Church as Hospital for the Broken

MY PERSONAL REALIZATIONS & FEELINGS UPON RENDERING SERVICE TO MY PARISH

Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish

The Youth Group I volunteer for is very diverse – both economically and racially. However, the young teens in the group have similar needs – they need consistent and attentive adults in their lives.  Interacting with them and being present for them gives me an opportunity to check in and listen to how things are going for them.  Being able to be there for them, and doing even simple things like giving the teens a ride home or talking about their experiences at school can help them deal with their struggles.

Being around other people who are struggling and don’t have easy answers can change one in a profound way – and that has been my experience with the community service I rendered.  Working as a volunteer has taught me to be more present and is an important reminder that everyone has unique set of struggles in life and their own ways to cope.  At times, volunteering does seem a bit constraining; as volunteer, I cannot take on interventions in families as a social worker can.  My role is not to intervene but just to be there for the youth  and help them shape their reality in some ways.  It is a very humbling experience, as well as a role that is both nourishing and make me feel a part of the community.  As a volunteer my goal is to create a supportive and friendly environment – the urge to be a social worker and a responsible adult and to try to fix of the situation is always there but we have to look at solutions in which we are empowering the teenagers while being active listeners.

MY PARISH SHOW ME WHAT A TRUE CHURCH IS

My Parish exemplifies what a true church is by showing love to our local area and community.

They participate in community events as a congregation, especially in service and clean-up projects. They are also beginning to host Emergency preparedness days for the local community, combining with other congregations as well as local fire, police, and charity organizations.

My parish collects money and food to be given to those less fortunate. There are many groups active within the church and the wider community that visit and help those in need - both our own parishoners and those who are not necessary catholic but could do with a helping hand.

My parish has a great youth program, that seriously provided a home for the less fortunates. They hold a soup kitchen every month which appearantly brings in close to a 100 needy people in Putatan. Also they have clothing and food drives. A blood drive every once in a while. They operate a catholic school (Our Lady of the Abandoned Catholic School). It is a great church and I hope this becomes better after few more years.

SUGGESTIONS & COMMENTS ON WHAT I CAN DO TO IMPROVE MY PARISH AS A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS

Our Lady of the Abandoned Catholic School

I would talk to our Parish Priest and make some suggestions, I would suggest to get people involved from all levels and from all aspects of commitment. I will try to address ways on how I can reach youth, young adults, families and the elderly or seniors. It may take a targeted approach to each as they have different desires and needs at different times in their lives.

Next, I will try to reach everyone on two different levels of committment. Some people may have free time to commit an hour or more a week or even a committment to daily Mass or some weekday volunteer opportunity. On another level, I need to have something available where someone could attend or participate infrequently or even just through some donation or prayer on their own schedule. This sort of thing could be a prayer chain or membership in a society for adoration.

Setting up adoration weekly or around the clock 24/7 can be great to inspire a renewed vigor and spirituality in my church. It really depends on the realities of my parish. A country parish where most live twenty plus miles away might be difficult to pull off and coordinate. An inner city parish with a lot of members is perfect for this sort of thing in many cases.

Tungkulin ng Wika sa mga Filipino at sa Bansang Pilipinas

Isang Wika tungo sa Pagkakaisa

Sa pagmulat ng ating mga mata sa umaga ay mababanaag natin ang sikat ng araw, mahinahong dumadaloy sa ating kabuuan at nagsisilbing tulong upang magkaroon tayo ng lakas na magpatuloy sa buhay. Sa mga Pilipinong gaya mo at gaya ko ay nakasanayan na natin ang magsambit ng isang maikling panalangin. Magwiwika tayo sa Poong Maykapal ng isang pasasalamat na alam nating makakarating sa langit. Sa pagsisimula pa lamang ng ating araw ay gumagamit na tayo ng wika, ngunit ano nga ba talaga ang wika?

Sa aking sariling pag-aanalisa, ang wika ang nagsisilbing pundasyon ng pagkakaisa ng mga taong gumagamit nito, tayong mga Pilipino. Ang wika rin ang nagbibigkis sa matibay na ugnayan ng bawat isa at malaki ang naiaambag nito sa natatanging pagkakakilanlan ng mga Pilipino. Tanging ang bansang Pilipinas lamang ang gumagamit ng mga salitang "Po" at "Opo". Ang mga nabanggit ay isang malaking patunay sa mayamang tradisyon at wika ng Pilipinas. Napakalaki ng tulong na naibibigay ng ating pambansang wika sa bawat isa sa atin. May mga tungkulin ang wika at talagang nakikita natin na nagagampanan niya ito.

     

Tulay sa iisang Diwa at Saloobin

Ang wika ay nagmimistulang tulay sa pagitan ng magkakalayong lugar, magakakalayong loob at minsan para na rin sa mga taong naghahanap ng tunay na sarili. Tulay na nag-uugnay tungo sa pagkakaisa ng diwa at saloobin.
        
Wika, maikli at napakasimpleng salita ngunit kumakatawan sa mga napakaraming salik ng isang pagiging tunay na tao at tunay na Pilipino.

Bisyo ng Isang Maliit na Babae

Noong bata pa lang ako ay mahilig na 'kong mangalikot ng kung ano-anong mga bagay. Isa sa mga madalas 'kong paglaruan noon ay yung mga libro na inaalikabok sa bodega ng bahay namin, nakakatuwaan ko silang tingnan kase namamangha ako sa mga picture na nakikita ko. Di pa ko marunong magbasa noon kaya kinukulit ko ‘yung mga tao sa bahay para basahan ako at ipaintindi sa’ken  iyong mga bagay na nasa litrato kahit na minsan di ko naman talaga maintindihan at tango lang ako ng tango, at iniiyakan ko sila kapag ayaw nila. Naalala ko pa nga ‘yung araw na inaway ko yung kaklase ko dahil pinakialaman niya ‘yung dala kong story book at dahil sa pangyayaring ‘yon ay medyo natakot sila sa’ken. Simula ng matuto akong magbasa ay wala na kong ibang ginawa kundi magbasa ng magbasa lalo na ‘pag sapit ng bakasyon.

Noong high school na ako ay di ko inakala na mas titindi pa pala ang pagkahilig ko sa libro. Tinitipid ko ‘yung baon ko at di kumakaen pag recess para sa bisyo ko, OO bisyo! Nakakatawang pakinggan pero ‘yan talaga ang tawag ng nanay ko diyan at madalas pa nga kameng mag-away dahil sa bisyo ko, pero ano magagawa ko? First Love ko ang pagbabasa. Pagsapit ng Sabado at Linggo ay di mo ako matatagpuan sa bahay, nasa mall ako pero di para mag-gala at kumaen, sinusuyod ko ang mga bookstore na nagbebenta ng second hand books at doon ako bumubile ng libro, minsan window shopping para mapag-ipunan ko 'yung susunod na libro. Ayos na sa’ken kahit second hand, di naman ganoon kaimportante 'yung cover at itsura ng libro, mas importante pa rin 'yung laman. Dahil pangalawang gamit na yung mga librong binibili ko ay kailangan ko pang bumili ng plastic cover para ibalot sa mga binili ko. Uuwi ako ng mayroong ngiti sa labi dahil marami akong naiuwing kayamanan. Kung ang nanay ko tinatawag silang bisyo, itinuturing ko naman silang KAYAMANAN ng buhay ko dahil sa pagbabagong naidulot nila sa akin at ang karunungang taglay nito.

