Basically, the Philippine educational system is divided into elementary, high school and college education. Increasingly, children are also being placed in preschools and college graduates are going into post-graduate studies.
Children are often accepted into first grade at 6-7 years old.
Preschools, therefore, usually accept students from 3-6 years old, classifying them in age-specific levels. The levels vary - some use the terms Toddler Class, Junior Class and Senior Class. Others use the terms Nursery, Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2. Sometimes the Kindergarten level comes before the Nursery level.
There is no hard and fast rule and no set curriculum for preschools. In general, children are expected to recognize and write the alphabet, write their names, do basic counting, recognize colors and color drawings within the lines. Better preschools teach the children how to read and write words and simple sentences and do simple math, as well as acquaint them with the basic science.
Preschool is largely affordable only to the middle class. Others send their children straight to Kindergarten at public schools at the age of 6. That is if they could afford the transportation fare and daily food allowance.
Public school education is free from elementary to high school, but food is not provided. Transportation and school supplies are shouldered by the students, as well. This is beyond the reach of many, and there is always a large number of out-of-school youth.
Elementary school spans seven years, from Kindergarten to Grade Six. Those who passed through preschool usually qualify to go straight to Grade One.
Some private schools have Grade Seven. This is not very common, though.
High school takes four years.
Aside from the many public and private elementary schools and high schools, there are also a number of International Schools following the American Educational System, from the curriculum and grade levels to the schedule of terms. These are quite expensive and cater to children of expatriates as well as the moneyed class.
College courses, in general, also take four years. Some courses may take longer, e.g., Engineering. Law and Medicine require having a four-year bachelor degree before application. Law then takes another four years and then the bar exam, while Medicine takes five more years and the medical board exam.
Nursing is currently the most popular choice not only for college freshmen but also for those seeking a second degree. Many doctors are even taking up Nursing just to qualify for job openings abroad.
Graduate school is sparsely populated. Most graduate students have a career in academe, or are taking MBAs.
A large number of Filipinos also opt to take post-graduate courses abroad.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The MyBlogLog Community Exchange Goes On A Philippine Trip
Garry Conn of successful blogging tips fame created the MyBlogLog Community Exchange.
I joined MyBlogLog very soon after I put up my first blog. I can attest to its being one of the best social networking sites online.
You can power up your MBL membership further, though, by hosting the MyBlogLog Community Exchange. This will bring you new readers and new backlinks.
I recommend creating real relationships with blog communities you join by visiting blogs and participating in discussions through comments,
Here are the rules:
1. Join all of the MyBlogLog communities on the list below.
2. Copy the list and paste in on a new post on your blog.
3. Write a brief paragraph above the list to explain the game.
4. Add 2 or 3 more MyBlogLog communities to the list and publish the post.
5. To be added to this list, leave a comment below, including the url of your post.
The MyBlogLog Community Exchange List:
Successful Blogging Tips Join MyBlogLog
Make Money Online Join MyBlogLog
Kyle’s Cove dot Com Join MyBlogLog
GoldCoaster Join MyBlogLog
Affiliate Programs Join MyBlogLog
The Junky’s Wife Join MyBlogLog
GoldyWorld Join MyBlogLog
BetShopBoy Join MyBlogLog
IndiaPRBlog Join MyBlogLog
ShanKri-la Join MyBlogLog
HomeMom3 Join MyBlogLog
Ryan Shamus Join MyBlogLog
Kassper Join MyBlogLog
Punto Fape Join MyBlogLog
Earn Money on the Web Join MyBlogLog
Making Money Through Internet Join MyBlogLog
Chronic Headache, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Join MyBlogLog
Free Stuff Join MyBlogLog
House Hunting Join MyBlogLog
Hot Buzz Join MyBlogLog
Earn Online Join MyBlogLog
Ageless Beauty Join MyBlogLog
Philippine Trip Join MyBlogLog
Filipino Author Join MyBlogLog
Filipino Family Join MyBlogLog
Filipino Community Join MyBlogLog
Manila Mom Join MyBlogLog
Pinoy Network Join MyBloglog
Blog Corner JoinMybloglog
SFtopics Join MyBlogLog
AnitoKid JoinMyBlogLog
Up the Hill Gang Join MyBlogLog
Who Let the Dog Out Join MyBlogLog
Come travel through the MyBlogLog communities!
