by Kattryn Erryc Sayo

A much anticipated celebration in the country, New Year is considered as the happiest and noisiest occasion in the Philippines. The same with Christmas Day, Filipinos welcome New Year with different traditions- traditions that are descended from the Chinese influence, and traditions that are based from superstitious beliefs.

Media Noche

On the evening of December 31st, a bountiful feast or midnight meal is prepared to welcome the New Year, which is popularly known as Media Noche. The types of food prepared in the occasion reflect the superstitious beliefs of the Filipinos. The most common are the round fruits and sticky foods, which symbolizes fortune and strong family bond, respectively.

Mary Ann Llanes, 19, from Plaridel, Bulacan shared, “Hindi kumpleto ang New Year kapag walang bilog na prutas. Nagasasabit pa nga kami sa mga pintuan ng mga prutas eh, mga ubas, gano’n. Swerte daw kasi.”

The same tradition is also practiced by the family of Charlynne Domingo, 18, Shawn Lazar, 18, Mharizz Martin, 17, and Mirian de Ocampo, all from Plaridel, who buy different types of round fruits because of the belief that it will attract more blessings and that it symbolize money.

For Lazar and de Ocampo, sticky foods especially “kakanin” are also a part of their Media Noche.

“Hindi pwedeng walang malagkit sa’min. kahit hindi marunong gumawa si mama no’n, magpapaluto pa ‘yon kasi nga para daw close ‘yong family, importante daw ‘yon,” shared Lazar.

“We always prepare kakanin or sticky food, believing na para raw the family will always get close to one another,” said de Ocampo.

Moreover, it is also a tradition to prepare a plentiful banquet, believing that the whole year will be bountiful too.

Firecrackers, Fireworks and Noisemakers

In the Philippines, New Year celebration would not be complete without the bangs and booms of firecrackers and fireworks or “paputok”, believing that the noise drive away evil spirits. There are the Super Lolo, Pla Pla, Bawang, Sinturon ni Hudas, Jumbo Fountain, Whiste Bomb, Baby Rockets or Kuwitis, Luisis, and Watusi.

But to avoid injuries during the occasion, firecrackers especially the illegal ones have been banned by government agencies and other private organizations. The Department of Health (DOH) is the agency that heads the anti-firecracker campaign, to avoid further injuries and worst, death.

However, despite the prohibition of these firecrackers, accidents happen because of stubbornness, carelessness, ignorance of people and improper use of firecrackers.

Martin grew up celebrating New Year without using firecrackers. She said her family continues to do that up till now, for safety benefits.

“Simula po no’ng bata pa kami ‘di po kami pinapahawak or pinapagamit ng paputok for safety purposes po. May mga pulbura daw po ‘yon baka malimutan maghugas ng kamay.”

Because of this, she is not in favor of the selling of firecrackers, “Tutol po ako sa pagbenta ng mga paputok para bumaba ‘yong cases ng mga napuputukan. Pero ‘yong ibang ilegal nakakalusot pa,” said Martin.

Since her family does not tolerate the use of firecrackers during New Year, this is how they spend it with a bang, “Nanonood po ng fireworks display. Nag-iingay po kami by sounds or music.”

However, for Domingo, Llanes and Lazar, their celebration would be much more complete and happier with firecrackers.

“Every year, nakagawian na naming na gumamit ng fireworks and other pailaw, nasanay na,” said Domingo.

“Mas masaya kasi kapag may paputok, pero syempre do’n kami sa safe, ‘di naman kami pabor sa mga buwis-buhay na paputok,” said Lazar.

Other Traditions

Aside from round fruits, sticky foods, and fireworks, th use are still other traditions used in welcoming a new year.

Rose Ann Sabandal, 19, from Plaridel, said, “We wear polka dotted shirts or dresses because they symbolize money, at dapat may malalim kang bulsa na puno ng money bills and coins tapos jingle it at the stroke of midnight for good luck.”

