December 2008 Issue
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Volume XXVI No. 12 December 2008 www.filipinostar.org Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year Christmas lanterns (parol in Filipino language) hang in front of most houses and buildings in the Philippines during this time of the year. Misa de Gallo (Dec. 16-24) Filipino Christmas tradition. in the morning. Going to mass this After hearing Mass, Filipino Traditionally, Christmas Day in the These nine dawn Masses are early for nine consecutive days is families partake of traditional Philippines is ushered in by the nine- also considered as a Novena by the meant to show the churchgoer's Philippine Christmas delicacies, either day dawn masses that start on Catholic and Aglipayan faithfuls. This devotion to his faith and heighten during breakfast at home or December 16. Known as the Misa de refers to the Roman Catholic and anticipation for the Nativity of the Lord. immediately outside the church, where Gallo (Rooster's Mass) in the traditional Aglipayan practice of performing nine In traditional Filipino belief, however, they are sold. Vendors offer a wealth of Spanish, and these masses are also days of private or public devotion to completing the novena is also native delicacies, including bibingka more popularly known in Filipino as obtain special graces. supposed to mean that God would (rice flour and egg based cake, Simbang Gabi, or "Night Mass". The In some parishes, the grant the devotee's special wish or Simbang Gabi is the most important Simbang gabi begins as early as four favor. See Page 4 Philippine Christmas Be a Certified International Trade Professional (C.I.T.P.) Enroll in the Internatinal Trade Program Register by appointment at Gilmore International College First of 8 modules - Global Entrepreneurship Call 514-485-7861 to be given by Prof. Isaac Goodine International Educator & Author “Leaders Leading Leaders” www.filipinostar.org 2 The North American Filipino Star December 2008 Marché Coop Filipino The Filipino Solidarity Cooperative EDITORIAL 4711 Van Horne Avenue Montreal, QC H3W 1H8 In spite of it all, it’s time to enjoy and Tel.: 514-733-8915 share our blessings with others E-Mail: [email protected] The economy is in a bad state, what we have done. Having been so Come and visit us for our and it is quite impossible to pretend preoccupied with our daily activities, that we are not worried about it. We are we may have forgotten to do something IN STORE SPECIALS apparently facing a recession - our for others. There are many ways by manufacturing industries which are the which we can make it up. We can give Gift baskets, gift certificates main engines of the economy, are to our favorite charity, to the church, or closing down. The auto industry, both to give something to a homeless available for all occasions. here and in the U.S. is in need of a bail person. We may also send a gift to a out but critics say that this may just be relative or to a friend whom we have not delaying the inevitable - people do not seen for a long time. Can you imagine buy cars as much as they used to. How what joy that brings to that person? will the auto industry recover from their There is no lack of inspirational big losses if people do not start buying stories during this time of year. One cars again? What is the best strategy only has to listen to the radio, watch TV, to stimulate the economy? Is it more read some magazines,newspapers, or spending by the government even if books, and even surf the internet and this will result in a big deficit? Where search for inspirational messages. This will be the best place to start? will certainly nourish our mind and soul, Lowering taxes, and interest rates are leading us to appreciate our considered to be the first measures to relationships with our loved ones.. The help the economy because they will insights we get from the quotes, allow people to have more disposable messages, poems and the like, will income but these are certainly not enhance our feeling of kinship with alll enough. Obviously, there is a need to humanity, deepen our faith and evaluate economic policies and see strengthen our character to cope with which must be revised, and which must any challenges we may face during our be adopted to produce the desired lifetime. results. To put ourselves into the mood The government has a big of celebration, we decorate our homes responsibility to lead us to economic and offices. The main motif is a recovery. As private citizens, we may Christmas tree that is decorated be inclined to stand by and watch what beautfilly and artistically. This is where happens next. But perhaps, we can we place our gifts to our friends and also take the