Tuesday, March 3, 2009

5 x 5 Philippines

Five Times Five is a cultural project between schools from both Asia and Europe. All participating schools will create a top five in the five given categories, Food, Traditions, Sights, Wildlife and Celebrities from their own country or region. The project aims to reduce the gaps of knowledge and to build bridges between the participants from Europe and Asia. The project's essence is to give the students an insight of how the younger generations reflect on the older traditions and how the younger generations value the importance of reaching out to other students across the globe with no boundaries set and learning beyond boundaries. This project is an effective and systematic way of collaborating with other students to synthesize the technology advancements in building and creating a better world.


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

♫ FOOD ♫

ADOBO

Adobo is also the name of a common and very popular cooking process in the Philippines; indeed it is considered a national group of dishes. Typically, pork or chicken, or a combination of both, is slowly cooked in vinegar, crushed garlic, bay leaf, and black peppercorns, and often browned in the oven or pan-fried afterward to get the desirable crisped edges. This dish originates from the northern region of the Philippines.

SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobo

LECHON BABOY

Lechon Baboy (Roast Pig) is one of the highlight of Filipino festivities, birthdays, wedding, family reunion and christmas parties. The dish was introduced by the Spaniards centuries ago while some evidence link it to Chinese immigrants. The most favorite part of Lechon is its crispy skin then dip into a liver base sauce yum.

SOURCE: http://letsgotophilippines.blogspot.com/2007/09/menu-lechon-baboy-roast-pig.html

LECHON MANOK

Lechon Manok (Philippine Roast Chicken) is quite ubiquitous in the Philippines. It is the Philippines' version of rotisserie chicken, chicken on a spit, roasting and spinning away. This is another special occasion dish in the Philippines. However, seeing as it's so easy, it's also great for weeknight dinners.


SOURCE: http://www.eatingclubvancouver.com/2009/01/lechon-manok-philippine-roast-chicken.html


KINILAW


The kinilaw moment is that instant when the raw fish (or other seafood, or meat) meets the vinegar or other souring agent, and transformation begins from the raw state. This vinegar-soaked fish dish is one of the most popular pulutans among Filipinos. The word kinilaw means to cook in vinegar but technically, the dish is not actually cooked since there is no heating or boiling involved. It is the strong solution of the vinegar that gives the fish its opaque appearance and its “cooked” texture.


SOURCE: http://gypsysoul73.blogspot.com/2007/03/you-say-kilawin-i-saw-kinilaw.html

NILAGANG BAKA


Nilagang Baka is one of the most common dishes that can be found in every part of the Philippines. Nilagang Baka is an everyday dish that can be found in carinderias (small eatery) which is highly appreciated by every one, most especially those tired jeepney and cab drivers who never eat without “mainit na sabaw” (hot soup), and their top choice, Nilagang Baka.


SOURCE:http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Nilagang_Baka



♫ TRADITIONS ♫



Christmas in the Philippines is a mixture of Western and native Filipino traditions. Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, sending Christmas cards, and singing carols have all been inherited from the cultures of the West. However, these have all been adapted to fit the nature and personality of the Filipino people.

Christmas
Eve in the Philippines is one of the traditions most families celebrate. It is a night without sleep and a continuous celebration moving right into Christmas Day. As December 24th dawns, the last Mass of Simbang Gabi is attended; then preparation begins for Noche Buena, which is a family feast that takes place after midnight.

The Noche Buena is very much like an open house celebration. Family, friends, relatives, and neighbors drop by to wish every family member "Maligayang Pasko" (Merry Christmas). Food is in abundance, often served in buffet style. Guests or visitors partake of the food prepared by the host family (even though they are already full or bloated!). Among the typical foods prepared in the Philippines during Christmas are: lechon (roasted pig), pancit, barbecue, rice, adobo, cakes (Western and native rice cakes), lumpia, etc.

