Filipiniana - Pinoy eLibrary

List of Filipino dishes

2010-05-29T13:04:00.000+10:00

Cooking styles and seasoning in the Philippines vary from region to region although all the basic cooking methods such as boiling, roasting, frying, steaming and sauteing are used. The use of heavy sauce is not a traditional Filipino style of cooking but can be traced directly to Spanish influence. Some of these heavy thick sauces are however reserve for town fiesta, Christmas and other special occasion.

Today, there are millions of Filipinos living all over the world, but despite their easy adaptable to their new environment they still have retained their tail for Filipino food. This hub is a descriptive guide to the different and popular dishes in the Philippines.

Chicken Soup with papaya and Ginger

2010-05-29T12:59:00.001+10:00

This dish is locally known to the Filipinos as “Tinolang Manok” (manok is the Filipino word for chicken). This is an inexpensive but a very nutritious dish. This recipe calls for papaya but if you don’t have papaya you can use chokos and you can also add spinach or chilli leaves, but if not available you can use baby bok choy. This dish is a comfort food for those people who live far from home, especially during the chilly winter months.

An easy dish to prepare when friends and family just drop for a chat and are willing to stay for dinner. Click on the link for the recipe of Tinola Manok

Filipino Food Hubs

2010-05-29T12:55:00.003+10:00

There is nothing like the wonderful memory of sharing delicious food that have been prepared with love and care from recipes that have been passed down through the generations

This is a collection of Filipino recipe hubs, I am proud to say that I can cook all the dishes listed here, my mum taught me how to cook these recipe and also because they are so simple and easy to do, aside of course from being nutritious and delicious.

This hub has cool links to Filipino Cookbook available online at Amazon and Ebay. Updated regularly, so bookmarked it and do come back if you feel like cooking an easy, simple but nutritious Filipino dishes.

Easy Fish and Seafood Recipes

2010-05-29T12:42:00.002+10:00

It is a good idea to eat seafoods on a regular basis as an alternative to meat. Here is a selection of easy, economical and simple Filipino fish and seafood recipes that you can cook. The main aim is to share these recipes not only to fellow Filipinos but to anyone interest in Filipino cooking.

The list includes:
-Fried fish steaks, (fish sarciado),
-Crabs in coconut cream,
-Paksiw, fish stewed in vinegar,
- Camaron Rebosado (Deep Fried Prawns)
- Mussel Soup.

These dishes are regularly served in our dinner table and I hope you will like them too.

This is a growing collection, please come back since this hub is regularly updated. Continue reading . . .

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Puto - Filipino Rice Cake

2010-05-29T12:34:00.008+10:00

Puto is a steamed rice cake, served with melted cheese or slices of salted eggs on top, an all-time favourite, popular merienda (morning or afternoon snack ) in the Philippines. The original recipe calls for soaked ground rice but just like any other recipes, people do a lot of modification, to make it easier and taste better.

Today, most puto are cooked using self raising flour or just the plain all purpose flour. If you are looking for a simple and easy way to cook puto this hub is for you, with recipe, videos and some tips on how to cook puto.

The Barong Tagalog

2010-05-05T07:47:00.003+10:00

The Barong Tagalog, is the most widely known Filipino attire for both men and women. Weddings, christenings and other formal Filipino gatherings would seem unusual if a barong is not in sight. A sense of elegance makes the barong the first choice of attire at special events. The barong as we know it, is a far cry from what it was a long time ago.

Originally called “Baro ng Tagalog” (Dress of the Tagalog) and made initially of abaca and banana silk, the barong traces its beginnings from the peasants of the Spanish era. Legend has it that the Spaniards made Filipinos wear barong untucked to distinguish them from the ruling class and to ensure that with its translucent fabric, any weapon concealed under the garment would be seen.
On the contrary, sociologists pointed out that untucked wear was common in pre-colonial Southeast and South Asian countries. In addition, historians have not noted any specific laws under Spanish rule prohibiting the natives from tucking their barong.

José Rizal and his contemporaries were photographed with their shirts tucked. For the majority of the Filipinos, the use of the barong is driven naturally by the heat and humidity of the Philippine weather rather than the fear of Spaniards of peasants obscuring weapons.

The recognition of the barong as a formal attire was popularised by the late President Ramon Magsaysay. In 1975, the late President Ferdinand Marcos officially made the barong the Philippine national costume.

In its present form, barong is worn untucked over an undershirt. It is usually embroidered with geometric designs and made of either the expensive hand loomed piña (pineapple leaf fibre), or of Jusi, a mechanically woven fabric from silk organza or hand-woven from banana fibre. The latest fabric, Pina-Jusi has gained popularity with the sheerness of
pineapple fibres and the strength of the Jusi fibre. The barong’s thin and light fabric is very much suited to the Philippine climate.

In recent decades, less formal versions of the Barong Tagalog have been created, presumably to make them more affordable and wearable. Foremost of these offshoots is the Polo Barong. It is often used as office wear, is short-sleeved, and often made with linen, ramie or cotton. For a smart casual look came the "Gusot Mayaman" (meaning "wrinkled" and "wealthy" respectively), Linen Barongs and the Shirt-jack Barong. They are usually in poly-cotton and linen-cotton fabrics. These barong style outfits were popularised by politicians and government officials when worn during campaigns or out-in-the-field assignments.

From what was once a staple shirt of the peasant, the barong has evolved into an elegant attire of today – a cherished possession of Filipinos. The barong links us to our cultural heritage and to our national identity.

Alamat

2009-10-28T21:39:00.001+11:00

Mano Po Ninong

2009-09-09T08:06:00.008+10:00

Maligaya, maligayang Pasko kayo'y bigyan
Masagana, masaganang Bagong Tao'y kamtan
Ipagdiwang, ipagdiwang Araw ng Maykapal
Upang mapanatili sa ating ang kapalaran
At mabuhay na lagi sa kapayapaan.

Chorus

Mano po, Ninong
Mano po, Ninang
Narito Kami ngayon
Humahalik sa inyong kamay
Salamat Ninong
Salmat Ninang
Sa aguinaldo pong inyong ibibigay.

Namamasko

2009-09-09T06:54:00.006+10:00

Sa maybahay ang aming bati
Merry Christmas na maluwalhati
Ang pag-ibig ang s'yang naghari
Araw-araw ay maging Pasko lagi

Ang sanhi po ng pagparito
Hihingi po ng aguinaldo
Kung sakaling kaming ay perwisyo
Pasens'ya na kayo at kami'y namamasko

(Ulitin)

Coda

Kung sakaliing kami'y perwisyo
Pasensiya na kayo't kami'y namamasko.