I joined MyBlogLog very soon after I put up my first blog. I can attest to its being one of the best social networking sites online.
You can power up your MBL membership further, though, by hosting the MyBlogLog Community Exchange. This will bring you new readers and new backlinks.
I recommend creating real relationships with blog communities you join by visiting blogs and participating in discussions through comments,
Here are the rules:
1. Join all of the MyBlogLog communities on the list below.
2. Copy the list and paste in on a new post on your blog.
3. Write a brief paragraph above the list to explain the game.
4. Add 2 or 3 more MyBlogLog communities to the list and publish the post.
5. To be added to this list, leave a comment below, including the url of your post.
The MyBlogLog Community Exchange List:
Successful Blogging Tips Join MyBlogLog
Make Money Online Join MyBlogLog
Kyle’s Cove dot Com Join MyBlogLog
GoldCoaster Join MyBlogLog
Affiliate Programs Join MyBlogLog
The Junky’s Wife Join MyBlogLog
GoldyWorld Join MyBlogLog
BetShopBoy Join MyBlogLog
IndiaPRBlog Join MyBlogLog
ShanKri-la Join MyBlogLog
HomeMom3 Join MyBlogLog
Ryan Shamus Join MyBlogLog
Kassper Join MyBlogLog
Punto Fape Join MyBlogLog
Earn Money on the Web Join MyBlogLog
Making Money Through Internet Join MyBlogLog
Chronic Headache, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Join MyBlogLog
Free Stuff Join MyBlogLog
House Hunting Join MyBlogLog
Hot Buzz Join MyBlogLog
Earn Online Join MyBlogLog
Ageless Beauty Join MyBlogLog
Philippine Trip Join MyBlogLog
Filipino Author Join MyBlogLog
Filipino Family Join MyBlogLog
Filipino Community Join MyBlogLog
Manila Mom Join MyBlogLog
Pinoy Network Join MyBloglog
Blog Corner JoinMybloglog
SFtopics Join MyBlogLog
AnitoKid JoinMyBlogLog
Up the Hill Gang Join MyBlogLog
Who Let the Dog Out Join MyBlogLog
Come travel through the MyBlogLog communities!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Philippine Weddings: Not Too Many June Brides In The Philippines
The "June bride"may be a cliche, but not so in the Philippines. June is not a particularly popular month to get married in here.
Perhaps June weddings are favored in other countries because it happens to be summer there. The weather is good even for outdoor celebrations.
The opposite is true in the Philippines. June means rainy weather. Not particularly compatible with white wedding gowns.
June also happens to be school opening in the Philippines. Families have their budgets geared toward tuition fees and school supplies. Again, not a good time to spend for a wedding. Also not a good time to expect nice gifts from your guests.
Ironically, December is the most popular wedding month here. This should be puzzling since Christmas is also big spending time for Filipinos. You are expected to give gifts to family, friends, officemates and a lot of godchildren. So why add wedding expenses to that?
Oh, ok - I, too, got married in December. I guess it's the spirit of the season permeating everything during that month. Everyone is in a loving, giving mood. It's a time for gatherings and celebration. Everything seems magical!
And yes, most everyone gets a Christmas bonus, too :D
So if you're expecting a lot of June brides in the Philippines, you'll be disappointed.
I'll be tackling many other aspects of Philippine weddings in future posts. Do visit again!
Perhaps June weddings are favored in other countries because it happens to be summer there. The weather is good even for outdoor celebrations.
The opposite is true in the Philippines. June means rainy weather. Not particularly compatible with white wedding gowns.
June also happens to be school opening in the Philippines. Families have their budgets geared toward tuition fees and school supplies. Again, not a good time to spend for a wedding. Also not a good time to expect nice gifts from your guests.
Ironically, December is the most popular wedding month here. This should be puzzling since Christmas is also big spending time for Filipinos. You are expected to give gifts to family, friends, officemates and a lot of godchildren. So why add wedding expenses to that?
