Revisiting Aguinaldo Shrine

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As the Philippines National Shrine, the Aguinaldo Shrine is the ancestral house of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the president of the 1st Philippine Republic. This became the place where the proclamation of the Republic of the Philippines was made, where the independence of the Philippines from Spain was declared on June 12, 1898.

To commemorate the event, now known as Araw ng Kalayaan or Independence Day, a national holiday, the Philippine flag is raised here by top government officials on June 12th each year.

This grand mansion in Kawit Cavite is a unique reflection of a period in the country's history. It was Emilio Aguinaldo's birthplace and residence until his death at the age of 94.

It was first built in 1845 from wood and thatch. Its design, which features secret passages and hiding places for documents and weapons.

The Aguinaldo Shrine is adjacent to the Liwasang Aguinaldo park which was constructed in 1998 for the Philippine Centennial celebration.

A bronze figure of General Emilio Aguinaldo riding a horse proudly stands in front of the ancestral house.

His remains lie in a tomb found at the back of Aguinaldo Shrine.

On display outside the house is Aguinaldo's personal car, a 1924 Packard limousine restored in November 2009.

The ground floor of Aguinaldo Shrine was transformed into a museum shows exhibits of memorabilia of Emilio Aguinaldo. A hologram depicting Aguinaldo can be seen.

There is the two-lane Duckpin Bowling alley.

The second floor is crowded with fine antique furniture, photos and paintings of Emilio Aguinaldo and his family.

This is where the peaceful Aguinaldo's bedrooms, the grand hall, dining room, kitchen, a conference room and azotea.

The house is decorated throughout with motifs of flags and national symbols.

Revisiting to this National Shrine last January 3 is really a worth tour. We were invited by Melo Villareal of  Out of Town Blog and by Tourism movers of Kawit Cavite to showcase their Lights and Sound Show  to witness it and feel the Holiday spirit around the famous shrine.

I enjoyed the wonderful world of the National Shrine in Kawit Cavite - the grandious Aguinaldo Shrine  and having met Mr. Pao Aguinaldo Abaya, one of the great grand children of General Emilio Aguinaldo. He shared us some interesting and nostalgic stories of the old house and of patriotic Gen. Aguinaldo.

We have read history during our schooldays and I admire heroes who played in shaping our country. We must honor Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and his role in the history of our nation, for his efforts to organize the institutions that follow a revolution.  It was he who put together the formal elements of nationhood for the Philippines from writing a proclamation of independence to the making of a flag.

I really enjoyed the wonderful tour, in fact, this is my first travel for new year 2013. And specially, I been nostalgic, remembering  my visit here many years ago. The first was when I accompany my daughter during an educational trip with her classmates, schoolmates and teachers. And my second time was I am still a registrar in a community school, coordinated and assisted the exciting educational trip of little children.

This historical place is where a movie "EL PRESIDENTE : General Emilio Aguinaldo Story and the First Philippine Republic" shoot. This is one of 8 official entries to the 38^th Metro Manila Film.

These are some of videos of Aguinaldo Shrine Lights and Sounds Show during our visit last January 3.  Enjoy holidays everyone! 

The Aguinaldo Shrine museum on the ground floor is maintained by the National Historical Institute of the Philippines. The house and museum are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Check out more photos on Facebook.

‘Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw’ Music Video by Angeline Quinto

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The new rendition of the song which is also the title of the new soap,  by Queen of Teleserye Theme Songs, Angeline Quinto.

Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw starring Robin Padilla, Anne Curtis and Kris Aquino and directed by Malu Sevilla and Joyce Bernal. 

This is s a tale of two sisters Ruth (Anne) and Roxanne (Kris) who both fell in love  with Bogs (Robin). Also stars Tirso Cuz III, Ian Veneracion, Smokey Manaloto, Emilio Garcia, Lito Pimentel, Xyriel Manabat, and Daniel Padilla who will portray the role of the young Robin.

“Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” is set to premiere on January 21.

Here's the video :

Kailangan ko'y ikaw

Dito sa piling ko

Kailangan kong madama

Ang pag-ibig mo

Sa bawat oras na

Di ka nakikita

Para bang kay bigat

Ng nadarama

O giliw nasan ka

Bakit lumisan ka

Paano nang

Puso kong nag-iisa

O giliw nasan ka

Bakit lumisan ka

Paano nang puso kong nag-iisa

Kailangan ko'y ikaw

Sa bawat sandali

Kailangan ko'ng yakap mo

At iyong halik

Kailangan ko'y ikaw

Dito sa buhay ko

Paano nang puso kong nag-iisa

Kailangan ko'y ikaw

Green Cross initiates dengue defense in school

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This year has seen a noticeable mount of dengue cases in the country. According to the Department of Health‟s Dengue Surveillance Report, 95,142 victims have been affected by the mosquito-born disease in the first nine months of 2012 alone. A significant 12.94% increase from last year‟s same period, this turnaround left even school administration to be more vigilant and take extra preventive measures against the dreaded disease.

