Every year, we Filipinos are busy hosting or throwing a holiday celebration during Christmas time and New year. But now that we are all at risk because of the current pandemic, we have to consider the safest way to celebrate. Holiday gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19.
Panahon TV offers the following considerations that you can follow if you are to attend or host holiday gatherings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-AvbY6NYuI
Mano po, Ninong
Mano po, Ninang
Narito kami ngayon
Humahalik sa inyong kamay
Salamat, Ninong
Salamat, Ninang
Sa aginaldo pong inyong ibinibigay
This timeless Christmas song by lyricist Ador Torres and composer Manuel Sr. Villar illustrates how popular godparents are during the holiday season, particularly in the aspect of gift-giving. During this time, jokes about being hunted down by a deluge of aginaldo-seeking godchildren are common, as if giving cash or gifts is the sole duty of the ninong or ninang. But is this really all there is to being a godparent?
Godparents, a brief history
According to Suzanna Roldan, who teaches Sociology and Anthropology at the Ateneo de Manila University, the ninong and ninang are part of the “compadrazgo relationships”, which came with Christian rituals such as baptism, confirmation, and marriage introduced by Spanish colonization. Our forefathers readily accepted the compadre/comare concept because even before the Spanish came, they had already been marking life events with rituals and social sanctions. “Anthropologists studying kinship systems observe that we consider who our relatives are based on biological, social and cultural ties. In categorizing who our relatives are, we trace blood lines, adoptive kin and kin through marriage or in-law relationships,” says Roldan. “There is one category of relatives that extends the notion of family. These are called fictive kin, or kinship established through rituals found in many, if not all, societies. In our case, the compadrazgo system is our way or reinforcing existing close kin or close social connections with people not necessarily our relatives.”
While godparents serve as witnesses to their godchildren becoming part of a religious community or a sanctioned marriage, the ninong or ninang also take on the role of spiritual guides. “If parents perished, godparents are expected to help in the spiritual formation of the child. We want godparents who can raise children as good Christians, or in the case of godparents to a couple, they can give spiritual advice on how to nurture good marital or parental relations. But this goes beyond spiritual formation and extends to the actual care of a child when the parents are unable to fulfill parental duties due to death, work, or moments when parents have to be apart from their children,” explains Roldan.
Photo by Denise Lazaro
Selection of godparents
Until now, parents usually choose reliable godparents who are good role models, and have child-rearing values aligned with their own. Social proximity or close ties with godparents also plays a role. Roldan elaborates, “Parents select someone who is very close to the family or has regular interaction with them at the moment of selecting who the godparent would be. Our ninong and ninang are often siblings of our parents, playmate cousins, or our barkada from childhood whom we know we can entrust our children to in case something happens to us.”
Sometimes, economic reasons also play a part in the selection. “Some parents select well-known, high-status ninong and ninang whom one can turn to in times of need—even if they do not have a strong personal relationship with those individuals.” These include political figures, wealthy members of society, or someone who has achieved high occupational positions that indicate status.
Being a Godparent in Modern Times
Nowadays, it’s common to see godparents arrive in multiple pairs, crowding around the wed couple or the baptized child because of their sheer number. It’s a stark difference from decades ago, when a pair of godparents was enough to stand witness to religious rituals. As to why this has happened, Roldan offers this explanation: “Perhaps, it may be related to having less children these days compared to before. In the past, parents had more children, so they made sure to assign worthy godparents for all their children.”
Sometimes, the reason lies in having a big social circle. “For those with large friend groups and with one or two children, parents have to name more godparents per child so as not to exclude and hurt the feelings of their friends. Still, there are some who intentionally pick several godparents to compensate for the costs of the celebration, or expand the circle of elders they can approach for advice.”
Despite this practice, Grace, who has 10 godchildren, strives to fulfill her role. “I don’t get to talk to all of them except for my nephew who’s also my inaanak, but I do talk to their parents regularly. I know that most children see — and even expect — their godparents to give them gifts during Christmas and their birthdays. I think that’s okay especially when they’re young. That was how I saw my godparents too when I was a kid.”
Jason, who has about the same number of inaanak, shares that he only gets to interact with godchildren whose parents he’s still in contact with. “If I get to hang out with their parents, I also get to see my godchildren. I make small talk, maybe give cash. But now with social media, I can ask how they are from time to time. As a ninong, I look out for their welfare.”