Unti-unti ko na ring inaalis ang pagbabasa ng mga babasahin na may litrato. Gusto ko kasi magkaroon ng kapangyarihan na sinasabi ng nakararaming mambabasa, oo, kapangyarihan ang tawag nila. Ang kapangyarihan na tinutukoy ko ay ang kakayahang bumuo ng sariling mga imahe, litrato at senaryo sa isip. Sa palagay ko ay mas maganda ito dahil bukod sa lalawak ang imahinasyon mo ay pwede ka pang pumunta sa mga lugar na gusto mong bisitahin, libre pamasahe!

Kakaibang tuwa at galak ang nararamdaman ko tuwing nakikita ang mga libro sa kabinet ko, na dugo’t pawis ang puhunan, sigaw ng nanay ko, oras at effort. Tuwing makakatapos ako ng isang libro ay malaking achievement na iyon para sa akin at feeling ko ay napakataba ng utak ko. Nangangarap nga ako na balang-araw ay magkaroon ako ng mini library sa bahay ko at alam kong isa iyon sa mga pinakamasayang bahagi ng buhay ko. Maaaring sa tingin ng iba, ang pagbabasa ay corny, boring at sayang sa oras, pero doon sila nagkakamali, ang pagbabasa ay isang simpleng gawain lamang ngunit talaga namang maaaring magdulot ng napakalaking pagbabago sa buhay ng isang indibidwal. Pagbabago na maaaring magdala sa iyo at sa nakararami sa rurok ng tagumpay.

Anxiety Disorder and My Realizations

Watching movies, indie films and short clips containing some psycho matters (psychopathic or neurotic person) is not new to me, but seeing a short documentary showing the complete view of a specific disorder caught my attention. It is a documentay aiming to inform and entertain at the same time. It is entertaining because while learning some new facts about the topic it also helps you to understand some familiar words better. Like for example the term “anxiety”, before I just look at this word as a description for those people who are emotionally disturbed, but while watching it I fully understand what was the complete and exact definition of that single word. Anxiety is a state of intense apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a threatening event or situation, often to a degree that normal physical and psychological functioning is disrupted. It is a generalized mood condition that can often occur without an identifiable triggering stimulus. As such, it is distinguished from fear, which is an emotional response to a perceived threat. Additionally, fear is related to the specific behaviors of escape and avoidance, whereas anxiety is related to situations perceived as uncontrollable or unavoidable. Anxiety disorder is a blanket term covering several different forms of abnormal and pathological fear and anxiety which only came under the aegis of psychiatry.

The first example of anxiety discussed is about the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). It is a pattern of mental and physical defects that can develop in a fetus in association with high levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Alcohol crosses the placental barrier and can stunt fetal growth or weight, create distinctive facial stigmata, damage neurons and brain structures, which can result in psychological or behavioral problems, and cause other physical damage. The main effect of FAS is permanent central nervous system damage, especially to the brain. Developing brain cells and structures can be malformed or have development interrupted by prenatal alcohol exposure. This can create an array of primary cognitive and functional disabilities including poor memory, attention deficits, impulsive behavior, and poor cause-effect reasoning as well as secondary disabilities like predispositions to mental health problems and drug addiction. Signs and symptoms of this are Pre or post-natal growth deficiency, central nervous system disfunction and abnormal facial features like thin upper lip, smooth philtrum and small eye width. People having Fetal Alcohol Syndrome appears to be normal but never reach their potential. They are also clinically suspect but appears normal. Another type of anxiety disorder is the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or commonly known as OCD. This one really got my attention because I remember Emma Pillsbury of Glee, she also have OCD and currently taking up some medications. OCD is not new to me because of Glee series. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety, or by a combination of such obsessions and compulsions. Symptoms of this disorder include excessive washing or cleaning, repeated checking, extreme hoarding, preoccupation with sexual, violent or religious thoughts, aversion to particular numbers and nervous rituals, such as opening and closing a door a certain number of times before entering or leaving a room. These symptoms can be alienating and time-consuming, and often cause severe emotional and financial distress. However, OCD sufferers generally recognize their obsessions and compulsions as irrational, and may become further distressed by this realization. The last anxiety disorder discussed was the Panic Disorder. It is characterized by recurring severe panic attacks. It may also include significant behavioral change lasting at least a month and of ongoing worry about the implications or concern about having other attacks. People having this usually have a series of intense episodes of extreme anxiety during panic attacks. There is no single cause for panic disorder, however, panic disorder has been found to run in families, and suggests that inheritance plays a strong role in determining who will get it. Panic disorder is common among mid-teens to adulthood and according to what have said, women are three times more likely to have panic disorder than men. 

Being able to watch that short documentary is a good experience for me, because aside from the knowlege that it gave, it also shows me how to deal with people having anxiety disorders. I like the film because of its content even though its quite short because of the limited time that we have and I am looking forward on watching the other half of the movie. 

Wikang Filipino: Mahalagang salik sa pagpapahayag ng Karapatang Pantao

Ang panahon ng Amerikano ang nagbigay-daan upang sumilang ang mga dulang tuwiran at di-tuwirang tumutuligsa sa pamahalaan. Nariyan ang Walang Sugat ni Severino Reyes, ang Tanikalang Ginto ni Juan K. Abad at Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas ng katipunerong si Aurelio Tolentino. Bawat isa ay tumalakay sa mapagbalatkayong pakikitungo sa atin ng mga Amerikano. Sa panahon ding ito, ipinahiwatig ng mga Pilipino ang epekto ng kulturang Amerikano sa buhay ng mga Pilipino. Ang paksa ng ekonomiyang kapitalista ay tinuligsa sa Banaag at Sikat ni Lope K. Santos, ang pang-aapi ng mga panginoong maylupa ay nabasa sa Walang Panginoon ni Deogracias Rosario, at sa lahat ng ito, nakarating hanggang sa kasalukuyan ang hapdi ng pananakop sa mga titik ng tula na naging awit na Bayan Ko ni Jose Corazon De Jesus.