Oh, ok - I, too, got married in December. I guess it's the spirit of the season permeating everything during that month. Everyone is in a loving, giving mood. It's a time for gatherings and celebration. Everything seems magical!
And yes, most everyone gets a Christmas bonus, too :D
So if you're expecting a lot of June brides in the Philippines, you'll be disappointed.
I'll be tackling many other aspects of Philippine weddings in future posts. Do visit again!
Attending A Wake or A Funeral In The Philippines
For visitors to the country, it would be good to know the traditions in attending wakes.
1. Avoid wearing red or other bright colors.
Many young Filipinos are now no longer very much concerned about this, but the older generation still feels that it is disrespectful to wear red and other bright colors to a wake. It would be best not to ruffle their feelings.
2. Bring any or all of the following for the family:
- "Abuloy" is a gift of money to help in the funeral expenses. The amount is variable, depending on your capacity and your relationship to the family. This is purely voluntary, though, and is much appreciated but not required. It is placed in a small envelop with a message of sympathy and the name of the giver, and is given discreetly.
- A mass card if the family is Catholic. This can be bought from the Parish office of most churches or from religious stores. It promises perpetual masses to be said for the deceased by the religious congregation from whom the card was bought. Make sure you have the full name of the deceased to be written on the card.
- A card of sympathy.
- Flowers. Even a small bouquet for the casket or a small basket to be placed beside it will be much appreciated. Most people send large floral arrangements, though. These are available in flower shops near funeral parlors.
3. If you are a relative or a very close friend of the family, bringing food is also much appreciated. It is best to bring finger food that can be served with the least fuss, and food that will keep for several hours even without refrigeration.
4. As soon as you arrive, ask for the person you know in the family. If this person is not around, introduce yourself to whoever is there to meet you. Explain how you are connected to the family. Give your condolences. If possible, speak to the immediate family of the deceased.
5. Pay your respects to the deceased. It is customary to stand by the casket for a moment of silence.
6. Sign the guest book.
7. If the wake is being held in the home, do not be surprised to find people gambling. This is also a tradition that still persists for many. Part of the winnings are given over to the family of the deceased as "abuloy."
8. Most wakes are all-nighters, especially when held in homes. You don't have to stay all night, though. When attending wakes in funeral parlors, try not to stay way past midnight to give the family time to rest.
9. Do not be surprised to hear quite a number of superstitious beliefs regarding wakes.
10. Do not be surprised to find people weeping in one corner while others are laughing in another. This is not disrespect. Wakes are also seen as a time to retell stories of good times with the deceased, and good times in the family and among friends.
You need not avoid coming to a wake in the Philippines. It could show you a lot about Filipino families, friendships and community.
1. Avoid wearing red or other bright colors.
Many young Filipinos are now no longer very much concerned about this, but the older generation still feels that it is disrespectful to wear red and other bright colors to a wake. It would be best not to ruffle their feelings.
2. Bring any or all of the following for the family:
- "Abuloy" is a gift of money to help in the funeral expenses. The amount is variable, depending on your capacity and your relationship to the family. This is purely voluntary, though, and is much appreciated but not required. It is placed in a small envelop with a message of sympathy and the name of the giver, and is given discreetly.
- A mass card if the family is Catholic. This can be bought from the Parish office of most churches or from religious stores. It promises perpetual masses to be said for the deceased by the religious congregation from whom the card was bought. Make sure you have the full name of the deceased to be written on the card.
- A card of sympathy.
- Flowers. Even a small bouquet for the casket or a small basket to be placed beside it will be much appreciated. Most people send large floral arrangements, though. These are available in flower shops near funeral parlors.
3. If you are a relative or a very close friend of the family, bringing food is also much appreciated. It is best to bring finger food that can be served with the least fuss, and food that will keep for several hours even without refrigeration.
4. As soon as you arrive, ask for the person you know in the family. If this person is not around, introduce yourself to whoever is there to meet you. Explain how you are connected to the family. Give your condolences. If possible, speak to the immediate family of the deceased.