Grace sees herself as a co-parent, ensuring that her godchildren grow up properly. She expects this same dedication from the godparents she’d chosen for her child. “There’s a saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. It’s not easy to be a parent. As much as we want to provide for our kids’ mental, physical and emotional needs all the time, we can’t do it alone. And that’s where the ninongs and ninangs we have chosen, come in. After all, most of them are our childhood friends, high school and college buddies or our closest colleagues. They were there during our first crush, first heartbreak, and other milestones. So it only follows that as we go through this parenting journey, we go through it with them.”
Jason, 2nd from left, poses with his goddaughter Maya during her baptism.
The pandemic may discourage or even prohibit face-to-face interaction among godparents and godchildren, but phone calls, text message and online social platforms still make close communication possible all throughout the year. “Social support, particularly gift-giving during the holidays will continue. People shop online, send presents through various delivery modes. Ninangs and ninongs may send cash through online banking— at least for some sectors of society who are not affected by unemployment woes during the pandemic. We can expect more practical exchanges through social networks, or donations made instead of presents given during the pandemic,” Roldan ends.
To learn how you can enjoy a happy yet safe Christmas celebration during the pandemic, watch Be Safe: Pagiging Ligtas ngayong Holiday Season.
Christmas spirit is in the air as the Amihan continuously brings cold winds in extreme Northern Luzon, while the Easterlies is still affecting the eastern section of the country.
As Amihan brings good weather conditions with isolated light rains in the provinces of Batanes and the islands of Calayan and Babuyan, those who are celebrating Christmas in Metro Manila and the rest of the archipelago can also expect generally fair weather.
Meanwhile, according to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jorie Loiz, Bagyong Onyok may be the last bagyo to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this year. And though the strong El Niño is still in effect, cold weather is still possible next month until February next year.
A day before Christmas, the Amihan brings good weather conditions with isolated light rains in the provinces of Batanes, and over the islands of Calayan and Babuyan. For those who will be visiting their family and loved onesin Eastern Visayas and the provinces of Sorsogon, the Easterlies will be bringing light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms. In Metro Manila and the rest of the archipelago, generally fair weather is expected today. Still Manileños should remain mindful of the possible isolated rain showers and/or thunderstorms.
For the last Simbang Gabi tomorrow, here is your weather guide:
At this time, some may already have completed their gifts to be displayed under their Christmas trees; but for last-minute shoppers who are tearing their hair out, wondering what to buy for friends and family, Panahon TV came up with its own list of gift suggestions, which have great sentimental value, but low environmental impact.
Water Tumbler
A plastic bottle takes over a thousand years to biodegrade and if burned, it may produce toxic gases, which contribute to Climate Change. The escalating demand for plastic bottles produces unnecessary garbage, and consumes large quantities of energy, particularly fossil fuels, such as crude oil.
In the Philippines, these plastic menaces litter our seas and other bodies of water – a problem that incessantly occurs and affects us during heavy rainfall and flooding.
Gifting someone with a water tumbler not only lessens the use of plastic, it also encourages the recipient to eliminate the habit of spending or buying mineral water.
Reusable Bag
These eco-friendly bags are the perfect gifts for moms, titas and sisters, who are fond of shopping or doing errands that require safekeeping, carrying and organizing stuff.
A reusable bag is the perfect alternative to plastic or paper bags. It can be used anytime, anywhere, while avoiding of additional waste.
Sneakers
If your friend loves fashion, as well as comfort, a pair of sneakers is a no-brainer gift. Make sure to enclose a note to remind the recipient how walking can be a great alternative to driving. Vehicles uses up fossil, and its emissions contribute to air pollution – which according to the World Health Organization, is linked to millions of premature deaths every year.
Bicycle
If you’re generous enough, giving a bike as a gift is also a good option. Based on a study of the Institute of Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), cycling may help cut down carbon emissions from urban transportation by about 11% by 2030.
Aside from walking, biking is a clean and healthy source of community transportation. Biking does not only lessen emissions and traffic, it is also a great way to be fit and healthy!
Indoor plants
For a friend blessed with a green thumb, a perfect gift to give this Christmas is an indoor plant. There are a variety of plants that could be taken care of within your home or office.
Plants are vital sources of oxygen and are good absorbers of carbon. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the leading greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted in the atmosphere. In a greenhouse gas bulletin released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the average global atmospheric CO2 level in 1750 was at around 278 parts per million (ppm). In 2014, it increased to 397.7ppm, and by 2016, it is expected to crawl up to more than 400ppm.
Plants and trees are an effective way to combat the adverse effects of Climate Change. These plants could lessen the carbon concentration while providing us with clean air.
Museum Trip
Giving toys to children may be a common gesture, but why not try something more exciting and educational? You can opt to give kids a free museum trip this Holiday Season. This way, they learn to appreciate science, arts and culture while enjoying the spirit of Christmas.