SOURCE: http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Cynthia/festivals/philippine_christmas.htm

PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS


JANUARY

Feast of the Black Nazarene

Date: January 9th Location: Quiapo, Manila

A grand Fiesta, this festival centers on the image of the Black Nazarene which was transported by galleon from Mexico to Manila in the 17th century. The festival is marked by an afternoon procession by thousands of devotees.


Ati-Atihan

Date: January 16-22 Location: Kalibo, Aklan

One of the most popular of the Philippine festivals, the Ati-atihan is a celebration in honor of the Sto. Niño. Revelers don colorful costumes and paint their bodies black and dance to the distictive beat of "Hala bira!" around the town.


Pasungay

Date: Every 2nd Saturday of January Location: San Joaquin, Iloilo

A festival of bulls on the hillsides of San Joaquin. Prized bulls from the town and neighboring areas fight amidst wild cheering from spectators.


Sinulog Festival

Date: Every third weekend of January Location: Cebu City, Cebu

The Feast of the Sto. Niño is celebrated in Cebu with a procession, street dancing competition and a fluvial parade. Much like the Ati-atihan, the Sinulog Festival is marked by frenzied reverly to the chant of "Pit Senor!"


Dinagyang

Date: Every fourth weekend of January Location: Iloilo City, Iloilo

Spectacle characterized by a frenetic stomping of feet and hypnotic drumbeating. It is a colorful whirl of thousands of people dressed in unique costumes dancing and chanting all day and night.


Zambulawan

Date: Every third Sunday of January Location: Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur

The founding of Pagadian City showcases the Subanon tribe's rich cultural heritage by way of songs, dances and exhibits of musical instruments.


FEBRUARY

Feast of Our Lady of Candleria

Date: February 2 Location: Jara, Iloilo City

The biggest and most opulent religiuos pageanty in Western Visayas. The blessing of candles and the yearly procession of the patroness, the Nuestra Senora de Candelaria is followed by the fiesta queen and her court which highlights the celebration.

MARCH

Parraw Regatta

Date: First Sunday of March Location: Iloilo City


An exciting race among native outriggers in the strait between Guimaras Island and Iloilo City. This is an activity every summer hedged with rules, umpires and kibitzers.



APRIL

Via Crusis

Date: April 1 Location: Cebu City

A lenten activity where devotees from Cebu City and its neighboring cities and towns do their penitential procession through cities the Station of the Cross built on 12 hectares of rolling hills. the life-size statues of the 14 Stations of the Cross have been patterned after the Way of the Cross in Lourdes, France.


Pak'kaat Kallo

Date: Holy Week Location: Magpet, Cotabato
An annual feast of the Manobo tribal community of Magpet in celebration of a bountiful harvest,


Moriones Festival

Date: Holy Week Location: Boac, Magpoc, Marinduque

One of the most famous of Philippine festivals. Colorfully garbed and masked as Roman soldiers and centurions, locals reenact the life of Longinus culminating in his beheading. The entire towns of Boac, Morpog and Gasan are virtually converted into huge stages as the story as Longinus unfolds.


Turumba

Date: Good Friday Location: Pakil, Laguna

A procession of the centuries-old image of the Virgin Mary through the streets, procession, singing and dancing to the Turumba.


Ang Pagtaltal sa Guimaras

Date: Good Friday Location: Jordan, Guimaras

Lenten presentation on the hillside of Jordan with locals as actors. This ala-Oberrammergou event has been attracting hundreds of foreign and domestic tourists: Local devotees' visit usually culminates in the trek to "Balaan Bukid" or Holy Mountain where a huge cross is planted by the chapel overlooking Guimaras Strait and Iloilo City.


Lamilamihan Festival

Date: 2nd or 3rd Week of April Location: Lamitan, Basilan

A yearly festival coinciding with the founding of Lamitan Municipality; showcases the traditional Yakan customs and traditions, music and dances, and traditional crafts.


Manaoag Pilgrimage

Date: 2nd Week of April Location: Pangasinan

Annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Manaoag. Known to local pilgrims / tourists as miraculous, the Virgin's image has become one of Manaoag's main attractions. Pilgrims' vehicles are blessed every Saturday.

