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Category Archive 'Religion'

09.01.09

Scenes from the Black Nazarene feast day

- Culture, Feast, Religion, Tradition, Videos -

VICE President Noli De Castro, a Black Nazarene devotee, shares his thoughts on the annual feast and on this year’s preparations. As in previous years, De Castro says he offers a prayer to the image. Video taken by INQUIRER.net reporter Thea Alberto.

Thousands of devotees of the Black Nazarene attend mass at the Quirino grandstand. Mostly dressed in maroon and yellow, throngs of young and old devotees join the procession, blocking the path of the Black Nazarene as it inches its way to the Quiapo Church. Photos taken by INQUIRER.net reporters Thea Alberto, Izah Morales, Lawrence Casiraya and Marjorie Gorospe.

30.12.08

Feng shui expert offers 2009 advice

- Culture, Religion, Tradition -

By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.NET

WITH the strong influence of Chinese culture, Filipinos borrow several traditions from the Asian neighbor in celebrating the New Year.

Over time, it has been part of our culture as well as other parts of the world to watch out for forecasts from Feng shui experts so we can better be guided in the following year.

2009 is the year of the Earth Ox in the Chinese Zodiac. For the coming year, growth will be slow but it will be sure, says Feng shui expert Master Aldric Dalumpines of Punsoy.com.

Dalumpines says there are three elements to reading the upcoming year. First, the earth element — signals earth related industries will have a rosy outlook. These include real estate, memorial parks, agriculture, mining and related businesses like construction, and even oil.

Another good area for business is aqua farming, since water is a stronger element than earth, he says.

Another element in the forecast is the animal sign, says Dalumpines.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

26.12.08

Filipinos light candles of Advent

- Culture, Family, Religion, Tradition -

By Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

AS a predominantly Catholic nation, it has become a Filipino tradition to light four candles of Advent during the Christmas season.

This year, my family was chosen to sponsor the mass on the lighting of the pink candle, which is a way of celebrating the prophesied second coming of Jesus Christ.

I must admit that Filipino traditions can be very demanding. But it has persisted for years because it has been one way of bringing families together. In my case, I was required by my mother to go to Tanay in Rizal – our hometown – to attend a special mass.

During the mass, I became part of the procession of the priest, lector and lay ministers. The rest of my family was asked to light the pink candles, while I was asked to read a written prayer prepared by the parishioners.

This event reminded me of the days when I was still eager to complete the Misa de Gallo before Christmas. Amid the cold weather in Tanay, I braved the early morning shower to attend the early mass with my mother. During my childhood, I was exposed to such traditions especially during Christmas.

But as I listened to our priest during his homily, he lamented about the “Simbang Gabi” as “Simbang Tabi,” a pun that describes how some younger people have used this Filipino tradition as an opportunity to meet friends.

Times have changed.

Lighting the candle of advent also reminded me of the times when my family got together. Back then we were all complete. However, like most Filipino families today, two of my sisters now live abroad, leaving me as the one only one left to read the prayer. I have a brother but I am not sure if he’s too keen on assuming this role.

Nevertheless, our priest reminded me that lighting the candle symbolizes “rejoicing.” Every year, traditions have brought Filipino families together and the lighting of the candle of advent was one of them.

22.12.08

Spirit of Christmas is alive in the UAE

- Culture, Foreign Affairs, OFWs, Religion -

By Quay Evano

Dubai, UAE — For a devout Catholic Filipino like Cristy Atendido, Christmas won’t be complete without attending the traditional “simbang gabi” or midnight mass and completing all nine days of it.

So, when she left the Philippines to work as an Overseas Filipino Worker in the Middle East last year, it was one of the things she thought she won’t be able to do since she was going to the world’s region of the Islamic religion.

But last December she was able to go to the midnight mass although wasn’t able to complete it. This year, she is focused on completing it and last night she was able to attend the first celebration of the simbang gabi. By the way, she’s still in the Middle East.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

11.09.08

Candles of faith and miracles in Banhayan Festival

- Feast, Religion, Tradition, Videos -

By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

SOMETIMES you just hate the rain especially the nonstop downpour that causes flooding — not to mention wet socks and feet.

In Muntinlupa City, however, no rain can stop the celebration of the Banhayan Festival as residents of barangay Cupang and Buli danced and sang despite the strong rains. I saw people who were barefoot not complaining, as they followed the long route of the parade.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

30.09.07

Faithful hail Lorenzo Ruiz on 20th year of sainthood

- Religion -

By Beverly T. Natividad
Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines–The Catholic faithful, through the intercession of saints, ask for good health, a rich spouse, even the winning lotto numbers.

But if it’s strength they need to make great sacrifices, they turn to the first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz.

This year, Lorenzo Ruiz celebrates the 20th anniversary of his canonization in 1987.

[Read the rest of this entry »]


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