These are just some of the eco-friendly gifts you can give to your loved ones. Remember that no matter what the season is, Climate Change will always be an important concern. In choosing and buying your presents this Christmas, also consider its long-term impacts to our planet.
Sources:
World Health Organization
World Meteorological Organization
Institute of Transportation and Development Policy
http://thewaterproject.org/
www.railstotrails.org
http://usa.streetsblog.org/
There’s a scientific reason why we eat more during Christmas. Because the
weather is cooler, stocking up on calories is a way to lower our body
temperature. But remember that when it comes to eating, quality trumps
quantity. Choose your calories well, and your Christmas is sure to be healthier
and merrier! Here are five healthy eats perfect for the holiday season.
This Bicolano dish cooked with taro leaves, coconut milk, meat and chili gives
your body instant heat and nutrition. To make it even healthier, you can do away
with the meat altogether. Laing can be very nutritious, with taro leaves that have
dietary fiber that helps in weight loss and lowering blood pressure.
Another Bicolano dish that packs heat, this recipe calls for pork, coconut milk
and chili. Don’t scrimp on the coconut milk—it’s chock-full of vitamins,
electrolytes, potassium, calcium and chloride.
This warm breakfast fare is made of soybean custard mixed with brown sugar
syrup and sago. It’s rich in protein, and helps decrease cholesterol levels. In some
studies, it’s said to prevent heart disease.
Tablea or cocoa tablets are boiled in water, and stirred constantly for it to
thicken. This rich chocolate drink is not only the perfect companion during cold
weather, it also has numerous health benefits, such as lowering blood pressure,
preventing cavities, aiding weight loss and regulating blood sugar levels.
The tablea makes another appearance in this favorite breakfast item: chocolate
rice porridge or champorado that’s best consumed in cold weather, and topped
with dried fish. Make your champorado healthier and tastier with a dash of
muscovado sugar and calcium-rich milk!
Here’s how to cook the perfect champorado:
* Boil water in a cooking pot.
* Put 2 to 3 tablea, depending on how many servings you are cooking. Let
the tablea dissolve in the boiling water.
* Add the sticky rice. Stir constantly to prevent it from sticking to the
bottom of the pot. Let the rice absorb the water for about 15-25 minutes
in low to medium heat.
* Add and stir in the sugar and milk.
Have a yummy Christmas, everyone!
Sources: Source:
http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/eat/40-delicious-filipino-dishes-157035
http://www.glnaturals.com/cacao-tablea.html
http://www.seedguides.info/coconut-milk/
A Taho a day, keeps the doctor away
http://behealthyandwell.com/2014/07/rice-chocolate-porridge-or-
champorado-recipe/
Gift giving in the Philippines is a long-honored Christmas tradition. But in these tight times, one shouldn’t ignore budget constraints. To help you get more bang for your buck, we offer you the ultimate Christmas shopping list: places where you can put your bargain-hunting and haggling skills to the test.
Location: In the vicinity of Recto, Santo Cristo, Juan Luna and Comercio streets
What to buy: wholesale school, office and household supplies, clothes, footwear, fruits and vegetables, accessories, and many more. Name it, they have it!
What to Watch out for: Quality of goods. Check and re-check your purchases to make sure you get your money’s worth.
Location: Near C.M. Recto Avenue
What to Buy: Affordable DSLR cameras, bags, clothes, bags, and other accessories
What to Watch out for: Thick crowds, especially in the vicinity of the Quiapo Church.
Location: In Parañaque City, Metro Manila. It is also Near Mall of Asia in Pasay.
What to Buy: Quality but affordable clothes, toys, and plants.
What to Watch out for: Best to avoid it on a Wednesday, also declared as “Baclaran Day” as devotees flock to the Baclaran Church.
Location: In Ortigas Avenue, North Western St., in San Juan, Metro Manila.
What to Buy: Brand new to second-hand mobile phones, gadgets, tablets, clothes, shoes, bags accessories, toys for kids and for the young at heart at reasonable prices.
What to Watch out for: Overspending! Greenhills has a lot of attractions including restaurants and cinemas so make sure you bring extra cash.
Location: Near Quezon City, described as the gateway to Rizal Province
What to Buy: locally made shoes, slippers and bags
What to Watch out for: Make sure to visit all the stores to compare prices and to get a variety of designs
What to Buy: Everything under the sun! Shopping isn’t limited to shopping sites; you can also purchase through social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram.
What to Watch out for: Before making a purchase, make sure that the seller is legitimate. Scroll down to the buyers’ comments to check if they’re satisfied with the site’s services. Ask for recommendations from friends before swiping that credit card.