MAY


Pista'y Dayat


Date: May 1 Location: Lingayen, Pangasinan

A day of thanksgiving for bountiful harvests and abundant fishing observed all over Pangasinan traditional with mass offering on beautiful beaches and fluvial parade.

Santacruzan
Date: May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Location: Nationwide

The Santacruzan is a procession commemmorating St. Helena's finding the "True Cross"; preceded bya nine-day Novena in honor of the Holy Cross. On the ninth day, usually on a weekend, the Santacruzan is held. The Reina Elena, accompanied by a little boy representing King Constantine, and the other sagalas representing biblical characters and the attributes of the Blessed Virgin, walk under gaily decorated arches.


Carabao Festival
Date: May 14 - Location: Angono, Rizal

Farmers pay tribute to their patron saints; a procession of carabao carts bearing a myriad local produce is held; prizes are awarded to the strongest and most beautifully decorated carabaos.


Pulillan CarabaoDate: May 14 Location: Pulilan, BulacanHundreds of festively adorned carabaos are paraded by theis farmer-owners on the street leading to the church; there they are made to kneel down homage to San Isidro de Labrado, the patron saint of farmers.

Pahiyas sa Quezon

Date: May 15 Location: Sariaya, Lucban, Tayabas, Quezon

Homes are decked with kiping (multi-colored paper thin, leaf-shaped rice kropeck) and harvested vegetables; trade fair; civic parades, procession and other activities.

Obando Fertility Rites

Date: May 17 to 19 Location: Obando, Bulacan

A three day fiesta celebration in honor of San Pascual, Baylon, Sta. Clara and Nuestra Senora de Salambao. Childless couples, thankful parents, grateful farmers and fishermen dance along the streets together with colorfully customed women to pray for children and a good harvest.

Tapusan sa Kawit

Date: May 30 Location: Kawit, Cavite

A procession of gaily decorated floats decked with flowers of Maytime honors the Blessed Virgin. The participation of the town's most beautiful young ladies symbolizes the purity and innocence of the Blessed Mother.

Antipolo Pilgrimage

Date: May Location: Antipolo, Rizal

A month-long celebration that brings devotees and pilgrims to venerate the Lady of Peace and Good Voyage enshrined in Antipolo Church and afterwards, picnic to nearby Hinulugang Taktak.

JUNE

Independence Day

Date: June 12 Location: Kawit, Cavite
Independence Day Celebration, marked by a flag raising ceremony on the balcony of the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, where the first Philippine flag was unfurled.

Parada ng Lechon

Date: June 24 Location: Balayan, Batangas

The parading on the Feast of St. John the Baptist of "dressed" and decorated "lechons" (roasted pigs) around town. Revelers partake of the lechons after the parade.

Pintados Festival

Date: June 29 Location: Tacloban City

Street pageantry and contest focusing on the Leyteños' old custom of tattooing that signifies courage and status in the community.


JULY

Paaway sa Kabayo (Horsefight)
Date: July 25 and December 25 Location: Tanjay, Negros Orriental


An exciting, thrilling and oftentimes bloody fight among studs for supremacy over a female horse. More than 100 horses have been trained solely for this twice a year event.

Bocaue River Festival

Date: First Sunday of July Location: Bocaue, Bulacan

A famous river festival held in honor of the miraculous Cross of Bocaue (Krus ng Wawa). During the fluvial procession, devotees ride in the "pagoda" and douse each other with water.



AUGUST


Rajah Baguinda Festival

Date: 2nd Week of August Location: Jolo, Sulu

A three-day cultural show and festivites commemorating the arrival of Rajah Baguinda who was responsible for the spread of Islam and reinforcing the Sultanate Government in the Sulu Archipelago.

Kadayawan sa Dabaw

Date: 3rd Week of August Location: Davao City

A celebration of the bountiful harvests of fruits and orchids during the season. Activities include fruit and flower show, trade fair, tribal/civic/military parade, traditional sports activities, horsefight, Search for B'yaneng Kadayawan and street dancing.


