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THE cold breeze blowing through the Dianara Viewpoint in Banaue did not bother the three mumbakis (medicine men). They started chanting their prayers to the gods Monday night, and they drank tapuy and chewed betel nut and leaf until Tuesday morning. This ritual, which they called "Alim," is a form of thanksgiving and a request for blessings especially during planting and harvest season. I witnessed this recently, as they performed this ritual from nine in the evening to eight the next morning. "Hindi namin inaalam dahil yun na ang itinuro sa amin ng mga ninuno namin. Hindi pwedeng bawasan ang oras, di rin pwedeng dagdagan. [We did not ask (our ancestors) why they’re spending a long time doing the ritual. This kind of ritual was what they taught us. We cannot change it]," said Jack Yadang, 58 years old and the youngest among the three mumbakis. Part of the ritual is this ritual is the offering of palay, chicken, tobacco, lime, wine and pig. The slaughter of the pig is the culmination of the ritual, said Yadang. "Habang kinakatay, ino-offer namin kay Likdum. [We offered the pig to Likdum while it was being slaughtered]," Yadang said. But before the pig is slaughtered, the eldest mumbaki, Lumigat Bayanin, danced and chanted around it. Then, he took a knife and stabbed the pig at the heart. I heard the pig whine until it died. The pig was then brought before the mumbakis. The eldest mumbaki started hitting the dead pig in a rhythmic manner. It was then placed over a fire, as they shaved its hair. Yadang explained that the slaughtering of the pig I’ve witnessed was the traditional way of doing it. The ritual ended when they ate the boiled pork with salt. The ritual done at the Viewpoint was done to ask blessings for the marker declaring the Ifugao Rice Terraces as free from genetically modified organisms (GMO). Local government officials along with Greenpeace witnessed the declaration of the province as GMO-free. "We [should] not put chemicals [in the planting of rice]. We use grass as fertilizer. That’s what we have learned from our ancestors who used wooden spade in building the terraces,” said Aida Gano, 76 year-old farmer in Banaue, when asked about her thoughts on declaring the famous rice terraces GMO-free. However, Yadang expressed his concern over the lack of manpower in tilling the rice terraces. "There’s a lack of manpower. Only few are tilling the land. Others have abandoned their homes while the children are now in school,” Yadang said. Gano shared the same sentiment. She feared that the next-generation of Ifugaos would forget their heritage. "The children have no time to plant now because they’re going to school It’s nice if they can also learn how to plant and continue what we’ve started. Because when we’re gone, who will do the work?” said Gano. “[I want to] teach them our culture. It’s up to them whether they’ll preserve it or not,” added Yadang. In 1995, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization included the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao in its World Heritage list. The Ifugaos built the terraces 2,000 years ago. Hence, the UNESCO described it as an “enduring illustration of ancient civilization and a priceless contribution of the Philippine ancestors to humanity.”

By Anna Valmero INQUIRER.net IN one of my trips to Anilao in Mabini, Batangas, I met a pearl diver whom I think outshines the luster of any pearl I’ve seen. Tande Solare or “Mang Tande” as he was called by the locals is one of the first Badjaos who traveled to Batangas from Zamboanga. In 1972, he sailed the Sulu Sea and South China Sea until he reached the coast of Batangas, where his family now lives. “Umalis ako noon sa Mindanao, kasi [ma]gulo doon noong nag-Martial Law; maraming naghoholdap [I left Mindanao due to the peace conflicts in the area when Martial Law was declared; there were also lot of hold-up incidents],” Mang Tande says. According to local Batangueños at Anilao, he is the first Badjao pearl diver who arrived in the area and has been a regular visitor to the Anilao beaches over the years. Some resort owners even await the arrival of Mang Tande to buy pearls. As member of an indigenous tribe known to live on the water, Mang Tande says he has lived all his life relying on the water to survive and brings meals to his family. “Naninisid ako ng perlas, sapul maliit pa ako. Ito ang hanapbuhay ng magulang ko rin [I have been a pearl diver since I was young. This has also been the way my parents earned their living],” says Mang Tande. While I was talking to him, his youngest son, a 5-year-old boy, inspects some shells nearby along with his older cousin. At a tender age, he ventures into the sea with his father. Mang Tande dives underwater without breathing equipment. Only a rope tied around his waist serves as his lifeline to get back to the banca or small boat. It takes about a week or two before Mang Tande can go back to his family. He catches fish or buys sweet crop (kamoteng kahoy) to feed himself and his companions throughout that two weeks, while sleeping on the sandy shore. When it rains, a tree canopy serves as their shelter. He says he braves living on the shores without roof above his head all for his family. He dreams of giving his four children the gift of education, which he was unable to have. Watch my video report of Mang Tande:

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.

