The Real Meaning of Halloween!

           Halloween comes from the Pagan holiday of Samhain (sow-in). It was the Celtic new year, and it is believed to be the time when the portals between the spirit world and our world are the thinnest. People dress up on Halloween today because the original Pagan tradition was to dress up to scare off evil spirits.

         There are many differences between today's celebration of Halloween and the holiday that Pagans celebrate, including the fact that some pagan families leave an extra plate out at dinner for each of the family members lost that year. 

           They put food on the plates and they leave the food outside of the porch or on the alter so that the souls of the family members can find their way back to the family and be at peace.

                                                             

Happy All Hallows Day!

Masskara Festival (The Mask Festival)

The Masskara festival is a festival of smiles where colorful masks are worn to show the happy spirit of the local people of Negros. Indeed, this one is the happiest festival in the country happening annually in October. This celebration is known in Bacolod City popularly called  as 'the City of Smiles' in the Philippines.

The term Masskara is coined from two words: mass, meaning crowd, and the Spanish word cara, for face; thus the double meaning for "mask"  and "many faces".

Several events were lined up this year 2014 and here are the highlights I've been to. 

Kari na sa Bacolod kag mag sinadya sa Masskara Festival 2014! 

T'nalak Street Dancing (2014)

        

            The main highlight of T'nalak Festival 2014 - the street dancing competition, will be held on July 18, 2014 in the City of Koronadal.This year, a total of ten (10) groups from different towns of South Cotabato will be competing in the T'nalak Festival Street Dancing Competition which is divided into three categories.

          Three contingents will be competing in the Madal Be' Lan category which features the culture of the T'boli tribe of South Cotabato through dances, three groups are also joining the Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan category which celebrates the bountiful harvest of the Christian settlers in the province, and four contingents will be showcasing the colorful Maguindanaoan dances in the Kadsagayan A' Lalan category. 

  

- (http://www.tnalakfestival.com/2014/06/list-of-contingents-tnalak-festival.html#sthash.Z4JdU8NQ.dpuf)

Pretty girl poses as an Eagle

traditional dance

dance hand gestures

very old traditional costume-design

Philippine eagle

grasshopper kids

Catholic religion

acting as Jesus Christ

happy farmers

the final and last dance

Kadsagayan A' Lalan showcases the colorful dances of the Maguindanaoan tribe. 

Kasadyahan sa Kapatagan celebrates the bountiful harvest and showcases the daily lives of the Christian settlers in South Cotabato. -

See more at: http://www.tnalakfestival.com/2014/06/list-of-contingents-tnalak-festival.html#sthash.Z4JdU8NQ.dpuf

T'nalak Festival 2014

Happy T'nalak Festival South Cotabatenos! 

This annual celebration commemorates the Foundation Anniversary of the dynamic South Cotabato province amidst the dual presence of tradition and progress. 

Much like the choreographed contrast of this unique tapestry, the T’nalak Festival is a mix of varied events that likewise characterize the South Cotabato people and their vibrant spirit, a people, whose distinct culture and multi-ethnicity contribute to the image of this emerging province – a province that is steadfast in weaving its wealth towards advancement, and a province undoubtedly beyond compare. From colourful street dancing, pulsation street parties and innovative trade expos the T’nalak Festival has it all. (http://www.southcotabato.gov.ph/)

flower costumes

water buffalo 

Otaku in the street

street dance

beautiful gay in costume

beautiful gay in the parade

Hulagway 05

Luscious strawberries

I can't resist the temptation to include this berry in my cravings. Just one whole bite and I'm satisfied. Imagine, how pleasurable it can be in your taste buds. Sweet, juicy, wild, and leaving you to lust for more. (7/28/2013)

Hulagway 04

The rays of the sun find its way

Inside the forest with tall and thick trees, the sun pierce its rays. The warm balances the cold atmosphere in the woods. I can hear the sound of nature and can't help but  to capture. I have to take it with me.

Hulagway 03

Mt Makiling magnificent mirror-image in the lake

Mt. Makiling's reflection is breathtaking in the man-made lake. This is taken in Laguna's most exquisite resort (88 hotspring resort and spa). It's an easy get-away from the city's fast paced life. Calming and very soothing. (9/10/2013)