Kristine Garcia, 19 from Plaridel shared, “I wear polka dotted clothes kasi pampaswerte raw, and we stay awake to greet the coming of the New Year.”

Moreover, Llanes do the jump at exactly 12am, believing that it will make her taller. “Tumatalon ako pag 12am na kasi sabi nila tatangkad daw. Eh gusto ko tumangkad,” said Llanes funnily.

For Domingo, “Nagpapasabog kami ng barya around the house pagtungtong ng 12 to attract daw more blessings.”

The thing is, It does not matter whether we welcome new year with various traditions or Chinese influences, what really matters is that we welcome it with gratitude, happiness and optimism.

“Wala namang mawawala kung susundin natin ‘yong mga tradisyon na ‘yan. Ang importante naman eh Masaya tayo sa pagpasok ng bagong taon,” said Llanes.

 

by Kattryn Erryc Sayo

2012 is about to end. In a few days time, the world will be welcoming another year- another year to hope, to change, and to live. As 2013 fast approaches, people are now preparing for another long list of plans and probably, another long list of New Year’s resolution.

Brief Background

According to Wikipedia, New Year’s Resolution is a commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals, projects or a reforming of a habit. What makes it different from an ordinary resolution is that it is made in anticipation to New Year, and that it symbolizes new beginnings.

The tradition of New Year’s resolution came out from various places in the world. Spiritually speaking, it originally started as mere promises to the gods. For the Babylonians, they vow to their gods every start of the year. The same goes for the Romans who swear to their god Janus, from whom the month January is named. Praying before the end of the year and making resolutions had been the custom of the Christians. While for the Jews, they repent for their wrongdoings for the whole year and ask for forgiveness.

Usefulness and Impracticality

 

Despite the various origins of New Year’s Resolution, a single idea is being implied: the concept of self-improvement, or simply, change. But the question is, do people still believe that having New Year’s resolution can really motivate a person to accomplish something?

Shawn Jan Lazar, 18, is one who thinks that New Year’s resolution can be effective. He said that the notion of welcoming a new year influences a person to change and improve. “Oo naniniwala ako kasi nakatupad na ‘ko ng isa. Kasi para bang na-i-inspire ako na dahil new year eh gusto kong magkaroon ng pagbabago or improvement, or may gusto akong ma-achieve na goal. Dahil bagong taon eh, gusto mo may mabago rin sa’yo.” he said.

Charlynne Domingo, 18, also believes in having New Year’s resolution. She said, “Oo, naniniwala ako kasi ‘yon ang nag-e-encourage sa ‘kin para mag-move forward and para harapin pagbabago sa life ko. Kumbaga kahit hindi matupad ‘yong mga ‘yon, nag-step forward ka naman papalapit sa goal mo, nag-try ka pa rin.”

Having the same thoughts as Lazar and Domingo, Rose Ann Sabandal, 19, shared, “Yes because it's the best way to have a goal that I want to achieve for the whole year. I always keep in my mind that it's a goal, and I should strive for it.”

However for Mharizz Martin, 17, New Year resolutions are rarely accomplished and are made just for formality, “Hindi na kasi hindi naman nasusunod. Parang formality lang ‘yong mga resolutions.”

 

Bottom Line

As time goes by, the nature of New Year Resolution had been altered and became almost limitless. From the desire to improve in the moral, social, intellectual and emotional aspect, the idea has gone far yet shallow to just improving and changing physically. But still, whatever goals or plans are set, the main idea is upheld- to change.

The real thing is, whether New Year or not, whether New Year’s resolution or ordinary resolution, a person has the freedom to create his personal goals. There are no schedules or limits on when a person can change.

For Mirian De Ocampo, “Mahirap kasi tuparin kapag may naka-set na resolution. What I believe is that you do every good thing you can and use every opportunity to do good deeds, and not limiting yourself to just New Year’s resolution.”

The same goes for Sheryl Singca, 34, who said, “Kahit anong oras pwede ka naman magbago, nasa tao lang yan kung gusto niya matupad.”

