Government vs. Rebels

I was in the office this afternoon, When a friend of mine sent me a message informing me that there's a mutiny happening in Manila Peninsula, Makati City, Philippines this afternoon. First, I thought that it was only a joke, but when I transferred to other department and was able to watch a news, I found out that it was true! There was another mutiny occuring which was led by Senator Trillanes (who's detained for a mutiny once) again.

May I say fortunately it was not successful. What I want for my country is peace and unity. I remember when I was in my senior year in high school, People's Power happened (ousted Ferdinand Marcos, the former president). Now that we're about to celebrate our batch reunion after 20 years, a coup d'etat almost occured? What is this, a COINCIDENCE???

Tonight, there will be a curfew for all civilians from 12 midnight to 5 am. Officials are hoping that it would last only for a night. I'm sure all of my batchmates are hoping and praying that too, for our reunion is only 2 nights from now. I just can't imagine that we all have to leave the party and be home before 12 midnight or stay together till 5 am. I prefer the second option for I missed my classmates so much.

I just hope this predicament will be over overnight or as soon as possible. Please let us pray for peace on earth!!! Especially, to places where it is needed most.

Twenty Long Years

Twenty long years... Yes that's how long I haven't been connected with my former classmates in high school from Roosevelt College Marikina, Philippines. Until my cousin, Amy told me that we're having a batch reunion which she heard from an announcement in tv. From then on I was so excited about it but there's no one contacting me to inform me about the reunion, so I decided to do my way.

Finally I had their numbers and started to see some of my high school friends. I was so glad to see them, what more when my classmate, Raquel asked me if I can go with them for a house to house search for our former classmates. Excitement arised more. Looking for long lost classmates has been an adventure for me. And meeting them once again made us closer again. But of course I've been expecting for some changes from ones personality and it's kinda intriguing. :-)

The second motorcade (a pre-activity of the reunion) happened last Nov. 11, 2007. Everyone were so happy. The groupings are per section basis. I can say that the motorcade was a success. Now it's almost two weeks to go and the big event will happen. I am so excited to see all of my batchmates on Dec. 1, 2007, our GRAND REUNION.

All Saints Day in the Philippines

I want to share the whole wide world how the Filipinos commemorate All Saints Day. This usually took 3 days which starts every 31st of October to 2nd day of November. The cemeteries were congested by the relatives of the deceased persons from all walks of life. The tomb varies from museum type, loyola lot type (which was buried under the soil) to apartment type (see picture above).

Flower and candle businesses are boom on this special occasion. There's a long non-working holidays. It's just like a Holiday season where relatives see each other like a family reunion. Lots of foods and games to play were brought (like having a picnic in a park). I know not all countries don't do this way. And I am wondering what other countries commemorate their departed ones like Filipinos?