Philippine Culture and Tradition: Undas (All Souls Day and All Saints Day)

While some part of the world is busy preparing for the festive Halloween celebration and excited with their costume parties and trick or treating, I'd like to believe that most Filipinos are busy preparing for the observance of Undas this coming November 1 and 2.

Undas is the Philippines' celebration of the All Saints Day and the All Souls Day. It is an annual tradition where we honor our dead by visiting their remains in cemeteries to pray for their souls and remember them. We have our loved ones puntod and lapida (grave and memorial stone with inscriptions) cleaned and repainted for the celebration. We bring flowers, the atang (food and drink offering for the souls) and light candles. Some even bring framed pictures of their dearly departed loved ones and most stay over night reciting the Rosary and the Litany for the Dead. The living relatives also take this time to bond with each other.

Undas is a much honored religious tradition in the country which explains why it is included in our list of non-working holidays. In fact this year, the government also declared October 31st (Monday) as a non-working holiday thereby granting a 4-day long weekend vacation which means more time to properly observe the All Saints Day and the All Souls Day. This is because many Filipinos go home to their provinces where their dead are buried.




I remember how my family used to brave our way to Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City. The traffic every Undas had always been literally bumper to bumper but I never complained because I knew I was going to see my cousins. As children, we used to make wax balls out of melted candles and exchange ghost stories all through the night. We enjoyed roaming the big cemetery and never failed to get lost in the throng of people strolling to and fro. It was always hard to find our way back to our "tent" because almost everyone had their own that looked like ours, as they were also camping out in their loved ones' graves. Miraculously, our lolo and lola's (grandparents) puntod (grave) seemed to show itself whenever we were on the verge of panic and tears. My uncles and aunts would bring their own share of food as pot luck and the whole family would eat together and pray. Some of the older ones would start reminiscing and tell stories about our departed grand parents and the children would be eager to listen.




The tradition is mostly based on the Filipinos' belief, particularly the Catholics, in the "communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting..." as recited in the Apostle's Creed. We pray for the poor souls in purgatory where we believe the departed souls are being cleansed for the sins they have committed when they were still alive to make them worthy of entering the kingdom of God. Their stay in the purgatory is believed to be shortened if we constantly pray and offer sacrifices for them, in return the poor souls also help and pray for the living. The celebration of the Undas is the time to remember all the members of the Mystical Body of Christ, the Church Triumphant in Heaven (The Saints), the Church Militant on Earth (The Living) and the Church Suffering in Purgatory (Poor Souls). For a more detailed explanation, you may check out an article HERE.




How I wish that the generation next to us (nephews and nieces) would also experience the tradition of visiting the graves. However, since some of our uncles and aunts are now deceased and buried in different cemeteries and the rest of our living relatives are either based abroad or in faraway places, we now celebrate the Undas at my parents' home for some years now. Me, my siblings and their families meet and do the same things we used to do in the cemetery during Undas ... we bring food, flowers, candles and stay over night to pray the Rosary and the Litany for the the Poor Souls in Purgatory and also take the time to bond with each other. It's funny how the 2nd generation cousins also make wax balls out of melted candles and exchange ghost stories, although the night's activities do not include getting lost in the cemetery, we somehow lose them when they get "buried" in their computer games or from watching  horror movies.The aunts and uncles of today (that's me and my sibs), sometime during the night would almost certainly reminisce and share funny stories about their deceased grand parents, uncles, aunts and other relatives and close friends whose souls are being honored and prayed for. The laughter would make the children curious enough to momentarily stop what they're doing and take time to eavesdrop. I guess, the tradition goes on after all, even if the venue is no longer the same.

Let's all pray for the poor souls in purgatory 

most especially for our dearly departed 

loved ones and friends.

Atang - A food and drink offering for the souls

How to Plan for a Kiddie Party

It will be my nephew's 1st ever birthday party and I'm part of the organizing team! Weee!

*happy dancing*


The parents are so excited because it's their firstborn's first birthday celebration although for sure, the child won't even remember the event years from now. Still, it is understandable how parents would like to give the best first birthday party for their children, particularly their firstborn. Being the eldest of 5 brood myself *wink*, my parents can still recount to me vividly my first birthday party with tons of pictures as proof! I'm not saying that they were less excited with my other siblings' first birthdays but I can imagine how thrilled they must be to prepare for the first birthday of their very first child (huh?)... it could even be the best party they have ever thrown next to my 18th birthday party... really. Well, okay I'm not very sure about the last part because one of my sisters had the very first wedding, so I guess my debut party is contestable as the 2nd runner up for the Most Exciting Party Category in our family history but then again, a wedding does not actually fall under the "birthday party sub-category" ... it's not even a party, more like a spiritual and solemn rite hehe.