Be Shopping-Savvy
• Haggle to your heart’s content. Don’t settle on the first price offered. Canvass to make sure you get the best deal.
• Wear light and comfortable clothes to avoid heatstroke. Always bring bottled water and snacks to stave off hunger and thirst.
• Keep your belongings close to your body. Be vigilant of suspicious characters.
• With the harsh sun rays in the morning, and with the possibility of rainshowers and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon, bringing an umbrella is a must.
• Bring your own eco-bags to lessen the use of plastic bags.
A few days before September, netizens were already expressing their enthusiasm over the approaching “ber” months. For us, Filipinos, the holiday season unofficially begins at this period, when we anticipate the most festive time of the year.
Happy Monday!!! Ilang days na lang, BER months na. Excited lang. 😀
— Dianne Kay™ (@dianne_ohno) August 17, 2015
Ber months approaching! How happy I am. 🙂
— will. i. am. (@kaaatenicole) August 23, 2015
Lapit na Ber Months Feeling Happy
— MarcDaniel (@LicopaMarc) August 26, 2015
September 🙂 ang saya ☺️ Happy “ber” months everyone! ❤️
— TheaCaleja⭐ (@heyyateyaa) August 31, 2015
But as we await the Christmas season, the weather also undergoes changes. Normally, this month, the southwest monsoon or hanging habagat gradually weakens. Since its onset on June, the habagat has been causing heavy downpour, experienced mostly in the western section of the country.
After the habagat, the winds will shift, giving way to the northeast monsoon or hanging amihan. This weather system usually kicks in late October, bringing cold and dry air. The presence of amihan may also mean slightly cooler mornings mostly in the northern part of Luzon. In 2014, the onset of amihan occurred on October 16.
Aside from the anticipated arrival of amihan, there is also an interesting astronomical event to look forward to this month – the Autumnal or September Equinox. Derived from the latin word aequus meaning equal, and nox, which means night, equinox refers to the time of the year where there is equal day and night time.
PAGASA’s astronomical diary says that the equinox will occur on September 23, 2015 at 4:20 PM. This event will mark the start of longer nights in the Philippines as the sun moves below the celestial equator. Longer nights equate to shorter exposure to sunlight, thus, colder weather may slowly begin after the equinox.
Meanwhile, in December, we will have the shortest day and the longest night of the year, marking the Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere. Although the Philippines does not have winter, we experience cooler temperatures at this time because we are located in the northern half of the Earth.
However, with the prevailing El Niño phenomenon, PAGASA says temperatures this year may not be as low as the previous year’s. El Niño is the unusual warming of the ocean and rising sea surface temperature (SST) over the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific (CEEP).
Latest forecasts from different weather and climate agencies show that El Niño may strengthen and continue beyond the ber months, lasting until May of 2016. The usual chilly ber months may become a little warmer this year, except in the mountainous areas in the north.
Sources:
PAGASA-DOST
World Meteorological Organization
Christmas is about gift-giving and celebrating with families and friends. This year, aside from the parties and presents, we must also prepare our emergency kit and rainy day essentials as #NinaPH threatens to affect the country.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), an average number of 1 or 2 tropical cyclones enter the PAR during the month of December. PAGASA added that these cyclones have a higher chance of hitting the landmass during ber months due to the effect of the northeast monsoon or amihan that directs the cyclones towards the country–which means that our holidays may be as merry as they are stormy. Take a look at some of the tropical cyclones that dropped by our country during the holiday season in the last few decades.
DINANG
This tropical cyclone started as a cloud cluster spotted in Guam, which later developed into a tropical cyclone on the 22nd of December, 1981. From a tropical depression, it was named “Dinang” as it intensified into a tropical storm. Dinang initially moved west-northwest but changed its course to a westward direction due to the influence of a ridge of a high pressure area.
Dinang gained strength and intensified into a typhoon with maximum sustained winds that reached 185 kilometers per hour. It lashed the northern tip of Samar on Christmas Eve. It crossed the southern portion of Bicol Region, through the Bondoc peninsula, Marinduque and Mindoro. Dinang was located at 120 kilometers south of Metro Manila on December 26, which, according to PAGASA was its closest distance from the country’s capital.
It then moved towards the South China Sea, and after 48 hours of reaching its peak intensity, it weakened and dissipated.
By virtue of the Proclamation No. 2150, a state of public calamity in the provinces of Northern Samar, Masbate, Oriental Mindoro and Romblon was declared due to the damage brought by Dinang.
APIANG
Apiang became a tropical storm in the afternoon of December 23, 1988. It threatened Bicol, Quezon, Aurora, Quirino, Isabela and Cagayan. However, other weather systems weakend and slowed it down. PAGASA noted its clockwise loop on December 25, and was downgraded into a tropical depression. By the morning of December 26, Apiang already dissipated.