HOW did the economic crunch affect Filipinos'celebration of the coming of the new year? INQUIRER.net VDO went to different places to ask what adjustments Filipinos made to maintain a festive mood while tightening their belts. As expected, fireworks were still aplenty, and injuries were still reported. Video and photos taken by Janie Christine Octia, Izah Morales, Anna Valmero, Marjorie Gorospe, Lawrence Casiraya, Erwin Oliva and Leo Magno.
Also, hundreds fill up the plaza of Eastwood City in Libis with their eyes on the clock tower for the countdown to 2009. Meanwhile, the sleepy town of Mangaldan in Pangasinan wakes up when a Judas Belt firecracker combination worth P20,000 was set off, lasting for a little more than a minute. In Imus, Cavite, residents welcome the new year and turn the streets into a virtual war zone. Video taken by Leo Magno, Erwin Oliva and Alex Villafania of INQUIRER.net VDO.

By Lawrence Casiraya INQUIRER.net YOU only have a few seconds to light a 5-star and move away before it explodes. He can make one with a few more seconds to spare. Seven seconds, to be exact, was all it took for Dennis Asturias to get a piece of paper, take a pinch of pulbura -- a chemical concoction of potassium chlorate and sulfur, or referring to it as "devil" ("Yun pampasabog") -- with his silvery fingers, fold it a couple of times in the process putting the mitsa or fuse (that piece of coiled string wrapped in red) and finally chuck it in a cardboard box already full to the brim with thousands of 5-stars he has made. The speed by which he can make these deadly firecrackers is nothing short of amazing, considering he uses his bare hands -- no gloves, nothing to protect his fingers, only a towel wrapped around his head to wipe his sweaty arms. In a town where 80 percent of the population is involved in the production of firecrackers, it shouldn't be difficult to find people like him who can finish a few boxes of 5-stars in a day. The boxes are used packaging for cigarettes, I couldn't help but notice the irony in that. Dennis is from Pulong Buhangin, a remote barangay of Santa Maria, Bulacan, acknowledged as the center of Bulacan's fireworks industry. Pulong Buhangin, therefore, is the core of this industry because this is the production hub. Don't expect to find gated factories, though. Apparently, we discovered during our trip that led us to Pulong Buhangin, fireworks -- like Bulacan's candies and sweets -- are literally homemade. We found Dennis in a small nipa-lined shack in the backyard of, we assumed, was the employer's house. The wall carried newspaper clippings of his favorite basketball team. Different shacks like his carried signs like "production,""wrapping," and "bodega" or storehouse. Others like him, meanwhile, were making fountains, kwitis and sawa -- the last one is a kind of firecracker, literally a snakelike string of hundreds, sometimes thousands of 5-stars. Dennis was not at all disrupted even when we were interviewing him while he was pinching, wrapping and chucking -- all in one fluid motion. "Maliit pa lang ako hanapbuhay ko na to. Ten years old pa lang ako tumutulong na ko sa packing (I've been doing this work since I was 10)," he says. Dennis is now 27 years old. But he says this only serves as his sideline, or something he does to earn extra when he can't find a regular job in Manila. He says he earns about P700 per week. Of course, the inevitable questions: How many times has he been in any accident involving fireworks? He casually replies, "Di pa ko napuputukan ni minsan (I've yet to mishandle firecrackers by accident).” In this video, he even shares his secret on how to light a 5-star properly and safely.

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. Ox, in Asian culture, refers to the carabao or water buffalo and not the Western bull. As a beast of burden, the carabao is the engine of growth especially in agricultural countries. The third part is the cyclical pattern of the sign, in which years falling under the Sign of the Ox are also years of crises. The Chinese are optimistic about 2009 since a crisis also provides opportunities. To rise above the challenges, he advises everyone to be patient and diligent and to save money. 2009 is also a time of harvest for people who have worked hard over the last three years. “2009 is the best time for the country to lay foundations strongly for the future -- as seen before when Filipinos have become creative and resilient over time,” the Feng shui expert says. “With the United States and other parts of the world suffer in the global recession, now is the best time for the country to shine since we are already vaccinated and immune to meltdowns, thanks to our training under our previous national leaders,” he says. He says the upcoming elections is boon for national projects since there will be no hoarding of resources to support infrastructure and healthcare projects. He cautions though that there will be political figures who will try to remain in power even after 2010. On the bright side, he says there will be a pool of fresh faces in the local politics, as in the case of newly elected U.S. President Barrack Obama. “Manny Pacquiao will be a dark horse in 2010, more so if he will be able to win his next two bouts,” he adds. When asked about the chances of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to win in 2010, he cautioned that the national leader should not push her luck too much or take unnecessary risks, such as the Charter Change. He says the president was able to benefit from the perfect Feng shui of the late Diosdado Macapagal’s burial site He says it is too early to speculate who will claim leadership. But two things will happen. First, religious groups will sell block voting of its members to the highest political bidder. Secondly, it spins a different turn for the entertainment industry ironically and paradoxically as comedy will be highly favored by masses who will seek temporary relief from the situation. As with other spiritual practices like religion, Feng shui serves as guide -- one way of allowing the signs of the universe or nature to speak to us -- and it is all tied up to that “One Great Power” above, he says.