How time flies... the birthday boy on his baptismal day last Feb. 13, 2011

The birthday boy is currently the bunso (youngest) among 9 cousins (7 boys and 2 girls). The 2nd to the youngest of their generation is now 10 years old, so it's really been awhile since we have a "baby" in the family which explains why everyone is  in the party mood. All the titas and titos (aunts and uncles) pledged full support and cooperation that include wearing of costumes on the occasion! Oh dear! 




Here's how we are preparing for the party, maybe you can find some useful tips on how to plan for your first baby's first kiddie party:


1. Time Allotment

Allot at least a one-month preparation for the party. I know... it's not like you're  planning for a wedding or a debut party, but a one-month lead time is actually just enough to make everything perfect for your child's first birthday party. The earlier you start planning, the better.

2.  Budget

A budget must first be set for the party before you get ahead of yourselves! Be realistic and spend only what you really can afford. The party should be fun both for the visitors and the parents as well. It would be very hard for the hosts to enjoy the party if there is a very big hole in their pockets hehe.

3. Brainstorming and Planning

The parents should agree on the following:

a. Theme - A kiddie party must have a theme to make it more exciting and memorable for the kids. In my nephew's case, they have decided for it to be a cartoon character costume party! Initially it was supposed to be a Justice League/Superfriends costume party but the characters are very limited so the parents broaden it to "your favorite cartoon character costume party."

b. Number of visitors - Decide on the number of visitors and make a list of those people you really want to celebrate the occasion with. Do not be forced to invite everyone you know, it is understandable that you may have to limit the list according to your allotted budget.

c. Venue - The venue will again be dependent on the set budget for the party and of course the theme. You can't have a kiddie swimming party in a ballroom setting, now could you?

Here are some pros and cons of the two types of party venues to help you decide:

Rented Venue - Some working parents are now favoring to hold their kids' birthday parties in rented venues, particularly fast food restaurants over the traditional home venue.

Pros: Less preparation is needed, just send out the invitation and come to the venue on time. Usually the restaurants offer party packages that include not only the food but also the whole program such as hosting the party with games and prizes to be given away, providing the music and mascots and even the kiddie loot bags. Some even provide the photography and video of the event.

Cons: It's expensive and time limited (normally 3-4 hours, with extra charge for extensions). The food choices are also limited to the restaurant's menu list, usually fried chicken, spaghetti, burgers, fries, soda and sundae. Ugh!

Since a paid venue normally charges on a per head basis, surprise guests (read: uninvited) will of course be charged extra. In the Philippine Culture, it is almost expected that some invited guests will take the liberty to tag along friends. Remember, we are a hospitable people, so things like these are acceptable to some extent. So if you decide to hold the party in a rented venue, it is wise to allot a 20-30% additional budget for the "surprise guests" or be surprised when the tab arrives.

At Home: Many still prefer to hold their child's first birthday party at home, especially if the space could accommodate it.

The birthday boy's baptismal reception was also held at home :)

Pros: Longer party hours with no additional cost. Kiddie parties normally start at 3 PM and could be extended until the late night for visitors who couldn't make it in the afternoon or if the hosts served alcoholic beverages to adults. *wink, wink*

Food choices are also not limited to the menu list offered by restaurants. You will have more options to serve food that you think the guests would love.

You also get more value for your money because you have more control over the expenses like the marketing.

Cons: Longer preparation and real big nasty task to accomplish ... before, during and after the party.

For my nephew's first birthday party, the parents decided to celebrate it at home because the pros far outweigh the cons! The key is delegation. Tap everyone who you think could help not just in the planning but the execution as well or if you have included it in the budget, you may hire a professional party organizer to help you prepare for the party to be held at home.




d. Food & Drinks

You must carefully plan for the party menu. Things to consider are the following:

Budget - do not go overboard as there are still a lot of expenses beside the food and drinks, although a big percentage of the budget would be spent for it.

