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Dr. José Rizal, the Philippines’ National Hero, is celebrated on his namesake day every 30 December.
The first president of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo, commemorated the first Rizal Day in 1898. Born on 19 June 1861, José Rizal is considered as the one of the greatest heroes in Philippine history, and is credited as starting the Philippine revolution against the Spanish colonisers.
Rizal, a man of many talents, was notably a ophthalmologist and a novelist. His two novels, “Noli me Tangere” (“Touch me not”) and the sequel “El filibusterismo” (“The Filibustering” or “Reign of Greed”) exposed the injustices brought on by the Spanish colonisers in the Philippines. Many scholars and historians would agree that it was the ideas in these two books that influenced the already discontented Filipinos to act against the Spanish.
Subsequently, he was arrested for treason and for being associated with the revolutionary forces (although he did not take part in any type of warfare). He was convicted on the grounds of rebellion, sedition and conspiring against the government, and was sentenced to execution by a firing squad on 30 December 30 1896. His death was the last straw for the Filipinos and thus began the end for the Spanish colonisers.
Official events centre around the main Rizal shrine, in Rizal Park in Manila. Flags are at half-mast and the President of the Philippines lays a wreath at Rizal’s shrine, as a symbol of the nation’s gratitude and reverence. As it is a public holiday, most people take the day off from work and spend time with family and friends.
Eidul Adha is a Muslim celebration that honours the willingness of Ibrahim to obey Allah and also commemorates the end of the Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). In 2019, Eidul Adha falls on Monday 12 August. President Duterte has signed Proclamation No. 789 to confirm the holiday throughout the country.
According to Islamic traditions, Allah tested the prophet Ibrahim’s obedience by commanding him to sacrificially slaughter his first, and then only, son Ishmael. Both Ibrahim and Ishmael’s willingness to obey Allah’s commands was rewarded by Allah sparing Ishmael’s life, but also led to the birth of a second son, Is-haaq.
In the Islamic calendar, Eidul Adha is celebrated on the tenth day of Zhul Hijja. As the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the date to celebrate Eidul Adha constantly changes. It is the duty of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) to inform the Office of the President on which date in the Gregorian calendar it should fall.
Muslim Filipinos attend a mosque to pray special prayers for the occasion and to listen to a sermon. It is important to wear new clothes or the best ones available. Depending on the region, Muslim families, who can afford to, either buy a live animal to sacrifice (such as a goat, cow or sheep), or whole or large portions of meat to share around at the feast. It is important that this meat is shared with the poorer members of the community.
Independence Day in the Philippines is held every 12 June and commemorates the Philippines’ declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule.
The original Independence Day was held in 1898 in present day Kawit, Cavite where General Emilio Aguinaldo read out the The Act of the Declaration of Independence. Whilst this was an important milestone for Filipinos, the Spanish government did not recognise their independence.
They then went on to give the Philippines to the United States after the Spanish-American war as part of the peace treaty. After a war and the Philippines’ own treaty with the United States, independence was granted to the Philippines on 4 July 1946, coinciding with the American Independence Day.
4 July was celebrated as Independence Day until 1964. After mounting pressure from the community, the government declared that 12 June would be The Philippines’ Independence Day and a national holiday. 4 July in the Philippines would then become the Philippines’ Republic Day.
A parade in Manila marks the official celebrations, attended by the President and government officials. The parade showcases the Philippines’ armed forces as well as some local organisations and the different ethnic groups of the Philippines. Firework displays are also held, particularly in Manila.
The Philippines celebrates New Year’s Day with a public holiday every 1 January, as does most of the rest of the world. However, the celebrations really begin on New Year’s Eve and reach a high point with the turning of the clock from 11:59pm on 31 December to midnight on 1 January. Somewhat unusually, New Year’s Eve is also an official holiday here.
Fireworks, good food and good company, New Year’s resolutions, and greeting cards are all a part of the celebration in the Philippines. Attending midnight mass on 31 December is a practice of devout Roman Catholics. Firecrackers and loud noises are traditionaloy thought by some to scare off evil spirits, and leaving doors and windows open is supposed to let the good luck come in.
Parents may tell their children to jump as high as they can at midnight to help them grow taller. Others don polka dot clothes to make the new year more prosperous. And some put 12 fruits on display to symbolise the 12 disciples.
The EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary occurs every 25 February in the Philippines. It commemorates the peaceful demonstrations that occurred in 1986 and led to the overthrow of the corrupt rule of President Ferdinand Marcos.
Labor Day in the Philippines is a public holiday every 1 May to celebrate the Filipino worker. It is a chance to remember hard-won workers’ rights.
Bonifacio Day is a national public holiday every 30 November in the Philippines to celebrates the birthday of one of the country’s greatest heroes, Andrés Bonifacio.