SEPTEMBER

Lemlunay (T'Boli Tribal Festival)

Date: September 16-18 Location: Lake Sebu, South Cotabato

An annual authentic T'boli tribal festival staged at Lake Sebu. Features tribal rituals that start at early down amidst sounds of gongs and native music, culminating at the town plaza where cultural dances and ethic sports like horsefight are held.


Feast of Nuestra Senorra Penafrancia

Date: 3rd Saturday of September Location: Naga City, Camarines Sur

A religious festival held in hornor of the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Bicol's most revered patrones highlighted by the fluvial procession of the Lady's image down the Bicol river. The week-long-celebration includes civic-military parade, sportsfests, exhibits, cultural shows, beauty pageants and colorful competitions.


OCTOBER

Maskara Festival

Date: October 19 Location: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

The biggest annual event that reflects the Bacoleños love for fun and gaiety. Coinciding with Bacolod City's charter day celebration, the festival features sports competitions, cultural programs, carnivals, beauty contest and a long Mardi grasstyle costumed and masked street dancers.

Ibalong Festival

Date: October 19-22 Location: Legaspi City

A celebration depicting Bicol's early beginnings as portrayed in the "Ibalong" epic that tells of super heroes Handiong, Batlog and Oryol and villains and wild animals that roamed in the ancient times. In music and dances, revelers parade on the main streets wearing masks of these heroes and villains. Festival activities include tours, trade fairs, exhibits and beauty pageants.

La Naval De Manila

Date: 2nd Sunday of October Location: Sto. Domingo, Quezon City

A festival revolving around the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary of La Naval carved in 1533 and given as a gift to the Dominican Fathers. Borne on an elaborately decorated and well-lit carriage in the form of a ship, the venerated image is brought out of the church preceded by a dozen or so images of Dominican saints. The procession goes around the main streets of Sto. Domingo parish and then returns to the church amidst applause until it reaches the altar pedestal.

NOVEMBER

Feast of San Clemente/Higantes Festival

Date: November 22-23 Location: Angono, Rizal

Angono's joyous fiesta in honor of San Clemente whose image, resplendent in papal vestment, is borne by male devotees during a procession accompanied by "pahadores (devotees dressed in colorful local costumes, wooden shoes and carrying boat paddles) and higantes" (giant paper mache effigies) The street event culminates in a fluvial procession in Laguna de Bay amidst revelry that continues until the image is brought back to its sanctuary.

Grand Cordillera Festival

Date: November Location: Baguio City

One of the region's major events held annualy featuring the gathering of tribes in a week-long event to "celebrate life" marked by tribal dancing and performances of thanksgiving ritual.

DECEMBER

Marian Procession

Date: December 8 Location: Intramuros, Manila

A revival of religious tradition with more than 60 images of the Blessed Virgin Mary from various parishes and provinces paraded.

Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion

Date: December 8 Location: Intramuros, Manila

An Eucharistic celebrabration of the Feast Day of the La Immaculada, patroness of Intramuros, capped by a grand procession of more than 50 Marian images from all over the country and participated in by thousands of devotees.

Bikol Pastores

Date: December 18 Location: Legazpi City, Albay

A unique Christmas celebration believed to have originated in the province where "pastores" - young men and women dressed in colorful shepherd costumes - joyfully dance and sing "Pastores a Belen" through the city streets.

San Fernando Giant Lantern Festival

Date: December Location: Ermita, Manila

A fiesta in honor of one of the oldest Marian images in the country (it was found by Legazpi's soldiers amidst the foliage of a pandan shrub on the shores of Ermita in 1571) - the La Nuestra Señora de Guia, patroness of seafarers and also known as Our Lady of Expectations. The main event of the fiesta is the Bota de Flores, a reenactment of a select group of young ladies and their escorts in sailor costumes of the procession returning the La Nuestra Señora de Guia to its reconstructed shrine in 1918.

