Monthly Archives: December 2010
The Thoughts on Christmas in the Barrio
Every year Christmas comes to Christendom in unerring certainty. Symbolized by Christ child, Christmas is for children. However, this red letters day is likewise shared by the elders, for amongst them, there would always be the feeling and thoughts of childhood and the children in them. Christmas, to many of us, is the storehouse of our memories in… Read More »
Discovering the “Wow” in the Philippines
By Ab. Velasco This past November, I embarked on an unforgettable three-week, cross country visit to the Philippines. I was born in Manila in 1981 and my family immigrated to Canada in 1989. I returned briefly for a one-week visit in 2008 – as part of a larger Asian trip – and enjoyed it so much that I… Read More »
Gift – Giving – “Maligayang Pasko”
It gives me great pleasure to utter this greeting in our language although I do not get much chance as most, even our own “kababayan” greet one another in English; “Merry Christmas!” The much-awaited day of the year will soon be here. The preparation starts early, usually in November, right after Halloween. It usually starts with the Santa… Read More »
WHO’S STEALING CHRISTMAS ?
WHO is really Santa Claus ?. Why is he so popular worldwide that children await him December of each year ? And why did retired Philippine bishop Teodoro Bacani said Santa is stealing Christmas from Jesus Christ who was supposed to be the center of attraction on his birth date December 25 . ****** Bacani insists Santa “helps… Read More »
Christmas in Manila
We have brought down our ‘winter’ outfits from the attic, pinagpagan, ni- washing machine and hang out to dry. We can wear them again- Christmas weather na here in Manila! Felt the change in weather only last week. Di na gaanong namamawis ang aking batok at kili- kili as I travelled in the old, reliable (pero madalas nakakasuklam… Read More »
Barangays can lead national transformation
While in Manila on a 10-day vacation recently, I had the opportunity to attend a media forum on barangays presided by former Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr. at the Club Filipino in Greenhills. No one could have explained to media members the barangay system in the Philippines better than the three-term senator who authored the Local Government Code in… Read More »
Christmas for Christ
The reason for the season has long been forgotten. Santa Claus is more popular than the birthday celebrant. All that matters now are the material things; the spirituality is gone. Let’s put back the true essence of Christmas – the glorious birth of Lord Jesus Christ. AVV1210 I have observed the complete transformation of the true essence of… Read More »
Proving you Live-in caregiver credentials
Citizenship and Immigration Canada defines live-in caregivers as “individuals who are qualified to provide care for children, elderly persons or persons with disabilities in private homes without supervision. Live-in caregivers must live in the private home where they work in Canada”. The requirements to be met by any foreign national intending to work in Canada as a live-in… Read More »
Marriage and NSO Registration
Q. Dear Atty. Wong. Magandang araw po. Lagi ko po binabasa ang batas pinoy corner nyo sa Balita newspapers. Gusto po sanang humingi ng payo sa inyo kung ano pong nararapat gawin. Tungkol po sa kapatid ko na si Ming at ang asawa nya na si Manny. Kinasal po sila noong September 1999 sa church at registered po… Read More »