Born on 30 November 1863, Bonifacio is considered as the Father of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonisation. He, along with some others, started a movement known as the ‘Katipunan’ in 1892. The Katipunan was a secret revolutionary society that instigated military revolts against the Spanish colonisers.
Bonifacio became the Katipunan’s military leader and the president of the revolutionary government, which (according to some historians) makes Bonifacio the first president of the Philippine Republic. Bonifacio and the Katipunan recruited many citizens to their cause, eventually becoming the most prominent revolutionary force the Spaniards had to face.
However Bonifacio’s leadership was contested by some others, and in particular, Emilio Aguinaldo. After a series of leadership challenges and internal rifts, Aguinaldo violently took over the revolutionary forces and unjustly ordered Bonifacio to be tried and executed under the guise of treason.
Bonifacio Day is held every 30 November, or the Monday nearest this day to create a long weekend. Unlike the main national hero, José Rizal, Bonifacio Day is celebrated on his day of birth, rather than his day of death. This is because Bonifacio was killed by his fellow countrymen, rather than at the hands of foreign colonisers.
The New Year is a celebration of the end and beginning of a year based on the lunar calendar. The holiday celebrates the events of the past year, while ushering in good fortune for the upcoming year. The lunar New Year celebrations in the Philippines are approached with the same exciting outlook as they are in Mainland China.
Christmas in the Philippines celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ who, according to Biblical tradition, was sent by God to save people from sin and death. The holiday is held every 25 December.
The Christmas season in the Philippines is summed up in three words: faith, family and food – with the three intertwined in almost every event. Masses are held in churches leading up to Christmas Day, with many feasts held alongside them. The length of the season varies: Christmas can last from a few weeks to a few months. Christmas carols are played in the shopping centres and malls from as early as September until well into January.
A clear sign the Christmas season has truly begun is the hanging of star-shaped lanterns called parol in every public space and household. The parol, representing the Star of Bethlehem, is unique to the Philippines and is as quintessential to the season as Christmas trees and fake snow are to the Western cultures.
In the week leading up to Christmas, a series of masses called Misa de Gallo are held late every night. On Christmas Eve, there is (you guessed it) another mass held at midnight helpfully named, “Midnight Mass”, followed by a traditional family feast called Noche Buena running well into the early hours of Christmas morning.
A Christmas lunch is prepared for extended family where they open presents, eat, play games, sing karaoke, and eat some more. Older members of the family are revered and traditions, such as Pagmamano (taking the older family member’s hand and gently placing it on one’s forehead as a sign of respect), are practiced. The day ends only when people are too full to eat or are obliged to go to another household to eat some more.
Every 8 December is Immaculate Conception Day in the Philippines, a holiday that is commemorated in many other Roman Catholic-majority countries around the world.
The devout in the Philippines attend special masses on this day in honour of the Virgin Mary and the belief in her having been conceived without sin. The day is also supposed to be a day when Catholics avoid any “unnecessary work”.
The main event on Immaculate Conception in the Philippines is the procession of Marian images from all over the country around the old walled city in Manila. There are 90 or more such images, many of them very ornate and associated with claims of miraculous appearances and healings or the like. This event is often dubbed, “The Grand Marian Procession”.
The carriages that carry the images of Mary, called “carrozas”, are also very ornate and are filled with flowers and lit candles. And a marching band may accompany the images “Marian parade”.
The first of these Immaculate Conception processions took place in 1619, was designed to promote the catechism, and lasted for 15 days. The modern ones are shorter, but have more images and are focused on reverencing the Virgin Mary rather than the catechism as such.
Eidul Fitr is an important celebration for Filipino Muslims, marking the end of the month-long fast during Ramadan. In 2020, Eidul Fitr falls on Monday 25 May. President Duterte has signed Proclamation No. 944 to confirm the holiday throughout the country.
Originated by the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, Eidul Fitr is a celebration of thanksgiving to Allah. Eidul Fitr has been proclaimed a national holiday in the Philippines since 2002. This proclamation was made to foster peace and goodwill between major religions in the Philippines.
Eidul Fitr is celebrated using the Islamic calendar “Hijra” and is also dependant on the lunar calendar. The combination of these means that the date to celebrate Eidul Fitr constantly changes. It is the duty of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) to inform the Office of the President on which date in the Gregorian calendar it should fall.
For Muslim Filipinos, Eidul Fitr marks the end of fasting during Ramadan. On this day, it is forbidden to fast as it is a day of celebration. Muslim Filipinos practice ritual washing before heading to a community gathering, usually in a mosque, and offer special prayers to Allah. On this day, they give the obligatory charity in the form of food known as “zakat al-fitr” and listen to special sermons on the occasion. After attending this gathering, many families choose to celebrate with a feast with their extended family and friends.
