - Holy Mass
5:45 PM - Via Crusis

March 28 - Wednesday - Silver Jubilee Pilgrimage

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
  5:15 PM - Holy Mass
5:45 PM - Confession

March 29 - Thursday - Silver Jubilee Pilgrimage

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
  5:15 PM - Holy Mass

March 30 - Friday

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass

  9:00 AM - Holy Mass - For the Grand Opening of the Diocese of Kabankalan Silver Jubilee Celebration
5:15 PM - Holy Mass
5:45 PM - Via Crusis

Apri l - Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
6:00 AM - Holy Mass
7:30 AM - Blessing of the Palm at the City Public Plaza
8:00 AM - Holy Mass
10:00 AM - Holy Mass
11:00 AM - Baptism
4:30 PM - Holy Mass
6:00 PM - Holy Mass

April 2 - Monday of the Holy Week

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
4:00 PM - Confession
5:15 PM - Holy Mass

April 3 - Tuesday of the Holy Week

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
9:00 AM - Mass of the Holy Chrism, Consecration of the Holy Oil, Renewal of Priestly Vows
5:15 PM - Holy Mass

April 4 - Wednesday of the Holy Week

  6:00 AM - Holy Mass
8:00 AM - Holy Mass & Anointing of the Sick
5:15 PM - Holy Mass, Penitential Service & Confession

April 5 - Holy Thursday

4:30 PM - Holy Mass of the Lord's Supper
Washing of Feet of the Apostles
Transfer of the Holy Eucharist
6:00 PM - Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

April 6 - Good Friday of the Lord's Passion
4:00 AM - Via Crusis
9:00 AM - Confession
12:00 NN - Siete Palabras
3:00 PM - Liturgy of the Word
Veneration of the Cross
Holy Communion
Procession of the Santo Entiero
6:00 PM - Adoration & Veneration (Du-aw)

April 7 - Holy Saturday

9:00 PM - Procession of the Image of the Sorrowful Virgin Mary (Soledad)
10:00 PM - Blessing of Fire and the Paschal Candle
Holy Mass of Eater Vigil

April 8 - Easter Sunday of the Lord's Resurrection
5:00 AM - Encuentro/Sugata
6:00 AM - Holy Mass, Renewal of Baptismal Vows
8:00 AM - Holy Mass, Renewal of Baptismal Vows
10:00 AM - Holy Mass, Renewal of Baptismal Vows
11:00 AM - Baptism
4:30 PM - Holy Mass, Renewal of Baptismal Vows
6:00 PM - Holy Mass, Renewal of Baptismal Vows

Hello Month 2012

2012-02-20T14:09:00.009+08:00

yeksistence (C)

The WVSU-ECHC English Club has dubbed February as the Hello Month 2012. The climax of the month-long celebration will be held on February 24,2012.

Their theme is undeniably oh-so-Disney! They have featured the different fairy tale classics of all time and assigned them as concepts for each group. I find it a bit confusing though. Last year, we had mythological movies as concepts. However....Because I am absolutely, infinitely and constantly in love with fairy tales, I'd go for it. Plus, the costumes are easy to make. It's a really to-die-for theme, I just hope everyone would give justice to it this week.

Enough about that. On a more serious note, here are some pointers and other information you might find useful.

All students are assigned into 10 groups. These groups will compete each other in the contests; the Dance Drama, Quiz Bee and HAG (Hello Amazing Games).

Here are the General Rules for the month: (or week rather)

1. English Day Celebration will e on February 24,2012.

2. All bonafide students of WVSU are required to attend the program.

3. There are ten competing groups.

4. Each group must have participant(s) in each contest.

5. There will be a penalty of 1 specific book for each group who will fail to participate in every contest.

6. In the morning, signing-in will be at 7:00-7:30, sign-out 4:30 in the afternoon.

ASSIGNED GROUP & CONCEPT

Group 1: BEED1A & PEHM3

Concept: Peter Pan

Facilitator: Fedal Teneesia Nacion

Group 2: BEED2B & MATH2

Concept: Rapunzel

Facilitator: Mary Rose Bueno

Group 3: SOCSCI 1-2B & ENG3

C: Aladdin

F: Fresa Bando

Group 4: ENG1, PEHM 2-4TH YR

C: Sleeping Beauty

F: Anthony De Asis

Group 5: FIL1 & IT2

C: Pocahontas

F: Jason Depositario

Group 6: MATH1-2A & HRST2

C: Beauty and the Beast

F: Mark Anthony Belnas

Group 7: PEHM1 & ENG2

C: Cinderella

D: Mary Jane Doble

Group 8: IT-1A & SOCSCI2

C: Hunchback of the Notre Dame

F: Richelle Prudente

Group 9: IT-1B & 3-A

C: Snow White

F: Gero Calfoforo

Group 10: HRST1 & 3B

C: Little Mermaid

F: Lord Ivan Pancho

Guidelines for each contests are available at your respective facilitators.

