By Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

MANILA CITY, Philippines — Christmas will be brighter in Metro Manila figuratively and literally as the Meralco Corp. once again launches the annual ‘Maliwanag ang Pasko’ campaign in Manila Cathedral.

Maliwanag ang Pasko is known to give recognition to the households and churches that embrace the tradition of lighting up every Christmas with their most creative display of lights and decors.

This year, the project is themed as “Campaign of Hope,” as Meralco hopes everyone to share hope and brightness in their communities by lighting up for Christmas.

The word “share” is emphasized since the winners for the best decoration will be given the chance to grant donations to orphans of their choice, allowing the winners to share their blessing to those in need.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

By Marjorie Gorospe
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Serenity. That is what Paco Park offers to the tourist who strolls inside the park’s adobe walls built during the Spanish occupation. But before this place was renovated into a park, did you know that it was actually built as a cemetery?

Paco Park is a recognized cultural heritage primarily because this was the place where the remains of our national hero — Dr. Jose Rizal — were first laid to rest. Later on, Rizal’s remains were transferred to Bagumbayan, or what we call today as “Luneta.”

The three martyr priests — Fr. Mariano Gomez, Fr. Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora — were the first men buried in Paco cemetery. Ironically, Rizal dedicated El Filibusterismo to the three martyrs and later on the four of them met each other in death in this same area, but not for long. However, even if their remains were already transferred, there are still markers inside the park to commemorate the four heroes.

It was only in 1948 by virtue of a legislative act that Paco cemetery was transformed into a park in accordance with the guidelines set for all national parks. There was also a need to transfer all other remains to Manila North Cemetery because of cholera epidemic during that time.

“This is a place to reminisce the Spanish era,” says Carlito Fajardo, Executive Director of Paco Park.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

By Anna Valmero
Inquirer.net

The transience of the live theater makes it special and unique. Watching a two-and-a half hour stage performance of ‘Ibong Adarna’ at the AFP Theater is an invigorating experience to the senses as actors portray live the triumphs and tribulations of each character, bringing flesh and blood to the story.

All of us are required to read Francisco Baltazar’s ‘korrido’, as it was one of the required readings in the secondary level. Back then, I thumbed back and forth from one chapter of the book to the glossary and back, to work my way with the archaic Filipino ‘korrido’ verses. As I look back, I wished I had watched this kind of performance then. Luckily, I sat with thousands of high schools to watch the play last October 5.

Though I knew how the story would go, I sat expectantly from the start until the show ended. In terms of the technicalities, I would say the performers, stage crew and the director of the play did a good job. While remaining faithful to the material, the play has injected modern elements to appeal to the young audience.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net

WITH malls installed in almost every key city and town, flashing the spirit of consumerism — spending a lazy weekend afternoon at Rizal Park (also called Luneta Park) was a refreshing experience.

My afternoon stroll last Saturday brought vividly to life personal archives of Sunday family picnics and class field trips for history. The visit breathed life to the sepia prints of my childhood photos and reminded me of my former classmates whom I studied “Kasaysayan” with.

The park offers locals and foreigners a refuge. The green expanse of Rizal Park is a relief from the toxic environment of the city — 24/7 air mixed with carbon monoxide and other pollutants, noisy, traffic streets and the like. The free benches, open spaces and shade entice visits from families and lovers, tai-chi practitioners, chess players, photographers and bikers. Away from the mall shops that lure us to buy more than what is needed, the park brings simplicity on spending quality time with those dear to us. To top this all, a stroll at the park is a good way to learn and teach history. The last I think is an important take-away when visiting the park.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

By Izah Morales
INQUIRER.net

WHEN you hear bells ringing in summer, it means Mamang Sorbetero is just a few meters away selling his dirty ice cream. But when the bell rings in June, it may be a wedding bell for couples or a school bell for elementary and high school students.

As June marks its start on the calendar, you bid goodbye to your companions — pillow and bed. And, even if it is not music, your ears have to get used to hearing the alarm clock.

Hearing the school bell ring makes you run so as not to be late for the morning assembly. But when the clock strikes past 7 a.m., it means that you would be falling in line at the back of your tallest classmate. And as you walk toward the end of the line, the teacher’s eyes follow you. And if those eyes can talk, it would be saying, “You’re late!”

[Read the rest of this entry »]