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Octadix Diner is a brand new restaurant that serves Freshly Baked Goodies and Best Selling All-Time Favorite Filipino Dishes located at E.A. Malabanan Bldg., Mabini St. Brgy II, Batangas City.4 It offers a wide variety of menu from classic rice meals, ala carte filipino dishes, pasta and shakes. You will be surprised that they offer affordable menus which is already inclusive of drinks.
Company Profile
After establishing Kitty Cut Hair and Nails Beauty Salon and Spa – the Hello Kitty themed Salon and Spa in Balagtas, Batangas City, Ms. Kat, the proud owner decided to create another business out of another thing that she really loves, YES! FOOD! Octadix Diner is a Rustic Styled Nature themed restaurant that would fill in your stomachs with All-Time Favorite Filipino Dishes. The restaurant’s name came from combinations of Octa (Greek-Latin Word for EIGHT) and Dix (French word for TEN) which are both notable dates for Ms Kat. Ms Kat by heart is a natural master baker who loves to bake for her friends when they have gatherings at her home. Some of them really loves it and asked her if she could take orders. She’s also a food lover and often travel from resto to resto to take a taste of their best selling food and she try to create her version of it at home.
Octadix Diner, offers affordable menus which is already inclusive of drinks from classic rice meals, ala carte filipino dishes, pasta and shakes.
| Rice Meals: (All served with side dish and iced tea) | Price |
| Chicken Inasal | 119 |
| Chicken Kebabs | 119 |
| Chicken BBQ | 119 |
| Grilled Pork Teriyaki | 119 |
| Grilled Pork Belly | 119 |
| Grilled Prok BBQ | 119 |
| Pork Kebab | 119 |
| Lechon Kawali | 119 |
| Beef Burger Steak | 89 |
| Rice | |
| Octadix Special Rice | 129 |
| Java Rice | 29 |
| Plain Rice | 19 |
| French Fries | 49 |
| All Day Breakfast: | |
| Tapsilog | 69 |
| Longsilog | 69 |
| Shangsilog | 69 |
| Pasta: (Served with Grilled Bread) | |
| Classic Spaghetti | 69 |
| Chicken Carbonara | 69 |
| Pansit Canton | 79 |
| Bihon Guisado | 79 |
| Ala Carte (good for 2-3 pax) | |
| Fried Chicken | 159 |
| Garlic Chicken | 179 |
| Pork Sisig | 139 |
| Crispy Karekare | 169 |
| Crispy Binagoongan | 169 |
| Lechon Kawali | 159 |
| Lumpiang Shanghai | 149 |
| Chopsuey | 139 |
| Pinakbet | 139 |
| Sandwiches: | |
| Octadixclubhouse | 79 |
| Tuna sandwich | 59 |
| Grilled bread | 29 |
| Drinks: | |
| Milk Shakes | 89 |
| *Oreo Cheesecake | 89 |
| *Vanilla | 89 |
| *Chocolate | 89 |
| Ice tea | 29 |
| Ice tea | 39 |
Basically, Octadix Diner is also a combination of Tasty Baked Pastries and Cakes and Ms Kat’s recreation of her Favorite Food. Octadix Diner recently open their first branch at E.A. Malabanan Bldg., Mabini St. Brgy II, Batangas City last August 20, 2017 and it’s been a blockbuster since day 1. Octadix is open from 9am to 8pm from Monday to Sunday. After enjoying their tasty food, you can also take instagramable photos inside the resto since every corner of the place is a work of art. From Japanese Tables, Nature Painted Walls, Frames, Good Lighting etc you can really have your best photos for your social media accounts.
Christmas in the Philippines celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ who, according to Biblical tradition, was sent by God to save people from sin and death. The holiday is held every 25 December.
The Christmas season in the Philippines is summed up in three words: faith, family and food – with the three intertwined in almost every event. Masses are held in churches leading up to Christmas Day, with many feasts held alongside them. The length of the season varies: Christmas can last from a few weeks to a few months. Christmas carols are played in the shopping centres and malls from as early as September until well into January.
A clear sign the Christmas season has truly begun is the hanging of star-shaped lanterns called parol in every public space and household. The parol, representing the Star of Bethlehem, is unique to the Philippines and is as quintessential to the season as Christmas trees and fake snow are to the Western cultures.
In the week leading up to Christmas, a series of masses called Misa de Gallo are held late every night. On Christmas Eve, there is (you guessed it) another mass held at midnight helpfully named, “Midnight Mass”, followed by a traditional family feast called Noche Buena running well into the early hours of Christmas morning.
A Christmas lunch is prepared for extended family where they open presents, eat, play games, sing karaoke, and eat some more. Older members of the family are revered and traditions, such as Pagmamano (taking the older family member’s hand and gently placing it on one’s forehead as a sign of respect), are practiced. The day ends only when people are too full to eat or are obliged to go to another household to eat some more.
