Eid al-Adha 2017 in the Philippines

1. Also Eid'l Adha, Eidul Adha, Id-ul-Adha
2. Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or "big Eid", is one of two Eid festivals observed by the Muslim faithful. The second, Eid al-Fitr, comes at the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. 
3. It falls on the 10th day of the Dhu al-Hijjah lunar month
4. In the Philippines, it was declared a Regular Holiday when President Duterte signed on 29 August 2017 Proclamation 297 declaring Friday, 1 September 2017 as  Regular Holiday
5. Around 6,000 pilgrims from the Philippines joined the faithful in Mount Arafat, East Mecca, to celebrate one of the greatest feasts of Islam, Eid'l Adha on Friday, September 1.
6. The feast, which is celebrated for 4 days to mark the end of Hajj (the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia), has distinct spiritual, educational and social significance for Muslims around the world.
7. In Manila, thousands flocked to the iconic Rizal Park to offer a morning prayer and listen to a 40-minute sermon delivered by Ustadz Mohammad Nhor Sawato, a Muslim teacher.
8. One hundred and two days: that’s how long thousands of families have endured living as internally-displaced persons (IDPs) since the war in Marawi forced them to flee their city.
9. Based on data from the United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees, there are 359,680 IDPs or 78,466 families housed in 75 evacuation centers in 16 municipalities across Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur.
10. Many IDPs at the Saguiaran Municipal gymnasium are driven by hope that they have something to return to after the war in Marawi.
11. Imam Usman Rorogarus, an IDP, says that the Eid’l Adha reminds them of the sacrifices that the prophet Ibrahim had to endure as his faith in God, as well as that of his son, Ysmael, was put to a test.
12. "May this occasion invigorate you to remain steadfast in our task of ensuring triumph against elements that perpetuate discord and violence," President Rodrigo Duterte said in a message as he called for unity and renewal of Muslim values.

References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYW2YggX-lk
http://www.pinoyadventurista.com/2017/08/september-1-2017-regular-holiday-for-eidul-adha-philippines.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/09/01/world/eid-al-adha-festival/index.html 
https://www.rappler.com/nation/180862-marawi-evacuees-sacrifices-eidl-adha

12 Hotels You Need To Add To Your Bucket List

1. Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam Zaandam, North Holland Province
2. Crane Hotel Faralda Amsterdam Amsterdam, North Holland Province 
3. Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort Huzhou, Zhejiang 
4. Hotel Jested Liberec, Liberec Region, Bohemia 
5. 9 Hours Capsule Hotel Kyoto Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Kinki 
6. Sun Cruise Resort Donghae, Gangwon-do 
7. Spitbank Fort Portsmouth, Hampshire, England 
8. Free Spirit Spheres Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, British Columbia 
9. The Aurora Express Fairbanks, Alaska 
10. Wigwam Motel Holbrook, Arizona 
11. La Balade des Gnomes Durbuy, Luxembourg Province, The Ardennes, Wallonia 
12. Hotel Costa Verde Manuel Antonio, Province of Puntarenas

References:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/blog/12-hotels-need-see-believe/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=860OXQjf87w

World Password Day 2017

1. The Registrar of National Day Calendar has designated the first Thursday of May of each year as World Password Day.
2. World Password Day is a celebration to promote better password habits. Passwords are critical gatekeepers to our digital identities, allowing us to access online shopping, dating, banking, social media, private work and life communications. 
3. Security researcher Mark Burnett first encouraged people to have a “password day,” where they update important passwords in his 2005 book Perfect Passwords.  Inspired by his idea, Intel Security took the initiative to declare the first Thursday in May World Password Day in May 2013.  Submitted by Big Monocle in 2016, Password Day is meant to create awareness of the need for good password security. 
4. Strong passwords, according to the World Password Day website, have at least eight characters, with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letter, numbers, and symbols. They also avoid the use of personal information, such as birthdays or middle names.
5. Using a different password for each online account is important because, if you share passwords across accounts, one compromised password can be used to log into another account. This is especially important regarding online banking and financial accounts.
6. Password managers, like LastPass or 1Password for example, can help you store multiple passwords, often in an encrypted manner, for easy access. Typically, they will require one master password with additional layer of authentication to access the stored passwords.
7. Multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security on top of your standard password. For example, an app may require you answer a security question, input a unique code, or use a fingerprint scanner on top of using your password. Check the security settings of your favorite apps and passwords to see if multi-factor authentication is available.
8. Identity theft is one of the world’s fastest growing crimes, but adding strong authentication to your password can prevent it. Whether you’re protecting your bank account, your email, or your social media, put the brakes on ID theft by layering up!
9. Layering up your login means to enable a free feature called multi-factor authentication (also known as two-factor authentication) in the settings of your favorite email, bank, or social media apps and websites.
10. This will add one extra step to your login process (scanning a fingerprint on your phone, or typing a PIN that’s sent to your phone) but gives you powerful protection against cybercrimes like identity theft and social media account hijacking.
11. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an additional layer of protection beyond your password. It significantly decreases the risk of a hacker accessing your online accounts by combining your password (something you know) with a second factor, like your mobile phone (something you have).
12. A group of dedicated supporters keep an up to date list of all websites that offer MFA at www.twofactorauth.org.