Sa panahong kasalukuyan, kalabisan na marahil kung uulitin pa natin ang malinaw na katotohanang walang ibang wikang ginamit ang Dalawang EDSA upang makahikayat ng libu-libong Pilipino kundi ang wikang Filipino. Mula sa Magkaisa hanggang sa Gloria Labandera ay wikang sarili ang laging nagsasalamin sa hinaing ng mga Pilipino. Pagdating ng eleksyon, wala ni isang kandidato ang nagpilit na magpa-Ingles-Ingles sa harap ng madla. Sa buong proseso ng pagpapatalsik sa dating Pangulo, di miminsang nagtalo pa ang mga senador sa kung anong uri ng varayti ng Filipino ang gagamitin. Hindi nga ba’t kahit yaong matataas ang kalibre sa pagsasalita ng Ingles at maging yaong hindi Tagalog ay nagsalita ng Filipino upang maiparating lamang ang kanilang mga pananaw sa milyun-milyong Pilipinong nanonood at sumusubaybay? At masasabi kong higit sa lahat, pagkat siyang pinakamaimpluwensya, pagmasdan at pakinggan ang wika ng mass media. Ang dati-rating mga wikang Ingles ang gamit sa pagbabalita at paglilingkod ay mabilis na nagbago patungo sa paggamit ng wikang Filipino. Maging ang mga telenobela at cartoon na kinahihiligan sa araw-araw ay kinailangang isa-Filipino upang subaybayan. At sa lahat ng ito, natutuhan na ng mga bata ang mga batayang konsepto sa matematika, agham at teknolohiya sa sarili nating wika.

        
Sa kabuuan, bagamat dalawa ang madalas na ginagamit na wika ng ating bansa, Filipino at Ingles, hindi maikakaila na kung ang nais natin ay tapat at tuwirang pagkakaunawaan, Filipino ang DAPAT UPANG MAIPAHAYAG ANG KARAPATAN NG BAWAT MAMAMAYAN! ANG WIKANG ITO AY SUBOK NA NG KASAYSAYAN! ANG WIKA RING ITO ANG MAGBUBUKLOD SA SAMBAYANAN!

Extreme Night 2011: Next in Line

The volunteers of New Life Christian Center conducted a musical play directed by Ms. Arlene Faraon entitled “Extreme Night” last September 24, 2011 at the 3rd Floor of the New Life Christian Center building at exactly 7:00 in the evening. More than 600 attended the said event and most of them came from different colleges such as Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Malayan Colleges, Letran Calamba, Perpetual Help College, De La Salle Santiago Zobel and San Beda College Alabang.

Next in Line casts

The event started with an ice breaker lead by the two hosts of the event: Bianca and Jesse by means of shouting “EXTRME” and a talent portion. The winner was given a 1000 worth of gift certificate from starbucks and/or Timezone. After warming up the spirit of the audience, a special guest was then introduced by the hosts-DJ Danny. DJ Danny is a 20 year old guy and according to him, he has been serving at New Life Christian Center since 9 years old. He shows his extreme talent which is human beat boxing. Human Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion primarily involving the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. DJ Danny’s extreme talent caught the attention of the crowd and make everybody excited on what is going to happen next. Then, the hosts introduced the 10 students sponsored by John Curtis together with their sketchpads containing their artworks. World without art is boring, so we should be thankful to God for being a great artist in our life. The main event of the night was then showed, casts appear on the stage, singing Next in Line. From that scene it changes to a scenario inside the MRT. The first to stand up is a girl telling her story about her dark past. She was molested by her stepfather, got pregnant and left by her boyfriend. Second, a straight-haired young lady complaining about her parents. She is always being compared to others on whatever she does, for this reason she was stressed thinking on how to become perfect in her parents’ eyes. Third, a confused lady appears on the stage. She is asking, how, what, when and where is her place here on earth. She tries everything to fit in the society where she belongs, she is totally confused. Last, a sporty guy looking for a perfect love from a perfect girl, but then a guy appears on the stage saying that God gave us the perfect love we are looking for in our whole life. Lights out, and the guy who always appears every after each cast’s drama was gone.

A closing remarks was given by Pastor Heidi through a simple prayer while the other volunteers are giving some leaflets to be fill up. Pastor Heidi also said that “Awareness is the first step to change.” The casts of musical play appear again on the stage singing Next in Line. Kuya Rean introduced a special guest, Kara Teñoso of Protègè (singing contest in GMA 7) together with her mentor, Ms. Claire Dela Fuente.

The event ended well and properly by the help of the New Life and Christian Center volunteers.

Myth of the Human Body Exhibit

The Educational Field Trip which was organized by the EUREKA last July 25, 2011 at Taguig City was extremely amazing and so knowledgeable. We have gone first to a mini-theater and watch a short movie on how a life was form. There’s no introduction was given to the film, nor explanation after on what was the movie is all about, maybe because they want the viewers to reflect on their own.

Our tour guide, Kuya Richard who was like a talking doll said that the bodies were donated and most of them came from China. It features real human corpses that have undergone the process of plastination. The specimens are arranged in seven halls. At the first hall, introductions are made. A video of Gunther von Hagens, who invented and patented the plastination technique is looped. We saw there the plastination process in which samples are dried, and then processed in a vacuum.

Von Hagens, wearing a black hat, is shown demonstrating the process using a horse. One is posed as a basketball player, another as an archer - but it's confusing because the archer is shooting himself in the arm.

The guide asks us to refrain from asking why the archer is shooting himself in the arm, because he says it is impossible to position the body properly.

The halls are named after Greek deities, hence the exhibit title "Myth of the Human Body." The first hall is Heracles, and the focus is on the muscular and skeletal system. Spread out beneath glass are different plastinated body parts, in various states of health, dissected to different degrees.

Here it becomes clear that the exhibit is an anatomy lesson more than anything else. The guide rattles off facts about the human body, indicating the parts on display. After a few minutes, the guide ushers the group to the next hall and bids us to take care of our muscular and skeletal system. The advice is both friendly and ominous, given that we had just spent a few minutes staring at what our insides look like, or could look like.

The rest of the tour went the same way. Groups were guided through Poseidon (the respiratory system), Dionysus (the digestive system), Hades (the circulatory system), Eros (the reproductive system), Zeus (the brain and the nervous system), and Artemis (the fetal system). Some of the plastinated bodies were positioned innocently enough, simply upright, or maybe like a wrestler, like "The Strong Man." But some positions were a bit disconcerting, like the woman "holding" her organs, or the skinless man with his skin draped over his arm. I was amazed when I saw the skinless man because I found out that his tattoo was still there, it only means that tattoo lasts forever or even after death. Others, like the "Monterey Man" - literally chopped from head to toe were really disturbing. Disturbing and fascinating at the same time. The body parts were, after all, the real thing.

Myth of the Human Body Building Facade

I must say, it’s the most sulit I have ever paid for an exhibit.

The building itself is beautiful. The huge statues of gods and goddesses outside were beyond amazing. It is like the whole structure is alive. I was not able to take a good photo though, because there were posts blocking the view. Anyway, the corpses were awesome. I’d like to take a few home, especially those with internal organs. Myth of the Human Body is definitely not for the faint of heart but for everyone who wants to gain extra knowledge.

