GMA Network celebrates the true meaning of Christmas

GMA Network celebrates our Redeemer’s birth in its 2013 Christmas Campaign dubbed, “Sundan Natin Ang Bituin Pabalik sa Kanyang Piling,” inspiring viewers to be reminded of the real meaning of the Yuletide Season.

“At the heart of the Christmas celebration is God’s gift to us, the birth of His only begotten Son,” says GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon. “Through this campaign, we hope to enjoin every Kapuso to rejoice in this most precious and significant demonstration of love ever bestowed on mankind,” he adds.

GMA-7 gives away millions of pesos this Christmas!

With Christmas being just around the corner, GMA-7 is about to make three more Kapuso viewers a million pesos richer to complete the list of seven Kapuso millionaires thru its promo campaign Kapuso Milyonaryo Sa Pasko!

Since it was launched on October 29, Kapuso Milyonaryo Sa Pasko has already given away one million pesos each to four lucky viewers coming from different parts of the country: Nabob Joy Dialangan from Cebu, Anita Linda Lampa from Tarlac, Verna Pedrigon from Manila, and Delza Respecia from Cagayan de Oro.

'I-Juander' wonders why Christmas is 'longer' in the Philippines

Tonight, the GMA News TV public affairs show, "I-Juander" hosted by Susan Enriquez and Cesar Apolinario, "juanders" why Christmas is "longer" in the Philippines than everywhere else. 

Most Filipinos look forward to the celebration of Christmas each year. In fact, while the rest of the world start celebrating the season in December, Filipinos begin decorating homes, shopping malls, offices, etc. with Christmas decors and lights as early as September, the first of the four "-ber" months of the year. The Yuletide season in the Philippines also extends up to January or until the so-called "Feast of the Three Kings/Wise Men" is over. 

Avida Towers Centera 3D Street Painting Festival is Back!

Calling on talented Filipino visual artists! This is your time to showcase your 3D painting skills. Make realistic art that can fool the eyes and make head turn because of the unique street art. Last year's competition was attended by art students from different colleges in Metro Manila.

Avida Land is holding its second 3-D Street Painting  Festival contest at Avida Towers Centera on December 7-8, with the theme "Pasko Natin: Ang Diwa Ng Pasko Sa Pilipinas." Read on the image for details on how to join the contest

For more information, please call (02) 6872692  or e-mail chriscahilig@gmail.com

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Nine: Long Journey

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Day 9: Long Journey 

The last day of simbang gabi was actually the most challenging since I have to search for the last stop for the Misa de Gallo series this 2010. The challenge for me was to find that church in the wee hours of the night as I planned that the final mass should follow the dawn schedule. However, since I do have a shift at 6 am, I need to find a schedule that fits either the 4 or 4:30 schedule to be able to reach the office on time. My first option of course would be the Mandaluyong area but I have explored the nearest parishes and churches in that area. Also St. Francis church in Ortigas masses start at 5:30 am, which is not a good idea. I then decided to go to Makati and check out the churches near Ayala like the Greenbelt chapel but they would start at 5 am. Then also checked the schedules at Don Bosco Makati, it was 4:30 but Makati is along way to go still. 

Then I decided to hop to another jeep now going back to Manila and decided to go with Manila Cathedral. Though alone, the journey was worth it as I saw the big church with a lot of people and saw a scene that is what I picture the simbang gabi. I used to think that since it is the Cathedral of the Archdiocese and the premiere office of the Cardinal, the church goers would be more of the high society, but I saw that the church does open its doors to the less privileged citizens of the Intramuros and South Pier area.  

I miss going back to Intramuros since I was studying in PLM and also attending activities from the Archdiocese of Manila. I look forward of being more active in the church and be of service in the next year. And after going to several churches just to cap off the tradition of having the dawn masses of Misa de Gallo, it was definitely worth it.  It was the first time to complete it with 9 different churches, with going trough many things before, during and even after the mass. For the small reflections I have realized during the one hour mass that strengthened my faith. 

I have to admit it was really tiring and the same time frustrating since I dont have a handy laptop with me and also finding the venue would be accidental or due to critical observation. I couldn't have done and completed this without his providence. And the reason why I blog about this one is just one way of how I thank him for all of these. For the bountiful year and new friends I have met. For giving me a time to encounter him even at the darkest hour. Truly the message of Christmas is about hope and love. I does sound cheesy but taking a look on all of it. The Misa de Gallo became my own personal journey, a recollection or even a retreat to ponder about these experiences and share it to others. 