Binirayan Festival

Date: December 28-30 Location: San Jose, Antique

A festive commemoration of an episode in the history of the Filipino race through colorful pageants acted on the beaches of Maybato in San Jose and Malandog in Hamtik. Particularly interesting is the drama of the first Malay settlement at malandog which runs for several days and nights. Binirayan is also an occasion of reunion with families, relatives and friends of homecoming Antiqueno expatriates.

SOURCE: http://www.asiatravel.com/philfestival.html


SIMBANG GABI

SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass.


Simbang Gabi or Mass at Dawn is a nine-day novena to the Blessed Mother. The novena begins December 16 as early as 4 in the morning and culminates with the “Misa de Gallo” on Christmas Eve to welcome the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In some churches, the panuluyan is reenacted showing the effort of Joseph and Mary to find a suitable birthplace.


SOURCE: http://www.rcam.org/library/SIMBANG_GABI.htm



PHILIPPINE WEDDING

Traditionally, wedding expenses are paid for by the groom's family in the Philippine setting, unlike in some western cultures. But more and more couples contribute their share from their hard-earned savings. Some couples even shoulder the entire wedding expense themselves. It normally follows that whoever foots the bill has the final say on how big the wedding will be and has the 'majority stake' on the guest list.

SOURCE: http://www.weddingsatwork.com/index.php/pinoy-wedding-facts-trivia/


PHILIPPINE FIESTA

The fiesta is part and parcel of Filipino culture. Through good times and bad times, the Filipino fiesta must go on. Each city and barrio has at least one local festival of its own, usually on the feast of its patron saint, so that there is always a fiesta going on somewhere in the country.

SOURCE: http://www.livinginthephilippines.com/philculture/philippine_articles/filipino_fiesta_celebration.html

♫ SIGHTS ♫

BORACAY

Boracay is a tropical island in the Philippines. It is the beach capital of the country. Boracay is renowned for its powdery white sands, which are said to be the finest in the world. The surrounding water is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago. With over 350 establishments catering to tourists, Boracay has become a favorite travel destination for both foreigners and locals.

Boracay Island is first and foremost a sun-worshippers paradise. Powdery white sand and calm waters conspire to keep visitors coming back. Massages, fruit shakes, drinks, snacks, and even wi-fi make for a one-stop beach experience.

The atmosphere in Boracay Island is very casual. People just walk around in their swim suits all day and all night long, dancing to music barefoot on the beaches until dawn. If you're looking for fun and adventure while getting a nice tan along the way, Boracay Island is the perfect travel destination for you.

Those who tire of lazing about will enjoy traversing the sandy pedestrian path along the white beach. Restaurants, shops, scuba diving, mountain bike rentals, and sea sports of all sorts are available along the beach. There will be no shortage of friendly faces offering sunset paraw (the local sailboat) tours, island hopping and tours by motorized banca, hair braiding and henna tattooing, and even a little Nemo to show you some clownfish through a glass bottomed boat! Internet, phone, and fax are available all over the island.


SOURCE:http://www.wowphilippines.com.ph/explore_phi/place_details.asp?content=description&province=98



PALAWAN SUBTERRANEAN RIVER

The Subterranean Underground River in the River National Park is one of the most visited places among tourists. Who will not get mesmerized by the beauty and splendor found from this amazing underground river? Most tourists express their description of the Subterranean Underground River to be an enchanting place. The underground river is an excellent scenic spot to visit. The resembling religious-like images of stalactites and stalagmites are all breathtaking views. Cove dwelling faunas also dwell in the underground rivers and are eye catchers as well.

The cool and calm waters in Palawan’s Subterranean Underground River give leeway for a wonderful banca trip down to the underground river. The river winds around limestone caverns that were carved from the precipitated waters. The underground river directly flows to the sea subjecting its cavern entrance to tidal influences. The underground river, by virtue of Proclamation No. 835 on March 26, 1971 was officially declared to be called as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and is now included as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The rocky mountain that comprises the land forms of the park is covered with lush tropical rain forests. A small portion of the park is vegetated with karst limestone. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is also popular with other tourist sites aside from the famous underground river. Worth mentioning are the wildlife preservation park, the endangered Palawan mousedeer and famous peacock pheasants. The Philippines Cockatoo are also found there.