Unang Paglalakbay sa Riles ng Buhay

Sa labing-anim na taon na ipinagkaloob sa akin ng Diyos ay noong Biyernes ko lamang nasubukan at naranasan ang pagsakay sa LRT (Light Rail Transit). Nakakatuwang isipin ngunit iyon ang katotohanang bumabalot sa musmos kong pagkatao. Ang unang naging hakbang ng aming grupo ay ang pagsakay ng bus mula Alabang Town Center hanggang Buendia, bumaba kami doon at umakyat sa hagdanan na alam kong ihahatid ako sa ibang mundo. Nakakapanibago ang lugar sapagkat bukod sa napaka-usok ay makikita mo rin doon ang iba’t-ibang uri ng tao sa lipunan. Nagkakahalaga ng Php15.00 ang pamasahe sa LRT kaya naman maraming estudyante ang sumasakay dito. Sa palagay ko ay makatarungan naman ang singil nila dahil sulit ang byahe. Naghintay ang grupo namen sa pinakunang istasyon, ang Baclaran station. Dumating ang isang tren na walang sakay kaya naman nagsigawan sila na parang may artista, at sa totoo lang ay nahiya ako ‘nun sa sarili ko kaya medyo lumayo kame ng mga taong kapareho sa nararamdaman ko. Pagsakay namin ay pagkadismaya agad ang sumalubong sa’men sapagkat walang “Berso sa Metro” ang nakapaskil sa paligid kaya kinailangan naming bumaba at hintayin ang susunod na tren. Dumating na ang hinihintay namin ngunit sobra ang tulakan kaya naman napahiwalay kaming tatlo nila wood at soap, napasama kami sa tren na puro lalake ang sakay. Habang nasa loob ng tren ay di kami tumitigil sa pagtawa dahil sa kakaibang karanasan na iyon, nakatingin ang karamihan sa amin dahil sa ingay na dulot namin. Sobra ang sikip sa tren ngunit unti-unti rin namang lumuluwag habang papalapit sa huling istasyon. Pahirapan din ang pagkuha ng litrato ng mga “Berso sa Metro” sapagkat mauga ang tren. Gaya ng nabanggit ko kanina ay matatagpuan doon ang iba’t-ibang klase ng tao, mayroong mga estudyante, simpleng manlalakbay, mga taong may mga dalang bagahe na sa palagay ko ay naglalaman ng kanilang panghanap buhay at mayroon ding mga foreigner. Bumaba kami sa pinakahuling istasyon na may baong mga ngiti sa labi sapagkat tagumpay ang misyon namin. Sa unang pagkakataon na nakasakay ako sa LRT ay masasabi ko na napakasaya nito. Masaya dahil maraming bagay na doon ko lang naranasan. Maituturing ko rin ito na isa sa mga di ko malilimutang karanasan. Mainit, mahirap makipagsiksikan at sumakay ngunit marami naman akong natutuhan.
          
Ang pagsakay sa LRT ay maihahalintulad sa buhay ng isang simpleng tao. Maraming dadaan at magiging parte ng buhay mo, may makakaalis sa kinalalagyan niya ngayon at may maiiwan. Kinakailangan ring panatilihin ang balanse habang ika’y nakasakay sa agos ng buhay nang hindi ka matumba at magkaroon ng matibay na paninidigan. Sa bandang huli ay tayo pa rin ang magpapasya kung bababa na ba tayo o mananatiling nakikipagsapalaran sa gulong ng buhay.

Peace Retreat: The Sound of Silence

         

It was Monday when I saw my classmate crying in one corner. I ask her why, and she told me the news about the retreat. She's crying because the retreat accidentally hit her birthday, which will surely ruin her party. That day also, it made me think of what is a retreat and what can it do to me? Honestly, I don't know what retreat is, I came from a public high school and we are unable to have a peace retreat. I am so thankful that God had gave me the opportunity to study in San Beda College Alabang and experienced what peace retreat really is. Before, I think peace retreat as an activity where lots of crying will happen as what my friends and peers say. I also imagine that peace retreat will be a boring activity and a waste of time, but I’m wrong. Thursday night, I’m busy preparing my clothes, toiletries and other things that will be put on my luggage. Friday, I woke up early and found myself so excited for the retreat, well, it will be my first retreat ever. I hop on the car and make a stop at the gate of Alabang Hills Village to fetch my friends. We arrived at San Beda’s chapel and listen for a short instruction given by Fr. Dunstan. Fr. Dunstan gave us the chance to have a confession, honestly, that was only my second confession since my third grade and my last confession was seven years ago.
         
For 3 days and 2 nights stay at the Monseratt Center, I know that I had a wonderful experience and achievement as well. The first activity that we had was the washing of the feet. From that activity I learned how good really God is. He humble Himself even though He know who He was and what was His purpose. The most memorable activity for me was the distribution of letters from the parents. I was really surprised for that, because I did not expect to receive any, and it made me cry when I got one. I read the letter of my father, and it hurts me when I read the line in which my Daddy is saying sorry for not being able to send me on a private school because of the family crisis that we have undergone. Many memories-good and bad slowly flooded to my mind and that time, I want to burst out my feeling and shout. I want to shout to release the anger for myself. My Dad’s message for me teared off my heart. Another memorable activity for me was the writing of letters in return for our parents, it made me cry again one more time. My letter contains the three-most important element of a love letter, Thank You, Sorry, and I Love you.

         
The peace retreat was so good that it made me realize so many things in my life. Realizations which will helped me to transform from nothing to something. I realize that as of now in our life, we should learn to prioritize our parents. They are always on our side-in bad times and good times, and most of the time we just ignore them. I felt like that a cold water was pouring into my soul. I know it's God, touching my soul and asking me to come closer to Him. I love my parents but I cannot utter it in front of them because I’m shy and afraid. Shy because I’m not into that thing and afraid because my parents might take it as a joke.
         
There are so many material things here on Earth that we think that will make us happy and satisfied, but that was our biggest mistake. Youths of today should realize how important are parents are. We should give them the love they deserve because we don’t know until when we can enjoy the day with them. We should enjoy and treasure every moments that we have with them and show them how their hardworks developed and mold us into a better person they want to see.

Premarital Sex and its Plague

Premarital sex is a huge problem in society today. People everywhere are not waiting until they get married to have sex. People doing this are not aware of the consequences that may come with having a sex before marriage. They just think it’s fun and there is nothing other than fun comes with having sex.

Some people tend to have a lot of sex and they do it for the satisfaction. They believe sex is fun. It is perceived to be a great thing from the time one is young. Going to elementary school kids, they always talked about the day they were going to have sex and they looked forward to it. Where do they got the idea that sex was such a great thing? Well, it’s a question that one must answer. The movies, maybe or the magazines that one sees when digging through the drawers of an older brother, uncle or ones father. Sex is all over the society. You cannot watch cable television without seeing people kissing intimately, or even having sex. Just because cable does not show full nudity does not make it any better to let an eight year old child watch a television show full of sex.

In today’s society women are not held to that same standard as men are when it comes to having sex.