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Noche Buena

2009-09-09T06:29:00.010+10:00

Kay sigla ng gabi

Ang lahat ay kay saya

Nagluto ang Ate

Ng manok na tinola

Sa bahay ng Kuya

Ay mayroong litsonan pa

Ang bawat tahanan

May handang iba't iba.

Tayo na giliw

Magsalo na tayo

Mayro'n na tayong tinapay at keso

Di ba Noche Buena

Sa gabing ito

At bukas ay araw ng Pasko.

Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit

2009-09-09T05:42:00.013+10:00

Ang Pasko ay sumapit

Tayo ay mangagsi-awit

Ng magagandang himig

Dahil sa Diyos ay pag-ibig.

nang si Kristo'y isilang

May tatlong haring nagsidalaw

At ang bawat isa

ay nagsipaghandog ng tanging alay.

. CHORUS

. Bagong taon ay mag-bagong buhay

Nang lumigaya ang ating bayan;

Tayo''y magsikap upang

makamtam natin ang kasaganaan.

Tayo'y mangagsi-awit

habang ang mundo'y tahimik

Ang araw ay sumapit

Ng sanggol na dulot ng langit

Tayo ay magmahalan

Ating sundin ang gintong aral,

At magbuhat ngayon

kahit hindi pasko ay magbigayan.

(Repeat chorus & last stanza)

Pasko Na Naman

2009-09-09T05:15:00.013+10:00

Pasko na naman
O kay tulin ng araw
Paskong nagdaan
Tila ba kung kailan lang
Ngayon ay Pasko
Dapat pasalamatan
Ngayon ay Pasko
Tayo ay mag-awitan

Refrain:

Pasko! Pasko
Pasko na namang muli!
Pasko, Pasko
Pasko na namang muli!
Ang pag ibig ay naghahari!

Repeat first part and refrain (2x)

Learn Filipino - Days of the Week

2009-07-21T08:50:00.011+10:00

Lunes - Monday

Martes - Tuesday

Mierkoles- Wednesday

Huwebes - Thursday

Biernes - Friday

Sabado - Saturday

Linggo - Sunday

Bahay Kubo

2009-07-21T08:44:00.002+10:00

Nipa Hut

My nipa hut, even if it is small

The plants there are varied.

Turnips and eggplant winged beans and peanuts

String beans,edible pods, lima beans.

White melon, gourd, pumpkin and squash

And still there are more radish, mustard.

Onions, tomatoes, garlic and ginger

All around are lush sesame seeds.

Tricycle

2009-04-20T22:21:00.002+10:00

Pinoy Jeepney

2009-04-18T22:23:00.002+10:00

The Philippine jeepneys are models of the Filipino innovation on the United States Army combat vehicle. The converted military vehicle became the Philippines most-used public transportation vehicle after World War II.

A typical jeepney would usually accomodate 20-30 cummuting passengers. In terms of appearance no jeepney is exactly the same. Every single one has its own unique design and is usually a reflective of a common man's sentiments of the time. Today, the jeepney is the most popular means of transportation in the Philippines and become the country's symbol of adaptation to global influence and change.

Malolos Capitolyo (Provincial Capitol Compound)

2008-07-02T20:46:00.000+10:00

Bulacan Provincial Capitol Building, the seat of the Provicial Government of Bulacan

Barasoain Church - Malolos, Bulacan

2008-07-02T20:39:00.000+10:00

Our Lady of Assumption- Bulacan, Bulacan

2008-06-17T22:33:00.003+10:00

Bugtong tungkol sa Prutas

2007-04-12T08:45:00.004+10:00

Riddles about Fruits

1. May isang prinsesa, nakaupo sa tasa.

2. Ate mo, ate ko, Ate ng lahat ng tao.

3. Hiyas na puso, kulay ginto, mabango kung amuyin, masarap kung kainin.

4. Butong binalot ng bakal,bakal na binalot ng kristal.

5. Nag tapis nang nag tapis nakalitaw ang bulbolis.

6. Aling pagkain sa mundo, ang nakalabas ang buto?

7. Heto na si Ingkong, nakaupo sa lusong.

8. Nakatalikod na ang prinsesa, mukha niya'y nakaharap pa

9. Balat niya’y berde, buto niya’y itim,laman niya’y pula, sino siya?

10. Kung tawagin nila’y santo, hindi naman milagroso.

More Filipino Riddles on Page: 1 - 2 - 3
More Riddles about Fruits

Answers: (Mga sagot sa bugtong)

1. Kasoy

2. Atis

3. Mangga

4. Lansones

5. Mais

Bugtong tungkol sa Prutas -1

2007-04-11T19:27:00.001+10:00

Bahay ni Mang Pedro, punung-puno ng bato.
Isang maliit na bulsa, punung puno ng paminta.
Bahay ni Santa Ana punong puno nang bala.
Puno ay buko-buko, dahon ay abaniko,
Bunga ay parasko, perdigones ang buto.

Baboy sa pulo, ang balahibo ay pako.
Baboy ko sa Mariveles, balahibo’y matutulis.

Isang magandang prinsesa, ligid na ligid ng espada.
Dahong pinagbungahan, bungang pinagdahunan.
Isang reynang maraming mata nasa gitna ang mga espada

Nanganak ang birhen, itinapon ang lampin.
Nanganak ang aswang, sa tuktok nagdaan.

Nakayuko ang reyna di nalalaglag ang korona.

May langit, may lupa, May tubig, walang isda.
Tatlong bundok ang tinimbag bago dumating nang dagat.

More Filipino Riddles On Page: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4

Bugtong : Filipino Riddles - 4

2007-03-19T10:00:00.000+11:00

Bugtungan Tayo !!!