JUST a few days before New Year, some Filipinos find their way into the marketplace to buy things they deem will bring them luck next year. One good place to visit is Quiapo. You will see all sorts of “charms.” Vendors are everywhere. As you walk out of the Quiapo church on the way to Carriedo, you will surely have difficulty passing through R. Hidalgo street. The supposedly clear street that was renovated in 2006 is packed with sidewalk vendors this time of the year. The fruit vendors almost occupy the walkway making it harder for customers to pass through. “Hale, bili na. Dito mura! [Hey, buy now. We sell cheap here],” a vendor screamed as she persuaded people to check out her goods. Name rounded fruits, the vendors in Quiapo have it. Fruits of different sizes are available -- from the largest to the smallest. They have Kiat kiat, apple, chico, longan, watermelon, melon, grapes, dalandan, guava and Ponkan. At this time of the year, prices of fruits cost more. For example, grapes are sold at P200 a kilo. But during ordinary days, you can buy them at P120 to 150 a kilo. Fuji apples, which are usually sold at P5.00 a piece, can be bought at P10.00 a piece. So others prefer cheap fruits like guava and dalandan. Filipinos believe that displaying rounded fruits on the table will make for a “fruitful” year. This is one of the superstitions that Filipinos practice up to this day. No wonder, many people still flock to the marketplace to buy fruits, especially the round-shaped ones despite the economic crisis. Still on having round-shaped things around, Filipinos also believe that wearing polka dot clothes will attract good luck and hopefully money in the coming year. Polka dots were in vogue in the 60s. But for some Filipinos, luck is more important than fashion. Another superstitionFilipinos practice, which is largely influenced by the Chinese, is creating noise to welcome the New Year. It is believed that making noise drives bad luck away. Brenda, a vendor of torotots (handmade horns) say that unlike fruit vendors, she earns less from selling these lucky charms. “Mas pinipili nila ‘yung prutas kasi nakakain [People still chose to buy the fruits because they can eat them afterwards],” she says. While Filipinos cling to these superstitious beliefs, food remains the best lucky charm when they celebrate the New Year. At least this indicates that they still are lucky to have something on the table during these hard times.

WHO wants to celebrate the coming year with a bang? Before you raise your hand, count your fingers first. You don’t want to start the year with incomplete fingers. According to Engineer Celso Cruz, chairman emeritus of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers & Dealers Association Inc. (PPMDAI), consumers should be careful in buying fireworks and firecrackers. He says that you should always check the packaging if it contains the following: manufacturer’s name, address and contact number; license number of manufacturer; instructions for use and warnings. If the fireworks that you bought don’t have the above mentioned requirements, then it means that you these fireworks are illegal. Cruz admitted that many are still selling illegal fireworks. Cruz said that the PPMDAI has been providing disseminating safety information on fireworks and firecrackers to the public. But it is up to the Philippine National Police to regulate the manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers in the country, as stated in Republic Act 7183, which outlines laws on firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices. PPMDAI has, for instance, launched a campaign called “Ingat-Paputok, Iwas-Disgrasya.” It was done in partnership with Bulacan. Cruz said the campaign is done through seminars and the distribution of leaflets that contain information on safety when it comes to using fireworks. I got a copy of the leaflet and here are some reminders from the Pyrotechnics Regulatory Board:

• Don’t use prohibited firecrackers like pla-pla, lolo, super lolo, giant bawang, giant whistle bomb, baby dynamite at kabase.
• Light the fireworks in a wide area far from flammable materials.
• Don’t let your children light firecrackers. Guide them in handling lucis or sparklers.
• Don’t light any fireworks in your hands.
• If the firecrackers or fireworks are defective, then don’t light them again. Wait
• For 15 to 20 minutes and splash a pail of water onto it.

Filipinos will always celebrate the New Year with a bang. And for Filipinos, that means literally. “Ang tao magce-celebrate pa rin ng New Year with a bang, na may fireworks. Mag-ingat na lang,” Cruz said.

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.

By Marjorie Gorospe THE CHRISTMAS season is about giving and sharing. But sometimes, the problem is finding out which organization could you give to and how. Through the initiative of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) with their “Give into the Giving” program for Christmas season, 12 different organizations with different advocacies are going to be accessible to people who wish to donate in their own little ways. These organizations include Kababaihan Gabay sa Bayan (KAGABAY), Caritas Restorative Justice, The Philippine Animal and Welfare Society (PAWS), Bahay Tuluyan, Haribon, Cartwheel Foundation, Kythe, utism Society of the Philippines (ASP), Philippine Cerebral Palsy Inc., Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM), Resources for the Blind, and Philippine Business for Social Congress (PBSP). Paolo del Rosario, Marketing Director of CBTL, said they chose twelve organizations to give people choice. “As corporations, it is important for us to figure out how we can help,” Del Rosario said as he stressed on the importance of this Christmas initiative. He said that the mother company of CBTL has been doing similar initiatives in other countries, which is why they saw the need to localize and create an immediate impact within the country. How does it work? Customers are given a punch card which shows different purchases one must complete. When the purchases are completed, customers can then fill out a form and chose an organization. CBTL will donate the money on the customer’s behalf. “This is only a start of a long term relationship,” said del Rosario. The “give into giving” project will last until January next year. Del Rosario hopes that this project would actually be done yearly every Christmas season. In the meantime, Del Rosario looks forward to the people who are willing to give because that is the real essence of Christmas.