“Kung gusto mo talagang mangyari at mabago ang isang bagay, kailangan pong magsikap tsaka self-discipline,” is the statement of Martin.

For Lazar, “Nasa tao rin ’yon. Kung determined talaga siyang matupad ‘yong mga new year resolutions niya, edi ok, successful, effective.”



Other Traditions

Aside from round fruits, sticky foods, and fireworks, th use are still other traditions used in welcoming a new year.

Rose Ann Sabandal, 19, from Plaridel, said, “We wear polka dotted shirts or dresses because they symbolize money, at dapat may malalim kang bulsa na puno ng money bills and coins tapos jingle it at the stroke of midnight for good luck.”

Kristine Garcia, 19 from Plaridel shared, “I wear polka dotted clothes kasi pampaswerte raw, and we stay awake to greet the coming of the New Year.”

Moreover, Llanes do the jump at exactly 12am, believing that it will make her taller. “Tumatalon ako pag 12am na kasi sabi nila tatangkad daw. Eh gusto ko tumangkad,” said Llanes funnily.

For Domingo, “Nagpapasabog kami ng barya around the house pagtungtong ng 12 to attract daw more blessings.”

The thing is, It does not matter whether we welcome new year with various traditions or Chinese influences, what really matters is that we welcome it with gratitude, happiness and optimism.

“Wala namang mawawala kung susundin natin ‘yong mga tradisyon na ‘yan. Ang importante naman eh Masaya tayo sa pagpasok ng bagong taon,” said Llanes.

 

by Kattryn Erryc Sayo

The Christmas season or Yule is one of the most significantly celebrated events in the world that is both a sacred holiday and a universal occurrence. Every year in the 25th of December, people around the world have been celebrating it with various forms of traditions. For Christians, Christmas day is the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, their savior according to the teachings of their religion. While for non-Christians, it is merely a widely observed conventional and cultural experience.

As a wide-reaching occasion that is celebrated by billions, Christmas is observed through different ways. In the Philippines, wherein Christmas season is celebrated the longest in the world, popular customs include putting up Christmas decorations, exchanging gifts or Kris Kringle, giving aguinaldos, attending Masses especially the Misa de Gallo, and preparing for a feast like Noche Buena.

Beyond the Customs

The basic Filipino traditions during the Yule are felt as early as September. Filipinos have already been setting up decorations around their houses. Add to that is the enthusiastic preparation for gift-giving for children, relatives, friends, and inaanak. Lastly, Filipinos have already been considering what recipes to cook for the Noche Buena. But further than these common practices, are the simple yet heartfelt means of embracing Christmas.

For oldies like Samuel Malit, 63, from Mariveles, Bataan, Christmas need not to be celebrated extravagantly. At a young age, he had already established that even without a lavish banquet, as long as their family is complete, Christmas will be undoubtedly merry. He believes that family is the heart and essence of Christmas.

“Basta tuwing malapit na ang pasko, darating na lang ang mga kamag-anak. Nagbibigay ng kasiyahan sa isa’t-isa, sa mga apo at kabataan, lalo na sa pamilya,” Lolo Samuel disclosed.

“Pagdating ng buwan ng Disyembre, pinaghahandaan namin ‘yong pagdating ng pasko, nagsisikap para may mapagsalu-saluhan,” he added.

The same goes for Reynaldo Malit, 60, from Subic, Zambales, who grew up celebrating Christmas just simply. Other than that he also believes that Christmas is a day for family and for the youth. “Ang pasko ko kailangan buo at masaya ang pamilya,” he said.

“Nakikipaglaro ako sa mga kabataan, nakikipagkwentuhan. At nagbibigay kasiyahan sa mga bata dahil ang diwa ng pasko ay para sa mga bata,” Lolo Reynaldo added.

Another oldie whose Christmas is centered on family is Lydia Diwa, 63, from Lubao, Pampanga. She said that she welcomes Christmas day with her whole family. In addition, gift-giving is a tradition in their clan, even in her early years.