5. Pay your respects to the deceased. It is customary to stand by the casket for a moment of silence.
6. Sign the guest book.
7. If the wake is being held in the home, do not be surprised to find people gambling. This is also a tradition that still persists for many. Part of the winnings are given over to the family of the deceased as "abuloy."
8. Most wakes are all-nighters, especially when held in homes. You don't have to stay all night, though. When attending wakes in funeral parlors, try not to stay way past midnight to give the family time to rest.
9. Do not be surprised to hear quite a number of superstitious beliefs regarding wakes.
10. Do not be surprised to find people weeping in one corner while others are laughing in another. This is not disrespect. Wakes are also seen as a time to retell stories of good times with the deceased, and good times in the family and among friends.
You need not avoid coming to a wake in the Philippines. It could show you a lot about Filipino families, friendships and community.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A Funeral In The Philippines
My husband, my youngest daughter and I were on our way to a wake last night. The mother of a friend had passed away.
While we were driving, my migraine peaked so bad that we had to turn around and head home. Perhaps it was my body's way of telling me that I wasn't prepared to face another funeral, especially of a friend's Mom.
We have only recently had my Mom's funeral - just a month ago. We also had my Dad's funeral a year ago. I am the only child and these two funerals just a year apart have been very difficult for me.
It was a great consolation that Philippine funerals are marked with such solid support from family and friends.
My husband, our kids and I spent all five days and nights at the funeral parlor. It meant sleeping on the coach and sleeping bags in the anteroom or wooden pews in the main chapel.
There was also a spacious toilet-and-bath, as well as a kitchen sink, refrigerator and dining set in the anteroom.
Relatives and friends would come and stay with us from mid-morning until midnight everyday. They provided most of the food and drinks for everyone. There were always shopping bags full of biscuits, nuts, candies, tetrapaks of juice and 3-in-1 packs of instant coffee. There were boxes of pastries and platters of noodles. Some even brought us rice and viand at mealtimes.
There were plenty of flowers, too, and mass cards. The mass cards meant masses would be said perpetually for my Mom's soul in many churches by various congregations.
While there were plenty of visitors I was fine. I was busy talking to everyone. After they left, I would be too exhausted to feel anything else.
Just being surrounded by family and friends was very comforting. They especially came in full force during the cremation. My two daughters and I were quite overcome with emotion while waiting for the urn and they kindly allowed us to nap in the anteroom while they stayed on in the chapel, waiting with us.
It was almost the same experience we had during my Dad's funeral last year, except that I was then focused on comforting my Mom. I realized that it was much more difficult this time when I no longer had that "escape."
There were some superstitious beliefs that were pointed out to us during the funeral, too. A popular one was for the deceased's immediate family not to step outside the threshhold when seeing guests out. Doing so would reportedly mean that another death would come to the family. We decided to abide by such beliefs, if only for the peace of mind of those who believed in them. It was a small thing in exchange for the warmth of the Filipino funeral tradition.
I am glad that these funerals were held in the bosom of our family right here in the Philippines.
While we were driving, my migraine peaked so bad that we had to turn around and head home. Perhaps it was my body's way of telling me that I wasn't prepared to face another funeral, especially of a friend's Mom.
We have only recently had my Mom's funeral - just a month ago. We also had my Dad's funeral a year ago. I am the only child and these two funerals just a year apart have been very difficult for me.
It was a great consolation that Philippine funerals are marked with such solid support from family and friends.
My husband, our kids and I spent all five days and nights at the funeral parlor. It meant sleeping on the coach and sleeping bags in the anteroom or wooden pews in the main chapel.
There was also a spacious toilet-and-bath, as well as a kitchen sink, refrigerator and dining set in the anteroom.
Relatives and friends would come and stay with us from mid-morning until midnight everyday. They provided most of the food and drinks for everyone. There were always shopping bags full of biscuits, nuts, candies, tetrapaks of juice and 3-in-1 packs of instant coffee. There were boxes of pastries and platters of noodles. Some even brought us rice and viand at mealtimes.
There were plenty of flowers, too, and mass cards. The mass cards meant masses would be said perpetually for my Mom's soul in many churches by various congregations.