Viands - Always take into consideration that there are two sets of guests, kids and adults. Make sure that the food and drinks that you will serve should be enjoyable to both sets, if not, then you must serve it separately. Avoid serving dishes that are spicy because the kids normally do not like it. The best rule of thumb is to serve a balanced diet course. Choose your best recipes for one or two of each: soup, beef, pork, fish, vegetable, noodles, rice and dessert, not to forget of course the birthday cake. Try also to make the menu palatable and colorful. Avoid cooking dishes of same colors especially if you plan to serve it buffet style. Spaghetti, beef caldereta (thick stew w/ cheese, carrots and potatoes), pork menudo (stew with pork liver, potatoes and carrots), chicken afritada (stew with bell peppers, potatoes and carrots) and sweet and sour fish do not compliment each other on the table because they're all tomato based red! And unless you are expecting everyone to come to the costume party as Bugs Bunny or Roger Rabbit, take it easy on the carrots and potatoes! LOL!

Catered or Home cooked - Once the party menu has been finalized, the parents must decide if they would want it to be catered or home cooked. Considerations to take: Can you cook or do you have the manpower to cook for for a big group? If yes, then you may opt for home cooking if not, hire a professional food caterer.

In our case, the parents who are both good cooks and have many self-proclaimed-chef-relatives *ahem* opted for home prepared food to serve.

Grocery List - Once the menu has been finalized, it's time to make the grocery list. This should avoid forgetting any ingredient.




4. Program

A kiddie party must have a program. Assign a good emcee to execute the party's program of activities. Below is the rough draft of our program for the Cartoon Character Costume Party:

I. Introduction of the parents and the birthday boy

II. Welcome remarks by the parents

III. 3 kiddie games to break the ice

IV. Happy birthday song and blowing of the candle

V. Birthday wishes  from parents, grand parents on both sides, one ninang and ninong (god parents), and one cousin from both sides

V. Eating Time

VI. Magic Show by hired clowns and magicians

VII. 3 kiddie games

VIII. 3 sets of production numbers prepared by cousins

IX. 2 games (mother-daughter pairs and father-son pairs) and 1 game for parents

X. Announcement of Best Dressed Buddy

XII. Distribution of kiddie loot bags and party remembrance/token

XII. Party goes on for the oldies ... videoke time!!! *gulp, gulp*

5. Photography and video - Although everyone may have a digitalcam or cellphone to take pictures, you must still assign the official photographer and videographer for the event. This is to make sure that everything is documented for the birthday boy who may not remember his special day at all. LOL!

6. Sound system and music - Check the sound system before the start of the party. Prepare also the discs to be used for the production numbers and also the music for the games.

7. Invitation and Party Remembrance - The invitations must be sent out at least 2 weeks before the party so that the guests can include it in their schedule and also prepare for their costumes. The party remembrance or tokens must also be ready at least 1 week prior to the occasion.

8. Balloons, tarpaulin, party chairs and tables, table linens, food warmers, napkins, plates and utensils, outdoor/garden sheds and lots of ice! - Be sure that the decorations are all set up at least 3-4 hours before the party. All utensils must also be complete and in place. Food must be warm and drinks must be cold, never forget to stock up on ice!

9. Enjoy the party!

           Happy first birthday, Melo! 

Draft Copy of the Birthday Invitation Card

Gluttony, Sloth and Obesity: A Deadly Recipe!

The first Pinoy Biggest Loser winner was named tonight, October 09, 2011 at the Ynares Sports Arena and it was who I have expected all along, Larry Martin (Read previous blog HERE).

The reality show was such a big hit that ABS-CBN Chairman and CEO Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez announced that the 5th, 4th, 3rd and 2nd placers will all receive P500,000 cash prize instead of the originally lower cash prizes.

The success story of the former policeman who lost his job after failing a waistline limit set by the PNP leadership in 2000 was inspiring. I was one of the loyal viewers of the top rater show who may have missed just a few airings, therefore, I was able to monitor the progress as well as the evictions of the original 16 contenders. From the start, the "Shrinking Man" Larry Martin showed so much potential of winning the weight loss competition.

Obesity is feared to be becoming one of the deadliest diseases in the world leading to reduced life expectancy and increased health problems. Its causes may include a combination of any of the following:

1. Improper Diet - Excessive fatty food and junk food intake. It also includes improper eating patterns like every two or three hour interval.  

2. Sedentary Lifestyle - denotes a kind of lifestyle that has an irregular physical activity or none at all. A sedentary person is often called a "couch potato," who do not enjoy vigorous activities and prefers to do things either in sitting or lying position like reading, watching television or using the computer.