Alalay kong bilugan, puro tubig ang tiyan
Isang higanteng kahon, taguan ng kahapon.
Bumubuka'y walang bibig, ngumingiti ng tahimik .
Nagsaing si Pusong, nasa ibabaw ang gatong.
Bahay ni Mang Tute, haligi ay bali-bali.
Ako ay nagtanim nang dayap sa gitna nang dagat marami ang nahanap, iisa ang naka palad.
Habang siya'y pinuputulan, mga sanga'y lalong nadadagdagan.
Gumagapang, sumasagpang, ang buntot ko ang iyong pag-ingatan.
Munting hayop na pangahas, aaligid-aligid sa ningas.
Anong kabayo ang hindi tumatakbo?
Isang bayabas, pito ang butas.
Dalawang balong malalim, hindi maabot ng tingin.
Abaruray, abarinding, kung maalinsangan ay kumekending.
Limang puno nang niyog; isa ang matayog
Dala mo siya, dala ka niya

More Filipino Riddels on Page: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
Riddles about Fruits: 1 - 2

Sagot:

Batya
Baul
Bulaklak
Bibingka
Alimango
Dalaga
Akasya
Alakdan
Gamu-gamo
Palantsahan
Mukha
Mata
Abaniko
Daliri
Sapatos

Bugtong : Filipino Riddles - 3

2007-03-17T15:55:00.000+11:00

Bugtungan Tayo !!!

Mayroong araw, mayroong buwan, hindi naman langit. Mayroong katapusan, ngunit muling nagbabalik. Tumatanda ngunit isang taong gulang lagi. Wakas pa niya ay ipinagbubunyi.
Dalawang tindahan sabay na binubuksan.
Baboy ko sa Sorsogon, kung di sakyan, di lalamon.
May binti, walang hita, may tuktok, walang mukha.
Nagtanim ako ng isip, sa ilalim ng tubig, dahon ay makikitid, bunga'y pagkatulis-tulis.
Maliit pa si kumare, marunong ng humuni
Baka sa palupandan, ang unga ay nakakarating kahit saan.
May bintana, walang bubungan may pinto, walang hagdanan.
Hinila ko ang baging, nag-ingay ang matsing.
Walang itak, walang kampit, gumagawa ng bahay na ipit.
Kung kailan tinakpan, saka pa nakaaninaw
Ulan nang ulan, hindi pa rin mabasa ang tiyan.
Perlas na labis ang kinang, tubig ang pinanggalingan, nang bumalik sa pinagmulan, natunaw na'y nawala pa ang kinang.
Tahimik kung malamig, sumasayaw kung mainit.
Kay lapit-lapit sa mata, hinding-hindi mo makita.

More Filipino Riddles on Page 1 - 2 - 3 - 4

Riddles about Fruits 1 - 2

Sagot:

Kalendaryo
Mata
Kudkuran
Kabuti
Palay
Kuliglig
Kulog
Kumpisalan
Kampana
Gagamba
Salamin sa mata
Gabi
Asin
Abaniko
Baba

Bugtong : Filipino Riddles - 2

2007-03-16T08:38:00.002+11:00

Bugtungan Tayo !

May puno walang bunga, may dahon walang sanga.

Lumuluha walang mata, lumalakad walang paa.

Buto't balat, lumilipad.

Mataas kung nakaupo, mababa kung nakatayo.
Tungkod ni apo, hindi mahipo.

Eto na ang magkapatid, nag-uunahang pumanhik.

Dalawang batong itim, malayo ang nararating.

Kulang ang pamilya, kung ito'y wala pa.

Ang sariwa'y tatlo na, ang maitim ay maputi na, ang bakod ay lagas na.

Nagbibigay na'y sinasakal pa.

Sa buhatan ay may silbi, sa igiban ay walang sinabi.
Manok kong puti, tumalon sa pusali.

Isda ko sa Sapa, sapin-sapin ang taba.

Nang munti ay may buntot nang lumakiy napugot.

Eto na si Kaka, may sunong na dampa.

More Filipino Riddles on Page: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
Filipino Riddles about Fruits 1 - 2
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Sagot:

Sandok
Pluma

Saranggola

Ningas ng kandila
Paa

Mata

Anak

Matanda

Bote

Basket

Hugas Bigas

Saha ng Saging
Palaka

Pagong

Bugtong : Filipino Riddles - 1

2007-03-15T22:46:00.000+11:00

Riddles are expression in rhymes using one or two images that refer to a particular thing or object that has to be guess. Riddles are used for entertainment, mental exercises and amusement. It is used by Filipinos to pass away time and to show their wit . . . it is entertaining and fun.

Filipino riddles deal largely with animals, plants and objects of local character. Filipino riddles have been passed from one generation to another and their origins have never been trace, a lot of new riddles have also been created by the younger generation. Let's try if you can answer some of the riddles below.

Bugtungan Tayo !

Nagtago si Pedro, labas ang ulo.
Hindi pari, hindi hari, nagdadamit ng sari-sari.
Bugtong-pala-bugtong, kadenang umuugong.
Heto na si Kaka, bubuka-bukaka.
Buhok ni Adan, hindi mabilang.
Bibingka ng hari, hindi mo mahati.
Sa araw ay bungbong, sa gabi ay dahon.
Iisa ang pasukan, tatlo ang labasan.
Malaking supot ni Mang Jacob, kung sisidlan ay pataob.
Dalawang pipit nag titimbangan sa isang siit.
Hayan na, hayan na di mo pa makita.
Baka ko sa Maynila, hanggang dito, dinig ang unga.
Nagdaan si Kabo Negro, namatay na lahat ang tao.
Ako ay may kaibigan, kasama ko kahit saan.
Ang alaga kong hugis bilog, barya-barya ang laman-loob.

More Filipino Riddles on Page: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
Filipino Riddles about Fruits : 1 - 2

Sagot

Pako
Sampayan
Tren
Gunting
Ulan
Tubig
Banig
Damit/Baro
Kulambo
Hikaw
Hangin
Kulog
Gabi
Anino
Alkansiya

To the Young Women of Malolos By: Jose Rizal

2007-03-02T19:06:00.000+11:00

NOTE: Rizal wrote this famous letter in Tagalog, while he was residing in London, upon the request of M. H. del Pilar. The story behind this letter is this: On December 12, 1888, a group of twenty young women of Malolos petitioned Governor-General Weyler for permission to open a “night school” so that they might study Spanish under Teodoro Sandiko. Fr. Felipe Garcia, the Spanish parish priest, objected to the proposal. Therefore the governor-general turned down the petition. However, the young women, in defiance of the friar’s wrath, bravely continued their agitation for the school – a thing unheard of in the Philippines in those times. They finally succeeded in obtaining government approval to their project on the condition that Señora Guadalupe Reyes should be their teacher. The incident caused a great stir in the Philippines and in far-away Spain. Del Pilar, writing in Barcelona on February 17, 1889, requested Rizal to send a letter in Tagalog to the brave women of Malolos. Accordingly, Rizal, although busy in London annotating Morga’s book penned this famous letter and sent it to Del Pilar on February 22, 1889 for transmittal to Malolos. NOTE: This document was taken from José Rizal: Life, Works and Writings of a Genius, Writer, Scientist and Naional Hero by Gregorio F. Zaide and Sonia M. Zaide (Manila: National Book Store).