During the Green Cross School Crashers, the students learn the Day and Night Dengue Lamok defense, a stance similar to a karate block which shows how little kids block off deadly dengue lamok from coming near them.

The widespread transmission of dengue

The hasty transmission of the resilient virus has led school administrators, particularly the Lourdes School of Mandaluyong (LSM), to ascertain that the mosquito vector‟s highly adaptable quality is partly to blame. “These mosquitoes can easily adapt to changes in the environment, find new places to breed and even effortlessly adjust to human settlements. Previous efforts like defogging would only temporarily drive mosquitoes away, and they would be here again to look for a new prey,” shares Ana Eva Bolinao, School Principal of LSM. Bolinao also reveals that the school has recorded 20 cases of dengue out of its total population of about 1,200 high school and grade school students. The widespread resurgence of dengue may also be attributed to the latest discovery of experts of another mosquito vector stalking the city. Historically, dengue infection in the country had been attributed to the mosquito species Aedes aegypti, whose attack is far more common during the day. Entomologists have recently reported the presence of Aedes albopictus, a once confined species to forested areas, now in cities where people live. A secondary vector of the dengue virus, Ae. albopictus is as lethal as the Ae. aegypti and was found to be an active biter at late afternoon and even at night.

All students will not go home empty handed.  Aside from learning about the harmful day and night dengue lamok, they also get to take home educational brochures with fun activities inside for them to answer and share with family members.

Preventive measures against dengue

Dr. Raymond Manuel, Pediatrician and School Physician of LSM shares that cleaning campaigns like defogging has been carried out in school premises usually after classes to destroy possible mosquito breeding grounds. However the school physician discloses that apart from mosquito larva killing and eliminating pools of stagnant water, the most effective dengue preventive measure are awareness campaigns. “Though we have adequate knowledge related to the disease „dengue,‟ others do not have sufficient knowledge about the virus. And while we have a number of preventive practices against the disease like defogging, its effectiveness against dengue will be very minimal if the victims themselves aren‟t well-informed of the dengue-carrying mosquitoes,” stresses Dr. Manuel. School-aged children, especially those below 10 years old, appeared to be more susceptible to dengue virus.  These kids have fewer antibodies that are considered necessary to protect themselves against infections and illnesses, dengue included. The school has already incorporated dengue information dissemination campaign in classroom discussions during the students‟ science subject. This not only creates an opportunity for teachers to lead the class about the dangers of the disease, it all the more builds the students' knowledge from symptoms to preventive measures.

Grade school students meet the two naughty school crashers they need to avoid -Daytime Dengue Lamok (Ae. Aegypti) and Nighttime Dengue Lamok (Ae. Albopictus, and learn the deadly virus they carry with them.

The Green Cross School Crashers

Very timely is the Green Cross School Crashers campaign which was recently launched at LSM and at several Metro Manila schools. As Green Cross sees the vital importance of awareness campaigns, it embarks a Day and Night Dengue Defense drive to acquaint young students and parents alike on facts about dengue. Through the Green Cross School Crashers, students get to understand the disease, its symptoms, and defensive measures in a fun and interactive way. During the Green Cross School Crashers activity, grade school students meet Ms. Green, a Green Cross Insect Repellent Ambassador, and two costumed character mascots, Daytime Dengue Lamok (Ae. aegypti) and Nighttime Dengue Lamok (Ae. albopictus). The lessons are taught through interactive storytelling where kids learn all about dengue prevention and the dangers of dengue. Children do not only learn about the harmful day and night dengue lamok but also get to take home educational brochures they may share with family members. Aside from useful tips to keep their homes and community from becoming the breeding sites of dengue lamok, the leaflet has fun activities inside and even a survey form kids can answer and get a chance to take home a limited edition school supply kit.

The best line of defense

Though there are a number of initiatives to prevent breeding sites and protect oneself from dengue, the best line of defense is still personal protection. The use of insect repellents is highly advisable especially to protect those exposed skin one can not cover up with long-sleeved tops or pants. And the only proven protection against day and night dengue lamok is the new Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion. It protects you from harmful mosquitoes for up to 10 hours. It also has an antibacterial formulation proven to kill up to 99.9% of disease-causing germs, a benefit which Green Cross brand has always been known for. Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion is especially formulated to give complete protection from dengue mosquito bites, offering up to 10 hours protection per application. There are a number of effective, eco-friendly and sustainable strategies to combat dengue. Both the local government and school administration are sharing collaborative efforts in stopping the spread of this dreaded disease. Awareness campaigns are of vital importance and the Green Cross School Crashers is a welcome effort to control the spread of dengue virus. Several schools have joined and discovered this innovative way to defend oneself against dengue. Enlist your school in the Green Cross School Crashers. For more information, visit  www.facebook.com/greencrossphilippines or call the Green Cross School Crashers hotline at 0917 976 5980. Source: Department of Health Disease Surveillance Report Morbidity Week 35, Aug. 26 – Sept 1, 2012

Happy Feast Day of The Black Nazarene

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The Black Nazarene/ Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno/
Itim na Nazareno
( http://enjoyingwonderfulworld.blogspot.com/2012/01/feast-of-black-nazarene-january-9-2012.html)

"Viva Señor!" "Viva Señor!"