References:

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2017/05/04/world-password-day/

http://www.techrepublic.com/article/on-world-password-day-here-are-4-tips-to-keep-your-online-accounts-secure/

http://mobileidworld.com/world-password-day-005044/

http://www.networkworld.com/article/3194394/security/its-world-password-day-but-passwords-may-be-headed-for-extinction.html

https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/world-password-day-first-thursday-in-may/

https://www.passwordday.org/

International Dance Day 2017

1. International Dance Day was introduced in 1982 by the International Dance Council (CID, Conseil International de la Danse), a UNESCO partner NGO, and is celebrated yearly, on April 29. 
2. The date is not linked to a particular person or a particular form of dance, although it's also the day when the French dancer and ballet master Jean-Georges Noverre was born. 
3. The main purpose of Dance Day events is to attract the attention of the wider public to the art of dance. Emphasis should be given to addressing a new public, people who do not follow dance events during the course of the year.
4. Every year, the president of the International Dance Council sends the official message for Dance Day which circulate in every country around the world and is posted at the official website for Dance Day.
5. The International Dance Council considers that while dance has been an integral part of human culture throughout its history, it is less prioritized by official establishments in the world.
6. The International Dance Council CID is the official organization for all forms of dance in all countries of the world.
7. CID is recognized by UNESCO, national and local governments, international organizations and institutions.
8. Its members are the most prominent federations, associations, schools, companies and individuals in more than 160 countries.
9. CID was founded in 1973 within the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it is based.
10. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
11. Unfortunately there is another organization that claims they created International Dance Day. The truth is that it was the International Dance Committee of ITI that created the day in 1982, and since its first day it has always got eminent dancers and choreographers to write the message. 
12. The fact that it was the International Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute can be proved with facts. See this link: Letter from the Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO

References:

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialHHI/videos/1505400666145550/

https://www.international-dance-day.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Dance_Day

http://www.danceday.cid-portal.org/

World Hemophilia Day 2017

1. World Hemophilia Day was started by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) in 1989 to increase global awareness of hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. 
2. April 17th was selected in honor of the birthday of Frank Schnabel, founder of WFH.
3. The WFH was established by Frank SchnabeLloyd in 1963 and has its headquarters in Montreal, Canada. It has member organizations in 113 countries and official recognition from the World Health Organization. 
4. The aim of World Hemophilia Day is to raise awareness about hemophilia and increase the availability of treatments for this condition around the world.
5. Hemophilia A results in impaired clotting mechanisms due to missing or reduced levels of factor VIII. People with hemophilia A experience recurrent and extended bleeding episodes that cause pain and irreversible joint damage. 
6. Advate, Kogenate and Kovaltry - are approved for prophylactic use in patients with hemophilia A.
7. Hemophilia B is a genetic disorder caused by missing or defective factor IX. Although it is passed down from parents to children, about 1/3 of cases are caused by a spontaneous mutation, a change in a gene. 
8. Idelvion and Ixinity are approved for prophylactic use in patients with hemophilia B.
9. Hemophilia is a condition in which bleeding is prolonged. Hemophilia is a condition present from birth and is normally inherited; you can't 'catch' hemophilia or pass it onto others. In some rare instances, hemophilia may develop later in life (typically affecting people in the 50+ age group).
10. The slogan for World Hemophilia Day is 'Close The Gap', which reflects the difference in treatments available to people living in different parts of the world. By working together, it is hoped that we can close the gap of hemophilia care around the world. 'Close The Gap', is an apt phrase; when blood clots, a 'gap' is closed which stops bleeding.
11. The World Federation of Hemophilia provide resources for those wishing to get involved in this campaign. Resources include posters, information on why people should participate in World Hemophilia Day, a logo, press release templates and suggested activities.
12. Hear Their Voices is the theme for 2017, and the focus is on supporting women around the world affected by bleeding disorders.

