DAY OF FREEDOM

 

               After 300 years of Spanish domination, Filipino insurgents led by Emilio Aguinaldo declare independence from Spain during the Spanish-American War. The Spanish were defeated by Filipino rebels and US soldiers by mid-August, but Aguinaldo's aspirations for independence were shattered when the US legally seized the Philippines as part of its peace accord with Spain.

               During the 16th century, the Philippines became a Spanish colony, and after the Spanish-American War in 1898, they were ceded to the United States. Philippines established a self-governing commonwealth in 1935. After a 10-year transition, Manuel Quezon was chosen president and charged with preparing the country for independence. During World War II, the islands were occupied by the Japanese in 1942, and US soldiers and Filipinos fought together to reclaim sovereignty in 1944-45. The Republic of the Philippines gained independence on July 4, 1946.

 

References:

https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/philippines.html#:~:text=From%20history.com%2C%20THIS%20DAY,300%20years%20of%20Spanish%20rule.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/philippine-independence-declared

HOME IS WHEREVER YOU ARE, MOM.

 

               Mother's Day is an international holiday honoring mothers that is observed in many nations. The modern version of the holiday is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in the United States. Many other countries observe the holiday on this day, while others do it at different periods of the year. On Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, the custom of permitting those who had migrated away to visit their home parishes and mothers evolved during the Middle Ages. In the United Kingdom, this became Mothering Sunday, which has mostly been superseded by Mother's Day in modern times. On Sunday, May 8, 2022, Mother's Day will be observed.

 

               Mothers and mothers-in-law are essential. They're probably the first people we meet when we're born, and they love and care for us throughout our lives. Every year, countries all around the world commemorate Mother's Day, a day devoted to all moms on which we can express our gratitude. Every country that celebrates Mother's Day does it in a variety of ways, rooted in distinct traditions and enacted by individuals who appreciate the importance of honoring women.

               Mother's Day is a significant holiday in the Philippines. This is owing to the prominent role of mothers in Filipino culture. Mum is known as the "ilaw ng tahanan," or "house light," because of the love, joy, and brightness she offers to the family. Bringing her breakfast in bed, taking her out for lunch or dinner, giving her a card or a present, making a special phone call to tell her how much you miss and love her, and simply showing up at the family Mother's Day event to spend some time with her are all common ways to treat Mum right on Mother's Day in the Philippines.

 

               Mothers play an important role in the family, which is a powerful force for social integration and cohesion. The mother-child bond is critical for children's proper growth. Mothers are also breadwinners for their families, as well as carers. We may find our mothers irritating at times, yet she never fails to love us unconditionally. She always forgives us and showers us with the same true and pure love, no matter how many mistakes we make. She is the one who is always concerned about their children's happiness.

 

References:

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day

https://publicholidays.ph/mothers-day/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mothers-Day 

VIVA VIGAN BINATBATAN: FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

               The Binatbatan street dance is one of the main attractions during the week-long celebration, as it involves smashing cotton pods to remove the seeds for Abel weaving. Locals see this as an occupational dance employing two sticks known as "batbat." "The Binatbatan Festival can be traced back to Vigan's abel weaving business, which predates the arrival of the Spaniards in the Philippines."

               It is a dance that developed in the Philippines' Ilocos region in the northeast. The funny motions of this dance were created specifically for children and resemble the actions of cotton growers who use sticks to extract seeds from the threads.

               People congregated in designated areas after the streets were closed. The drums are beating proudly and loudly. In colorful costumes, the street dancers enthusiastically scream "Viva Vigan!" The Binatbatan festival has developed to become one of the Philippines' major cultural festivals. Binatbatan Festival is one of Vigan City's most well-known festivals. Every year, every bigueno anticipates the celebration of this holiday. An important commemoration of the Abel Iloco handloom weaving business.

 

References:

http://vigancity.gov.ph/binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts-2019-2/

https://tawidnewsmag.com/viva-vigan-binatbatan-festival-of-the-arts/