SOURCE: http://www.new7wonders.com/nature/en/nominees/asia/c/PuertoPrincesa/


BAGUIO

Looking for a place where you could leave all your cares behind? Baguio City, the Summer Capital of the Philippines promises a haven to anyone who seeks its comfort. With its numerous tourist attractions and panoramic scenes and invigorating pine scented fresh air it seeks to provide a respite to any traveler, a hideaway to the romantics and respite to the weariest soul. Capture this one of a kind feeling as you browse through the vivid and vibrant scenes of the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

The name Baguio conjures, for both the international and domestic traveler, a highland retreat in the Grand Cordillera in Northern Luzon, with pine trees, crisp cold breezes and low verdant knolls and hillocks. Through the numerous decades Baguio has morphed from what was once a grassy marshland into one of the cleanest and greenest, most highly urbanized cities in the country. It has made its mark as a premiere tourist destination in the Northern part of the Philippines with its cool climate, foggy hills, panoramic views and lovely flowers. Being the ideal convergence zone of neighboring highland places, Baguio is the melting pot of different peoples and cultures and has boosted its ability to provide a center for education for its neighbors. Its rich culture and countless resources have lured numerous investments and business opportunities to the city.

Baguio is not called the Garden City of the north without good reason. Its many scenic parks dot the cityscape and offer the chance for a quiet and tranquil afternoon getaway. Aside from the usual picnicking, one can try their hand at horseback riding or fishing. Very clean and well-maintained, Baguio's parks are the pride of the city.

So these are the following destinations in Baguio wherein you should not miss: Botanical Gardens, Burnham Park, Camp Johnhay, Mines View, Wright Park, Kennon Road, Teachers Camp, Mansion House, Philippine Military Academy, Lourdes Grotto, Bell Church, Baguio Cathedral, Woodcarvers Village, Saint Louis Filigree Shop, Asin Hot Springs, Mount Santo Tomas and a lot more.

SOURCE: http://www.baguio.gov.ph/


BANAUE RICE TERRACES

The Banaue Rice Terraces are terraces that were carved into the mountains of Ifugao in the Philippines by ancestors of the Batad indigenous people. These are commonly referred to by Filipinos as the "Eight Wonder of The World".

Carved out of the hillside by Ifugao tribe’s people 2000 to 3000 years ago without the aid of machinery to provide level steps where the natives plant rice. And they are still in use today. In 1995, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Ifugao Rice Terraces are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity. Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, the Ifugao Rice Terraces represent an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed various challenges and setbacks posed by modernization.

This sight is a memorial to the history and labor of more than a thousand generations of small-scale farmers who, working together as a community, have created a landscape based on a delicate and sustainable use of natural resources. These man-made terraces are also known as giant stairways to the sky.

SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banaue_Rice_Terraces


CHOCOLATE HILLS

The Chocolate Hills is an unusual geological formation in Bohol, Philippines. It is composed of around 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills of about the same size, spread over an area of more than 50 square kilometers (20 sq mi). They are covered in green grass that turns brown during the dry season, hence the name.

The Chocolate Hills is a famous tourist attraction of Bohol. It is featured in the provincial flag and seal to symbolize the abundance of natural attraction in the province. It is in the Philippine Tourism Authority's list of tourist destinations in the Philippines; it has been declared the country's 3rd National Geological Monument and proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Bohol's "main attraction", these unique mound-shaped hills are scattered by the thousands on the island's central plain, concentrated near the town of Carmen.

During the dry season, the precipitation is inadequate such that the grass-covered hills dry up and turn chocolate brown. This transforms the area into seemingly endless rows of "chocolate kisses". The branded confection is the inspiration behind the name, Chocolate Hills. Most people who first see pictures of this landscape can hardly believe that these hills are not a man-made artifact. However, this idea is quickly abandoned, as the effort would surely surpass the construction of the pyramids in Egypt.

SOURCE: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_Hills