When I wrote Noli Me Tangere, I asked myself whether bravery was a common thing in the young women of our people. I brought back to my recollection and reviewed those I had known since my infancy, but there were only few who seem to come up to my ideal. There was, it is true, an abundance of girls with agreeable manners, beautiful ways, and modest demeanor, but there was in all an admixture of servitude and deference to the words or whims of their so-called "spiritual fathers" (as if the spirit or soul had any father other than God), due to excessive kindness, modesty, or perhaps ignorance. They seemed faced plants sown and reared in darkness, having flowers without perfume and fruits without sap.

However, when the news of what happened at Malolos reached us, I saw my error, and great was my rejoicing. After all, who is to blame me? I did not know Malolos nor its young women, except one called Emila [Emilia Tiongson, whom Rizal met in 1887], and her I knew by name only.

Now that you have responded to our first appeal in the interest of the welfare of the people; now that you have set an example to those who, like you, long to have their eyes opened and be delivered from servitude, new hopes are awakened in us and we now even dare to face adversity, because we have you for our allies and are confident of victory. No longer does the Filipina stand with her head bowed nor does she spend her time on her knees, because she is quickened by hope in the future; no longer will the mother contribute to keeping her daughter in darkness and bring her up in contempt and moral annihilation. And no longer will the science of all sciences consist in blind submission to any unjust order, or in extreme complacency, nor will a courteous smile be deemed the only weapon against insult or humble tears the ineffable panacea for all tribulations. You know that the will of God is different from that of the priest; that religiousness does not consist of long periods spent on your knees, nor in endless prayers, big rosarios, and grimy scapularies [religious garment showing devotion], but in a spotless conduct, firm intention and upright judgment. You also know that prudence does not consist in blindly obeying any whim of the little tin god, but in obeying only that which is reasonable and just, because blind obedience is itself the cause and origin of those whims, and those guilty of it are really to be blamed. The official or friar can no longer assert that they alone are responsible for their unjust orders, because God gave each individual reason and a will of his or her own to distinguish the just from the unjust; all were born without shackles and free, and nobody has a right to subjugate the will and the spirit of another your thoughts. And, why should you submit to another your thoughts, seeing that thought is noble and free?

It is cowardice and erroneous to believe that saintliness consists in blind obedience and that prudence and the habit of thinking are presumptuous. Ignorance has ever been ignorance, and never prudence and honor. God, the primal source of all wisdom, does not demand that man, created in his image and likeness, allow himself to be deceived and hoodwinked, but wants us to use and let shine the light of reason with which He has so mercifully endowed us. He may be compared to the father who gave each of his sons a torch to light their way in the darkness bidding them keep its light bright and take care of it, and not put it out and trust to the light of the others, but to help and advise each other to fiind the right path. They would be madman were they to follow the light of another, only to come to a fall, and the father could unbraid them and say to them: "Did I not give each of you his own torch," but he cold not say so if the fall were due to the light of the torch of him who fell, as the light might have been dim and the road very bad.

The deceiver is fond of using the saying that "It is presumptuous to rely on one's own judgment," but, in my opinion, it is more presumptuous for a person to put his judgment above that of the others and try to make it prevail over theirs. It is more presumptuous for a man to constitute himself into an idol and pretend to be in communication of thought with God; and it is more than presumptuous and even blasphemous for a person to attribute every movement of his lips to God, to represent every whim of his as the will of God, and to brand his own enemy as an enemy of God. Of course, we should not consult our own judgment alone, but hear the opinion of others before doing what may seem most reasonable to us. The wild man from the hills, if clad in a priest's robe, remains a hillman and can only deceive the weak and ignorant. And, to make my argument more conclusive, just buy a priest's robe as the Franciscans wear it and put it on a carabao [domestic water buffalo], and you will be lucky if the carabao does not become lazy on account of the robe. But I will leave this subject to speak of something else.

Youth is a flower-bed that is to bear rich fruit and must accumulate wealth for its descendants. What offspring will be that of a woman whose kindness of character is expressed by mumbled prayers; who knows nothing by heart but awits [hymns], novenas, and the alleged miracles; whose amusement consists in playing panguingue [a card game] or in the frequent confession of the same sins? What sons will she have but acolytes, priest's servants, or cockfighters? It is the mothers who are responsible for the present servitude of our compatriots, owing to the unlimited trustfulness of their loving hearts, to their ardent desire to elevate their sons Maturity is the fruit of infancy and the infant is formed on the lap of its mother. The mother who can only teach her child how to kneel and kiss hands must not expect sons with blood other than that of vile slaves. A tree that grows in the mud is unsubstantial and good only for firewood. If her son should have a bold mind, his boldness will be deceitful and will be like the bat that cannot show itself until the ringing of vespers. They say that prudence is sanctity. But, what sanctity have they shown us? To pray and kneel a lot, kiss the hand of the priests, throw money away on churches, and believe all the friar sees fit to tell us; gossip, callous rubbing of noses. . . .

As to the mites and gifts of God, is there anything in the world that does not belong to God? What would you say of a servant making his master a present of a cloth borrowed from that very master? Who is so vain, so insane that he will give alms to God and believe that the miserable thing he has given will serve to clothe the Creator of all things? Blessed be they who succor their fellow men, aid the poor and feed the hungry; but cursed be they who turn a dead ear to supplications of the poor, who only give to him who has plenty and spend their money lavishly on silver altar hangings for the thanksgiving, or in serenades and fireworks. The money ground out of the poor is bequeathed to the master so that he can provide for chains to subjugate, and hire thugs and executioners. Oh, what blindness, what lack of understanding.