2010 is the most difficult yet blessed year for me, I almost lost everything yet here I am and again rising to another life with optimism and hope. The Long journey does not stop here, his arrival is just the start. Now we walk again looking ahead yet still looks behind to remember the learnings, looking left and right to see friends and family that is journeying with you and looking up to see the God that is leading you to the direction to the Kingdom that we definitely want to go to.

The Misa de Gallo 2010 is now over

Christmas is here!

Also a happy new year to all!

Next year will be another story,

another set of diary stories.

Yet the Journey still goes on...

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Eight: Emmanuel

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Day 8: Emmanuel

This is the second time I almost missed the simbang gabi due to oversleeping. It is because I am still quite sick with sore throat. But I can still manage to sing and even speak but there would still be a stinging feeling every time. Luckily I realized that another perfect venue to attend the mass would be at the Archbishops' Residence in Villa San Miguel which is near shaw boulevard and Nueve de Febrero.  

The last time I have been to this place again was the 75th birthday of beloved Jaime Cardinal Sin. I just knew that they also have Misa de Gallo when I encountered a lot of people coming from the street where the compound is located and knew that there was a simbang gabi mass held there. Again since this is just near the office I took the chance to attending mass.

At first, I don't know how will they pull off a mass when the population of the people in that area could actually fill the whole compound and the chapel can accommodate up to 50 persons only. Fortunately there is also a covered court that can be used as the mass area. Also the rest of the compound since there is a lot of grass space this provided. 

For the gospel for today, it focuses on the coming of EMMANUEL or the lord is with us.  The way has been prepared by John the Baptist, Mary conceived Jesus through the holy spirit and God intervened to convince Joseph to take care of Mary and bring him into Bethlehem (the city of David). Everything is now at place, the only thing we await is the King who made himself flesh.  and free from  us from sin and hate.  

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Seven: Magnificat

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Day 7: Magnificat

One of my most favorite songs from the Bible is Mary's song of Magnificat. The song that praised and honor the glory of God as the savior and the light of the troubled world. The song was sung by mary as she conceived in her womb Jesus who is the  Messiah and brought the good news to the world. And on the seventh day of Misa de Gallo, I now found myself in a new church that I would only view from afar but unable to get inside and attend mass. This Parish was the San Roque Church located near Boni Avenue and also close to the office where I decided to go and check out this parish that I have passed many times but never go the chance to explore the church with a very high structure. 

Indeed the church was made to be high because of the limited space of the lot to fit it inside the community in that part of Mandaluyong. San Roque is a farmer and always depicted with a scar and dog. He was poor yet never let his faith down just like Mary that also sung a melody of praise that her heart had composed. The song of Magnificat is also one of my favorite praise song because of the simple yet strong words of faith and thanksgiving. 

This is how Jesus would make us when we welcome him into our hearts. Though born in a manger, has proven even before his arrival that he does bear good news. Erases all worries and fears and also makes you sing out for joy.

two more days
singing while waiting...

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Six: Shared Time

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Day 6: Shared Time

I have to admit that being too busy with a lot of this just stress me out and what I do need more right now is time. However I am still very thankful for the blessings that I have received within this year. Time indeed is a very important thing that we cannot never get back. So that has been by philosophy in life to live it to the fullest and enjoy its fruits without affecting anybody. Now I am at my sixth day of the Misa De Gallo and I just had my first part of my medicals on this day. I chose to spend the rest of the day off at the mall and do some wifi. I am also pressured with the fact that I need to finish music pieces for the stage play in January.  

So much things to do with so little time. This had me worried in the past as I got busy, the time for myself especially in prayer also declined. I am too worried that being to busy will would lead me to be ill. But I would also find myself in many situations that I encounter God in many ways and in places that I did not expect (though the mall chapel is something I already know). It will indeed touch your heart.

Last year this is where I ended the Misa De Gallo 2009. Aside from the ambiance and the wonderful reflections from the priest of this chapel, I dont know but I would find myself emotional inside the chapel even though I am a regular visitor. I'm glad to have my time to be in chapel for the simbang gabi series and with this shared time, I am thankful that I was able to encounter  a new learning and another nice reflection.

Three days more...

Blah Blah Blogs: Pasko na! Boom Tarat Tarat!