Now that the reasons of people having sex before marriage has been somewhat discussed and is out of the way, let us now tackle the consequences that come with having sex. First in my list is AIDS. This is a deadly virus that kills ones immune system. A person never dies from the actual virus. They die from the diseases that they can get due to a weak immune system. The immune system doesn't die slowly either it takes at least five years for the immune system to eventually give out. A person can die from a simple cold if they have contracted the AIDS virus. The cold starts of as a normal one does but it just keeps getting worse and worse. People suffer before they die from this disease. People having AIDS die slowly in pain. This disease has been responsible for killing millions of people. The way this virus is contracted is through exchange of bodily fluids. Sex is the number one way this virus is spread. What people are not realizing is that this disease is deadly and by having premarital sex and not being monogamous they too can get this disease. People are very aware that this disease is just out there but they do not understand that it can affect them.

There are many other diseases out there other than AIDS that are caused by having sex. Most other sexually transmitted diseases are deadly but they are curable if found before they cause your body a damage. Let's not forget how painful these diseases are. All I can say when I think of contracting something as painful as a disease is “OUCH”, and keep on pumping! Why would someone even want to take the chance of contracting one of these horrible diseases? Because sex is fun? There is a very simple solution if one would want to avoid contracting one of these horrible diseases. It's just as easy as having sex and not worrying about it.

Let's not forget how bad a reputation could a people have if others found out that they have a sexually transmitted disease. They would be laughed at and ridiculed. People would think that a person was dirty if they knew they had disease. What kind of feeling would a person have knowing that they have a disease that they have contracted through sexual intercourse.

The major religious belief in the Philippines is Christianity. It teaches that having sex before getting married is wrong. Having sex before marriage is a sin and when people commit sin they go to hell. Many people do sex as a past time activity. They don't think for the feelings of others. Christianity teaches people to treat others as they would like to be treated. I'm sure no person likes getting his or her feelings hurt. People should think about others before they do such things such as use others for sex. Christianity also teaches that lust is a sin. It is one of the seven deadly sins and it should not be taken lightly according to religious teachings. Lust leads to sex, and if sex is taken lightly, more and more people will begin to have children out of wedlock.

Pregnancy is also a result of sex. Those who are not married and have children doesn’t only make their own lives harder by burdening themselves financially but they also make it harder for their children to live without both of their parents. In some cases, children are left with just one parent and have to grow up the rest of their lives feeling unwanted because their biological father did not stick around. It is hard for a child to understand why he/she only have one parent knowing that the real reason was Premarital Sex. How would you explain this to a child? You couldn’t and if you did there would definitely be something wrong with you. An even worse case is a child who is put up for adoption and wanting to have sex with adults. He/she knows nothing about his/her real parents and is never given the opportunity to be given the love that every child deserves from his/her parents. I believe it would be hard not to know who your parents were. It would kill me to think that I could have a mother and father like most normal people but does not want to accept me.

Sex is not entirely bad. In my opinion, sex should be treated like everything else and be done in moderation. People should learn to understand each other and understand that sex is a big step in relationships and could only be done by those couple who are legally married. If it were not a big step there would be no point in getting married. Why would a person want to buy a used car when they could buy a new car? Sorry that it has to be put this way but this is the harsh reality of it. People who have slept around are not going to have an easy time finding a life mate. Nobody wants somebody who had slept with all of their friends. Why would you? How could you? It would be really awkward having all of my friends standing in my wedding knowing that I had sex with somebody before.

Hopefully people will begin to look at everything they can lose from having sex before marriage. The same goes for those who can not be monogamous. People should hold themselves to a higher standard. If people had more confidence I believe that they would feel they needed to have sex to impress people or to make people happy. Sex should be a result of love and should have more meaning than it does to some people.

The entire point is sex before marriage have consequences. There are many and I have only touched based on a few. If I were to go over every reason that sex was wrong, the list would never end.

My Teacher, My Hero

Teachers are significant part and have an influencing role in the life of every student. Teachers mold their students in the process and to shape their future. They show us the right path and groom us to become a better citizen and a better person. They teach us to face the most difficult challenges of life and get through them. What we learn from our teachers will remain with us, and throughout our life. However, very often, we fail to show our appreciation and gratitude for their altruistic devotion. Teachers do need encourage and support from the community to feel that their efforts are being recognized. To serve the purpose, Teacher’s day is celebrated to pay tribute to teachers, who have dedicated a considerable part of their life to impart moral and academic knowledge to their students. By having a celebration for Teacher’s day, students convey the message that they care for their teachers, just as they do and thanked them for providing their invaluable guidance. Through celebrating occasions like this, it gives them an opportunity to come closer to each other and have a strong bonding – a healthy interaction between students and teachers.

Pure Mind, Pure Heart, Romance without Regrets

Jason Evert speaks about the virtue of Chastity

       Aiming to help youth shaped their lives towards the common destiny of real love, fidelity and well being, The Pure Mind Pure Heart Romance without Regrets Symposium for high school students was held last February 24, 2011.

          The venue was at Camp Aguinaldo, Teatro Aguinaldo. Selected students from Pedro E. Diaz High School attended the symposium together with the other delegates from different public and private schools around Luzon Region. With Special guest speaker Jason Evert, the symposium aims to give young people convincing reasons to practice the virtue of chastity which is not only mere abstinence or what you can’t do and can’t have but also what you can do and can have right now, a lifestyle that brings freedom, respect, peace and romance without regret.

            In this seminar, Mr. Jason Evert also offers communication techniques, resources, statistics and a wealth of information to assist parents in their task as the primary sex educators of their children. The gist of the talks is summed up by Mr. Evert in his own words as follows: “God’s plan for life and love is so profound that when we understand it, we will never look the same way at the relationship between a man and a woman. When we see God’s plan for love, lust looks boring. When we see the truth about our bodies and sex, we change our lives, but not out of guilt, or fear of pregnancy or disease. We change our lives because God’s view of love is everything the human heart longs for”. Question and answer portion took place when Mr. Evert leaves the auditorium between the delegates and the guest speakers.

Miguel Escueta giving an intermission number for students

            The Organizers of this event are Youth for the Family together with the partner organizations University of Asia and the Pacific Student Executive Board-UP Club Tala, EDUCHILD Foundation, Inc., EDUCHILD Iloilo Catalyst of UA & P-Gawad Kalinga), and Couples for Christ Global with Diocesan Youth Commission NCR. It will be remembered that UA & P I am S.T.R.O.N.G. and InterMedia Consulting (a private development education entity based in Rome and Chicago) organized the highly successful Second International Congress on Education in Love, Sex and Life held in EDSA Shangri-la and Le Pavilion, which generated 850 international and local participants, capped by a Real Love Revolution concert and talk show, attended by 1,500 high school and university students.

            Also present in the event was Allyza Taja and Cecilla Ann Espinosa both alumnae of PAREF WoodRose Muntinlupa City and Miguel Escueta of Party Pilipinas.