Saintliness consists in the first place in obeying the dictates of reason, happen what may. "It is acts and not words that I want of you," said Christ. "Not everyone that sayeth unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven." Saintliness does not consist in abjectness, nor is the successor of Christ to be recognized by the fact that he gives his hand to be kissed. Christ did not give the kiss of peace to the Pharisees and never gave his hand to be kissed. He did not cater to the rich and vain; He did not mention scapularies, nor did He make rosaries, or solicit offerings for the sacrifice of the Mass or exact payments for His prayers. Saint John did not demand a fee on the River Jordan, nor did Christ teach for gain. Why, then, do the friars now refuse to stir a foot unless paid in advance? And, as if they were starving, they sell scapularies, rosaries, bits, and other things which are nothing but schemes for making money and a detriment to the soul; because even if all the rags on earth were converted into scapularies and all the trees in the forest into rosaries, and if the skins of all the beasts were made into belts, and if all the priests of the earth mumbled prayers over all this and sprinkled oceans of holy water over it, this would not purify a rogue or condone sin where there is no repentance. Thus, also, through cupidity and love of money, they will, for a price, revoke the numerous prohibitions such as those against eating meat, marrying close relatives, etc. You can do almost anything if you but grease their palms. Why that? Can God be bribed and bought off, and blinded by money, nothing more nor less than a friar? The brigand who has obtained a bull of compromise can live calmly on the proceeds of his robbery, because he will be forgiven. God, then, will sit at a table where theft provides the viands? Has the Omnipotent become a pauper that He must assume the role of the excise man or gendarme? If that is the God whom the friar adores, then I turn my back upon that God.

Let us be reasonable and open our eyes, especially you women, because you are the first to influence the consciousness of man. Remember that a good mother does not resemble the mother that the friar has created; she must bring up her child to be the image of the true God, not of a blackmailing, a grasping God, but of a God who is the father of us all, who is just; who does not suck the life-blood of the poor like a vampire, nor scoffs at the agony of the sorely beset, nor makes a crooked path of the path of justice. Awaken and prepare the will of our children towards all that is honorable, judged by proper standards, to all that is sincere and firm of purpose, clear judgment, clear procedure, honesty in act and deed, love for the fellowman and respect for God; this is what you must teach your children. And, seeing that life is full of thorns and thistles, you must fortify their minds against any stroke of adversity and accustom them to danger. The people cannot expect honor nor prosperity so long as they will educate their children in a wrong way, so long as the woman who guides the child in his steps is slavish and ignorant. No good water comes from a turbid, bitter spring; no savory fruit comes from acrid seed.

The duties that woman has to perform in order to deliver the people from suffering are of no little importance, but be they as they may, they will not be beyond the strength and stamina of the Filipino people. The power and good judgment of the women of the Philippines are well known, and it is because of this that she has been hoodwinked, and tied, and rendered pusillanimous, and now her enslavers rest at ease, because so long as they can keep the Filipina mother a slave, so long will they be able to make slaves of her children. The cause of the backwardness of Asia lies in the fact that there the women are ignorant, are slaves; while Europe and America are powerful because there the women are free and well-educated and endowed with lucid intellect and a strong will.

We know that you lack instructive books; we know that nothing is added to your intellect, day by day, save that which is intended to dim its natural brightness; all this we know, hence our desire to bring you the light that illuminates your equals here in Europe. If that which I tell you does not provoke your anger, and if you will pay a little attention to it then, however dense the mist may be that befogs our people, I will make the utmost efforts to have it dissipated by the bright rays of the sun, which will give light, thought they be dimmed. We shall not feel any fatigue if you help us: God, too, will help to scatter the mist, because He is the God of truth: He will restore to its pristine condition the fame of the Filipina in whom we now miss only a criterion of her own, because good qualities she has enough and to spare. This is our dream; this is the desire we cherish in our hearts; to restore the honor of woman, who is half of our heart, our companion in the joys and tribulations of life. If she is a maiden, the young man should love her not only because of her beauty and her amiable character, but also on account of her fortitude of mind and loftiness of purpose, which quicken and elevate the feeble and timid and ward off all vain thoughts. Let the maiden be the pride of her country and command respect, because it is a common practice on the part of Spaniards and friars here who have returned from the Islands to speak of the Filipina as complaisant and ignorant, as if all should be thrown into the same class because of the missteps of a few, and as if women of weak character did not exist in other lands. As to purity what could the Filipina not hold up to others!

Nevertheless, the returning Spaniards and friars, talkative and fond of gossip, can hardly find time enough to brag and bawl, amidst guffaws and insulting remarks, that a certain woman was thus; that she behaved thus at the convent and conducted herself thus with the Spaniards who on the occasion was her guest, and other things that set your teeth on edge when you think of them which, in the majority of cases, were faults due to candor, excessive kindness, meekness, or perhaps ignorance and were all the work of the defamer himself. There is a Spaniard now in high office, who has set at our table and enjoyed our hospitality in his wanderings through the Philippines and who, upon his return to Spain, rushed forthwith into print and related that on one occasion in Pampanga he demanded hospitality and ate, and slept at a house and the lady of the house conducted herself in such and such a manner with him; this is how he repaid the lady for her supreme hospitality! Similar insinuations are made by the friars to the chance visitor from Spain concerning their very obedient confesandas, hand-kissers, etc., accompanied by smiles and very significant winkings of the eye. In a book published by D. Sinibaldo de Mas and in other friar sketches sins are related of which women accused themselves in the confessional and of which the friars made no secret in talking to their Spanish visitors seasoning them, at the best, with idiotic and shameless tales not worthy of credence. I cannot repeat here the shameless stories that a friar told Mas and to which Mas attributed no value whatever. Every time we hear or read anything of this kind, we ask each other: Are the Spanish women all cut after the pattern of the Holy Virgin Mary and the Filipinas all reprobates? I believe that if we are to balance accounts in this delicate question, perhaps, . . . But I must drop the subject because I am neither a confessor nor a Spanish traveler and have no business to take away anybody's good name. I shall let this go and speak of the duties of women instead.

