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The Great Wall of China in Mutianyu
The Great Wall of China is referred to in Mandarin as Wanli Changcheng (10,000-Li Long Wall or simply very long wall) BEIJING, CHINA- S...
Monday, January 23, 2012
YEAR OF THE WATER DRAGON BEGINS TODAY JANUARY 23, 2012
Year of the Water Dragon begins today January 23, 2012, and ends on February 9, 2013. The year of the Dragon brings many possibilities for good fortune.
Days of colorful festivals, intense preparations, parades, dragon and lion dances, fireworks display, visits to friends and relatives, and the largest human migration around the world to travel home to attend reunions culminated yesterday with the onset of the Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays.
New Year’s Eve traditions were observed including the thorough cleaning of homes, wearing of new clothes and shoes, opening of doors, windows, and lights, getting a new haircut, cleaning and repainting of altars, preparation of fruits believed to invite good fortune on tables, and the repainting of doors and window panes. The color red, the emblem of joy and prosperity and which is believed to scare away evil spirits and bad fortune, was liberally used in painting and decorating.
Lucky money in red envelopes were given to children, sweets were served, while some bathed in boiled pomelo leaves for good health.
The Eve of the Passing Year reunion dinners were also held serving an abundance of food like fish, chicken, dumplings, nuts, noodles, and sweets like the popular glutinous rice flour (tikoy) to symbolize prosperity, abundance, longevity, and good fortune as well as in thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year.
For the Chinese, dragons are the divine mythical creatures that bring with them intense power, ultimate abundance, and good fortune.
In Sung dynasty manuscripts, the dragon is described as having the “head of an ox or donkey, eyes of a shrimp, horns of a deer, body of a serpent covered with fish scales, and a feet of a phoenix,” and it usually clutches a pearl symbolic of its supernatural powers.
To the Chinese, the dragon is born in the most desirable year and is the mightiest of the signs.
The Oriental dragon is regarded as a divine beast, the reverse of the monster that Westerners
felt necessary to find and slay.
Free spirits of the Chinese zodiac, people born in the Year of the Dragon are extroverts who have a deep love for nature and are innovative, passionate, enterprising, brave, self-assured, colorful, and flamboyant. Gifted and irrepressible, they are fearless of any challenges that may come their way, able to see clear the paths and take a radical approach to any harsh conditions.
Of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is the most special and is sometimes called a karmic sign. Bigger than life is very much a dragon thing and in this context we can expect grand things to happen this year. There may be flames and failures, but there will also be spectacular achievements.
For those born in the Year of the Dragon, this year is the time to pursue and act on the impossible dream, change the world or at least your life.
And for the other signs, it is the best chance to make your dreams come true. The dragon sign is associated with spring and the dragon water sign is likely to become a flowing river rather than a stagnant lake, which means that you need to begin 2012 off to a fast start as things are expected to happen early in the year.
Hopefully we used some of the quiet time in the past year to plan your moves for 2012.
KUNG HEI FAT CHOY!
TODAY IS A HOLIDAY JANUARY 23, 2012- CHINESE NEW YEAR
President Aquino declared January 23, 2012 as a special non-working day in the country in celebration of the Chinese New Year.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 295 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on November 24, 2011, the President declared Jan. 23, which falls on a Monday, as a special non-working day in the country to give both Chinese-Filipinos and Filipinos alike the opportunity to celebrate the holiday.
Chinese nationals all over the world celebrate Spring Festival today, January 23, 2012, popularly known as the Chinese New Year. One of the most revered and festive events celebrated not only in China but also in the Philippines by both Chinese Filipinos and ordinary Filipinos as well.
The joint celebration is a manifestation of our solidarity with our Chinese-Filipino brethren who have been part of our lives in many respects as a country and as a people according to President Pnoy.
HOW TO SAY HAPPY NEW YEAR IN CHINESE
All dialects of Chinese be it Fookien, Mandarin or Cantonese write these greetings using the same characters, but we will split them up because they're pronounced differently.
Mandarin Chinese:
新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè) pronounced as "sheen nyen kway luh" meaning Happy new year! (literally "The new year comes fast!")
恭喜发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái) pronounced as "gong shee fah chai" meaning Wishing you a prosperous new year! (literally "May you have much joy and wealth!")
Cantonese Chinese:
新年快乐 (san nin faai lok) pronounce as "Sun Nin Fy Lok" meaning Happy new year! (literally "The new year comes fast!")
恭喜发财 (gung hei faat choi) pronounce as "gong hey fat choy" meaning Wishing you a prosperous new year! (literally "May you have much joy and wealth!")
Fookien Chinese:
'Kiong Hee Huat Tsai!' means Wishing you prosperity and good fortune in Hokkien
Let me greet all Chinese all over the world:
Happy New Year!
Shalani Soledad and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo's Sunset Wedding Video
"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish to death do us part."
- Book of Common Prayer
A brief kiss but filled with longing sealed the wedding vows of Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad and Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo are married in simple and solemn rites at St. Benedict Church at the Ayala Westgrove in Silang Cavite, Sunday, January 22, 2012.
“I’m very happy that I’ve found you,” Romulo, 44, said during the ceremonial exchange of vows.
“I promise to love you from now on until forever,” Soledad, 31, replied.
Soledad wore a Kate Middleton-inspired off-white romantic gown with a lace bodice, skirt made of 17 layers of soft tulle and off-shoulder neckline with tiny cap sleeves. The bride’s face was shrouded in a thin layer of tulle. The look was simple yet elegant, calling to mind Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s lacey wedding gown when she married Prince William of Britain. Shalani chose to show off her arms instead of covering the. Designer Inno Sotto created the simple, feminine and elegant gown for Shalani Soledad.