Note: Wear red shirt for non-participants.

STROKES: The IT-2 Painting Exhibit

2012-02-17T00:43:00.000+08:00

I know, it's lame. We're supposed to paint digitally. However, as a part of our Humanities requirements for midterms, we had to have an exhibit for our own paintings. We made individual acrylic paintings. With no specific theme whatsoever, I can say that we had produced a rather impressive works of art. I mean, who would have thought we're multi-talented? Let me tell you how this all started...

First Attempts

It was crystal clear that we, as IT students, self-declared having little interest in Humanities especially painting. But we ended up doing it anyway. We stared off from basic sketching last year. Our teacher surprised us by having a real artist, namely Sir Vic, teach us how to draw, color and do art - his way. There were only two materials used, a pencil and a construction paper. We were asked to draw the 3D shapes of a square, a triangle and a rectangle, from our seat's view. We didn't even passed that. However, he was kind of surprised when he asked us to paint a flower, on a paper. There were a lot of beautiful drawings there. A lot of variation and difference but those drawings are what makes them unique from others. From basic sketching to painting in card boards, we finally arrived at the point where we had to paint. On a real canvas.

The Canvas

We we're thinking about buying a ready-made canvas but totally dashed our hopes when we saw the price tags. Obviously not having any other alternative, we decided to make our own canvasses - from scratch!

Look at us! Never thought we'd even attempt something like this.

Group Picture. The canvas making was fun and it made our bond stronger than ever.

And we finally had done it! 10 Canvasses in 4 hours. Not bad for newbies, won't you say?

Here's me. Painting the canvas with white latex.

Here's Russel attempting to saw the wood. Good luck!

Maria pondering on how to put the canvas cloth to the frame and Joseph looking fiercely at the camera.

Materials Used:

Canvas Cloth (Double Width)
Nails
Thumbtacks
White Latex Paint
Wood frames
Pencil (for marking)
Plywood (for the frame)

We bought most of the materials in Kabankalan City. Porras General Merchandise for the cloth and thumbtacks and pencil, this shop could be found in the New Public Market. The plywood, paint, wood frames and nails were bought from the local hardware in Himamaylan City's New Public Market.

Sketching

Well, as amateurs, we had to start off by sketching the image we wanted to paint. And started on applying colors.

Painting Proper

Exhibit

Funny thing about our exhibit was it was always postponed. I mean, in a destined kind of way. First schedule was supposed to be a week after finishing the paintings but it coincided with the University Week, and it was moved on the next Monday. However, when that Monday came, we weren't prepared. And I, for instance, wouldn't dare say we were ready to show our paintings much more than we could pull off an exhibit in an hour. Around noon, after a heated discussion with my classmates, my friends and I were going to go out the school grounds to have lunch when we suddenly heard screaming voices. We instantly looked back at the Education Building, saw other students on a stampede, and felt the earth shake. That earthquake was followed by four more in the afternoon. The University declared a week off by then. Okay, fast forward, we immediately assumed the exhibit, for the third time already, was moved again on the next Monday.

Monday did came, and we were expecting hell. But fortunately, our teacher didn't press us for the exhibit. Instead she asked us to do it on Wednesday, which probably gave us more time to prepare. But who said we were wise? We wasted the moment big time.

The day of the exhibit came, we were on panic. I, for one, did not even expected to host that event. If you could even call it one. But I did host it anyway and without so much of a script and background music. Cool, huh? How hard could it be?

I was nervous at first but I got the hang of it after a while. Thank God for that. Alright, enough. Here's some photos.

Nuff seyd.

How To Install Love

2012-02-09T15:27:00.000+08:00

Customer Service (CS) Rep. : "Yes, Ma'am, how may I help you today?"

Customer: "Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install LOVE. Can you guide me through the process?"

CS Rep. : "Yes, I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?"

Customer: "Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready to install now. What do I do first?"

CS Rep. : "The first step is to open your HEART. Have you located your HEART ma'am?"