“Sama-sama sa bahay ang aming pamilya para maligaya ang bawat isa. At saka hinihintay talaga namin ang pasko kasi doon mo malalaman kung may magbibigay ba sa’yo, kung may nakakaalala ba sa’yo, kung may nagmamahal sa’yo. Kaya kami nagpapalitan ng regalo,” Lola Lydia said.

For Pedro Paule, 65, from Hermosa, Bataan, he spent his Christmas by visiting his relatives and friends. “Naglilibot kami noon sa mga ninong at ninang, pati sa mga matatanda para magmano. Ngayon gano’n pa rin naman, tumanda lang ako pero naglilibot pa rin ako sa mga kamag-anak at mga kaibigan.”

Religious Practices

Aside from the old customs attached to celebrating Christmas, religious events and gatherings are also an anticipated occurrence, especially for the devoted Christians. The most popular are the Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi, and the Panunuluyan, or the reenactment of Jesus’ birth.

The SImbang Gabi is the Mass ceremony during dawn, starting from December 16 until Christmas. The practice shows devotion to God and the anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ. A traditional belief states that God grants the wish of a person who completed the all nine Masses.

Mary Ann Llanes and Romelyn Bautista, both 19 and from Plaridel, Bulacan, share that they had both completed the nine days of Simbang Gabi.

“Nakakumpleto na ‘ko Simbang Gabi. Sabi rin kasi nila kapag nakumpleto mo, matutupad ‘yong wish mo. Natupad naman ‘yong wish ko na maging ok at safe ang family,” Llanes said.

Both ladies had also performed interpretative dances during the nine-day masses, together with other active Church members. They are also members of the choir. “Sa mga misa sa bisita, sumasayaw kami, kunwari Mass songs sinasabayan naming ng interpretative dance,” added Llanes.

Aside from Misa de Gallo, another popular Catholic tradition is the Panunuluyan. As part of the Teatro de Santiago, a group of active youth Church members, Llanes and Bautista had been a part of the reenactment of Christ’s birth last 2011.

“Last year lang kami nakasali. Do’n sa simbahan (St. James, Plaridel), ginaganap ‘yon tuwing Christmas eve,” said Llanes.

 

Sense of the Season

As time goes by, the ways Christmas is celebrated had been modified. But then, in spite of the modernization that altered the simple means of observing the occasion, the essence and spirit of the season remains the same.

“Ang pinagkaiba lang naman ‘yong simple naging bongga. At ‘yong masagana dati, pwedeng mahirap na ngayon ang selebrasyon. Pero bukod do’n, ang diwa naman ng pasko eh nando’n pa rin hindi naman nawala, ang unawaan at kasiyahan, at ang pagkilala at pagsamba dahil kaarawan ito ni Hesukristo,” shared Lolo Samuel.

Lola Lydia left a very moving statement with tears as she said, “Kahit kulang at kapos na sa pera ngayon para makapaghanda ng masagana, parehas lang na kapag pasko sama-sama ang pamilya at nagkakasiyahan. Naniniwala ako na ang pasko ay nangangahulugan din ng pag-ibig, pagmamahalan ang mga tao, laging nagbibigayan upang maipakita ang pagmamahalan sa isa’t-isa. Kahalagahan din ng pasko ay ang pagpapatawaran sa isa’t-isa. Kaya makikita natin na araw-araw pwedeng maging pasko.”

These statements prove that Christmas is not about the amount of money we acquired, the quantity of the presents we received, the exquisiteness of the clothes we wore, the colorful decorations we set up, or the loads of delicious meals we prepared and ate. What matters most is that in that special day, we appreciate our life, we realize the value of ourselves, our family and our friends, we share our blessings, and most of all, we spread hope, forgiveness, joy, peace, and love.

 

by Christeen Mae Juan

Christmas is one of the most awaited occasions every year. When Christmas is about to come, Filipinos are really preparing for it. There are colorful Christmas decorations everywhere, Bibingka and Puto Bumbong are in demand again, Tiangges are on the peak of sales, and people sing Christmas carols. Philippines become more colorful and alive during Christmas season.