A huge crowd tries to touch the statue of The Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Christ is carried through town by barefooted men yelling, "Viva Señor! "

(Photo: Jim Guiao Punzalan)

On January 9, 2013 - celebration of Feast of Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. Some 11 million devotees are expected to join the parade set on Wednesday.

(Photo: MGR)

The religious veneration of the Black Nazarene is rooted among Filipinos who identify themselves with the Passion of Jesus Christ. Many devotees of the Black Nazarene relate their poverty and daily struggles to the wounds and tribulations experienced by Jesus, as represented by the image.

Every Friday of the year is locally known as Quiapo Day, and is dedicated to the Black Nazarene, with the novena being held not only in the basilica but in other churches nationwide. Devotees also pay homage by clapping their hands at the end of each mass offered at the shrine.

If you decide to take part in the event, be prepared. Most in the crowd go barefoot as a sign of humility as they follow the statue. A few dozen people a year pass out and must be taken away by ambulance. And there is at least a small risk of being trampled.

Take care everyone and God bless! Happy Feast Day and "Viva Señor!"

Star World's American Idol in its 12th Season premieres this January 17

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Star World is bringing the US’s top reality entertainment show, American Idol, once again to millions of viewers in Asia and beyond for the eighth year in a row, making the Pay TV channel the true home for idols as well as the show’s legions of devoted fans. Star World is committed to delivering every exciting moment of American Idol Season 12 to scores of viewers in Southeast Asia, India, Taiwan and the Middle East so that they get the latest performances, updates and scoops straight from their homes as soon as they happen.

Huge, fantastic changes are happening to American Idol in its 12th season, the biggest of which is a new roster of celebrity judges of unprecedented international stardom. Joining the powerful music producer Randy Jackson, who presence has fueled the show since its first season, are country music star Keith Urban, also husband to actress Nicole Kidman; the quirky and fun pop superstar Nicki Minaj, whose hits “Super Bass” and “Starships” have inundated global airwaves in recent years; and the eternal diva Mariah Carey, who has been enthralling audiences with her vocal prowess over a musical career that has spanned more than 20 years. Together, these four judges have enough star power and experience in the music industry to select the best American Idol hopefuls to vie for the coveted title as well as give meaningful and insightful comments to help them along their journey. Fans will be happy to know that Emmy-nominated host Ryan Seacrest is returning to the show to guide viewers through another exciting season of amazing musical performances.

Judges Randy Jackson, Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey 

With such larger-than-life personalities on the judging panel, expect some fireworks to happen on the show as egos clash and flare. One thing most Idol fans who’ve kept up-to-date with the pre-season activity of American Idol want to see most this year is how the purported feud between judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj has played out. Late in 2012, during preliminary auditions, it was reported that Carey and Minaj had a disagreement, with Minaj referring to the fight on her Twitter account. Both stars, however, are pleased to be part of the show, with Carey saying that she’s proud to be on a show that has produced massive stars and Minaj eager to be part of American Idol’s big family. Host Seacrest assures American Idol fans that there won’t be a dull moment between the two judges this season, and even if things between them may get intense, their presence together on the panel is something the show’s producers are excited about.

Some new twists have been made to the audition process of America Idol Season 12 to stir things up a bit for AI hopefuls. The first is the "American Idol Small Town Audition Bus Tour", which will bring the auditions to 10 small towns in America for those who can’t make it to the auditions in the big cities. Another type of audition is the “Nominate an Idol” program, where friends and family members can secretly nominate someone by filling up an online form and submitting an existing video of the person singing solo and a capella. A film crew will turn up on location to surprise the chosen nominee and give them a chance to advance to the next round. Online auditions were also held for the show in late 2012. With these new ways to get onto the show, American Idol fans can anticipate an even wider demographic of performers to be showcased—from the most talented singers in America to the weirdest wannabes who will do the craziest things just to get a crack at the title!

American Idol is the biggest reality TV show, which set a record when it gathered 132 million votes for the Season 11 finale, which pit Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez against each other. 

Phillips won the title of American Idol and has since gone on to achieve top spots on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Home” and “The World From The Side Of The Moon.” 

Meanwhile, Jessica Sanchez is fast becoming an international performer and is signed with Interscope Records. Millions of fans have tuned in over the years since its first season to see contestants on American Idol turn into bona fide, successful musical artists after being on the show, and they will not be disappointed to witness this happen once again in Season 12 for a new batch of talented candidates.

There is so much going on this 12th season of American Idol, and Star World will bring it to viewers live and the soonest, with timely screenings and exclusive specials that add value to the viewing experience and satisfy the hearts of even the wildest, most die-hard fans of American Idol. Season 12 of American Idol premieres this January 17, 2013 at 6PM with replays at 8PM and 11PM on Star World!