Customer: "Yes I have, but there are several other programs running right now. Is it okay to install while they are running?"

CS Rep. : "What programs are running ma'am?"

Customer: "Let's see, I have PAST-HURT.EXE, LOW ESTEEM.EXE, GRUDGE.EXE, and RESENTMENT.COM running right now."

CS Rep. : "No problem. LOVE will gradually erase PAST-HURT.EXE from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory, but it will no longer disrupt other programs. LOVE will eventually overwrite LOW-ESTEEM.EXE with a module of its own called HIGH-ESTEEM.EXE. However, you have to completely turn off GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM. Those programs prevent LOVE from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ma'am?"

Customer: "I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?"

CS Rep. : "My pleasure. Go to your Start menu and invoke FORGIVENESS.EXE. Do this as many times as necessary until GRUDGE.EXE and RESENTMENT.COM have been completely erased."

Customer: "Okay, done. LOVE has started installing itself automatically. Is that normal?"

Cs Rep. : "Yes. You should receive a message that says it will reinstall for the life of your HEART. Do you see that message?"

Customer: "Yes I do. Is it completely installed?"

Cs Rep. : "Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other HEARTS in order to get the upgrades."

Customer: "Oops. I have an error message already. What should I do?"

Cs Rep. : "What does the message say?"

Customer: "It says "ERROR 412 - PROGRAM NOT RUN ON INTERNAL COMPONENTS. What does that mean?"

Cs Rep. : "Don't worry ma'am, that's a common problem. It means that the LOVE program is set up to run on external HEARTS but has not yet been run on your HEART. It is one of those complicated programming things, but in nontechnical terms it means you have to "LOVE" your own machine before it can "LOVE" others."

Customer: "So what should I do?"

Cs Rep. : "Can you pull down the directory called"SELFACCEPTANCE"?"

Customer: "Yes, I have it."

Cs Rep. : " Excellent. You're getting good at this."

Customer: "Thank you."

Cs Rep. : "You're welcome. Click on the following files and then copy them to the "MYHEART" directory: FORGIVE-SELF.DOC, REALIZE-WORTH.TXT, and ACKNOWLEDGE-LIMITATIONS.DOC. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching any faulty programming. Also, you need to delete VERBOSE-SELF-CRITIC.EXE from all directories, and then empty your recycle bin afterwards to make sure it is completely and permanently gone erased."

Customer: "Got it. Hey! My HEART is filling up with new files. SMILE.MPG is playing on my monitor right now and it shows that PEACE.EXE, and CONTENTMENT.COM are copying themselves all over my HEART. Is this normal?"

Cs Rep. : "Sometimes. For others it takes a while, but eventually everything gets downloaded at the proper time. So, LOVE is installed and running. You should be able to handle it from here. One more thing before I go."

Customer: "Yes?"

Cs Rep. : "LOVE is freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everybody you meet. They will share it with other people and then return some similarly sacred modules back to you."

Customer: "I will. Thanks for your help. By the way, what's your name?"

Cs Rep. : " You may call me the Divine Cardiologist, also known as The Great Physician, but most call me God. Many people feel all they need is an annual checkup to stay heart-healthy, but the Manufacturer suggests a schedule of daily maintenance for maximum efficiency. Put another way, keep in touch . . ."

Earthquake Jolts all over Negros & Cebu

2012-02-06T18:54:00.001+08:00

I was at school when the first jolt occurred. Thankfully, we just got out of the building.

With a 6.9 Magnitude, no wonder the faculty and staff went crazy. The students started screaming and seemed to forget about the Earthquake Drill. Whoa.

Although, come to think of it, I don't remember having one drill last year. Anyway, I think it's the Disasters Operatives responsibility to inform schools about safety measures and precautions such as conducting seminars in or out of the campus.

Too late for that though, the earthquake's here already. I pray for everyone's safety especially here in Kabankalan City, Himamaylan City, all over Negros and affected areas like Cebu and Iloilo. Keep the faith. The earthquake in Visayas today is a reminder. Life is uncertain enough as it is. Keep the good things constant. Live. Laugh. Love.

For more information, visit this site:

READ THE NEWS.

Friday: Science on the Move

2012-02-04T23:15:00.000+08:00

My weekend officially starts at Friday. I woke up late to find out that my brother was serial texting me about his project, the scrapbook cum magazine I made at one of the tabs. So I immediately went and printed his project, had it book bound, and sent it to him through the Ceres Bus Liner. After that, I came back home and decided to take Enzo out.