PURING
This cyclone crossed the PAR from the 23rd up to the 29th of December in 1993. Moving west-northwest, it made its way towards the Surigao-Leyte Area and passed through Bohol, Cebu, Negros, Panay and the Calamian Group of Islands.
Signal 3 was hoisted over Surigao Provinces, Dinagat Island, Agusan Del Norte, Camiguin Island, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros, Panay and Northern Palawan. Signal Number 2 was raised over Agusan Del Sur, Masbate, Misamis Provinces, Albay, Romblon, Sorsogon, Burias Island, Lanao Provinces, Davao Del Norte, Davao Oriental, Bukidnon, Zamboanga Del Norte, the rest of Palawan, Mindoro and the rest of Visayas. Metro Manila, Bataan, the rest of Southern Luzon, Lubang Island and the rest of Mindanao were put under Signal Number 1.
157 people were recorded dead while 276 were injured.
Typhoon Puring was the 32nd tropical storm that hit the country in 1993. This was a record-breaking season because normally, an average of only 19 to 20 tropical cyclones enters the PAR each year.
TRINING
On December 25, 1995, Trining formed into a tropical depression in the South Philippine Sea. It moved eastward close to the Southern Leyte – Surigao del Norte area but later changed course. Moving northeast, it exited the PAR through the northern part of the Philippine Sea.
ZIGZAG
From an active low pressure area (LPA) spotted east of Bicol, Zigzag developed into a tropical depression on Christmas morning in 2003. While moving westward, it slowed down in the evening of the 26th. Public Storm Warning Signal Number 1 was raised over the Bicol Region, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Surigao Provinces, Agusan del Norte and Camiguin. Zigzag moved towards Visayas, crossing the southern part of Samar and Leyte. After hitting the land, it weakened into a low pressure area in the morning of December 28.
QUINTA
As a low pressure area, this weather disturbance moved over the east of Northern Mindanao where it developed into a tropical depression on December 25, 2012. Quinta intensified into a Tropical Storm and was given an international name Wukong, which means a famous hero in a Chinese Story.
Nearing the landmass, Signal number 2 was declared over Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat Province, Siargao Island, Western Samar, Cebu, Camotes Island, Bohol, Biliran, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Island, Sorsogon, Masbate, Ticao and the northern part of Negros Oriental.
Meanwhile, Signal number 1 was raised over Occidental & Oriental Mindoro, Northern Palawan, Calamian Group of Islands, Cuyo Island, Marinduque, Romblon, Lubang Island, Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Iloilo, the rest of Negros Oriental, Guimaras, Camiguin, Siquijor, Burias Island, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Misamis Oriental.
Quinta crossed the region of Visayas where it made its landfall 7 times.
1st landfall: Eastern Samar
2nd landfall: Albuyog, Leyte
3rd – 5th landfall: Poro Island, Pacijan and Catmon (all in Cebu Province)
6th landfall: Northern part of Roxas
7th landfall: Coron, Palawan
After its series of landfalls, Quinta finally weakened into a tropical depression before it headed to Palawan. It moved towards the West Philippine Sea and further weakened due to the cold air intrusion from the amihan over the west of Palawan.
In a Situational Report of the NDRRMC dated on December 31, 2012, 44 incidents were monitored: two maritime incidents in Regions IV-A, IV-B, V and VIII; one drowing incident in Region V; one missing person and two falling tree incidents in Region VIII; one capsized banca in CARAGA; and thirty-three flooding incidents in Regions V, VI and VIII.
More than 50 thousand families were affected in Regions IV-B, V, VI, VII and VIII. Twenty people were reported dead, three were injured and four were missing. Quinta damaged more than 5 thousand houses in Regions VI, VII and VIII. Cost of damage amounted to more than 200 million pesos in infrastructure and agriculture.
Quinta’s intensity has brought storm surge over Cebu, Borongan City and Merida, Leyte on December 26, 2012 in which 2 casualties were recorded by the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH).
Preparation in the midst of Celebration
The tropical cyclones mentioned above are proof that the Yuletide Season does not equate to fair weather— so preparation should always be a part of any celebration. This way, even if Christmas comes in a stormy package, you’ll still be able to enjoy it by staying safe and secure.
Sources:
PAGASA-DOST | NDRRMC | http://blog.noah.dost.gov.ph/2014/02/04/compilation-of-storm-surge-occurrences-in-the-philippines/ | http://www.gov.ph/1981/12/29/proclamation-no-2150-s-1981/