References:

http://metro.co.uk/2017/04/17/world-hemophilia-day-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important-6577582/
http://www.raredr.com/news/april-17-is-world-hemophilia-day
http://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/worldhemophiliaday.html
http://www.worldhemophiliaday.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Federation_of_Hemophilia
https://www.wfh.org/en/page.aspx?pid=492
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4okKKJiwaU0

12 Things About Black Day

1. Black Day is an unofficial holiday observed on April 14 each year which is mostly observed in South Korea by singles.
2. The day is associated with Valentine's Day and White Day as a holiday on the 14th day of the month. On this day, people who did not receive gifts on the previous two days gather and eat Jajangmyeon, noodles with black sauce.
3. Black Day builds on the romantic aspect of Valentine's Day and White Day wherein chocolates received on Valentine's Day are interpreted to symbolize a man's popularity and the chocolates given on White Day are used solely for romantic purposes, Black Day focuses on the people, especially singles, who did not receive any gifts on either of the holidays.
4. On the day, singles who have not received presents on both days gather wearing black to 'commiserate' over black-colored food, especially jajangmyeon.
5. This day is targeted by businesses, who hold various events and advertise their products, a strategy known as 'day marketing.' The events are highly popular, and includes matchmaking events such as speed dating, jajangmyeon-eating contests, and discounts on items.
6. Jjajang translates to black bean paste sauce; myeon, noodle. The thick, wheat noodles, similar to pasta, are typically served in a separate bowl from the sauce made with onions meat and/or seafood like shrimp or sea cucumber. The contents are then mixed together at the diner’s discretion. The sauce often leaves a black tint on the teeth—the perfect accessory to an all-black ensemble.
7. Jajangmyeon or jjajangmyeon is a Korean Chinese noodle dish topped with a thick sauce made of chunjang (black bean sauce), diced pork and vegetables, and sometimes also seafood.
8. In 1905, the first jajangmyeon was made in Gonghwachun, a restaurant in Incheon Chinatown that was run by a Chinese immigrant from the Shandong Province of China. The restaurant is now the Jjajangmyeon Museum. 
9. Although the name of jajangmyeon is cognate with the Chinese dish called zhájiàngmiàn, Korean jajangmyeon differs from Chinese zhájiàngmiàn in many ways. Yong Chen, an associate history professor at the UCI, says "Though this dish began as the Northern Chinese noodle-and-ground pork dish zhájiàngmiàn, it is thoroughly Korean."
10. On Black Day, jjajangmyeon eating contests are held, black coffee consumption rises, and matchmaking service usage increases exponentially.
11. Black Day is just one of the 12 Korean holidays devoted to love  celebrated on the 14th of the month.
12. Jajangmyeon recipe

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Day 
https://www.cute-calendar.com/event/black-day/20620.html
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/koreas-black-day-when-sad-single-people-get-together-and-eat-black-food-16537918/
http://shuangxingfu.blogspot.com/2010/02/black-day-april-14.html
https://kimchisoul.wordpress.com/2011/04/14/happy-black-day/ 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/13/korea-black-day_n_6672380.html
https://waygookinway.com/2017/02/14/what-is-black-day-in-korea/ 
http://koreabridge.net/post/black-and-blue-koreans-mend-broken-hearts-black-day-april-14-thejessicasteele
http://www.koreaboo.com/buzz/single-koreans-celebrate-black-day-possibly-depressing-holiday-ever/
http://www.buhaykorea.com/2016/04/14/april-14-black-day-jajangmyeon/
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20140411001177 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jajangmyeon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKAtROtUeLU

World Health Day 2017

1. The theme for 2017 is Depression: Let's talk
2. The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO).
3. In 1948, the WHO held the First World Health Assembly. The Assembly decided to celebrate 7 April of each year, with effect from 1950, as the World Health Day. 
4. The World Health Day is held to mark WHO's founding, and is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject of major importance to global health each year.
5. The WHO organizes international, regional and local events on the Day related to a particular theme. World Health Day is acknowledged by various governments and non-governmental organizations with interests in public health issues, who also organize activities and highlight their support in media reports, such as the Global Health Council.
6. World Health Day is one of eight official global health campaigns marked by WHO, along with World Tuberculosis Day, World Immunization Week, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World AIDS Day, World Blood Donor Day, and World Hepatitis Day.
7. Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being.
8. Depression is the leading cause of ill health world wide, according to WHO, and it is also an important risk factor in suicide, which claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year. 
9. It is estimated that more than 300 million people are living with depression, an increase of more than 18 per cent between 2005 and 2015 and WHO Director-General Dr Margaret Chan says: “These new figures are a wake-up call for all countries to re-think their approaches to mental health and to treat it with the urgency that it deserves.”
10. Dr Shekhar Saxena, Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse at WHO added: “For someone living with depression, talking to a person they trust is often the first step towards treatment and recovery.”
11. Depression has strong links with other noncommunicable disorders and diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, and increases the risk of substance abuse.
12. Women have a higher rate of major depression than men with women having a greater proportion of somatic symptoms, such as appetite, sleep disturbances and fatigue accompanied by pain and anxiety, than men, but instances of suicide in men is much greater than in women which is attributed to men choosing more effective methods resulting in the higher rate of success and that women are more likely to discuss their depression, whereas men are more likely to try to hide it; the culture of women being more free to express than men could be a contributing factor to this phenomenon.

References:

http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2017/en/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Day

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_(mood)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_depressive_disorder

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_differences_in_depression

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/789135/world-health-day-what-when-date-theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XXTAJFTwqQ

World Water Day

1. World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in developing countries.
2. The day also focuses on advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
3. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro and the United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.
4. The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/193 of 22 December 1992 by which 22 March of each year was declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in 1993, in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) contained in Chapter 18 (Fresh Water Resources) of Agenda 21.
5. World Water Day has seen an increase in the quantity and quality of education initiatives within schools and universities, to raise awareness of the importance of conserving and managing water resources such as primary school children in the Phillipines participating in a "My School Toilet" contest in 2010.
6. UN-Water selects a theme for each year including previous themes such as 'Why waste water?' (a play on words with 'Why wastewater?') in 2017, 'Water and Jobs' in 2016, and 'Water and Sustainable Development' in 2015.
7. This year, 2017, focuses on wastewater and ways to reduce and reuse as over 80% of all the wastewater from our homes, cities, industry and agriculture flows back to nature polluting the environment and losing valuable nutrients and other recoverable materials.
8. Organizations active in the WASH sector, including non-governmental organizations such as UNICEF and WaterAid, use the day to raise public awareness, inspire action and get media attention for water issues.
9. End Water Poverty, a global civil society coalition with 250 partner organizations worldwide, coordinates a calendar of global events to commemorate World Water Day, on the 22nd and during the whole of March.
10. Globally, over 80% of the wastewater generated by society flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused. 
11. 1.8 billion people use a source of drinking water contaminated with faeces, putting them at risk of contracting cholera, dysentery, typhoid and polio. Unsafe water, poor sanitation and hygiene cause around 842,000 deaths each year. (WHO/UNICEF 2014/WHO 2014)
12. The opportunities from exploiting wastewater as a resource are enormous and safely managed wastewater is an affordable and sustainable source of water, energy, nutrients and other recoverable materials.

References:

http://www.unwater.org/

http://www.un.org/en/events/waterday/background.shtml

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Water_Day

http://www.un.org/en/events/waterday/

http://www.who.int/life-course/news/events/world-water-day-2017/en/

http://programme.worldwaterweek.org/event/5639

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/world-water-day-reflections/article17562382.ece

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJMiTmpqoQo

12-Line Poems for World Poetry Day

"Poetry is a window onto the breath-taking diversity of humanity."
— Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General

June: The Gianicolo"
Mary Jo Salter
Driven to this, the pairs of lovers roll into the parking lot like shaken dice, and though they've come expressly for a vista much grander than themselves, begin to fuse into the other's eyes. Oh, that fond conviction of a match made in Heaven! Below them, at the base of an ancient hill, the million lamps of Rome light up in rosy approbation, each signalling to one chosen counterpart among the stars the nightly freshened wish to lie uniquely in its dazzled gaze.