A people that respect women, like the Filipino people, must know the truth of the situation in order to be able to do what is expected of it. It seems an established fact that when a young student falls in love, he throws everything to the dogs -- knowledge, honor, and money, as if a girl could not do anything but sow misfortune. The bravest youth becomes a coward when he married, and the born coward becomes shameless, as if he had been waiting to get married in order to show his cowardice. The son, in order to hide his pusillanimity, remembers his mother, swallows his wrath, suffers his ears to be boxed, obeys the most foolish order, and and becomes an accomplice to his own dishonor. It should be remembered that where nobody flees there is no pursuer; when there is no little fish, there can not be a big one. Why does the girl not require of her lover a noble and honored name, a manly heart offering protection to her weakness, and a high spirit incapable of being satisfied with engendering slaves? Let her discard all fear, let her behave nobly and not deliver her youth to the weak and faint-hearted. When she is married, she must aid her husband, inspire him with courage, share his perils, refrain from causing him worry and sweeten his moments of affection, always remembering that there is no grief that a brave heart can not bear and there is no bitterer inheritance than that of infamy and slavery. Open your children's eyes so that they may jealously guard their honor, love their fellowmen and their native land, and do their duty. Always impress upon them they must prefer dying with honor to living in dishonor. The women of Sparta should serve you as an example should serve you as an example in this; I shall give some of their characteristics.

When a mother handed the shield to her son as he was marching to battle, she said nothing to him but this: "Return with it, or on it," which mean, come back victorious or dead, because it was customary with the routed warrior to throw away his shield, while the dead warrior was carried home on his shield. A mother received word that her son had been killed in battle and the army routed. She did not say a word, but expressed her thankfulness that her son had been saved from disgrace. However, when her son returned alive, the mother put on mourning. One of the mothers who went out to meet the warriors returning from battle was told by one that her three sons had fallen. I do not ask you that, said the mother, but whether we have been victorious or not. We have been victorious -- answered the warrior. If that is so, then let us thank God, and she went to the temple.

Once upon a time a king of theirs, who had been defeated, hid in the temple, because he feared their popular wrath. The Spartans resolved to shut him up there and starve him to death. When they were blocking the door, the mother was the first to bring stones. These things were in accordance with the custom there, and all Greece admired the Spartan woman. Of all women -- a woman said jestingly -- only your Spartans have power over the men. Quite natural -- they replied -- of all women only we give birth to men. Man, the Spartan women said, was not born to life for himself alone but for his native land. So long as this way of thinking prevailed and they had that kind of women in Sparta, no enemy was able to put his foot upon her soil, nor was there a woman in Sparta who ever saw a hostile army.

I do not expect to be believed simply because it is I who am saying this; there are many people who do not listen to reason, but will listen only to those who wear the cassock or have gray hair or no teeth; but while it is true that the aged should be venerated, because of their travails and experience, yet the life I have lived, consecrated to the happiness of the people, adds some years, though not many of my age. I do not pretend to be looked upon as an idol or fetish and to be believed and listened to with the eyes closed, the head bowed, and the arms crossed over the breast; what I ask of all is to reflect on what I tell him, think it over and shift it carefully through the sieve of reasons.

First of all. That the tyranny of some is possible only through cowardice and negligence on the part of others.

Second. What makes one contemptible is lack of dignity and abject fear of him who holds one in contempt.

Third. Ignorance is servitude, because as a man thinks, so he is; a man who does not think for himself and allowed himself to be guided by the thought of another is like the beast led by a halter.

Fourth. He who loves his independence must first aid his fellowman, because he who refuses protection to others will find himself without it; the isolated rib in the buri is easily broken, but not so the broom made of the ribs of the palm bound together.

Fifth. If the Filipina will not change her mode of being, let her rear no more children, let her merely give birth to them. She must cease to be the mistress of the home, otherwise she will unconsciously betray husband, child, native land, and all.

Sixth. All men are born equal, naked, without bonds. God did not create man to be a slave; nor did he endow him with intelligence to have him hoodwinked, or adorn him with reason to have him deceived by others. It is not fatuous to refuse to worship one's equal, to cultivate one's intellect, and to make use of reason in all things. Fatuous is he who makes a god of him, who makes brutes of others, and who strives to submit to his whims all that is reasonable and just.

Seventh. Consider well what kind of religion they are teaching you. See whether it is the will of God or according to the teachings of Christ that the poor be succored and those who suffer alleviated. Consider what they preaching to you, the object of the sermon, what is behind the masses, novenas, rosaries, scapularies, images, miracles, candles, belts, etc. etc; which they daily keep before your minds; ears and eyes; jostling, shouting, and coaxing; investigate whence they came and whiter they go and then compare that religion with the pure religion of Christ and see whether the pretended observance of the life of Christ does not remind you of the fat milch cow or the fattened pig, which is encouraged to grow fat nor through love of the animal, but for grossly mercenary motives.

Let us, therefore, reflect; let us consider our situation and see how we stand. May these poorly written lines aid you in your good purpose and help you to pursue the plan you have initiated. "May your profit be greater than the capital invested;" and I shall gladly accept the usual reward of all who dare tell your people the truth. May your desire to educate yourself be crowned with success; may you in the garden of learning gather not bitter, but choice fruit, looking well before you eat because on the surface of the globe all is deceit, and the enemy sows weeds in your seedling plot.

All this is the ardent desire of your compatriot.

JOSÉ RIZAL

Salawikain - Filipino Proverbs - 6

2007-02-08T17:42:00.000+11:00

Pagkahaba-haba man daw ng prusisyon, sa simbahan din ang tuloy.
Pili nang pili, natapatan din ay bungi.
Pulutin ang mabuti, ang masama ay iwaksi.
Papunta ka pa lamang ay pauwi na ako.
Tikatikatik man kung panay ang ulan, malalim mang ilog ay mapapaapaw.
Turan mo ang iyong kaibigan, sasabihin ko kung sino ikaw.
Tulak ng bibig, kabig ng dibdib.
Ubos-ubos biyaya, pagkatapos nakatunganga.
Walang mahirap na gawa pag dinaan sa tiyaga.
Walang pagod magtipon, walang hinayang magtapon.
Walang mapait na tutong sa taong nagugutom.
Walang naninira sa bakal kundi sariling kalawang.
Walang lumura sa langit na di sa kanyang mukha nagbalik.
Walang matiyagang lalake, sa pihikang babae.
Walang palayok na walang kasukat na tungtong.
Walang matibay na baging sa mahusay maglambitin.
Walang mahirap na gawa, pag dinaan sa tiyaga.
Wika't batong ihagis mo, di magbabalik sa iyo.
Yaong mapag-alinlangan, madalas mapagiwanan.
Saan mang gubat ay may ahas.