Filipinos have different ways in celebrating Christmas. Some celebrate it pompously, others celebrate it simply, but there are also people who do not even celebrate it. Filipinos have different ways in celebrating Christmas because admit it or not, status in life is a reason.

For Kenneth Catindig, having a love life during Christmas would make a person's Christmas merrier knowing that it is a gift from God and knowing that there is someone who will stay with you.

“No'ng mga nakaraang pasko lagi akong brokenhearted. Laging natatapat na December 'yong mga break-ups ko. Pinakamasayang December ko na 'yong this year kasi maliban sa masaya kami ng pamilya ko, alam kong nahanap ko na 'yong babaeng para sa akin. 'Yong babaeng hindi ako iiwan kahit anong mangyari, 'yong mamahalin ako sa paraang alam nya at mahal na mahal ko,” said Kenneth.

But how about the Christmas of those singles or what we called SMPs (Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko) like Joi Bautista? “Sana’y na akong walang love life. Nakakalungkot na nakakainggit kasi 'yong iba ang saya nila na may boyfriend sila at may nagsasabi sa kanila ng I love you pero ayos lang I’m happy with my friends.”

Despite being single, a person shouldn’t worry or be depressed if he/she does not have a love life this Christmas. Just think of the blessings and luck and it is enough to say that Christmas is happy.

“Nagce-celebrate kami ng pasko nang kumpleto. Naghahanda ng masasarap na pagkain, nag exchange gifts, at palaro,” that is how Justin Flaviano and his family celebrate Christmas.

Lucky for you if you celebrate that way. Imagine how lucky you are for having almost everything, complete family, wealth, and happiness.

But imagine how hard it is for a family to celebrate Christmas incomplete like Kazel Clint Gameng and her family.

“Nagpapasko kami ng apat lang kami, papa ko, dalawang kapatid ko at ako. Masaya naman kaso mas masaya kung kumpleto kami pero ayos lang iniisip ko na lang para rin naman samin kung bakit nasa ibang bansa si mama,” shared Kazel.

We all know it's hard for a family to celebrate Christmas with a member of their clan not with them but it’s even harder for that family member who is away for a long period of time with no one to hold on to nearby.

If it’s hard for someone who’s incomplete then imagine how harder it is for someone who almost have nothing. For a 9 year-old street child, Jun-Jun Ocampo, what he wants for Christmas is money. At a very young age he already knew how hard it is to earn money. Jun-Jun and his family are from Tarlac but took the risk to go in Bulacan hoping that they will have a good life in the said province. But unfortunately, things did not happen the way they wanted it to be. Now Jun-Jun and his family stay at Malolos Bayan begging there in order for them to live and they celebrate Christmas on the street. Love matters but for some, money matters more.

They say you can’t give something you don’t have that’s why sometimes it’s either you’re the one who give or the one who receive but in the case of Lola Sising Javier, even though not rich, is willing to give.

“Nagsasaya pa rin naman ako kapag pasko. kapag may nagbibigay sa 'kin ng pera at kahit mahirap ako, pinapamaskuhan ko 'yong mga bata (street children) kahit konti lang,” Lola Sising humbly said.

Christmas is not about having something or everything and having nothing. It’s not even about one's status in life. Someone’s Christmas won’t be considered merry by giving and receiving gifts or money but it’s about giving from your heart and receiving love. It’s not about Santa Claus who makes our wishes come true but it’s about God who doesn’t give us what we want but what we need. The essence of Christmas is not about the gifts but what we have from within.

 

by Christeen Mae Juan

When December 2012 came, doom's day or the end of the world is a big issue. Statuses and posts on Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are all about it. There are also rumors that once the official music video of Psy's Gangnam Style reaches billion views, the earth will finally meet its end.