Enzo and I went to the Science Fair, at the Gatuslao Gym in Himamaylan City. The fair presented basic machines and tools. I wasn't able to get a lot of photos though. However, here are some of their exhibit.

I was planning to take Enzo inside the portable planetarium that the exhibit organizers set up at the stage. Unfortunately, Enzo was already fascinated with the simple machines and how they work.

There was a souvenir desk at the gate which offered various delicacies made by the people of Himamaylan. I wasn't able to check it out though. Judging from their pictures, they look delicious. Too bad. The fair will last until February 29, so maybe, we'll come back some time this week and by that time, I really hope I would be able to make some decent blog post with neat photos.

It was kind of late when we got out of the gym. While pondering where to dine, Enzo met the local kids having fun with the booth outside the gym.

We ended up having dinner at Snackee in the public market of Binalbagan, a nearby town. I missed Snackee. I remember when I was still in elementary, this was the local fast food joint everyone went to after mass. It had a branch before in Kabankalan City but closed down after several years. So anyway, I decided that we went home after eating because it was getting late and the bus home would be full. And I wasn't surprised when it was. Fortunately, we were able to get a seat on the bus. Enzo slept all the way home. So basically, the day went well and far far from what I expected it to be.

*The photos were taken from my phone so sorry if it's not that clear.

Prison: More Fun in the Philippines

2012-02-04T22:15:00.000+08:00

Unbreakable Memories

2012-02-03T22:21:00.000+08:00

During my elementary years, I was a big fan of the international boy band, Westlife.

Westlife has inspired me throughout my childhood and adolescence. Despite the fact I never attend their live concert or performance, Westlife, still and forever will remain as my favorite boy band.

Good times.

Jame

2012-02-03T04:56:00.000+08:00

I'm sorry for the tears. I'm sorry for the pain. This song says it all.

13th PSITS-WV Convention

2012-01-26T01:56:00.000+08:00

The Philippine Society of Information Technology Students-Western Visayas (PSITS-WV) will hold its 13^th Regional IT Congress, with the theme “The Challenge of Innovation”, on February 17, 2012 (Friday) at the Paon Beach Club, Estancia, Iloilo.

13^TH REGIONAL IT CONGRESS

February 17, 2012

Paon Beach Club

Estancia, Iloilo

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES

08:00 – 09:00 AM Arrival, Registration of Participants, Snacks

09:00 – 09:30 Opening Ceremony

Hymn of Praise

Homage to the Nation

Welcome Address:

Municipal Mayor

Message:

Mr. Joel De Castro

PSITE WV Chapter President

Presentation of Delegates

Presentation of Activities

Special Number

Distribution of Snacks

09:30 – 11:00 IT and Industry

(Digital Art and Web Design Contests commence at 9:30 am in another function room.)

10:30 – 12:00 Game Development

12:00 – 01:30 PM Lunch/Break

01:30 – 02:30 Photography

02:30 – 03:00 Snacks/Intermission

03:00 – 04:00 Inter-School Quiz Bowl

04:00 – 04:30 Awarding of Winners

04:30 – 05:00 Closing Program

Evaluation

Giving of Certificates

Registration Details

Registration Fee:

· Php 650 per student for affiliated schools

· Php 700 per student for non-affiliated schools

· Free 1 faculty for every 15 students

Fee is inclusive of the following: AM & PM Snacks, Lunch & PSITS Conference Bag

Payments can be made through : Any Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

Account name : Phil. Society of Info Tech Students-WV

Branch : Roxas Avenue Branch, Roxas City

Savings Account No. : 1105-1075-16

*Please bring and present the validated deposit slip during registration at the convention venue.

Note: 1. All payment should be done online via BPI. Onsite registration/payment will not be accepted.

2. Only the first 1000 registrants will be accommodated.

3. Deadline of online payment will be on February 10, 2012.

4. Please email your scanned deposit slip or transaction details, and list of students after payment

was made to rldionio@yahoo.com and text to 09176200214 / rommelsario.fcu@gmail.com .

5. For those who will stay overnight, please make your reservations ASAP through

MRS. ANA COLONA at telephone numbers 09293949708 (mobile) or

033-3970444(landline).

We will also hold the following inter-school IT competitions during the convention:

· Quiz Bowl

o 2 students per team; one team allowed per school

· Digital Art

o One participant per school

o Participants should provide their own laptop installed with software of their preference. They can also bring their own USB broadband connection if they need it.