Ang Pagiging Babae : Ang Katotohanan sa Likod ng Pagiging Birhen

Karangalang maituturing ang pagiging babae,

Kaganapang hindi dapat ituring na aksidente.

Nilalang sya ng Panginoon para sa isang misyon,

Mag-alay ng isang pagmamahal na walang kondisyon.

Siya ang kukumpuni’t huhubog ng ‘yong pagkatao.

Aaruga at gagabay hanggang sa ‘yong pagkatuto.

Ang babaeng ‘yong pinagmulan ay sya ring hahantungan.

My Personal View on P-NOY State of the Nation Address

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday was well-delivered, simple yet full of meaning. I was impressed watching the President. His SONA renews the hope of every Filipino in attaining a clean government, quality life, and a healthy and peaceful environment. It also provided hope to those who are unemployed to find jobs and livelihood and be motivated to stay here in our country. More importantly, it assured us that the horrors that the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Administration had inflicted upon us are things of the past.

The first part enumerates the sins, incompetence and the alleged anomalies of the past administration which result into contributing factors why the new leader feels that he is facing problems to deliver his promises. The second part includes the solutions and strategies he want to adopt to solve the perceived problems in order to promote prosperity and peace for the nation.

His message was straight to the point. He didn’t use props to dramatize his message, probably because its contents were explosive enough. He emphasized that there will be transparency in the use of government funds, from now on no more “tong-pats” or “quota”. He received 30 applauses from solons or the senators and congressmen but they were halfhearted applauses. Maybe solons realized that the days of their 60-percent take on projects is over. He was not being vindictive when he said that the past administration had used over 90 percent of the 2010 budget, mostly on projects in former President Arroyo’s district. Critics said he didn’t investigate into other important matters. But one can’t expect the President to present everything. SONAs are just outlines of the state of the nation and an overview of the President’s plan of action. But about half of the time, he dwelt on the “sins” of the Arroyo administration, much of which the people already know about. What is awaited is his vision of change and how that can be achieved. ‘Tong-pats‘, like ‘wang-wang’, is a catchy word but they are merely symbolic. ‘No wang-wang’ symbolizes discipline in all its forms and ‘no more tong-pats’ must be taken as being against any form of graft and corruption.

I also notice that his words were spoken from the heart but was careless. I like his straight-to-the-point speech but he must be discreet in his accusations. He lambasted the previous administration on overspending and wastage of public funds without examining thoroughly. His proposed solutions to the country’s problems are down-to-earth and practical, though. I am praying that the BOT (Build Operate Transfer) scheme in building infrastructure without capital outlay from the government is real and not a tender trap offer. I am praying that President Aquino manages to carry the load on his shoulders.

“Tuwid na Daan” or the Straight Path is a phrase repeatedly mentioned by the President to pertain to his governance direction for the country. Essential to this concept of “Tuwid na Daan” is the battle cry “Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap”. I think the administration believes that corruption is the root cause of the country’s grievous distress, and eliminating corruption will necessarily lead to renewed investor confidence, eventual growth and development, poverty reduction, and attainment of peace. Well, for me that is the REAL reason of poverty.

The straight path however, does not only pertain to the President’s anti-corruption campaign. It also encompasses a way of doing things right, where the process is participatory; the programs are holistic; growth is sustained; the peace policy is comprehensive; and development is sustainable. Through the living examples of our leaders, led by the President, this re-awakened sense of right and wrong continues to be translated to economic value.

President Aquino asks Filipinos to stop “culture of negativism” or “crab mentality”. As what I am seeing now most of the Filipinos only see those negative facts that we have now. If we look deeply on the situation, we should not give negative feedbacks to P-Noy. Lets just think that the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo administration regime for almost 9 years which was full of economic development and at the same time full of wastage of public funds. Nine (9) years over one (1) year was a really big difference and so impossible to eliminate all the fraudulent. I think we should give President Aquino a chance to prove himself to the Filipino citizens. I know he want a good change for all of us. Instead of giving negative comments and looking to the bad side of issues we should cooperate in all the government activity that will probably help the government to have their job well done.

If I will be given a chance to speak upon public, I will defend President Aquino for all the accusations being thrown to him not because I like him but because of his leadership, sincerity and heart towards all of his promises that his been saying. Inspite of his ratings getting down, it is an obvious fact that many Filipinos said that they still trust his leadership.

As a student, I believe in President Noynoy Aquino’s abilities to lead us from corruption to a better lifestyle. His year has been very memorable especially to those ones whom he helped. He said about those who were poor and those who don't eat would have a much better chance to live a much better life than the past. Every Filipino has been yearning for this kind of freedom and life. Now all of us Filipino's will have a much, much better life and no more corruption.

Overall, the SONA of the President was a good way of telling the people what he is dealing with and what to expect from him in the months ahead. He plainly tells us to dream again as we are now on the good side. I am also looking forward on his next State of the Nation Address and I hope by that time all his promises were fulfilled. 

President Aquino’s words are inspiring because his projects dealing with irresponsible and corrupt officials are sincere. We must all support his vision to clean the bureaucracy. Now is our opportunity to change our nation and do away with rampant cheating. May the embedded systems protected by issued laws promoting corruption and red tape be eliminated to ease the burdens of the people and be delivered better services by competent Cabinet leaders and elected officials. May our gracious God strengthen him not to waver and be given grace of wisdom to lead our nation by example. It’s also an urgent call for positive change and a challenge to our government officials to be honest and responsible in handling people’s money.

Accidental Friendship

             July 10, 2011, I was sleeping silently, I was tired and haggard that day because I just got home from a fun run “TAKBO PARA SA SCHOLAR” which was sponsored by the San Beda Alumni Organization. I joined the 3km run even though its raining. Actually, that’s the number 1 rule : rain or shine runners must run. Going back to the story, while I am sleeping I was awaken by a phone call from Kurt. I don’t really know who he was but I am sure he got my number somewhere online. I pick up the phone, press the answer button and say “Hello” in a groggy way „ hehe „ We have a little chat about each other’s identity. At first, I don't want to entertain him because of some reasons and then after a moment I found out that he got my number on palusot.com. While talking to him, I realized that I am enjoying the flow of the conversation. Kurt was 9 years older than me and he is working as a Computer Analyst on Resort World and in many Casino Filipino branches. He also mentioned to me about his past whish is really so hard to believe. Those experiences that he have shared was too personal that I can’t share it here„just guess it! hahaha!

             Until now, we are in good terms and we consider each other as a good friend. He call me everyday or just text me. I am doing the same. It is hard for us to find time for talking to each other because we are both busy, he’s working and I am a college student. He also said that he is looking forward on me because he don’t want to commit mistake on his life one more time. As of now, I don’t know what and how to feel. I don’t know if I’m going to believe him or not. There are many “buts” and “ifs” running through my mind, maybe because we’re just talking on phone and not personally. I always pray to God to show me signs if he really deserves my time and effort.

             I hope he’s telling the truth and nothing but the truth. :)) 

Ang Unlimited Texting...

