“This is the best of them all.”

Thus said former UP president Jose Abueva himself when asked to describe this year’s lantern parade. Read More »

By Apples Aberin Sadhwani
Philippine Daily Inquirer

CHIC architectural and graphic details are hot this season. Go for a modern feel with asymmetric combinations of drape and structure. Or choose origami-like pleats and folds that make for interesting focal points. Read More »

By Cheche Moral
Philippine Daily Inquirer

RANDY Ortiz was meant to be a housewife, or so the top designer believes. And his sanctuary in the heart of Makati proves he could be right. Read More »

By Raul J. Palabrica
Philippine Daily Inquirer

The crowds in the malls may be leaner, the gifts less expensive and the prices of goods higher, but, global recession or not, Christmas remains the happiest season for most Filipinos.

This is the time of the year when pessimists, skeptics and all kinds of people who find joy in making life difficult for others take a breather and grudgingly go with the mood of the community. Read More »

By Bernadette Parco
Cebu Daily News

CEBU CITY, Philippines – As the Catholic church in the Philippines begins its nine-day dawn Christmas Masses or Misa de Gallo on Tuesday, the faithful are called to be consistent in their prayers.

“Devotion is constant. Is there devotion that is on and off?” asked Monsignor Achilles Dakay as he urged churchgoers to attend all nine Masses. Read More »

By Russell Arador
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TARLAC CITY – Every year, at the start of the “ber” months (September to December), Aeta families would descend from the mountains to beg for alms in Tarlac City.

They would set up camp on the bank of the Tarlac River under the Ninoy Aquino Bridge. To protect themselves from the elements, they would build round-shaped houses made of dried cogon grass collected nearby and skillfully woven together. Read More »

By Izah Morales
Inquirer.net

DECORATING for Christmas is not complete without the twinkling Christmas lights that brighten up a night. But how safe are the Christmas lights that you are using?

According to Alex Malong, product manager of the Bureau of Product Standards-Department of Trade and Industry (BPS-DTI), all Christmas lights sold in the market should have the following in its packaging: Read More »

By Lia Bernardo, Frannie Jacinto
Philippine Daily Inquirer

SHARON Fletcher Azanza describes her design style as modern eclectic. She is spending her first Christmas in her new home designed by Joey Yupangco.

Sharon combined new and old pieces with family heirloom to decorate her new home.

She gives a twist to the Christmas décor ideas she shares here. The designs need not be in a modern home; they complement any home. Read More »

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines—Twelve ABS-CBN stars reveal what they want to find under the tree this Christmas.

Choices are limited to tangible things—meaning, Santa wouldn’t have to solve such riddles as “peace, joy and goodwill towards men” for them.

So what’s the perfect stocking-stuffer for these boys and girls? Read More »