initiative of pitching in by family. What a joy to behold when we way of using credit wisely. We may open those gifts on “Christmas also learn to take advantage of morning. Then we drink our eggnog economic opportunities. For those and have a Christmas breakfast who follow the trends more attentively, together. It’s a great pleasure to have they will probably figure out a way of this one day of the year when we can helping themselves. For example, be with our family, relax and have the those who have money to invest may time to talk to one another. start building their equity in real estate Another feature of the season or in good stocks, or open a small is preparing a Christmas dinner and business that answers the needs of sharing it with family and friends or people in a weak economy. neighbors. If we do not enjoy cooking, On the other hand, with the we can always go out to a nice holiday season in full swing, we should restaurant and save ourselves the still find the time to enjoy it for it only trouble of cleaning up the kitchen. comes once a year. We need to There is no doubt that rejuvenate ourselves and have the time Christmas is a very important occasion to reflect on our blessings and be not only for Christians but for all others inspired to look forward to the coming who are not. They also value the spirt We sell fresh vegetables weekly. year. It is often said that while there is of giving and sharing the beauty of the Order lechon for Saturday pick up but we need at least life, there is hope. Problems that come holiday season. We all become like up today have a way of being resolved children at this time of year for it allows a minimum order of 15 lbs by Thursday. over time. After all, necessity is the us to forget our worries even for one Call us at 514-733-8915 to place your orders. mother of invention. Solving problems day of the year. is a way of making sure we are Wish you all a very wonderful thinking, and developing a strong Christmas and a prosperous New Year character. May there be peace on earth and This holiday season is also a goodwill to all.. good time to take an accounting of Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi The North American Filipino Star SUBSCRIPTION 4950 Queen Mary Road Penthouse Tel.: 514-485-7861 (5th Floor) near Snowdon Metro E-Mail: [email protected] Montreal, QC H3W 1X3 Name ____________________________________________________ Zenaida Ferry Kharroubi Hilda T. Veloso Jean Janete Aguilar Chief Editor & Publisher Address: _________________________________________________ Jerry Estrada Community News Sam Ferry Mary Joy Lizarondo __________________________________________________________ Lina V. Fernandez Dr. Victor Gavino Assistant Editor Sports News Telephone: Residence: _____________ Office: ______________ News & Tourism Prof. Isaac Goodine Nida Verginom Butaran Subscribers can give a gift subscription at 1 year (12 issues) $20 Alvin D. Veloso Bert Abiera Sales Representative 10% discount. Contributors Founder Please use the same form and indicate it 2 years (24 issues) $35 is a gift subscription. Opinions, comments of writers and columnists do not necessarily reflect that of the management of Filcan Publications, Inc. www.filipinostar.org December 2008 The North American Filipino Star 3 If the record can speak for 0419-06 - Amores, David itself for the month of December, we 0299-95 - Amper, Annabelle COOPERATIVE NEWS have only received four new members, 9491-96 - Andino, Fredo three of whom are fully paid, and the 0338-06 - Andres, Eugenia other one will be paying on installment. 0410-06 - Andres, Eugenia Making our plans to The following are our recently 0410-06 - Andres, Jacqueline recruited members this month: 0549-06 - Andre, Melania promote the Filipino Coop 0672-08 - Balansi, Rey L. 9558-06 - Antoni, Kavin We are about to sign a to volunteer during the weekdays, and 0673-08 - Del Rosario, Joyce 0315-06 - Antonio, Gemma 0674-08 - Nool, Marissa Hosana 0403-06 - Antonio, Macaria contract with the refrigeration 8 to volunteer during weekends and 0675-08 - Nunez, Marly Vega 0122-05 - Apuli, Josie ** company that will install the equipment statutory holidays. Our employee, Mrs. Del Rosario sent me a 0339-06 - Aquino, Joanne in the Filipino Coop. It took some time Rosa Basilan, works from 12:30 to 8:30 very comforting message, expressing 0149-05 - Aquino, John before we could get an affordable P.M. Monday to Friday, therefore we her trust in me. I wish to thank her for 0377-06 - Aquino, John Ryan price for the job to be done. We are need volunteers to be at the Coop this kind gesture. 0553-06 - Araza, Leonida looking forward to seeing the either during the morning or afternoon The balance of the list of 0162-05 - Arce.