"Picture"
Tadeusz Rozewicz translated from the Polish by Adam Czerniawski
Who will recognize him mother father brothers that other woman perhaps whose face in a clouded mirror flows down like rain and you when you look at yourself what do you see I see a man created in the image and likeness of a god who's gone

"Best Friend Robot Poem"
Jason Christie
The best friend robot said: "am i than 'smater' are you but retard drater hrum!" And my dad wanted to take him back to Robots 'R' Us, but I felt bad for him because he'd been getting into my dad's really good oil stock lately. Normally, he'd have a few squirts on New Year's or Christmas Morning, but lately my Robot dad and my Robot Best Friend have been disagreeing a lot. Mom won't talk to either of them. She plays bridge with all of her online friends once a week and I overhear her complain when I sit quietly at the top of the escalator.

"Prodded Out of Prayer"
Margaret Avison
Stilled yet by the gauzed withdrawingness of midmorning sky: lo, a sharply lit acutely poignant and wonderfully humorous vision. It was an ant towing a grass-blade in a bee-line, but on rougher terrain, to the anthill.

"The Dogwood Trees" (for Robert Slagle)
Robert Hayden
Seeing dogwood trees in bloom, I am reminded, Robin, of our journey through the mountains in an evil time. Among rocks and rock-filled streams white bracts of dogwood clustered. Beyond, nearby, shrill slums were burning, the crooked crosses flared. We drove with bitter knowledge of the odds against comradeship we dared and were at one.

"Words"
Martin Carter
These poet words, nuggets out of corruption or jewels dug from dung or speech from flesh still bloody red, still half afraid to plunge in the ceaseless waters foaming over death. These poet words, nuggets no jeweller sells across the counter of the world's confusion but far and near, internal or external burning the agony of earth's complaint. These poet words have secrets locked in them like nuggets laden with the younger sun. Who will unlock must first himself be locked who will be locked must first himself unlock.

"The Yoga Exercise"
Floyd Skloot
Within a rushing stream of morning light she stands still as a heron with one sole held flush along the other inner thigh and her long arms like bony wings folded back so that when the motion of a breeze passes through her body there is a deep repose at its root and in an eye's blink she has become this gently swaying tree stirring in the wind of its breath while linked to ground by the slow flow of energy that brings her limbs together now in prayer and blessing for the peace she is finding there.

"Sender's Address"
Henrik Nordbrandt translated from the danish by Robin Fulton
The storm is rising and the buried people who lay smouldering in me all summer are glowing would break out in a blaze if the wind found so much as a crack. But the house is wind-proof. The ash from my cigarette falls off by itself and the postage stamp on the window-sill lies unmoving although the walls shake under the force of the storm. Here there's nothing to be sent and nothing to be received. The letters on my table are not going to fly. The sender's address is too heavy.

"The Art of War"
Tony Towle
I'm sorry I was asleep when you called. I was up till dawn attacking the Prussians at Ligny, and I didn't do a good job, I'm afraid, there were still plenty left when I pushed "save" and shut down the computer. I'm glad I didn't know any of them personally as I ordered the 12 - pounders to concentrate on the tiny clusters of veteran brigades, and clicked on all the available cavalry to erase the inexperienced Landwehr from the screen.

"You lean your face on sorrow, don't even"
Eugenio de Andrade translated from the Portuguese by Alexis Levitin
You lean your face on sorrow, don't even hear the nightingale. Or is it lark? The air is hard for you to take, you, torn between the faithfulness you owe your mother's earth and that bleached blueness where birds disappear. Music, let's call it that, was always your wound, but also it was exaltation in the dunes. Do not listen to the nightingale. Or to the lark. It is within that all music turns to bird.

"Beethoven's Quartet in C Major, Opus 59"
Linda Pastan
The violins are passionately occupied, but it is the cellist who seems to be holding the music in his arms, moving his bow as if it were a dowsing rod and the audience dying of thirst.