3. Genetics, Physical and Mental Illnesses - Some diseases are known to have obesity as a symptom, one example is the Cushing's Syndrome (a hormone disorder). Genetics are said to be one of the factors for being obese. Inheriting a genetic disorder from a parent such as having the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common female endocrine disorder includes symptom of having a tendency towards central obesity. The Laurence-Moon-Biedl Syndrome is also a genetic disorder that is principally characterized by obesity. Another genetic disorder that includes obesity as a symptom is the Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Physical and mental stress as well as other psychological factors are also known causes of obesity.





4. Social Determinants (social class, environment and culture) -  Out of the original 16 contestants of the Pinoy Biggest Loser, around 75%-80% belong to the middle and upper social classes. Here's Wikipedia's explanation on obesity's social determinants:

The correlation between social class and BMI (Body Mass Index) varies globally. A review in 1989 found that in developed countries women of a high social class were less likely to be obese. No significant differences were seen among men of different social classes. In the developing world, women, men, and children from high social classes had greater rates of obesity. An update of this review carried out in 2007 found the same relationships, but they were weaker. The decrease in strength of correlation was felt to be due to the effects of globalization. Among developed countries, levels of adult obesity, and percentage of teenage children who are overweight, are correlated with income inequality. A similar relationship is seen among US states: more adults, even in higher social classes, are obese in more unequal states. Many explanations have been put forth for associations between BMI and social class. It is thought that in developed countries, the wealthy are able to afford more nutritious food, they are under greater social pressure to remain slim, and have more opportunities along with greater expectations for physical fitness. In undeveloped countries the ability to afford food, high energy expenditure with physical labor, and cultural values favoring a larger body size are believed to contribute to the observed patterns. Attitudes toward body mass held by people in one's life may also play a role in obesity. A correlation in BMI changes over time has been found among friends, siblings, and spouses. Stress and perceived low social status appear to increase risk of obesity

5. Drugs - Certain prescription drugs are said to cause abnormal or rapid weight gain such as steroids and anti-depressant pills. However, stopping the medication without consulting your physician may pose serious consequences. Many oral and injectible contraceptives are also perceived to cause rapid weight gain.

All are acceptable and reasonable causes of obesity except the controllable improper diet and sedentary lifestyle! Sadly, most obesity cases may have actually sprung from gluttony that has become a way of life or worse developed into an addiction. Gluttony and Sloth are a deadly combination that lead to obesity and eventually, death!

Food addiction unlike alcohol or drug addiction goes unnoticed because the euphoric state of the loaded "victim" is not as obvious because the "food high" does not accompany hallucinations and delusions that could lead to violence. The food addict is not perceived to be a threat to society and excessive food intake is not punishable by law. Therefore, food binging is mostly tolerated until the bulges become too bloated to miss.




The Pinoy Biggest Loser Camp served as the rehabilitation center of the contestants. Like in any other addiction, the "rehabilitation and cleansing program" took some time, 125 days in this case. In tobacco, alcohol and drugs, there is what they call a chemical addiction but the real key to healing the disease is by first addressing the psychological or mental addiction to the substances. This is very true in the case of food addiction because it is mostly a psychological dependency to food that affects the normal interaction and functions of the person suffering from it.

There are four key points in my opinion that the "Shrinking Man" possessed more than the other contenders that made him victorious:

1. Acknowledgment and Decision

During the first few weeks of the competition, the contestants were shown a video of their first day on the Pinoy Biggest Loser Camp. The video showed them feasting on food. The reaction of the contestants seemed like seeing and realizing for the first time that they indeed have a very BIG eating problem. The video captured vividly the description of the word "gluttony."  From this point, the strong contenders would be the ones who were able to acknowledge their eating problems and have decided 100 percent to correct it.

2. Motivation

After the acknowledgment of the problem and the decision to change for the better, the most probable winner would be the one who was able to internalize his own reason and intention that would motivate and inspire him to reach his goal. The motivation could be family, money, fame or whatever but the "who" and the "what" really do not matter, what matters is "HOW" badly does he want the change and "WHY?"


3. Will Power, Discipline and Strategy

If the motivation is strong, the mind is strong. The contest seemed to be physical in nature but it was actually a mind game. It required physical endurance but the survivor must have the will power, discipline and strategy to last the game and emerge as the sole winner. As they say, what the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.

4. Faith in Self and God

Lastly, without faith, all effort is futile.

The Biggest Loser reality show  is a consistently top rating program not only in the Philippines but all over the world where it is aired simply because it is a proof that ...

"Everything is Possible."