Estan Cabigas

My own noche buena for Christmas 2009 which I spent solo

As 25 December came, 0001H, as what millions of Filipinos do around the world at this auspicious time, I had my own noche buena midnight dinner to greet Christmas Day. It’s just a simple preparation of lasagne al forno from Amici (P195), puto bumbong from the neighborhood vendor (native rice cake – P20), jumbo siopao from Kowloon House (steamed pork bun – P49), Red Velvet and sans rival cupcakes from Frostings (P110), Sagada orange from a Divisoria fruit vendor (P20), Cornetto drumstick ice cream from 7-11 (P27) and Coke light from 7-11 (P28). A total of P449 (almost $10).

A man mixing chemicals used in making firecrackers. There are serious lapses in observing personal safety measures like protecting himself from the deadly fumes as well as airborne particles.

During the weekend, I was in Babag 2, Lapulapu City to document the firecracker makers there for a submission to Demotix. Typically, during late November and on to the waning days of the year, people converge at this barangay to make one of the most popular and in-demand items for Christmas and, especially, the New Year’s celebration. Traditionally, there is this belief handed from the Chinese that lighting these will drive away bad luck for the coming year!

Babag 2 has always been the traditional firecracker capital of Cebu and one 57 year old man I interviewed, claimed that he started making these since he was 13. Unfortunately, these people do not observe personal protection from inhalation of the harmful chemicals and dust while making these firecrackers. When I pointed this out, I was just told that they haven’t suffered any side effects!

Other than this, unlicensed makers usually play cat and mouse from inspecting teams of policemen.

I made a multimedia slideshow consisting of 22 images last year and it is posted at my travel blog.

On the eve of All Souls’ Day celebrated 2 November, most Filipinos flock to the cemeteries to honor the departed. In Talisay City, Cebu, the glow of a thousand candles is just spectacular.

At one section of the cemetery where space is so tight.

At the common area, a man lights a candle for a departed.

In another area, this family was praying the rosary

Burial niches stacked on top of one another

“Day of the Dead” slideshow with free PDF

A supporter standing near the Ninoy Aquino monument at the intersection of Paseo de Roxas and Ayala Avenues

Former Philippine President Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s cortege passed by Ayala Ave., Makati City, at around noon today, en route to the Manila Cathedral where her remains will be brought before it will be interred on Wednesday. Along the avenue, thousands of people gathered to pay their final respects to the departed and well beloved leader who brought back democracy to the country in 1986.

Cory, as she is fondly called, died of colon cancer last 1 August and when her body was brought to La Salle Greenhills where it was opened to the public, I wasn’t able to go there and visit. When I learned early this morning that her cortege will pass by Ayala Avenue where it will pause for five minutes at the monument of her husband, Ninoy Aquino, I didn’t lose time to prepare my things, get dressed and headed out.

L signs for "Laban" (fight) by supporters as Cory's cortege passed along Ayala Ave.

People, mostly office workers from the different buildings were already out in the streets as Ayala Avenue was closed to traffic. Early in the morning, I was somewhat worried because of the rain but later, it stopped and the sun went out, providing a hot and humid time while the cortege passed.

Cory's remains with honor guards

I really didn’t expect the number of people but it was overwhelming to see such a huge crowd. Many were in the trademark yellow color either in shirts, candles, umbrellas or even with ribbons tied around their heads or hands or pinned at their breasts.

The monument located inside the RCBC premises

Of course, it also helped that Kris and James Yap, Cory’s daughter and son-in-law, were there as the crowd, upon seeing them, went excited at seeing these local celebrities.

More photos are uploaded at Demotix. In an upcoming post, I will also show a series of portraits that I took during this event.

Objects found and seen early this morning in northern Cebu.

SANTO CRISTO. Found at a shaman's ware below the Sogod Church grounds. It is said to protect from evil and thievery.

ALICE IS DEAD. Found atop the ruins of Escuela Catolica in Catmon which was erected in 1879.

HEADLESS SWIFT. Found at the foot of the stairs of the Sogod Church belfry slowly devoured by ants.