Mula sa mga manunulat, editors, scriptwiters, lightmen, soundmen, PAs, make-up artists, sponsors, contributors, fans, stalkers, guests, mangers at executive producer ng Blah Blahh Blogs, kami (ako) ay bumabati sa lahat ng tao sa buong sangkatauhan sa kadaigdigan ng maligayang Pasko at masaganang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat.

Hep hep hep! hindi pa tapos ang taon, pero gusto kong batiin kayong lahat upang kahit paano ay maramdaman niyo naman ang diwa ng pasko. Iwasan na ang pagiging depressed at 'wag kariririn ang pagiging SMP. sinasaktan niyo lang ang sarili niyo. Sa mga kapwa kong agents at mga nagtratrabaho sa call centers at 24 hour never-we-will-we-close stores tulad ng Mcdo at Starbucks, mas masayang isipin na ang araw na ito at double pay.

Hindi ko na uubusin ang oras ninyo dahil maari niyo na itong ilaan para sa inyong mga kaibigan at pamilya. Enjoy lang kahit sa dami ng pinagdaan natin sa taon na ito ay marami pang rason upang maging masaya at ipagdiwang ang araw ng kapanganakan ni Jesus!

Hinay hinay lang sa pagkain at inom

Huwag muna magpaputok, bagong taon pa yun teh!

Mga ninong at ninang magtago na kayo, bwahahaha!

Merry Christmas!

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Four: Disturbed Silence

Day 4: Disturbed Silence

The fourth day of simbang gabi happened with the parish where I started last year's simbang gabi, The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Sta Mesa. Its actually one of the most accessible churches since its near my place. Although I am not a regular parishioner as I go to different churches for mass. But I do appreciate that this hundred year old parish has its share on my spiritual life.Day 4 was actually considered a regular Sunday mass according to father. And this was after I went to the company Christmas party in SMX and also another High School Friends' Party. Though never intoxicated but just stuffed with a lot of food and fun from the parties, I still reminded myself of my obligation to complete the simbang gabi. Because of the events, I never got the chance to sleep or even nap since I am running out of time and also options. But I did expect that I would visit the parish in this year's Misa de Gallo. 

Though it would be another day at mass was something I was not expecting to happen in the church. In the midst of the homily, a fight broke off within the premises of the Parish. The priest did notice the commotion and the mass was temporarily halted to notice the ruckus. The riot did not last long, since there were people and (police?) who responded to the situation. The reason of the fight is unknown to me, and I don't bother to know. I would just make matters worse. It would be ironic as the message of happiness would also mixed with acts of anger. In the end, I hope everything went well. 

I would look very disturbing but the good thing is that in the end there was no grave acts committed. Though most people would like to know what happened to that fight. To take my mind off of this, I decided to buy puto bungbong. to make me feel the simbang gabi spirit with this warm and sticky breakfast. This also reminded me of one thing that just like the journey to the nativity, it is not easy and peaceful, they have to go into uncomfortable things until Jesus was born and brought peace on that night. 

The empty crib awaits, waiting for the prince of peace...
day four done.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day 3: Weary Heart

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Day 3: Weary Heart

Third day. And its seems so faster with my very busy schedule. I have a lot of appointments lately from events, work and even reunions and parties. But of course I always look forward to attend the Misa de Gallo as my own personal retreat and encounter with God in preparation for Christmas day. After work I went to Divisoria to check on good buys and as always that traffic is indeed heavy in that area for both people and vehicles. Unfortunately after 2 hours roaming Divisoria, I did not bought anything but only had dinner at Mang Inasal. This tested my patience since I was disappointed with the service because of many things. The time was almost 8pm so I was worried that I may miss the mass. I thought that the nearby church of San Lorenzo in Ongpin would have its mass on 8 but when I got there there, it seems that they will start 30 minutes to an hour later. This is critical for me since I would go home more late and would also affect my other schedules. So my plan was top go to another church near the area. I was planning to go to Intramuros but it would take more time. So what I had in mind was Sta. Cruz or Quiapo. But since Sta Cruz would be near the Jeep route so I went ahead with it.

This would be my first anticipated mass since I would like to avoid what happened on the 2nd day. There was a different feeling on this church because unlike the previous ones, the church has a lot of indigent parishioners which others are beggars, vendors and others. It made an impact on me that despite the happiness that the season brings, there are still a lot of people who are in this condition. I wish I could help, and what I would like is a thing that would be long-term and take them off the streets and live decent lives.