While there were plenty of visitors I was fine. I was busy talking to everyone. After they left, I would be too exhausted to feel anything else.
Just being surrounded by family and friends was very comforting. They especially came in full force during the cremation. My two daughters and I were quite overcome with emotion while waiting for the urn and they kindly allowed us to nap in the anteroom while they stayed on in the chapel, waiting with us.
It was almost the same experience we had during my Dad's funeral last year, except that I was then focused on comforting my Mom. I realized that it was much more difficult this time when I no longer had that "escape."
There were some superstitious beliefs that were pointed out to us during the funeral, too. A popular one was for the deceased's immediate family not to step outside the threshhold when seeing guests out. Doing so would reportedly mean that another death would come to the family. We decided to abide by such beliefs, if only for the peace of mind of those who believed in them. It was a small thing in exchange for the warmth of the Filipino funeral tradition.
I am glad that these funerals were held in the bosom of our family right here in the Philippines.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
How to Show Our Pride in Being Filipino
Philippine flags will be flying high and Filipinos around the globe will be celebrating Philippine Independence Day today, June 12.
I hope we all stand by our heritage and wear it proudly by embodying only the best in being Filipino, wherever we are and at any time.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Philippine Cinemas: Going to the Movies in Manila
This sign at SM mall cinemas says so much about Filipino moviegoing habits. Why else would they have to spell out that these types of food are not allowed in the theaters if no one has tried to bring them in?
I admit my family almost never goes to the movies without taking in some munchies. The all time favorites are, of course, popcorn, chips and chocolates. We've also been known to bring in hamburgers, hotdogs, nachos and pizza. But that's as far as we go.
I can still imagine having chicken nuggets in the theater, but regular friend chicken would be too messy. And imagine if people spill the gravy on the seats. That goes for pasta, noodles and soup, too.
Pinoys just love to eat. Anytime. Anywhere. Everywhere.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
June 12, 2007 - Philippine Independence Day - is a Working Day in the Philippines; June 11 Is Not
I stand corrected. I said in my previous post that June 12 is an official holiday. Well, it has always been one and should be one.
Apparently, President Arroyo has declared it inconvenient to celebrate Philippine Independence Day on a Tuesday. So June 11, a Monday, is now the non-working holiday, instead. June 12 is a working day but, according to the proclamation, all activities and celebrations in observance of Independence Day will be observed on June 12.
I am told that this is a common and very popular practice - to have long weekends. So if Christmas Day falls on a Tuesday, should we then move our celebration to December 24 instead?
December 25, 2007 does fall on a Tuesday!
Thankfully, President Arroyo has not declared December 25, 2007 a working day. She has, instead, declared December 24, 2007 a special non-working holiday in addition to Christmas Day. Whew!
Apparently, President Arroyo has declared it inconvenient to celebrate Philippine Independence Day on a Tuesday. So June 11, a Monday, is now the non-working holiday, instead. June 12 is a working day but, according to the proclamation, all activities and celebrations in observance of Independence Day will be observed on June 12.
I am told that this is a common and very popular practice - to have long weekends. So if Christmas Day falls on a Tuesday, should we then move our celebration to December 24 instead?
December 25, 2007 does fall on a Tuesday!
Thankfully, President Arroyo has not declared December 25, 2007 a working day. She has, instead, declared December 24, 2007 a special non-working holiday in addition to Christmas Day. Whew!
Send Your Page Rank Up With ViralTags
Please pardon this off-topic post. This will allow us to rank higher in Google searches and, therefore, serve more readers seeking information on chronic headache, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
ViralTags, created by Founders Cafe, will enable us to build more links throughout the blogosphere with relevant anchor text of our choice. I got this from The AnitoKid Chronikos.
The program is easy. Just follow the instructions below:
============== Copy and Paste below this line ================
Instructions:
1.) Copy and paste everything within the broken lines but provide your own unique introductory paragraph.
2.) Substitute the Host Tag and one of the “Viral Tags” in the matrix with your anchor text of choice and your blog’s URL. Please keep anchor text to a max of 3 words to keep the matrix size manageable.