"The Song of the Whisk"
Eric Ormsby
My flail demolishes The gold of yolks; My mesh abolishes What it would coax. The waterspout can frisk While it souffles the sea; What's the twister but a whisk For instant entropy? I will erect a pinnacle Of undulant bearnaise; With clicking quite clinical, Paradisal mayonnaise.

References:

http://hedgeguard.blogspot.com/2009/02/twelve-12-line-poems.html
http://www.un.org/en/events/poetryday/
https://www.reference.com/art-literature/12-line-poems-d66f1c418b8cc98e#
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Poetry_Day
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/poetry-day
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/3138983/world-poetry-day-2017/
http://www.ranker.com/list/best-short-poems-to-memorize/ranker-books

Panagbenga 12 Interesting Facts

1. The pronunciation is "Panagbanga" despite having the presence of the letter “e”.
2. It began as an idea of a lawyer, Damaso E. Bangaoet, Jr., John Hay Poro Point Development Corporation (JPDC) Managing Director for Camp John Hay, who presented to the Board of Directors of JPDC the idea of spearheading the holding of a flower festival in Baguio City. The Board, then led by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Victor A. Lim and JPDC President Rogelio L. Singson, approved the project immediately. It was also decided that the Festival be held every February when Atty. Bangaoet explained that the weather in February is perfect giving folks a reason to visit Baguio City between Christmas season and Holy Week holidays.
3. In October 1995, the Baguio Flower Festival acquired an official logo chosen from entries to the Annual Camp John Hay Art Contest with a theme revolving around preserving the environment with a special emphasis on the flowers of the Cordillera. Instead of a complete painting, the distinguished board of judges led by the well-known artist BenCab chose a spray of sunflowers on the corner of the entry submitted by Trisha Tabangin, a student of the Baguio City National High School.
4. The Festival Hymn composed by Professor Macario Fronda of Saint Louis University was added rhythm and movements of the Bendian Dance, an Ibaloi dance of celebration.The Bendian dance’s circular movements speak of unity and harmony among the members of the tribe – themes that foreshadowed the coming together the various sectors of the community to bring the Flower Festival to life.
5. First Lady Amelita M. Ramos graciously opened the First Baguio Flower Festival, with the theme of “The Birth of a Tradition.”
6. The Second Baguio Flower Festival in the year 1996 began with the Festival acquiring a local name: Panagbenga, a Kankanaey (also spelled as Kankana-ey) term meaning “a season for blossoming, a time for flowering”, a name suggested by Ike Picpican, an archivist and curator of the Saint Louis University Museum.
7. Baguio Flower Festival Foundation (BFFF) was organised to manage the festival.
8. Panagbenga started for a period of 10 days before, then extended to two weeks, then three, then held for the whole month of February, then finally stretched to five weeks, taking full advantage of the presence of the alumni of the Philippine Military Academy during PMA Week, which is also timed during Valentine's Day.
9. The Parade and Street Dancing Competition is usually scheduled on the Fourth Saturday of February starting from Session Road up to Melvin Jones Grounds.
10. The Session Road in Bloom event is usually scheduled starting on the Fourth Monday of February until First Sunday of March.
11. Grand Float Parade is usually held on the Fourth Sunday of February starting Session Road up to Melvin Jones Grounds.
12. The theme for 2017 is “Inspired by Beauty, Nurtured by Nature.”

Sources:

http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/travel/ph-travel/162523-panagbenga-2017-street-dance-parade-photos

https://www.panagbengaflowerfestival.com/
http://www.gobaguio.com/panagbenga/history-of-the-panagbenga.html#.WLKw4dJ97IU
http://www.philstar.com/travel-and-tourism/2014/02/17/1291401/panagbenga-festival-history
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panagbenga_Festival
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50Jfv0NunVA

AsiaPop Comicon Again in Manila

Here are some features you may want to check out in the AsiaPop Comicon event today, 28 August 2016 happening at the SMX Convention Center at SM Mall of Asia