More Salawikain on Page: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Salawikain - Filipino Proverbs - 5

2007-02-06T17:27:00.000+11:00

Malakas ang bulong kaysa sigaw.
Malaking puno, ngunit walang lilim.
Matalino man ang matsing, napaglalalangan din.
Matibay ang walis, palibhasa'y magkabigkis.
Matutuyo na ang sapa nguni't hindi ang balita.
Magsisi ka man at huli wala nang mangyayari.
Mainam na ang pipit na nasa kamay kaysa lawing lumilipad.
Mahuli man at magaling, naihahabol din.
May tainga ang lupa, may pakpak ang balita.
Maraming salita, kulang sa gawa.
Madaling sabihin, mahirap gawain.
Masakit ang katotohanan.
May mahinhing talipandas, may dalahirang banayad.
Matalas man ang tabak, mapurol kung nakasakbat.
Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.
Nauntog akong minsan ayaw ko nang mauli. Baka sa susunod ngipin ko ang mabungi.
Nakikita ang butas ng karayom, hindi nakikita ang butas ng palakol.
Nasa huli ang pagsisisi.
Naghangad ng kagitna, isang salop ang nawala.
Nasa taong matapat ang huling halakhak.

More Salawikain On Page: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Salawikain - Filipino Proverbs - 4

2007-02-05T17:09:00.001+11:00

Kung sino ang pumutak ay siyang nanganak.

Kung ano ang sukat ng ohales iyon ding ang laki ng butones.

Kung saan ang hilig duon mabubuwal.

Kung sino ang masalita ay siyang kulang sa gawa.

Magbiro ka na sa lasing, huwag lang sa bagong gising.

Kapag pinukol ka ng bato, tinapay ang iganti mo.

Kung binigyan ng buhay, bibigyan din ng ikabubuhay.

Kung matigas ay bato, kung malambot ay tao.

Kung ikaw ay nagagalit, bumilang ka ng makasampung ulit.

Kapag ang ilog ay matahimik, asahan mo at malalim.
Kapag ang ilog ay maingay, asahan mo at mababaw.

Kung nasaan ang asukal, naruon ang langgam.

Kung walang, tiyaga, walang nilaga.

Kung may itinanim, may aanihin.

Kung gaano kataas ang lipad gayon din ang lagapak pag bagsak.

Kapag apaw na ang takalan, kailangan kalusan.

Kung may isinuksok, may madudukot.

Kung sino ang masalita ay siyang kulang sa gawa.

Kung sino ang umako, ay siyang mapapako.

Ano man ang kanin, kung sa apoy luto, kung di palamigin ay nakapapaso.

Ang paa na ang madulas, ang dila lamang ang huwag.

More Salawikain on Page: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Salawikain - Filipino Proverbs - 3

2007-02-04T17:02:00.001+11:00

Buntot mo hila mo.
Buhay alamang, paglukso ay patay.
Daig ng maagap ang taong masipag.
Gawain mo sa kapuwa mo, ang nais mong gawain niya sa iyo.
Habang maikli ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot.
Huli man daw at magaling, naihahabol din.
Hampas sa kalabaw, sa kabayo ang latay.
Huwag magbilang ng manok hangga't hindi napipisa ang itlog.
Ibong sa ahula na ikinulong nang mahigpit kapag nakawala'y hindi na babalik.
Ikaw ang bahala, ako ang kaawa-awa.

Isang kahig isang tuka.
Kahoy mang babad sa tubig sa apoy huwag ilapit, kapag ito'y nadarang sa init, sapilitang magdirikit.
Kapag bukas ang kaban, nagkakasala sinuman.
Kapalara`y di man hanapin, dudulog at lalapit kung talagang akin.
Kung labis ang tamis, ang lasa ay mapait.

Kung ano ang itinanim, iyon din ang aanihin.
Kung anong taas ng paglipad, siya ring lakas ng lagapak.
Kung ano ang puno, siya ang bunga.
Kung di ukol, di bubukol.
Ang maniwala sa sabi, walang bait na sarili.

More Salawikain on Page: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Salawikain - Filipino Proverbs - 2

2007-02-03T16:54:00.002+11:00

Ang tunay na anyaya, sinasamahan ng hila.

Araw mo ngayon at sikat, ang iba nama`y bukas.

Ang panahon ay samantalahin, sapagka`t ginto ang kahambing.

Ang taong walang kibo, nasa loob ang kulo.

Ang taong nagigipit, kahit sa patalim ay kumakapit.

Ang tunay mong pagkatao, nakikilala sa gawa mo.

Ang tunay na kaibigan karamay kahit kailan.

Ang tunay na kaibigan, nakikilala sa kagipitan.

Ang tao kapag mayaman, marami ang kaibigan.

Ang taong mainggitin, lumigaya man ay sawi rin.

Ang nauuna ay nagsisisi, nagkukumamot ang nahuhuli.

Ang utang ay utang, hindi dapat kalimutan.

Ang umaayaw ay di nagwawagi, ang nagwawagi ay di umaayaw.

Ano man ang gagawin makapitong iisipin.

Anak na hindi paluluhain, ina ang patatangisin.

Ang mahusay na pagsunod, naroon sa nag-uutos.

Bago ka bumati ng sa ibang uling, uling mo muna ang iyong pahirin.

Bawat palayok ay may kasukat na suklob.

Batang puso madaling marahuyo.

Bato-bato sa langit, ang tamaan huwag magagalit.

More Salawikain on Page : 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Salawikain - Filipino Proverbs - 1

2007-02-02T16:46:00.001+11:00

Ano man ang gawa at dali-dali ay hindi iigi ang pagkakayari.

Ang gawa sa pagkabata, dala hanggang pagtanda.

Ang lumalakad nang mabagal, kung matinik ay mababaw. Ang lumlakad nang matulin kung matinik ay malalim.

Ang langaw na dumapo sa kalabaw, mataas pa sa kalabaw ang pakiramdam.

Ang iyong kakainin, sa iyong pawis manggagaling.

Ako ang nagtanim, ang nagbayo at nagsaing, saka nang maluto'y iba ang kumain.

Ano man ang tibay ng piling abaka ay wala ring silbi kapag nag-iisa.

Ano man ang gagawin, makapitong iisipin.

Ang karunungan ay kayamanan gamitin sa kabutihan.

Ang mabuting gawa kinalulugdan ng madla.

Ang pag-ilag sa kaaway, ang tunay na katapangan.

Ang paala-ala ay mabisang gamot, sa taong nakakalimot.

Ang pagsasabi ng tapat ay pagsasamang maluwag.

Ang pagkakataon sa buhay ay madalang dumating. Kapag narito na, ating samantalahin.