3.) When you get a ping back from someone that has your link in one of their “Viral Tags”, practice good karma by copying his/her Host Tag’s anchor text (automatically the associated link will also be copied) and paste it over one of your “Viral Tags” below.
4.) Encourage and invite your readers to do the same and soon this can grow virally.
ViralTags, created by Founders Cafe, will enable us to build more links throughout the blogosphere with relevant anchor text of our choice. I got this from The AnitoKid Chronikos.
The program is easy. Just follow the instructions below:
============== Copy and Paste below this line ================
Instructions:
1.) Copy and paste everything within the broken lines but provide your own unique introductory paragraph.
2.) Substitute the Host Tag and one of the “Viral Tags” in the matrix with your anchor text of choice and your blog’s URL. Please keep anchor text to a max of 3 words to keep the matrix size manageable.
3.) When you get a ping back from someone that has your link in one of their “Viral Tags”, practice good karma by copying his/her Host Tag’s anchor text (automatically the associated link will also be copied) and paste it over one of your “Viral Tags” below.
4.) Encourage and invite your readers to do the same and soon this can grow virally.
ViralTags:
Host Tag: Philippine Trip
Manila Mom Earn Global Philippine Trip Ageless Beauty Chronic Headache Filipino Romance Novel Filipino Author Filipino Family Credit Ability Hot Buzz Filipino Community Free Stuff earn income online Startup Entrepreneur Money AnitoKid Chronikos The Broken Bow KLAPKiDS start a blog BMW Community Learn about e-Learning Tech Gadgets Stocks create a blog Weight Loss Mrs. Sparrow start a blog The Broken Bow Make Money Blogging COMPUTER seventy-five Jack Book Earn money online AGLOCO, Internet Marketing and Blog Reviews Earn Money Online Reviews and Previews Internet Marketing Wealth Blog Entrepreneurship Internet Web Overseas Filipino Worker Domain Development Blogs Make Money Blogging Affiliate Program Tech-Hack Rambling make money at home Tech Startups Web2.0 Earn money online Really Smart Guy Plugins TV Blogging Infokarir Jobs Tech-Hack Rambling Marketing Made Simple Really Funny Jokes Monetize Your Blog Rich Minx Internet Marketing German Newsome.org Internet Marketing Earn money online Steve’s Tech Blog Business Blog Web Make Money Blogging Daily Life Technology Blogging Money Secret Giving Link Love Biohazard Photoshop Tutorials Earn money online Website Design Blog Best of blogs Germany - USA Everything iPod Luna Tail Make Money Online Political Social Media Gadis Punditocracy Making money online Unseal My Lips Make Money Blogging Junk Food Snacks Vinceleste.com – I am Balong Ibujempol BundaWAH The BlogmeisterViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags ViralTags
Rules:
No Porn Sites
Only 1 link per blog (i.e don’t hog the viralink!)
Please don’t tamper with other peoples url’s
Important: Once I get a ping back from you, I will add your anchor text and the associated link you designate as “Host Tag” here, replacing one of the “ViralTags” from the matrix above.
As more and more bloggers copy and paste this matrix, the more backlinks you will have with your anchor text. If everybody who copy and paste from your blog does the same, pretty soon this will spread and go viral. So, the sooner you participate, the more links with anchor text you will receive.
================ Copy and Paste from Above this line ==========
Post this on your blog, then please come back and leave me a note here just in case I don't get your pingback. Your comment will ensure that I add you to the matrix.
Let's hope this works so we can accomplish more in our niche!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
June 12 is Philippine Independence Day
The Philippines celebrates its Independence Day on June 12. Take note that it is an official holiday.
On June 12, 1898, General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite.
The Declaration of Philippine Independence was read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista who had prepared it, patterned after the American Declaration of Independence. It was then signed by 98 persons, including an American military officer.
On the same day, the Philippine National Anthem composed by Julian Felipe was first played by a band. It would have its words written about a year later, in August 1899, by Jose Palma.
Also on June 12,1898, the Philippine flag was first formally unfurled. It had been made by Marcela Agoncillo with the help of Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza.
Ironically, Philippine independence was declared by Aguinaldo's dictatorial government.
