Bayanihan: The Power of We

Bayanihan is a well known trait among Filipinos. This is where the "we" concept is very much alive.

It has been an age old tradition for citizens in the Philippines to help each other in times of need. Typically, the bayanihan spirit is most famous in a situation in the barrios wherein a family moves to a new location and their townmates would gather together to help move their house made of bamboo and light materials by carrying it on their shoulders.

The 1986 EDSA Revolution is a major event in the Philippines that displayed the "we" trait among Filipinos and one which caught the attention of other countries. Tired of the dictatorship regime of former president Ferdinand Marcos, people of all ages and religion flocked in droves to the EDSA Shrine in February of that year to protest against the Marcoses and throw him out of his presidency. So successful was this mass movement that the Marcos family was forced to leave the country at that time eventually leading to the establishment of democracy.

In times of natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes, the Filipinos also unite to help the victims in any way they can. Immediate actions of help by food, clothing and monetary donations are taken by companies and private individuals as a way to alleviate the sufferings of those affected.

This is how the "Power of We" is put into action in the Philippines. Through this bayanihan spirit, Filipinos have proven that they can topple a dictatorship, move for the establishment of democracy, stop corruption and unite to help people badly affected by natural disasters.

Filipinos are always resilient citizens the reason why they are admired by people from other nations. Thanks to this bayanihan spirit, we always find a way to stand up and move on after a storm in our lives. Long live the Philippines and to the Filipinos, mabuhay tayo!

This post is in commemoration of Blog Action Day 2012 on October 15.

The "Ber" Months

September had gone by so fast. It's like it was here for only a few weeks and we're now in the second "Ber" month. Time flies and in less than three months, we will welcome Christmas once again.

Christmas is a very special occasion for most of us here in the Philippines. We always look forward to it and we even prepare for its coming at the start of September. And so it's only in the Philippines where Christmas is celebrated the longest because it spans the entire "Ber" months.

Another point is that it's not only the families that are readying their homes for the holidays because even the shopping malls are one in this early Christmas preparation. We see homes already being decorated with the usual stuff -- Christmas tree with colorful lights, mistletoe and other decors. At the malls, all items that have to do with the Yuletide season are already out for sale. Some are even offered at a lower price.

I strongly believe that the early Christmas preparation is the Filipinos' way of staying positive amidst the possibility that they won't have everything they want this coming holiday season. At least, we all look forward to this joyful season with hope in our hearts and that's the spirit we need to have regardless of our status in life.

So stay hopeful and joyful!!

Win a Boracay Holiday

The paradise island of Boracay brings so many great memories for me. I've been there seven times since 1983 and every time I go there whether with family or friends, it's always an amazing experience. Not many people get to experience the beauty of the island and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity of visiting the place several times already in my 40 years of existence.

I've witnessed how Boracay transformed from a less known summer vacation destination back in the 1980s to becoming one the world's best tourist spots today. And I'm always proud of this fantastic island because it's the pride of the Philippines. It used to be that the main beachfront was just dotted with ordinary cottages made from native materials and with no electricity at that time. Through the years as many foreigners and Filipino investors saw the potential of the island, more restaurants and cottages were put up until concrete structures such as modern hotels rose on the island filling up every space available on the front and back ends.

I'd love to go back there with my family if given the chance and I just found this opportunity through the WOW Philippines Travel Agency's promo. Find out all about it here.

Win a Free Boracay Vacation Package by WOW Philippines Travel Agency

WOW Philippines Travel Agency, Inc. is celebrating it's 5th year in business during July of 2010, and we would like you to have a chance to celebrate with us, so we have decided to give-away a FREE Boracay Package complete with 5 Star accommodations at the luxurious Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel on Boracay Island. The lucky winner will win the following Boracay vacation package.

Vacation Package Inclusions:
- 5 Days / 4 Nights Luxury 5 Star Accommodations at the Le Soleil de Boracay Hotel
- Flights to Boracay from Manila to Caticlan Airport on Philippine Airlines
- Island Transfers - Door-to-Door from Manila to the resort and back to Manila
- Three (3) Meals each day, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Boracay Activities - Horseback Riding, Island Hopping, Glass Bottom Boat
- PLUS - 5,000 peso Spending Cash

Read More Information: www.boracay-packages.com