December 01, 2020 Danilo Atienza 31st Death Anniversary Commemoration – Batangas Province
December 05, 2020 Teodoro Kalaw 80th Death Anniversary Commemoration
December 10, 2020 Maria Katigbak 28th Death Anniversary Commemoration
Here are the following Emergency Hotline Numbers in Batangas City for your reference:
| Landline Number/s | Mobile Number/s | |
| Bureau of Fire Batangas City | (043) 301 7996 | |
| BFP Alangilan Substation | (043) 702 1973 | |
| Batangas City Police Station | 043) 723 2476/ (043) 723 2030 | 09164291515 / 09989673414 |
| Hospitals: | ||
| Batangas Medical Center | (043) 740 8307 | |
| Jesus of Nazareth Hospital | (043) 723 4144 | |
| St. Patricks Hospital and Medical Center | (043) 723 7089 – 92 | |
| Golden Gate General Hospital | (043) 341 3112 | |
| Batangas Healthcare Specialist Medical Center | (043) 741 2088 | |
Luks Lofts Hotel & Residences
Escape the hectic city life by experiencing a luxury stay on a high-technology hotel providing advance and exceptional amenities just within your reach. Enjoy the unforgettable experience your accommodation has to give you.
“Luks” is the Turkish translation of Luxury and the term “Lofts” describes the high-tech urban-chic rooms being offered at the state of the art 5-star luxury hotel. Luks Lofts Hotel & Residences started operations and services in 2016. It is owned by Ma. Bernadeth Baco and Turkish-American business partners. Its concept is one of a kind, introducing a unique brand of products and services ensuring guests of memorable luxury experience.
About the Business
[gallery ids="51927,51932,51922,51921,51928"]Luks Lofts Hotel and Residences is a luxury hotel located at Lukslofts Bldg., Joseling Road, Pallocan West, Batangas City. It is known for being the first high-tech hotel in the Philippines that is already evident from the hotel’s exterior and interior design.
The hotel celebrates its marque on technological advancements as it is one of their foremost appealing factors. The advanced features of the hotel include keyless face biometrics access, motion-sensing doors, digital lights, indoor elevated jet pools, private sauna plus several more state of the art amenities. The hotel boasts of their drive for constant innovation and relentless efforts to set new standards in Luxury Accommodation.
Luks Lofts Exceptional Amenities
[gallery link="file" ids="51929,51926,51925,51869,51867,51874"]Luks Lofts Hotel and Residences has 11 Lofts, including 2 Loft types, the Luxury lofts that can accommodate 6 guests and Honeymoon Lofts that can accommodate 2 guests. Each loft has jet pools (22ft.long and 4.5 deep) with pumps and adjustable temperature and private saunas for relaxation, walk-in closets, full kitchen equipment, living and dining room, an entertainment area that is either an air hockey or a billiard table.
Luks Lofts Advance Features
Luks Lofts Hotel and Residences is very proud of its automated doors, digibutler system that gives convenience for guests’ food orders, room housekeeping, lights control, and exit door controls. They also have face biometrics for room access.
[gallery link="file" ids="51931,51930,51932"]Other Facilities and Services
*Luks Cafe and Bar that offers a wide variety of delicious and healthy local and intercontinental cuisines with a big range of drinks and selected wines.
*In-room Spa Services
*Chauffeur
*Laundry
For the past two years of operating, guests have nothing but positive reviews towards Luks Lofts Hotel and Residences. The hotel guarantees an extravagant and unforgettable experience from reservation to check-out.
Luks Loft Hotel and Residences wants to provide guests an exceptional and memorable stay in their lofts, enjoying luxurious services offered with the best feeling of convenience.
| Loft Types | |
| Luxury Loft | Honeymoon Loft |
| 10 units, approximately 85sqm/915sft. | 1 unit, approximately 100sqm/1077sft |
| Inclusions : | Inclusions : |
| (2) Queen Bedroom | Private 4.5ft deep Elevated Jet Pool |
| Private 4.5ft deep Elevated Jet Pool | Private Sauna |
| Private Infrared/Lava Rock Sauna | 1 spacious bedroom with Jean-Paul Gaultier bed (Roche Bobois) |
| Complimentary Mini-Bar | Billiard Table |
| Network Controlled Doors | Sofa set wrapped in a silk cover |
| Power Control System (lights and appliances automation through the smart device) | Network Controlled Doors |
| Digi Butler | Digi Butler |
| 100% Memory Foam Mattress | Choice of Dinnerware (Versace or Hermes) |
| Complimentary WIFI access | Complimentary WiFi access |
| Cable TV and Unlimited Free HD movie access | Cable TV and Unlimited Free HD movie access |
| Fully equipped kitchen | Fully equipped kitchen |
| Free Parking | Free Parking |