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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.
Join our last Car-Free Sunday of the year at Biz Hub, a perfect way to stay active and enjoy the fresh air.
Then, gather your loved ones and attend our Sunday Holy Mass as we give thanks for the blessings of this whole year.
Our extended mall hours still apply this weekend, so you can make the most of your time to dine, shop, and play this holiday season.
Join the 7th Bisikleta Iglesia: Dasal at Padyak Para sa Pagbangon ng Batangas this coming April 04, 2020, 5 am at LimaPark Hotel as the assembly point and will proceed to The Outlets at 6:30 am.
Bisikleta Iglesia will be visiting the following churches including Sto. Niño Parish Church, Marawoy; Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, Bulacnin; Our Lady of Fatima Chapel, Balete; Sacred Heart of Jesus Chapel, Marian Orchard, Balete; Nuestra Señora dela Paz y Buen Viaje Parish Church, Balete; Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, Marian Orchard, Balete and Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian, Lipa.
Part of the proceeds would go to the areas affected by the Taal Eruption.
Free Commemorative shirt Bisikleta Iglesia Jersey for first 100 to register. Lots of raffle prizes await joiners! Registration fee is Php 499 nett inclusive of breakfast and lunch.
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.
On “Black Saturday,” preparations are made for the late-night Easter vigil at church. There, the Gloria is sung, and some call it “Glorious Saturday.” In some places, an effigy of Judas is hung and burned up, though sometimes, he is blown to pieces by firecrackers. At midnight, the fasting and mourning ends because it is finally the day on which Christ arose from the grave in victory.
A 4am on Easter Morning, a ceremony commemorates the meeting of Mary and Jesus after the Resurrection. The black-veiled image of Mary is unveiled by one or more people dressed up like angels, and sometimes, the veil is tied to balloons or a dove to be carried away in the air. The image of Christ also is unveiled, and flowers and confetti fall down on the statues of both Mary and Jesus. Bells ring and fireworks explode in the sky. Legend has it, however, that if the veil is removed only with difficulty, bad luck will accompany the year to come.
We can’t wait to see you this October 26, 2024, at Batangas Lakelands!