Carols!
Check out this Christmas carol medley from some kids in the Philippines!
-Marc
Belen
Here’s another familiar and traditional Philippine Christmas decoration: the belen. “Belen is a three-dimensional art depiction of the nativity scene of Jesus Christ. It could be a crèche (a “crib” or “manger” in French) or tableau that represents the infant Jesus in the manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and their flock, and the Three Wise Men.” My grandma has an awesome one that I used to play with when I was younger. I think I lost the baby Jesus once. I had no idea that it was actually called something! Read more on WikiPilipinas (first time I ever saw this site!) here.
-Marc
Belen on video!
Traditional belen
How to Say “Merry Christmas & Prosperous New Year”
From all of us on PAA Board 09 – 10, Maligayang Pasko (Merry Christmas) at Manigong Bagong Taon (and Prosperous New Year)!
Simbang Gabi
So yesterday marked the start of the Simbang Gabi novenas. “SIMBANG GABI is one of the longest and most popular among the Filipino traditions in the country. It is when Catholic churches across the nation start to open their doors shortly before the break of dawn to welcome the faithful to the Simbang Gabi mass.” Read up on it here.
A church in the Philippines decked out in Christmas glory.
12 Days of Christmas… Pinoy Style.
Hey Everyone! Check back for some fun facts about Christmas in the Philippines. 12 days, 12 facts, tidbits, pictures and/or videos –starting… TODAY!
Here’s the first: the Philippine parol
“Parols are ornamental star-like Christmas lanterns from the Philippines. They are traditionally made out of bamboo and paper and comes in various sizes, shapes and designs, however its star-shape façade and basic design remains dominant. Its shape is said to be inspired by the star on the Nativity of Jesus that guided the Magi to the manger. It also symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and the Filipinos‘ hope and goodwill during the Christmas season.” Wiki the rest here.
Happy Holidays!
-Marc
Filipino Hoops & Heritage Night!
Pre-Game: 5:30pm
Meet & Greet
1st Cultural performance: 6:00pm
Tip-Off: 7:30pm
- Special “Meet & Greet” for Lower Level (100’s) Ticket Holder’s 5:30-6:30p.m. on the City View Terrace, 1st come 1st serve (500 person capacity)
- Meet NBA Legends Raymond Townsend and others!
- National Anthem Singer 9-Yr-Old Filipina singing sensation, Ciana Pelekai “America’s Got Talent” Performer
- Filipino Cultural Performances starting Pre-game Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts and Infinite PASAbilities – CSUF Dance Crew
- “Follow Your Dreams” film clips of Filipino Celebrities
- And much more!
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!
PAA Tailgate ’09
The 2009 Tailgate of the Pilipino Alumni Association (PAA) of UCLA kicked off with the boom boom boom of DJ Randy DeRama’s beats and the sweet smell of tocino (filipino bacon) frying at 9 in the morning. About 75 or more PAA Bruins attended to eat a diverse spread of good food, drink a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, perform slam dunks in the bounce house, quarterback in the football trivia and toss game, compete for #1 in blindfold musical chairs, and win many raffle prizes.
The fun and feel-good vibe of the tailgate was immediately followed by marching into the Rose Bowl and enjoying the UCLA football team’s victory over the Arizona State Sun Devils.
For more pictures, check out our Facebook album here!
UCLA PAA's Blog 