1. Victoria Court selling food and merchandise
2. Comic artists especially Fil-Am Whilce Portacio who is known for his art in The Punisher, X-Factor, Uncanny X-Men, Iron Man, Wetworks and Spawn.
3. Joe Dempsie who is best known as Robert Baratheon's bastard - and rightful heir in the Game of Thrones (GOT) TV series
4. Claire Holt who is best known for her role as Rebekah Mikaelson on The CW series The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off series The Originals
5. Millie Bobby Brown who got her breakout role in Stranger Things, in which she plays Eleven
6. Maria Ozawa autograph signing
7. Cosplay Authority Global Challenge (CAGE) which is the biggest cosplay competition in the globe
8. Video games for the eSports tournament such as Street Fighter V, NBA 2K16, League of Legends, Dota 2, and Overwatch. 
9. Merchandise, merchandise, merchandise exclusive from AsiaPop
10. Philippine Wrestling Revolution and Fightsaber Philippines 
11. Artist's gallery and stuff
12. Heneral Luna movie cast

Sources:

https://www.asiapopcomicon.com/manila/

http://www.fhm.com.ph/be-a-better-man/mens-stuff/apcc-2016-is-lit-af-a107-20160827-lfrm?ref=article_feed_1

12 Foods Against Diabetes

This post is in observance of the 2016 World Health Day which is celebrated annually. Today, 7 April 2016, the theme is about diabetes. This post is a short list of foods that can be good against diabetes. For reference, please see list of sources.

1. Apples
2. Cinnamon
3. Citrus Fruit
4. Cold-Water Fish
5. Fiber-Rich Foods
6. Legumes e.g. Chickpeas, Cannelloni, Beans, Kidney Beans and Lentils
7. Green Tea
8. Nuts
9. Spinach, Kale and Collared Greens
10. Dark Chocolate
11. Beef Steak
12. Vinegar

References:

http://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day/2016/en/

http://metro.co.uk/2016/04/07/world-health-day-2016-history-facts-and-why-diabetes-is-this-years-theme-5799612/

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=53629#.Vwb9yKARXqB
http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/12-diabetes-powerfoods

http://healthguides.healthgrades.com/getting-diabetes-under-control/12-signs-of-uncontrolled-diabetes
http://www.paho.org/world-health-day/

How to get married (legally) in Baguio City

It was our wedding day last 15 February 2016 and it is beneficial to those planning to get married in Baguio City in a civil way to read these tips when the couple opted for a civil wedding.

For both, get the following documents:

1.       CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage)

There are 2 methods

a.       SM business centre

                                                               i.      Go to SM City Baguio, 2flr

                                                             ii.      Fill up the form for application of CENOMAR, write legibly

The following are the data needed:

·         Number of copies you are requesting

·         Name (maiden name if married female)

·         Sex

·         Place of birth

·         Date of birth

·         Mother’s maiden name

·         Father’s name

·         Purpose of your request

                                                            iii.      Clerk will double check data entries and will confirm verbally specially when there are unclear entries

                                                           iv.      Pay Php195.00 plus a service charge of Php20.00

                                                             v.      Claim CENOMAR after 4 working days

b.      NSO

                                                               i.      Proceed to  the NSO office located at Lower Bonifacio St

                                                             ii.      Get a number and application form from the Information desk/guard

                                                            iii.      Fill up the entries and proceed to the screener’s desk once your number is called

                                                           iv.      Pay the fee of Php 195.00

                                                             v.      Claim CENOMAR after 4 working days

2.       Proof of Age (NSO Birth Certificate or Baptismal certificate)

a.       Birth Certificate

                                                               i.      The 2 methods for acquiring for CENOMAR applies for getting a birth certificate

                                                             ii.      Fee is Php 140.00

                                                            iii.      Document is released within 2 hours or on the next working day. Other cases require a certain amount of days to claim the document

b.      Baptismal Certificate

3.       Community Tax Certificate (CEDULA)

You and your partner must apply for a cedula

a.       Proceed to the one-stop shop of the Baguio City Hall

b.      A small piece of paper is provided for you to write the data needed

c.       Fall in line and wait your turn (waiting time depends on the volume of applicants)

d.      Valid ID is required. Recent payslip or previous cedula may be presented for easier computation of tax to be paid.

e.       Pay the amount, affix signature and thumb mark

4.       Barangay Certification

To get married in Baguio, one of the requirements is to prove that one of the couple is a resident of Baguio

a.       Proceed to your Barangay hall and request for Barangay Certification

b.      Some barangays require a cedula while other just needs a valid ID

c.       Fees for certification may also vary in different Barangays. (Php 50.00)

d.      Form is released after 15 minutes.