· Web Page Design

o One participant per school

o Participants should provide their own laptop installed with software of their preference. They can also bring their own USB broadband connection if they need it.

In line with this, we would like to request you to provide us with the following as soon as possible: (1) list of your students and faculty that will be attending the congress together with the scanned copy of the deposit slips and (2) list of your contestants for the different IT contests. Please send these through email to Ms. Rosel L. Dionio (rldionio@yahoo.com)/ Mr. Rommel Sario (rommelsario.fcu@gmail.com) Your immediate response will be very helpful in our preparations.

Kabankalan City Sinulog 2012

2012-01-19T19:28:00.001+08:00

WVSU-Himamaylan College Admission Test for A.Y. 2012-13

2012-01-16T23:34:00.000+08:00

Courses Offered:

Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.E.Ed.)

Bachelor of Secondary Education (B.S.Ed.)

Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Services Technology (B.S.H.R.S.T.)

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.S.I.T.)

WVSUCAT Application Forms are available at the School Registrar's Office located at the Administration Building.

Forms are available starting from February 2 until May 2, 2012.

Requirements to be submitted with the WVSUCAT Form:

4 copies of 2x2 ID Picture

Form 138 (High school card) or Certified Photocopy

NSO Authenticated Live Birth Certificate

Non-refundable Fee of Php220.00

Schedule of WVSUCAT will be on May 5, 2012 @WVSU-ECHC.

For more inquires, please contact the School Registrar at:

(034) 388-3300

K-City Sinulog 2012 Live Streaming Schedule

2012-01-14T17:20:00.000+08:00

Kabankalanons all around the globe, you can watch Sinulog Live Performances via

www.ustream.com

Click on this link to view:

http://www.ustream.tv/broadcaster/10132958

Schedule of Live Coverage:

Drums and sounds competition--------jan. 14, 2012 (5:00 PM)

Grand tribal parade ---------------------jan. 15, 2012 (9:30 AM)

Grand tribal competition----------------jan 15, 2012 (1:00 PM)

The Magic of Love

2012-01-13T01:17:00.000+08:00

Be the Knight to my Heir

The Bard to my Page

The Sylph to my Seer

The Prince to my Mage.

We don’t need the world

It’s useless, you see

All that truly matters

Is just you and me

Be the Time to my Space

The Breath to my Light

The Heart in my Void

The Hope in my Life

While meteors crash

And Earth blows away

Know that I will love you

Day after day

Department of Tourism reveals new Pilipinas, Tara Na! video

2012-01-09T23:55:00.000+08:00

Have Fun at Zaycoland this Sinulog!

2012-01-09T23:35:00.002+08:00

In celebration of the 36th Sinulog Festival...

Zaycoland is one of Kabankalan City's resort and hotel rolled into one, conveniently located within the city limits.

The Zaycoland Resort features a full range of amenities including:

Location
• Situated in Kabankalan City
•2 hours from Bacolod City and less than 3 hours from Dumaguete City

Accommodations
• 16 luxurious guestrooms
• Family, Bridal, Master Suites available

At the resort
• Wireless Internet (WiFi)
• Concierge services
• Local newspapers daily

Zaycoland Resort & Hotel
Bringing you close to nature.

Restaurant and Bars
• Emilio Bistro
• Casa Concepcion Coffee Bar

Leisure / Other Facilities
• Jr. Olympic sized swimming pool
• Children's pool
• Volleyball court
• Children's play area

In your room• Room Service
• Air Conditioning
• Hot and cold showers
•In-room Cable television

Minutes away from
• Mag-aso Falls (20km)
• Agustina Falls (19km)
• Magballo Cave (30km)

Feel at home, you can check out their rates here.

Contact Nos. 034 4712 880 cell: 0922 871 2640 (Sun)

For questions or reservations, please email reservations@zaycoland.com

It's more fun in the Philippines!

2012-01-09T02:33:00.002+08:00

FASHIONOLOGY: a Festival of Glamour

2012-01-09T01:44:00.000+08:00

‎

In celebration of the 36th KABANKALAN SINULOG FESTIVAL....

presenting...

FASHIONOLOGY: a Festival of Glamour

Be captivated by the beats of DJ Leandro Zayco with the Patiqueros & be mesmerized by Kabankalan's beautiful Models.

Many surprises await everyone, so see you there!