Sa pagmulat pa lang ng ating mga mata sa umaga ay kaharap na agad natin ang ating mga cellphone at madalas pa nga ay nakakalimutan na natin magpasalamat sa Panginoon para sa panibagong buhay na kaloob. Nagbabasa ng mga text messages na halos pare-pareho naman ang nilalaman.


"GOODMORNING", "MAGANDANG MORNING", "MAGANDANG UMAGA", "GCNG KA NA", "EAT UR BREAKFAST NA PO". Pagkatapos mo basahin ang mga messages na na-receive mo ay ikaw naman ang babanat ng isang matinding GM na halos katulad lang din naman ng sa iba ang laman. Maghihintay ka na may mag-reply sayo at doon na kayo magpapalitan ng kung ano-anong mga text message.

PAKK! message sending failed! mandidilat ang  mga mata mo habang binabasa ito at matitigagal ka sabay sabe ng "putek naman oh!".. ayun! di mo namalayan na BAN na pala ang sim mo. Maiinis ka dahil ilang araw mong pinaghirapan ang pera na ginamit mo para makapag-paload lang, katakot-takot na pang-uuto at pagpapakitang-tao ang ginawa mo sa mga magulang mo para lang magkaroon ng pera. Hayyy! ganyan talaga ang buhay mga texters, wala na tayong magagawa kung SMART talaga sila pag dating sa pagnanakaw at pang-iisa sa mga subscribers nila. Pero wag kayong mag-alala may ilang paraan naman para hinde ka na ulet maBAN. Pinakasimpleng paraan na maaari mong gawin ay ang iwasan ang madalas na pagji-GM, paniguradong hindi ka na maba-BAN. Teka! parang mali ata ako dun ah! nakatanggap ako ng reklamo. Ayon sa kanya di naman sya nagji-GM pero naba-BAN pa rin sya...tsk tsk! isa lang ang sagot dyan...ang UNLIMITED TEXTING promo ng smart ay hindi talaga want to sawa, mayroon lang itong limited text messages na pwedeng i-send at talagang mauutak lang ang mga tao sa loob ng korporasyon ng SMART.

Hamon ng Buhay

Habang ako'y naglalakad at nagmamasid,

Nasilayan ko ang batang luha'y walang patid.

Puso'y nahabag, kalooba'y nabagabag.

Batang lumuluhay binigyan ng 'sang matibay na kalasag,

Nang sa gayo'y paghihirap niya'y maibsan.

Nalaman kong sariling ina siya'y iniwan

Biglang sumagi sa'king isip kanyang kinabukasan,

Kung batang gaya niya'y walang susuporta,

Siguradong magandang buhay' di makukuha.

Payo ko'y tumahan at harapin ang hamon ng buhay,

Manalig sa Diyos nang makamit kanyang pakay

'Wag pabayaang problema'y makasira sa'yo.

Ang Bagong Taon sa Loob at Labas ng Lupang Sinilangan

            Isa na siguro ang Pilipinas sa may pinakamaraming tradisyon na pinaniniwalaan tuwing papasok ang Bagong Taon, bagamat ang iba ay hango sa tradisyon ng ibang kultura ay di pa rin maikakaila na karamihan dito ay tunay na kulturang Pinoy. Ang Bagong Taon ay maituturing na pangalawang bahagi ng kapaskuhan ng mga Pilipino at minsan ay kadugtong mismo ito ng isang linggong pagdiriwang ng Pasko. Ngunit ang pagsalubong ng mga Pilipino sa Bagong Taon ay pinagsamang kultura ng mga Tsino at ng mga Espanyol at sinamahan na ng pagbabago ng sistemang Pilipino na siyang bumuo ng masaya, maingay at minsan pa nga ay ang mapanganib na pagdiriwang nito. Sadyang ang Pilipinas ay namumukod tangi at kakaiba kumpara sa ibang bansa pagdating sa pagdiriwang ng Bagong Taon. Ipinagdiriwang natin ang pagsalubong sa pagpasok ng Bagong Taon ng napakakulay at may napakasayang pamamaraan. Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit marami sa mga manggagawang Pilipino na nasa ibang bansa o Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) ang tunay na nalulungkot kung hindi nila maipagdiwang ang Bagong Taon sa sariling bayan. Talaga naman kasing namumukod tangi at kakaiba ang pagsalubong nating mga Pilipino sa Bagong Taon kumpara sa ibang bansa.

            May ilang mga tao akong napagtanungan ukol sa kung paano nila ipinagdiriwang ang kanilang Bagong Taon sa ibang bansa. Ayon kay Gng. Perla Bondoc, “Dito sa L.A. parang hindi sine-celebrate ang New Year. Hindi uso handaan dito, mas gusto kasi ng mga tao dito puro inuman. Yung mga kabataan dito pupunta sa mga clubs at doon hihintayin ang countdown. Meron naman sa New York, Manhattan at sa Time Square bibilang lang ng sabay-sabay para sa countdown tapos may lalabas na lobo na nakasulat WELCOME 2011, ginagawa din ‘yan sa Las Vegas at dito sa lugar namin sa Queen Mary. Meron din namang mga fireworks sa ibang lugar tulad na lang sa downtown New York, Disney at Knotts Berry.” Ang isa namang napagtanungan ko ay nakatira sa Egypt, ayon sa pahayag ni Basem, ang pakikipagkamay ang pinakakilalang paraan ng pasasalamat sa pagpasok ng Bagong Taon sa Egypt at gaya sa ating bansa ay nagkakaroon din sila ng salu-salo ngunit hindi sila gumagamit ng paputok.

 

Kilala tayong mga Pilipino sa pagkakaroon ng napakaraming paniniwala at tradisyon tuwing sasalubungin natin ang Bagong Taon. Isang paraan nito ay ang  pagpapasabog ng paputok. Kung sa ibang bansa ang pagpapaputok ay ginagawa lamang ng kanilang kumpanya o di naman kaya ay ng kanilang pamahalaang lokal, dito sa Pilipinas ay kanya-kanyang paputok at fireworks ang bawat tahanan. Ugali na rin ng mga tipikal na Pilipino ang pagpapaputok ilang araw bago sumapit ang Bagong Taon. Makakakita ka rin sa mga bangketa ng mga naglipanang paputok na mayroong iba’t-ibang klase. Mga halimbawa nito ay rebentador, super lolo, super pla-pla, trianggulo (hugis tatsulok na paputok), bawang, sinturon hi hudas, jumbo fountain, whistle bomb, lusis at iba pa. Medyo mapanganib lamang sa mga lansangan sa Pilipinas dahil sa mga paputok na inihahagis ng mga taong mahilig dito o di naman kaya ay aksidenteng bumabagsak sa mga bahay. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit ipinagbawal ng pamahalaan ang pagbebenta at paggamit ng mga paputok na sobra ang lakas. Sinimulan din ng mga workers ng Department of Health at lokal na sangay ang OPLAN PAPUTOK na naglalayong magbantay para magbigay gamot sa mga naputukan sa pagdiriwang. Ang pinakamalaking industrya sa larangan ng mga paputok sa Pilipinas ay matatagpuan sa Bocaue at Santa Maria Bulacan, sa kanila kumukuha ng pangangailangan ng mga paputok dito sa Pilipinas.