Ang pag-aasawa ay hindi biro, 'di tulad ng kanin mailuluwa kung mapaso.

Ang pili ng pili, natatapat sa bungi.

Ang sakit ng kalingkingan damdamin ng buong katawan.

Ang sinta'y parang gamot, parang gayuma ang loob.

Ang taong walang pilak ay parang ibong walang pakpak.

Batong buhay ka man na sakdal ng tigas, sa patak ng tubig lamang naaagnas

More Salawikain on Page : 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Salawikain: Filipino Proverbs

2007-02-01T15:35:00.000+11:00

Filipino proverbs are saying pass from one generation to another, when, how and who started it, nobody can tell. It teaches lesson derived from practical wisdom learned from everyday experiences and keen observation of life. .

Filipino proverbs are glimpses of Pinoy's everyday life and culture, it illuminate the character of the Filipino, values and philosophy. It serves as a guide to living, it gives advice and encouragement and a reminder for young and old folks and for all of us... even we are thousand of miles away from our home land. Filipino proverbs have universal wisdom, not to mention the wit and humor contained therein that add spice to the Filipino language. Here are some examples of salawikain.

Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo.
Aanhin mo ang palasyo kung ang nakatira ay kuwago;
mabuti pa ang bahay kubo ang nakatira ay tao.
Ako ang nagbayo, ako ang nagsaing, saka ng maluto'y iba ang kumain.
Ang anumang kasulatan dapat ay lalagdaan.
Ang araw bago sumikat nakikita muna'y banaag.
Ang bayaning nasusugatan, nagiibayo ang tapang.
Ang buhay ay parang gulong, minsang nasa ibabaw, minsang nasa ilalim.
Ang bulsang laging mapagbigay, hindi nawawalan ng laman.
Ang bungang hinog sa sanga matamis ang lasa. Ang bungang hinog sa pilit kung kainin ay mapait.
Ang hindi napagod mag ipon, walang hinayang magtapon.
Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.
Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang malangsang isda.
Ang iyong hiniram, isauli o palitan, upang sa susunod, hindi ka makadalaan.
Ang kalusugan ay kayamanan.
Ang karukhaan ay hindi hadlang sa pagtatagumpay.
Ang karunungan ay kayamanang walang taong makapagnanakaw.
Ang magalang na sagot, nakakapawi ng pagod.
Ang mabigat ay gumagaan, kung pinagtutulungan.
Ang matapat na kaibigan, tunay na maaasahan.
Ang maniwala sa sabi-sabi, walang bait sa sarili.

More Salawikain On Page : 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Pledge of Allegiance

2007-01-23T05:10:00.001+11:00

Panatang Makabayan

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas
Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan;
Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi.
Ako'y kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan
upang maging malakas,
maligaya at kapakipakinabang.

Bilang ganti, diringgin ko ang payo
ng aking mga magulang;
Susundin ko ang mga tuntunin
ng aking paaralan ;
Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin
ng isang mamayang makabayan
at masunurin sa batas.

Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan
ng walang pag-iimbot
at ng buong katapatan.
Sisikapin kong maging
isang tunay na Pilipino
sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa.

Philippine National Anthem

2007-01-21T20:00:00.002+11:00

Lupang Hinirang
Composed by:
Julian Felipe

Bayang magiliw, perlas ng silanganan
Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo'y buhay.
Lupang hinirang, duyan ka ng magiting
Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil.

Sa dagat at bundok, sa simoy at
sa langit mong bughaw,
may dilag ang tula at awit
sa paglayang minamahal.

Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
tagumpay na nagniningning.
Ang bituin at araw niya
kailan pa may di magdidilim.

Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta,
buhay ay langit sa piling mo.
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

Philippine Stamps -Presidential Sayings

2007-01-18T22:33:00.000+11:00

RAMON MAGSAYSAY
Term: December 30, 1953- March 17, 1957
Third President of the Third Republic of the Philippines

ELPIDIO QUIRINO
Term: April 17, 1948- November 10, 1953
Second President, Third Republic of the Philippines

MANUEL ROXAS

Term: May 28, 1946- July 4, 1946

Last President of the Commonwealth
Term: July 4, 1946 - April 15 1948
First President of the Third Republic of the Philippines

MANUEL L. QUEZON

Term: November 15, 1935 - August 1, 1944

First President of the Commonwealth

EMILIO AGUINALDO

Term: 1898 -1901

President of the First Philippine Republic

These Presidential Sayings stamps were issued in 1963 according to Stanley Gibbons specialist catalogue.

Christmas Tree

2006-12-10T22:23:00.001+11:00

Christmas is not complete without Christmas tree. Since pine trees grows only in a few places in the Philippines, not everybody can afford to have a fresh Christmas tree. But before the mass production of the artificial Christmas tree, Filipinos used a real tree, I remember when I was young my father will get a bakawan tree and my sisters and I will remove the leaves and paint the branches, cover it with strips of green paper and add fluffed cotton to give the appearance of snow, which is very western.

The Christmas tree has undergone many tremendous transformations over the years. Filipinos have created unique and original Christmas tree using different kinds of local materials and from recycled materials to a more exqusite form of art.

The old walis tingitng makes a nice and unique Christmas tree each stick painted in white and decorated with tinsels, christmas balls and glitters.
Christmas tree made from used soft drink cans.
A Christmas tree made of used plastic ice cream cups or plastic glasses.
Christmas tree made from used old telephone directories.
Christmas tree made from softdrink straws inserted on wire in a shape of a tree.
Have you seen a christmas tree made from a bar of laundry soap and tooth pick?
How about a Christmas tree made from toilet paper tissue inserted on a tree shape chicken wire.

The variety is only limited by the imagination and if you like to make a Filipiniana motiff for your Christmas tree you will find a lot of handmade christmas decor in Divisoria. There are lot of Christmas trimmings that you can hang on your Christmas tree made from local materials. I have seen angels made of abaca, cute little abaniko decorated with green and red trimmings, angel made of shells.

Most big cities in the Philippines have giant, well lighted and decorated trees in the city street, malls, parks and office building facades. Some big companies put their Christmas display with a different theme every year, and become a very popular attraction during the Christmas season.Christmas lights are very popular and with abundance of it on the market, most trees on the front yard of every house are lighted and turns out to be a instant Christmas tree. Just like anywhere in the world Christmas tree is not complete without the gifts beneath and around the tree with eager children waiting for their gifts to be open on Christmas morning.

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