According to Teodoro Agoncillo's "History of the Filipino People," Aguinaldo declared on May 24, 1898, his assumption of "command of all the troops in the struggle for the attainment of our lofty aspirations, inaugurating a dictatorial government to be administered by decrees promulgated under my sole responsibility..."
Historical ironies...
This Viralink Traffic Is Good For You
For once, traffic is good. Traffic to your site, that is - and if you do have a blog or site. TheViralink Star Matrix will then do wonders to bring you links and visitors.
I was told about this by The AnitoKid Chronikos. It seems to be have worked well for him, seeing that he has a PR4 blog that is 55th in Ratified.org's Top 100 Philippine Blogs, and rising. Thank you, AnitoKid!
Thanks, too, to Andy Coates who created Viralink!
So this is how it goes:
———copy and paste the Viralink and instructions below this line———
Below is a matrix of 120 stars, I have already added a link to my blog onto one of the stars, all you need to do is copy and paste the grid into your blog and add your own link to one of the other spare stars, and tell others to do the same!
Viralink:
I was told about this by The AnitoKid Chronikos. It seems to be have worked well for him, seeing that he has a PR4 blog that is 55th in Ratified.org's Top 100 Philippine Blogs, and rising. Thank you, AnitoKid!
Thanks, too, to Andy Coates who created Viralink!
So this is how it goes:
———copy and paste the Viralink and instructions below this line———
Below is a matrix of 120 stars, I have already added a link to my blog onto one of the stars, all you need to do is copy and paste the grid into your blog and add your own link to one of the other spare stars, and tell others to do the same!
Viralink:
************
************
************
New Addition: When I receive a ping back once you have added the Viralink to your site I will add your link to this grid, and each person who copies the grid from here will also link to your site!
———copy and paste the Viralink and instructions above this line———
AnitoKid's add-on rules, to which I agree:
No Porn Sites
Don’t tamper with other peoples url’s
Only 1 link per blog (i.e don’t hog the viralink!)
You may host the Viralink in each of your blogs if you have several. I suggest, however, that you use different text outside the copy-and-paste to personalize each post.
Now see your traffic build up!
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Rainy Season in the Philippines: June
June ushers in the rains in Manila and the rest of the Philippines.
Somehow, one expects the rain to relieve the high heat of summer. It's not that much of an improvement, though, because the weather has turned humid instead.
Bring your umbrellas whenever you venture outside. Be careful with your choice of footwear, too. Make sure they can stand not only going through puddles but also going through flash floods. Yes, that happens often even in main thoroughfares.
Wear something cool and just layer on your rain jacket. I suggest something lightweight. Remember the humidity.
Have snacks and a drink in your bag because traffic is going to get worse, especially because June is also school-opening month. These snacks and the drink will also save your tummy if you get stranded because public transportation is going to be packed and some of them could get stuck in flooded areas.
In case you get stranded, hope that it's at one of the many wonderful malls. The airconditioning will make you want to stay inside. The great shopping finds will also make you forget your predicament.
When outside, what I always try to look out for during these rainy days, though, are children happily playing in the rain. It's no longer a common sight these days and it brings back memories of simpler and more laidback times especially in the provinces.
Somehow, one expects the rain to relieve the high heat of summer. It's not that much of an improvement, though, because the weather has turned humid instead.
Bring your umbrellas whenever you venture outside. Be careful with your choice of footwear, too. Make sure they can stand not only going through puddles but also going through flash floods. Yes, that happens often even in main thoroughfares.
Wear something cool and just layer on your rain jacket. I suggest something lightweight. Remember the humidity.
Have snacks and a drink in your bag because traffic is going to get worse, especially because June is also school-opening month. These snacks and the drink will also save your tummy if you get stranded because public transportation is going to be packed and some of them could get stuck in flooded areas.
In case you get stranded, hope that it's at one of the many wonderful malls. The airconditioning will make you want to stay inside. The great shopping finds will also make you forget your predicament.
When outside, what I always try to look out for during these rainy days, though, are children happily playing in the rain. It's no longer a common sight these days and it brings back memories of simpler and more laidback times especially in the provinces.
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