Our 3-in-1 present

I talked to my cousin yesterday and she asked if I received any package, then I said none so far and asked her if she sent me a car or something, she said it's a package from President Bush!lol Half an hour later, I saw the UPS truck pulling in our driveway, then I got excited! By the way, I always do when I receive packages, even if it's just a letter. It was a long box and I was getting curious of what could it be. I was not really sure if it was what my cousin was talking about because there was no name outside the box. Then I opened it and it was from her. It's actually 3 dozens of roses and a vase. I was surprised because it's a lot of flowers! The message on the card said a belated happy birthday to my hubby, a belated mother's day to me (as if I'm a mom already! I guess our yorkie counts? lol), then an advance anniversary to both of us. Hence, it's actually a 3-in-1 present!lol I then called my husband about it and we both thought how sweet of my cousin to send us such a lovely gift. I already displayed it on our dining table. There's just nothing as beautiful as fresh flowers! It just brings wonderful scent to the room. hhhhmmmmm......

Making a History

Last night, Senator Barack Obama won enough delegates to become the first African-American major party presidential nominee. It was a big battle for the spot between him and Senator Hillary Clinton, who could have made a history as well supposing she won, she would have been the first female presidential nominee of the major party. Senator Obama became the first black president that the Harvard Law Review had and as senator, he was the fifth black in the US history.

With the turning points that evening, Senator Clinton did not exit the political race saying that, “This has been a long campaign, and I will be making no decision tonight,” which added excitement to the cheering crowd.

Senator Obama had a rally at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul Minnesota, where he announced, "Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States.". The 46-year old senator will be one of the youngest presidents in the US if elected.

YSL

A famous fashion icon has departed late Sunday. He is Yves Henri Donat Matthieu Saint Laurent or simply Yves Saint Laurent. He died of brain tumor at the age of 71 in his Paris home and will be buried on Thursday.

He was born in Algeria and arrived in Paris in the early 50's with a portfolio of sketches that he submitted to the famous Vogue magazine. His collection of works were inspired by the artists Picasso and Andy Warhol. His long-time partner have spoken highly of him saying that he was the first to put women in men's clothes such as pants and the first to hire black models. Some of the designs that symbolized him were Safari, Le Smoking, Belle de Jour, the see-through clothes, and ethnic. He used to describe his fashion style as empowering women. He represented the style of modern working women. Aside from clothes, he also had collections of perfumes and accessories such as bags and sunglasses. In the year 2002, he stepped down and retired from the fashion world.



Saint Laurent once said he felt "fashion was not only supposed to make women beautiful, but to reassure them, to give them confidence, to allow them to come to terms with themselves." May he rest in peace.

Pyrolympics

The 2008 World Pyro Olympics ended in May 31st. The last day of event is called the Fellowship of Fire Display. It is the largest international fireworks competition in the world. The final day also included the awarding of the competition's winner, the exhibition fellowship fireworks show, and the final pyro musical, which is a display of fireworks with the synchronization of music. This year is the 3rd World Pyro Olympics which opened last May 3. The said event was held every Saturday of May at the Esplanade Area of the SM Mall of Asia, the largest mall in the Philippines and the third largest in Asia. The principal sponsors of the big event were SM Mall of Asia and Pepsi.

The participants of this year's competition were Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, and Venezuela. They compete in their artistry and technical expertise.

The event brings benefits to the Philippines especially in the economic aspect. Since it started, the number of spectators grows bigger and bigger. The crowd does not only include Filipinos but tourists and foreigners, having a chance for them to have a glimpse of the Philippines. The success of the 1st world competition gave way to an annual event.

To close the event, the La Mancha Pyro Productions showed their own display of expertise as exhibitor. They are the pioneer and industry leader for displays in the Philippines. La Mancha is also the organizer of the World Pyro Olympics. The country or team that won in this big annual event is Italy.

Flores de Mayo - Santacruzan

Every May in the Philippines, there is a festival being held called the "Flores de Mayo". It is a Catholic event in honor of Virgin Mary. "Flores de Mayo" is a Spanish phrase, for which "Flores" derived from flowers and "Mayo" means May, coming up with Flowers of May. It is a festival introduced by the Spaniards during their long reign in the Philippines.

During this month, children would go to the church carrying flowers and baskets of petals which are offered to Virgin Mary. When I was a kid, my mom would let me have a vacation in our hometown. I regularly attended Flores de Mayo and after the offerings and prayers, we were gathered around in a circle and sit on the grass just outside the church. Then there were activities such as singing and dancing and before it was over, bags of cookies were distributed to each one of us.


After the whole month of activities, Flores de Mayo is always highlighted with the Santacruzan which is a procession to honor the finding of the Holy Cross by Reyna Helena (or Queen Helena), which was the cross where Jesus Christ was nailed. The said Queen is the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Girls and young ladies are chosen to be a part of the procession. They all have different names of queens, each one carrying an item that signifies them. I for one had the role of Queen Sheba, the queen who once visited King Solomon and was overwhelmed by his power, wisdom and riches. Queen Sheba carried a jewelry box.

After the procession, there are culminating activities. The presentation of the queens and their escorts, their dance, and some intermissions. Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan has long been practised by Filipinos, it is one event that's full of color, beauty, elegance, and most of all, it is honoring the Great Mother, Virgin Mary.

Pamalaye

My cousin sent me text messages today telling me that he's on his way to the town of his girlfriend. He's about to ask her parents for her hand, as what we call it. In the Philippines, the tradition of asking the girl's parent's permission to get married, still exist. In the northern part of the Philippines, it is known as "Pamamanhikan". In the city where I came from, we call it "Pamalaye".

It is a man's way of showing his respect and true intentions as well as the couple's manifestation of respect to both of their families. It shows Filipino's value for family, as what is taught in school that the number 1 unit in society is family. The family of the bride ask for assurance that their daughter will be well taken cared for. The guy is usually accompanied with his own folks and family. It is a way of saying that their son wants to marry the daughter of the other famiy involved.

In my cousin's case, since his immediate family lives far away, our uncle is the one representing instead. In this event, the guy and his family would bring foods and other goods enough for his and her family to partake. It is also in this event that the wedding arrangements are discussed, as to when the wedding date would be, the venue of the ceremony and the reception, the cost, the estimated number of guests and entourage, among other things that pertain to the wedding. This is usually the official meeting of both families. After such event, making the necessary arrangements would start.

Back to School

In the Philippines, it's usually enrollment period every last week of May. Classes start on the first or second week of June. Yes, just when the school ends in the US, it's about to start in the Philippines. In the malls and bookstores, parents rush to buy bags, notebooks, books, and other school supplies for their children. If you want to go through the counters without any hassles, it's always preferable to go shopping as early as April to avoid the long lines.

During this time, parents work harder and find all means for their children to enroll. Education in the Philippines is so important that even the less fortunate ones strive hard just so their kids can finish school and have a degree. For the parents, education is the only legacy that they can leave their children with.

Aside from the long lines in bookstores and malls for school supplies, there are also lines involved in the enrollment itself. When I was in college, I applied as a student assistant, which includes the early enrollment privilege. When the regular enrollment started, all I did was help in the process and assist fellow students. Just before the school starts, there's the orientation day especially to the freshmen. I miss those days when I was still a student however, I don't think I miss the homeworks!lol