Get the round fruits, put money in your pockets, turn all the lights on, and open all the windows…!

…it’s 2008!

Happy New Year to one and all!

A film series with 8 sequels has to do something right

The last time I went to the Philippines during Christmas 2003, I was treated to many trips to the theaters in Robinsons and in the Power Plant where I saw a lot of Filipino films like Crying Ladies, Malikmata (haha), Filipinas, and of course, Captain Barbell. It’s not like I had much choice, though–from Christmas to the first week of January, no foreign films are shown throughout the Philippines (well, for the most part I think). This is the time of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

Someone posted on Wikipedia the 9 entries to this year’s Festival. Here they are:

1. Enteng Kabisote 4
2. Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo
3. Resiklo
4. Bahay Kubo
5. Shake, Rattle & Roll 9
6. Katas Ng Saudi
7. Desperadas
8. Anak Ng Kumander
9. Banal

In what has become the usual trend, sequels and prequels are very prominent in the lineup. An excerpt from an Inquirer article about some of the movies:

“Despite this, sequels dominate this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival, with last year’s front-runner, “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo,” following up with “Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo,” which focuses on lead star couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo’s characters’ post-wedding bliss—and blues.

For his part, film fest favorite Vic Sotto is wrapping up work on a prequel to his hit “Enteng Kabisote” fantasy flicks. Titled “Enteng Kabisote 4,” the movie nevertheless “starts from the very beginning” in terms of plotting the initial links forged between its human and magical characters. Sotto and Kristine Hermosa star.

And “Shake, Rattle and Roll 9” features three spooky episodes starring a multigenerational mix of veteran and young leads and supporting players.”

Yes, a film series in its 9th iteration. At least the films Star Wars/Star Trek/James Bond franchises don’t put the number in the official title.

One of the films, Anak ng Kumander, stars none other than Manny Pacquiao. You want to see Manny go Rambo on everyone? Well, here you go.

These aren’t your everyday parols

For the past 3 years or so, I have attended the first Simbang Gabi Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Downtown LA. This Mass always fills the Cathedral to capacity with Filipinos from the many parishes of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Before the Mass, there is always a “Parade of Parols” in which representatives of the LA Archdiocese parishes that celebrate Simbang Gabi parade down the Cathedral center aisle with a parol. They all come in different shapes, sizes, and colors (although some of them looked very similar to each other, as if they were bought at the same place or made by the same person).

If one drives through a Filipino neighborhood at night during this time of year, he/she will see many of these parols hanging outside many homes. Some of these parols can be very elaborate in terms of design and light patterns.

I bet they’re not as elaborate as these parols.

These are the giant parols that are part of the Ligligan Parul Festival held every year in San Fernando, Pampanga (widely known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” because of this festival and the fact that a lot of parols are made there).

Here’s an excerpt from an article about the festival written by Ivan Anthony S. Henares:

“This predecessor of the modern day Giant Lantern Festival was actually a religious activity which we know today as “lubenas.” The lanterns measured just two feet in diameter, a far cry from the fifteen feet that we see today. These were created in each barrio from bamboo and other locally available materials. During the nine-day novena before Christmas, which coincided with the simbang gabi from December 16 to 24, these paruls were brought around each barrio in procession to their visita. Before the midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, the lanterns were brought to the town church together with the barrio patrons.

This tradition gradually evolved as the lanterns became bigger and the designs more intricate. Later, one big lantern was made for each barrio, which was created through a cooperative effort. Each resident contributed to its construction, from the concept and design, to the materials and labor. In the end, these lanterns became a symbol of unity for the barrios.

It was in the year 1931 that electricity was introduced to the San Fernando lantern, thus sparking the birth of the first Giant Lantern Festival. The added illusion of dancing lights highlighted the bright colors and intricate designs of these Giant Lanterns. At this time, the lights were controlled by individual switches that were turned on and off following the beat of the music.”

Do any TP’ers have parols that their families hang in front of their homes? Email me pictures and I’d be glad to share them.

Author’s note: Sorry about the extended hiatus - work got to me. Actually, it’s still getting to me, but at least I have some time now to update this blog on a more frequent basis. Merry Christmas everyone!