The thing is, it’s not about the “end of the world”. It’s about “What will you do before the world ends?”. Some say they will end it with their loved ones, some would take a revenge, some would forgive and forget, some would pray, and some would just wait for it.

December 21, 2012 was the said date that the world would end but fortunately it did not happen and that’s why Filipinos are lucky because they are still able to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

But even though the much talked about end of the world didn’t happen, one thing will surely end, the year 2012.

New Year is also one of the most awaited celebration every year because it’s a matter of goodbye and hello- a good bye for the year 2012, throwing away all the bad memories and keeping the good ones, and hello for the year 2013 and make a brand new start.

Before the year ends, Bulakenyos share what they’re going to do before the year end and how they will welcome the year 2013. For Joevie Adolfo, resident in Paombong Bulacan, she will welcome 2013 full of hopes that it will be more challenging and happier.

Some would end the year and welcome the new one in a traditional way like Karen Mae Sanchez, resident in Balagtas Bulacan, “Sasalubungin naming 'yong taon ng magkakasabay kumain, hindi kami nagpapaputok kaya sa pagkaen namin binabawi,” Karen said.

Some like Pamela May Asidao, resident in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, would welcome the year with a new lifestyle.

“A typical person would say na "hindi ko gagawin 'to, 'di na ako gaganyan", "I won’t do this, I won’t do that anymore" mga ganun. But as years passed, parang it’s not enough to say it or write on a paper. As a graduating student, real life is waiting ahead. 'Yon 'yong new lifestyle na application ng mga natutunan mo pati mga pananaw mo sa buhay,” Pamela said.

Welcoming the upcoming year should be a happy one in order for the whole year to be a good one. Like Mark Jerrald Porciuncula, resident in Sta. Maria Bulacan, he said, “Sasalubungin ko nang masaya kasi panibagong taon nanaman. Dapat ipagpasalamat kay Lord."

But saying goodbye to 2012 doesn’t mean you have to forget, sometimes you just have to move forward like Joshua Torres, from Calumpit Bulacan. Joshua is planning to make a New Year’s resolution and before the year ends, he will forgive those who have arguments and conflicts with him.

 

by Christeen Mae Juan


Aside from Christmas, New Year is also one of the most awaited celebrations every year. It’s the time that people would say good bye for all the bad memories the incumbent year brought and welcome the upcoming year with a fresher and brighter beginning.

There are different preparations when New Year comes- buying 12 different round fruits, preparing and cooking sweets and delicious foods, scattering money around the house, having fireworks, wearing Polka dotted clothes, and of course, the making of the New Year's resolutions list.

Youths like BulSUans, or students from Bulacan State University (BulSu) usually make New Year’s resolutions. New Year’s resolutions are like promises that one does to change a bad habit to a good one. It’s about preparing a list on how and what to improve on one's self.

For a teenage girl who is self-conscious like Gee Karen Ablanida, an Industrial Technolgy student at Meneses Campus, she said that her New Year’s resolution is to go on a diet in order for her to be fit, and to save money at the same time.

For a grade-conscious student like Heizelyn Maeh Magsakay, a bachelor of Science in Math student, “Magseseryoso na ako sa pag-aaral. Hindi naman sa hindi pagiging kuntento sa nakukuhang grades pero alam ko sa sarili ko na kaya kong makakuha ng matataas pang grades kung magseseryoso ako."

For someone who spends a lot like Joi Bautista, a Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) student, her New Year’s resolution is to save money and spend it wisely.

For someone who made wrong decisions and have regrets like Kazel Clint Gameng, a Tourism student, “Hindi na ako magiging tanga sa lahat ng aspeto ng buhay.”

If most of the BulSUans are making their New Year’s resolutions, there are some who do not just like Justin Flaviano, an Engineering student.

“Hindi ako naniniwala sa New Year’s resolution kasi hindi naman natutupad,” said Justin.

Justin also added that if a person wants to change his bad attitude or bad habits, then he should not wait for New Year to come because a person can change and be good anytime.

