Culture

October 1, 2024 — This year, the inaugural Filipino book festival in Vancouver showcased Canadian-Filipino authors. Three literary enthusiasts organized the event, which spanned three days in mid-July. Their hard work paid off, resulting in a successful festival.

June 16, 2024 —  A number of years ago, my sister had given me her Capiz shell lamp when the electrical parts stopped working, since my hubby is a MacGyver of sorts, and I am obsessed with all things Filipino.  I recently came across this forgotten lamp that had been sitting in a Superstore shopping basket gathering dust and felt the urge to check out this beautiful piece. 

December 16, 2023 — The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver holds  its 4th annual Maligayang Pasko Vancouver” (MPV)   on December 16  at the  St. Patrick’s  Parish Recreation Center  (2881 Main Street)  from 10 AM to 4 PM.  It features a Christmas market with 50 food and non-food vendors, Christmas caroling, pabitin, parol-making, Pinoy Story Time and a photo booth. 

October 1, 2023 - Mona Lavina says there’s something to be learned from a Filipino folk story about a monkey and a turtle who found a banana tree floating on a river.

September 16, 2023 - ‘Halina na! Kadto kamo! Sung na!’ are three distinct Philippine linguistic expressions with one common English translation, ‘let’s go’ or ‘come.’Together, they highlight the language diversity of the Filipino people and prelude the full title of a forthcoming cultural event.

September 1, 2023 - August brings memories of key Philippine historical figures Francisco Balagtas, Jose Rizal, and Manuel L. Quezon – all of whom weaponized Tagalog against colonial forces.

In a hidden rainforest in the highland of South Cotabato in Mindanao, lies the picturesque town of Lake Sebu, home of one of the indigenous peoples of the Philippines, the people of T’boli.

MANILA - Any Filipino who has migrated and called Canada their home for many years would definitely attest that the quality of life fares better in the Great White North.

On a social media post, children’s book author Carlos Cabaneros mentioned the value of culture.

“I strongly believe culture serves as a guide to the future,” the Toronto-area-based creator said.

As far as I can remember Christmas season in the Philippines is the most awaited celebration for young and old alike. It is the most festive, the longest, and the most memorable. The season is an endless series of merrymaking, of  Christmas parties in homes,  schools, public and private offices. It is also a time for family reunions as  Filipinos living abroad usually come home to spend the Christmas holidays in the country.

Growing old is tough. If one is sick, it is even tougher not only for the ill and ageing senior but for the supporting family as well. But respect and care for the elderly is paramount in Philippine culture and a nursing home is not always the solution.  Elders are considered key members of the family, a source of wisdom and Filipino values that must be passed on to the next generation.

In the Philippines, All Souls Day is now called "Undás" (don’t know why), "Todos los Santos" (Spanish for "All Saints"), and "Araw ng mga Patay / Yumao" (Tagalog for "Day of the Dead”) which incorporates All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is celebrated on November 1st. Undas is probably colloquial for Undras which means “to honor” in Spanish.