5.       Pre-Marriage Counselling or Seminar on Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood

a.       Proceed to the Health Services Office at T. Alonzo St.

b.      Proceed to the cashier and pay a fee of Php 20.00 as seminar fee.

c.       Schedule of seminar is as follows:

                                                               i.      Tuesdays: 1:00 – 4:00 PM

                                                             ii.      Thursdays: 8:00 – 11:00 AM

6.       Attend the Pre-Marriage Counselling or Seminar on Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood

a.       Proceed to the PMC/ Population Office, 3^rd floor of the Health Services Office at T. Alonzo St.

b.      Prepare payment receipt and CENOMAR

c.       Each couple goes through a short interview to assess their family planning knowledge

d.      The couple proceeds to attend a 3-4 hour seminar. Speakers are from the civil registry office, health department, and other private organizations. 

e.      Certificate of Attendance is given at the end of the seminar.

7.       Submit requirements at the CIVIL REGISTRY Office

a.       Photocopy all requirements

b.      Proceed to CIVIL REGISTRY Office just beside Health Services Office at T. Alonzo St.

c.       Ask the information officer for a number and sign the log book

d.      Present all requirements to the Civil registry employee

e.      Once all requirements are validated, a form is provided to be filled up (3 copies)

f.        Submit the form to officer

 

8.       Pay MARRIAGE LICENSE fee

a.       Ask the information officer for a number

b.      Proceed to the 2^nd floor of the Civil Registry Office and pay a fee of  Php 142.00

c.       Keep the receipt, as this serves as your claim stub

d.      Marriage License is released after 10 calendar days

9.       Schedule a wedding date

The following process does not really let you choose a date for your wedding. There are 2 options:

a.       City Mayor as presiding officer

                                                               i.      Proceed to the Mayor’s office located at the Baguio City Hall and inquire on the schedule. The Mayor’s office only schedules one date for marriages per month and accommodates only 15 couples.

                                                             ii.      Pay a solemnization fee of Php500.00 at the one-stop

                                                            iii.      Submit the original copy of the marriage license, names of sponsors or witnesses and the solemnization fee receipt.

b.      Judge assigned by Regional Trial Court

                                                              i.      Proceed to the RTC office located at the Justice hall just near Baguio City Hall

                                                            ii.      Provide the following requirements:

·         Marriage license

·         NSO Birth certificate

·         CENOMAR

·         Barangay clearance

·         CEDULA

                                                          iii.      Pay a solemnization fee of Php 800.00 at the one-stop shop

                                                           iv.      Wait for your schedule to be announced. Schedules and presiding judge will be raffled every Thursday.

                                                             v.      Visit the RTC Thursday afternoon or Friday to inquire on the date assigned for you and your partner

10.   Attend the ceremony

a.       Be on-time or even 30 minutes earlier.

b.      Check the marriage certificate, ensure that the names and dates are correct

c.       Have fun and enjoy the ceremony!

11.   Submit _ City Hall personnel will be submitting the signed marriage certificates to the Civil Registry Office

12.   Wait for 6 months for the official NSO marriage certificate 

REITERATION, in simple words:

CIVIL WEDDING

for both parties:

1. get a CENOMAR
2. get a BARANGAY CERTIFICATION which can be applied by either one but one should be residing here in Baguio City
3. get a NSO BIRTH CERTIFICATES
4. get a cedula for you and your partner
5. pay 20 pesos for the required, mandatory and compulsory "pre-marriage counselling" conducted at the Baguio City Health Services Office
6. attend the seminar which is held every Tuesday 1-4 or Thursday 9-12
7. GET THE CERTIFICATE AFTER THE SEMINAR
8. PHOTOCOPY ALL REQUIREMENTS 2 COPIES
9. proceed to the CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE and submit all the requirements AND fill up all forms in three copies
10. pay marriage license fee and after 10 calendar days, the marriage licence will be ready
11. proceed to City Hall and inquire for the schedule of the City Mayor. AND PAY FOR THE SOLEMNIZATION FEE OF 500 PESOS if there is no more available schedule, then
12. proceed to JUSTICE HALL and inquire for the schedule of the RTC AND PAY FOR THE SOLEMNIZATION FEE OF 800 PESOS
13. BE ON TIME ON YOUR SCHEDULED WEDDING DAY!!!