Just like me, the Gospel talks about Joseph as he is also weary about the pregnancy of Mary. He is also stuck into a situation that he himself can't find a way to explain and would also jeopardize the birth of Jesus. But God sent out his heralds to ensure Joseph that the one conceived is the Messiah. The birth of Jesus was filled with weariness at first but God finds a way to console their feelings. You too may have a weary heart this Christmas, ask God that he will give you peace.

Let me share a Taizé cant that you can sing to console the weary heart

Nada te turbe

Nada te espante

Qien a Dios tiene , nada e falta  

Nada te turbe

Nada te espante

Solo Dios Basta

nothing can trouble,

nothing can frighten, 

those who seek God shall never go wanting

nothing can trouble,

nothing can frighten, 

God alone fills us.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day Two: Unexpected Serendipity.

Day Two: Unexpected Serendipity. 

I almost missed the second day of the Misa de Gallo when I woke up at exactly 4:10, ten minutes late for the 4pm mass at the nearby Our Lady of Fatima Parish, but I had sudden reflex that I can catch up on another church that I can go to. It was the EDSA shrine. since I know that they have the mass at 4:30 so I do have a few minutes to commute there. Though I have computed the time that it will be exact given I dont wait and there is less or no traffic since it so early in the morning. I took a jeep to EDSA and then a bus going to ortigas Robinsons. One surprise for me is to see one of friends Kuya Lei O Lap on the bus with his friend, I knew that they will also go to EDSA shrine since I also encountered him last year at the same place. Coincidently, it was funny though we never talked during the trip and also at mass, that I also find people who are also into the spirit of the simbang gabi. 

Though another dilemma that I have encountered is the time from the shrine going to work. Though is one bus ride away, I could actually be late since my shift starts at 6am. But thankfully, I was able to return to the office 10 minutes before 6am. I was racing numbers in my mind that made me worry too much about work. But I realized that it was also refreshing to know that I started the day with a prayerful journey. Indeed another adventure it was and it was unexpected serendipity.

The Gospel for today is the longest from I presume, sine it was the genealogy of Jesus from the first generation and other 14 generations spanning from Abraham to Joseph. Though it would be more of historical account, it has this essence that it was well planned. It was not an accident, it was not coincidence, it was beautifully planned, unexpected just like I had experienced during this day. Meeting an old friend and also manage to go to another church to hear mass. This made me inspired that I was allowed to have opportunities and these are given unexpectedly yet leaves a long lasting impression and this is why I am sharing my experience.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2010 Day One: Simple Start

Day One: Simple Start

Another year has passed and this time I go on another adventure again to complete a tradition that most Pinoys also follow. The Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo is also my way of professing my faith and also finds it very fulfilling to complete the 9 days. The first year of Misa De Gallo diaries were really tough yet was also happy experience. On its second year, I hope that this also give another unforgettable experience. I look forward  to know more about traditions, friendships and also history since most of my trips are not bounded with only one church. Also this will be different as I also have a lot of schedules and work to attend to, unlike last year. Generally, this is still something new, this is also something that comes once a year. So better make the most out of it. And I'm very happy to share to you the first day! Now with perseverance and enough sleep I know I can get through this and also learn a lot of things from people and also the encounter at the house of God. Join me!

For the first day, I planned to have it with EDSA shrine or Manila Cathedral but due to distance and schedule, I went ahead to the office and decided to go to the nearest church which is Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Addition Hills. I have passed so many times but never got the chance to celebrate mass there.The church looks really small due to its location but it houses a lot of parishoners that even spills out into the streets. And since its also my first Misa De Gallo, so this makes this day special as it also kick off the start of the adventure. Though had only a few hours of sleep I was able to stay awake throughout the mass. The first gospel was about John the Baptist as the herald of the Lord until his arrival. And also of the fact that people would be excited at first but would turn cold after he left. This is true for us Christians as we also be excited at first but would lose enthusiasm after some time. That is why the challenge of the gospel is to always keep our hearts aflame and vigilant as the hour of the savior is fast approaching and what we will be doing on that hour.

After the mass, the Mgsr asked the community to join in in a small feast of kakanin and coffee provided by the barangay and some sponsors. Of course, the Bibingka and Puto-bungbomg would never be left out as people also lined in stands for the Christmas delicacy. I decided to go back to the office since its almost my shift and I still have to work. SO far I could rate my first day as a major major success with the inspiration and motivation that I have discovered on the first day of the Misa de Gallo. One down, 8 days to go!