https://youtu.be/IoBM3XQCC2g
This video shows how the tradition of Christmas began in many parts of the world.Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Christmas in the Philippines
Christmas in the Philippines 
People in the Philippines like to celebrate Christmas for as long as possible! The playing of Christmas carols in shops can start in September! The formal Christmas celebrations start on 16th December when many people go the the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses. The last mass is on Christmas day. The Christmas celebrations continue to the First Sunday in January when Epiphany or the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated.
In the Philippines the early masses held before Christmas are called the 'Misa de Gallo' or 'Simbang Gabi' in Filipino.
Most Filipinos are Christians with about 80% of people being Catholics. It's the only Asian country with so many Christians. Because of this, Christmas is the most important holiday in the Philippines. December is actually one of the 'cooler' months of the year in the Philippines. The Philippines only has two real seasons, wet (June to October) and dry (April and May). December is one of the months in between the wet and dry seasons.
Christmas Eve is very important in the Philippines. Many people stay awake all night into Christmas day! During Christmas Eve evening, Christians go to church to hear the last 'simbang gabi' or the Christmas Eve mass. This is followed by a midnight feast, called Noche Buena.
The Noche Buena is a big, open house, celebration with family, friends and neighbors dropping in to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Most households would have several dishes laid out and would normally include: lechon (roasted pig), ham, fruit salad, rice cakes (bibingka and puto bumbong are traditional Christmas foods) and other sweets, steamed rice, and many different types of drinks.
http://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/philippines.shtml
Other links:
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/12/05/world/asia/irpt-xmas-philippines-traditions/
http://www.filipiknow.net/facts-about-christmas-in-the-philippines/
Decorate a Christmas Tree 
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https://www.whychristmas.com/fun/decorateatree.shtml
Filipino Christmas Traditions (Learn Some Tagalog Words)
Being mostly Catholics, Filipinos start a novena (a series of nine masses) on December 16th. The masses are part of the religious tradition of Simbang Gabi, which literally means “Night Worship.”
Filipinos go to church at four o’clock in the morning and afterward have breakfast together. A traditional drink during this season is a warm ginger tea called salabat and a traditional treat is a flat but thick yellow rice cake called bibingka.
PASKO: Christmas in the Philippines
The Tagalog word Pasko derives from the Spanish word Pascua. Although the wordPascua means Easter, Pascua de Navidad refers to Christmas.
The Philippines is known for having the world’s longest Christmas season. The four months that end with the syllable –ber are considered Christmas months, which is why stores and households start playing carols on the first day of September! And the holiday season extends beyond December 31st. It doesn’t end until the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings (Tatlong Hari) which falls around January 6.
If Mexico has piñatas, the Philippines has its parol. Of course, a parol is not something to hit with a stick. It is a Christmas lantern, most commonly in the shape of a five-pointed star. The bamboo or rattan frame is covered with rice paper, tissue or cellophane. Almost every family either builds or buys one to hang by the window or door. Shopping malls construct giant versions of parol. Traditionally, a candle was placed inside for light to shine through; for safety reasons, people now use bulbs or even a flashlight.
Families, schools and other places also display a creche or nativity scene called belen. Christmas trees made of plastic are decorated with lights, tinsel and balls.
Families, schools and other places also display a creche or nativity scene called belen. Christmas trees made of plastic are decorated with lights, tinsel and balls.
The Tagalog word for gift is regalo, but Filipinos have a special word for “Christmas gift” — pamasko. Children receive fresh bills of money called aginaldo, usually when they visit their godparents and elderly relatives on Christmas morning.
Mostly Catholics, Filipinos begin a novena (a series of nine masses) on December 16th. The masses are part of the cherished religious tradition of Simbang Gabi, which literally means “Night Worship.” Filipinos go to church at four o’clock in the morning and afterward have breakfast together. A traditional drink during this season is a warm ginger tea called salabat and a traditional treat is a flat but thick yellow rice cake called bibingka.
What every Filipino looks forward to is Noche Buena, the grand family dinner after the midnight mass.
Christmas morning is the time for visiting relatives. Filipinos wear new if not their best clothes. Children do mano, which is kissing or bringing to their forehead the hand of an elderly person. This is when they receive their pamasko, certainly aguinaldo from godfathers and godmothers. Christmas lunch and Christmas dinner are with family.
Merry Chistmas!
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
The Cost of Dying: Funerals and Cemeteries
Presentation guideline:
We learned that both in Japan and the Philippines, there are many ways to remember the dead people in our lives. For many people, remembering the dead is a traditional part of life.
Ceremonies of remembering the dead often include extensive preparations, that are sometimes expensive. Also, cemeteries are likewise expensive to keep and maintain.
Some people believe that saying goodbye to dead loved ones should not cost so much money. Money is to be used for living people, not the dead. So, expensive funerals, and high cost of cemeteries are not practical.
However, some people believe that having lavish ceremonies for the dead is necessary, it is a way to say goodbye, and a way to show respect for the dead person. Cemeteries are needed, even if these are expensive, because there must be an official place where people can go and visit the remains of their dead loved one.
What about people who have no relatives, how will they be remembered? Will you be willing to pay for the funeral and a space in a cemetery for someone you don’t know? What do you think can be done for people like this?
What is your opinion about remembering the dead? Do some research, and give supporting facts about your opinion.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
How Japanese people celebrate Obon
In Japan, Obon is often a solemn occasion, with visits to the cemetery, going to hometowns and meeting relatives.
How do you celebrate Obon? Compare Obon, with the Philippines’ Undas.
Videos:
How do you celebrate Obon? Compare Obon, with the Philippines’ Undas.
Videos:
Japan's OBON Festival: Invitation for the Dead
Learn Japanese Holidays: Obon
The Japanese Tradition (A Funny Look at Obon) 日本語版
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