 

by Dahren Sta. Ana

Filipinos have traditionally observed serving certain food items such as round-shaped fruits on New Year's Eve, as an influence acquired by the Chinese people.

They believe that twelve round fruits lead to prosperity and good fortune wherein each fruit represents one month in the coming year and the round shape is believed to bring good luck for that month.

Fruit sellers at the Malolos market also do this tradition since they believe that it will bring wealth and more luck for the next 12 months of the coming year 2013.

Myra Mendiola, 43 years old, a fruit seller, believes that having 12 round fruits on the table during Media Noche is a tradition of every Filipino family.

“Tradisyon na natin 'yon tuwing maghihiwalay ang taon, wala naman mawawala kung gagawin ko rin 'yon kasi nagtitinda rin naman ako ng prutas, magtatabi na 'ko ng isa kada tinda ko,” she said.

Marisa Alejandro, 40 years old, owner of three fruit stores at the Malolos market said that they also follow the tradition of placing 12 round fruits in the table and sometimes it excedes the traditional 12. 

“Oo ginagawa namin 'yon, minsan sobra pa. Hindi nawawala 'yong prutas kapag bagong taon pero parang wala rin kasi kasiguraduhan 'yong swerte eh, bale parang nakikibagay na lang din kami,” she said.

Lilia Santos, a fruit vendor for almost 5 years does the same thing. For her, every year, she places 12 fruits on top of their table because she believes that it will attract good fortune.

“Taun-taon ginagawa ko 'yon kasi naniniwala ako ro'n. Maayos naman kasi pamumuhay namin, nakakaraos kami,” Santos said.

“Filipinos adopted this belief. Oo naniniwala ako bale nagaya na lang din tayo sa mga Chinese kasi gusto rin natin ng swerte sa pamilya at negosyo,” said Elena Alejo, 47 years old, fruits vendor for almost 6 years.

“Round fruits at the table? Oo, ginagawa ko rin 'yon kapag bagong taon, 'yong mga mansanas, ubas, melon, pakwan kadalasan 'yong nilalagay ko sa lamesa,” said Beth Mendiola, 39 years old.

Fruit sellers are almost everywhere now the New Year is around the corner. Various fruit sellers are already experiencing the luck and prosperity way ahead of everyone else.

 

by Dahren Sta. Ana

Another year is about end. The time has come for us to say goodbye to all the bad memories and happenings that we encountered this year 2012. And as 2013 gets nearer, people are looking forward to a new life and new hope. At this point, people are now preparing for their New Year's resolution.

After 5 years of not entering in college because of eye problem, finally, Melvin Sta Ana will be back to school wherein his New Year’s resolution is to do his best to finish his studies.

“Simula 2013 ay mag-aaral na ulit ako sa college at isa sa New Year's resolution ko ay sisikapin kong makatapos ng pag-aaral,” stated Melvin, 23 years old.

To become a responsible person, to save money and to improve one’s lifestyle are some vows that a person wants to have and to change which are include in the checklist of their New Year’s resolution.

“Be responsible. New Year’s resolution ko iwasan na ang pagliban at pagkahuli sa klase, magiging responsible na 'ko ngayon kasi kadalasan late na 'ko nagigising tapos mabagal pa kumilos,” shared Joemari Ferrer, 19, Computer Technology student at Bulacan State University.

“Save Money. Gusto kong Makaipon ng pera para sa next years mag-bi-business na lang ako,” Said Jason Maclang, 22, Factory worker.

“Diet and Exercise for a nice body figure. Because I ate too much this Christmas season, I will watch my diet and exercise to retain my shape,” shared Icy Lopez, 26, a Dress shop owner.

People are not only craving for a change in their own lives, they also strive to help others. 

“As Sangguniang Kabataaan Chairwoman in our barangay (Look 1st), I will try my best to help others especially the Youth with the best that I can - more programs for this coming year,” said Tonilynn Dela cruz, 17. 

Different goals, objectives and desires- yet, they all come together for one reason and intention- for a better life and a brighter future.