            Meron pang isang kaugalian na hindi pwedeng mawala sa mga Pilipino tuwing Bagong Taon, at iyon ay ang pagkakaroon ng Media Noche. Ang Media Noche ay ang pagsasalo-salo ng mag-anak sa hapag kainan pagsapit ng alas-dose ng hating gabi. Importante dito na kasama ang bawat kasapi ng pamilya dahil sa ito ang unang pagkain nila sa bagong taon.  Ayon sa paniniwala ng mga matatanda, kapag sama-sama ang pamilya sa Media Noche ay magiging matatag din ang kanilang samahan sa buong taon. Pinaniniwalaan din ng mga Pilipino na ang Media Noche ay tulad ng Noche Buena na nagmula sa mga Kastila.

            Kung pag-uusapan naman ang mga paniniwala at gawi sa pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon ay tiyak na nangunguna tayong mga Pilipino. Maraming mga tradisyon ang mga Pilipino dahil sa paniniwalang ang mga ito ay makapagbibigay swerte sa mga susunod dito. Naniniwala rin ang mga Pilipino na wala namang mawawala kung susubukan man ang ilan sa mga ito. Narito ang ilan sa mga paniniwala, gawi at tradisyon na popular sa mga Pilipino tuwing sasalubungin ang Bagong Taon. Pinakauna dito ay ang pag-iingay tuwing Bagong Taon, ginagawa ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapaputok, paghihip sa torotot o maging pagpalo sa mga kaldero. Ang paniniwalang ito ay nagmula pa sa mga Intsik, patuloy pa rin itong isinasagawa magpa sa hanggang ngayon dahil sa paniniwalang makapagpapaalis ito ng mga masasamang elemento at espiritu na nasa kapaligiran at naniniwala rin ang mga Pilipino na ang pag-iingay ang makapagbibigay sagana sa Bagong Taon ng pamilya. Isa pa sa mga pinakasikat na tradisyon ng mga Pilipino ay ang paglalagay ng sensilyo o barya sa bulsa dahil sa paniniwalang masagana ang pasok ng pera para sa Bagong Taon. Sinasabi rin na kailangang buksan ang lahat ng bintana, ilaw at pintuan para ang lahat ng grasya ay pumasok sa iyong tahanan gaya ng pagtanggap sa Bagong Taon. Ang iba naman ay naniniwala na dapat magsuot ng polka dots dahil ito raw ay sumisimbolo sa pera. Ang iba pang mga paniniwala ay ang pagtatabi ng bigas, asin at asukal upang maging masagana ang takbo ng buhay; paglilinis ng mabuti sa tahanan bago sumapit ang hating gabi; pagluluto ng mga pagkaing ginagamitan ng pasta dahil sa paniniwalang nakapagpapahaba daw ito ng buhay; paghahanda ng labindalawang bilog na prutas sa hapag-kainan gaya ng cantaloupe, ubas, peach, orange, plum, promenade, pakwan, lemon, pear, apple, chico, at avocado; pagkain ng labindalawang ubas pagsapit ng ika-alas dose para suwertehin sa buong taon; pagbabayad sa lahat ng mga pinagkakautangan bago pumasok ang Bagong Taon at ang pagtalon ng paulit-ulit pagsapit ng alas-dose para madagdagan ang taas.  

 At ang pinakahihintay ng lahat ng pamilyang Pilipino, ang COUNTDOWN. Ang countdown para sa Bagong Taon ay magkakaiba batay sa bawat pamilya o bawat rehiyon. Sa pagpatak ng alas-dose ng hatinggabi, ang ingay ay nakakabingi, kililing ng mga kampana, mga paputok na naghahari sa kalangitan, mga bata ay napapanganga sa paghanga sa kanilang nakikitang iba’t ibang paputok na namumukadkad sa kalangitan. Ang kalampag at kalantog ay tumataas hanggang sukdulan kung saan ay kasali na rito ang mga bumabatingting ng mga lumang palayok at kawali, busina ng jeep, kotse o motorsiklo, sirena ng ambulansya hanggang mag-isang minuto para sa countdown ng Bagong Taon. Isa rin sa mga paboritong gawin ng mga bata ay ang pagtalon ng labindalawang beses para sila tumangkad sa darating na taon, kung mataas ang talon ay magiging mataas rin ang iyong paglaki. Ang malakas na ingay sa kasayahan ay hind ilang para sa pagdiwang sa Bagong Taon, ito rin ay para sa pagpapa-alis sa mga masasamang espiritu. Bandang 12:15 ng hatinggabi, ang ingay ay biglang humihinto at ang mga agay-agay ay puno ng mga boses at ang mga pamilya ay nagsisimula ng kumain ng kanilag handa para ipakita ang pagpapasalamat na kung tawagin ay “Media Noche”. Pinapaniwalaan na dapat maghanda ng maraming pagkain sa hapag kainan para sa susunod na Bagong Taon ay magkaroon ng pagkain sa buong taon. Labindalawang bilog na mga prutas na dapat nasa hapag kainan dahil ito ay sumisimbulo sa kasaganahan para sa susunod na labindalawang buwan. Mayroon din misa sa hatinggabi para sa pagtanggap sa Bagong Taon at para pasalamatan ang Diyos sa lahat ng kanyang mga biyaya.

            Mayroon ding sikat na pagdiriwang ang mga Pilipino tuwing Bagong Taon, ito ay ang Pista ng Tatlong Hari (Tres Reyes), kilala rin ito sa tawag na Pista ng Epipanya. Ang Pista ng Tatlong Hari ay tradisyunal na ipinagdiriwang sa Enero 6 pero ngayon ito ay  ipinagdiriwang na sa unang lingo pagkatapos ng Bagong Taon. Sa loob ng daan-daang taon ay sinasabing ang Tatlong Hari at hindi ang kinikilalang si Santa Claus ang orihinal na nagbibigay ng regalo sa mga bata. Nag-iiwan sila ng mga medyas at sapatos sa bintana ng kanilang tahanan at sabik na naghihintay sa mga regalong ibibigay ng Tatlong Hari sa kanilang pagdaan tungo sa Bethlehem. Maraming dekada na ang nagdaan simula nang mag-organisa ang Casino Español ng parada ng Tatlong Hari upang ipagdiwang ang naturang selebrasyon. Ang mga gumaganap sa papel na Tatlong Hari ay may magagarang kasuotan na nakasakay sa mga kabayo habang pumaparada. May mga regalong nakahanda para sa mga kabataan na ipinamimigay sa komunidad ng mga Espanyol at sa iba pang mga bata pagkatapos ng magarang parada.