January 12, 2012, 730PM

Kabankalan Public Plaza (near Fountain)

Watch K-City Sinulog Opening Now Live!

2012-01-06T19:16:00.001+08:00

--------------->www.livestream.com/kcatsinulog
-------------->www.livestream.com/kcatsinulog

Image Courtesy of Wikipedia

KCC Alumni Balikbayans Luncheon Program

2012-01-06T16:14:00.001+08:00

Batang Bida Sinulog 2012

2012-01-05T16:19:00.002+08:00

36th Sinulog Festival in K-City Official Schedule of Activities

2012-01-04T17:47:00.000+08:00

Come and join the fun!

PLANT A TREE, PROTECT KABANKALAN CITY!

2011-12-29T13:21:00.000+08:00

APIR (Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction) naman diyan!

2011-12-27T20:13:00.000+08:00

Paalaala upang maiwas sa mga kapahamakan sa pagsalubong natin sa Bagong Taon:

Mapanganib ang paggamit ng paputok (fireworks cause injuries and endanger health);
Lahat ng paputok ay bawal sa bata (children should not use any fireworks);
Umiwas sa mga taong nagpapaputok (keep safe and away from exploding fireworks);
Huwag mamulot ng mga di sumabog na paputok (never pick used fireworks); and,
Magpagamot kaagad kapag naputukan (seek immediate medical treatment for all firework injuries).

Ilang mga tips upang maging stress-free ang ating pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon:

Itaguyod at makilahok sa Community Fireworks Display (promote and participate in the community fireworks display in your area);
Magdiwang nang ligtas kasama ang pamilya (celebrate a safe holiday with family and loved ones);
Lumikha ng ingay gamit ang ibang paraan tulad ng torotot, busina, lata at iba pa (use alternative noise-makers to welcome the New Year like car horns, cans, pots and pans, radio music, etc);
Makisaya sa ibang paraan tulad ng street party, concert, palaro at iba pa(join merry-making activities such as street parties, concerts, games);and,
Magmuni-muni ng mga aral ng taong nakaraan at pag-isipan ang mga hakbanging tungo sa mas masaganang 2012 (use the time to reflect on the lessons of the past year and make resolutions for a better 2012).

Nawa’y magkaroon tayo lahat ng isang masagana at ligtas na bagong taon!

A Short Christmas Tale

2011-12-25T03:59:00.001+08:00

A medieval legend tells us that in the country we know today as Austria the Burkhard family – a man, a woman and a child – used to amuse people at Christmas parties by reciting poetry, singing ancient troubadour ballads, and juggling. Of course, there was never any money left over to buy presents, but the man always told his son:

“Do you know why Santa Claus’s bag never gets empty, although there are so many children in the world? Because it may be full of toys, but sometimes there are more important things to be delivered, what we call “invisible gifts”. In a broken home, he tries to bring harmony and peace on the holiest night in Christianity. Where love is lacking, he deposits a seed of faith in children’s hearts. Where the future seems black and uncertain, he brings hope. In our case, the day after Father Christmas comes to visit us, we are happy to be still alive and doing our work, which is to make people happy. Never forget that.”

Time passed, the boy grew up, and one day the family passed in front of the impressive Melk Abbey, which had just been built. The young Burkhard wanted to become a priest. The family understood and respected the boy’s wish. They knocked at the door of the monastery and were given generous welcome by the monks, who accepted the young Buckhard as a novice.

Christmas Eve came around. And precisely on that day, a special miracle happened in Melk: Our Lady, carrying the baby Jesus in her arms, decided to descend to Earth to visit the monastery.

All the priests lined up and each of them stood proudly before the Virgin trying to pay homage to the Madonna and her Son.

At the very end of the line, young Buckhard anxiously waited his turn. His parents were simple people, and all that they had taught him was to toss balls up in the air and do some juggling.

When it came his turn, the other priests wanted to put an end to all the homage that had been paid, since the ex-juggler had nothing important to add and might even mar the image of the abbey.

Nevertheless, deep in his heart he also felt a great need to give something of himself to Jesus and the Virgin. Feeling very ashamed before the reproachful gaze of his brothers, he took some oranges from his pocket and began to toss them in the air and catch them in his hands, creating a beautiful circle in the air.

At that instant, the baby Jesus, lying in Our Lady’s lap, began to clap his hands with joy. And it was to young Buckhard that the Virgin held out her arms to let him hold the smiling child for a few moments.

(based on a medieval story)

Let us not forget the real essence of Christmas. <3