Shalani wore a pair of shoes by Lila Almario.
Romulo wore a midnight-blue tuxedo, a white shirt and a gray bow tie by Hugo Boss and a pair of black leather shoes by Louis Vuitton.
The 22 principal sponsors came from the business and political sectors. The Mass lasted over an hour. The 500-seat church was full-packed.
The bride’s mother, Evelyn Soledad Yumol, and uncle Mon Soledad, who looked after the young Shalani while her mother worked overseas, gave the bride away. The bride met her real father only last year.
Soledad was born out of wedlock to banker and businessman Adolfo Aguirre and Evelyn San Ramon, a flight attendant. While her mother worked, the young Soledad grew up with her grandparents, aunt and uncles. Her mother never brought up the subject of her biological father, whom Soledad met only after 30 years.
The wedding invitation, made from an off-white paper material, had an embossed “RS” insignia, which stood for the couple’s initials.
After waiting for Soledad for 20 minutes, the guests at the church heaved a collective gasp at the sight of the resplendent bride emerging before them for her march.
The simple and solemn wedding ceremony, began at 5:45 p.m.
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara, Rev. Msgr. Bartolome Santos Jr. and Rev. Fr. Isagani Avinante officiated the wedding mass.
The wedding that took months to prepare was soon over. Cardinal Rosales commanded the groom, in jest, to “now take over.” Roman gladly did and planted a kiss on the bride’s waiting lips.
Roman Romulo, son of former Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and Rosie Lovely Tecson-Romulo, arrived at 5:15 p.m. Soledad came minutes later in a white S-Class Mercedes-Benz.
The principal sponsors were:
- Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Gretchen del Rosario
- PLDT-Smart-TV 5 chair Manuel V. Pangilinan and Norma Ona
- Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Corazon Ong
- Emilio Yap and former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar
- Ambassador Antonio Cabangon-Chua and Betty Chua
- San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang and Bettina Aboitiz
- Roberto del Rosario and Elizabeth Gan-Go
- James Sy Gaisano and Lily Lee
- Felix Tuikinhoy Jr. and Maria Jessica Bautista
- Manuel Dy and Natividad Cheng
- Bench founder Ben Chan and Janet Napoles.
Romulo’s groomsmen were his brother Erwin, Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Lagdameo, Ilocos Norte Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, George Rafael Lorenzana and Dante Soliven.
Soledad’s bridesmaids were Catherine May Hervas, Annaliza Jacinto, Ma. Lourdes Romero, Monica Garcia and Diamond Villar.
The entourage consisted of 21 flowers girls.
Broadcaster Karen Davila and Leyte Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, wife of actor Richard Gomez, were gospel readers at the Mass.
Sunday’s reception was held at Evolving Center Dockside of the nearby Nuvali, in Sta. Rosa.
In lieu of gifts, Soledad and Romulo had asked their guests to donate to the victims of the deadly Tropical Storm “Sendong.”
Roman Romulo and Shalani Soledad Wedding Video source: @24 oras
Sunday, January 22, 2012
GREENHILLS SAN JUAN METRO MANILA: LIBATIONS BAR GRAND LAUNCH AT G STRIP
GREENHILLS SAN JUAN METRO MANILA: LIBATIONS BAR GRAND LAUNCH AT G STRIP
LIBATIONS is a drink lounge that started as a harmless idea between peers and is now a newly set-up establishment with an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere that brings together great music, good people, inspired food and handpicked quality beverages. LIBATIONS was inspired by the latin style of drinking that involved a more personal and laid back feel. The term itself originates from the latin word libare, that refers to the act of pouring as an offering. The term evolved and began to be known as the act of drinking intoxicating beverage, often ceremoniously (as to a deity or a god).
LIBATIONS goal is for everyone and anyone that enters their doors, to be treated as gods.
LIBATIONS are the first ones in the Manila night life scene to introduce the negative-ion bulbs. These revolutionary light bulbs uses technology that is able to remove positive ions, which are responsible in making us feel tired, irritable and depressed, and generally make the air cleaner. In the simplest way, this ionic technology is able to remove smoke and odors in just minutes.
The interiors of the lounge is designed by Nikki Laurel, they were able to introduce elements of rustic and sophisticated design.
You could sit here with your friends if you want more privacy.
Unlike other bars, LIBATIONS is a place where it is possible to engage in intimate or group conversations void of the typical deafening night club music.
A nice place to chill out and party with your friends. Like James Yap and his buddy.
The selection of imported wine and beer along with their signature cocktail drinks namely Libations and Volcano turns this drink lounge into a place like no other.
For Franchise Inquiries look for Mr. Elmer Nicolas cellphone number 09176343699.
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Duty Free Sale from January 22 to February 29, 2012.
Details
- Duty Free Philippines Fiestamall Sale is from January 22 to February 29, 2012.
- $ 1 = PhP 43.3013
- Up to 50% Sale on Fashion & Watches, 30% on Toys and Housewares and 20% on Jewelries.
- JVC LCD 32” only at $299.
- Bose SoundDock Limited Edition only at $299.
- For a minimum purchase of $300 of regular priced Beauty & Fashion walk items get a chance to win designer watches.
Chinese New Year Activities
- Until February 29, 2012 - Chinese delicacies Exhibit
- January 23-24, 2012 - Lion/Dragon Dance
- January 24, 2012 - Blessing of Fiestamall stores by Feng Shui expert Master Joseph Chau
- January 22,23,29, 2012- Free Feng Shui consultation and fortune telling by Tony Suvega
Saturday, January 21, 2012
The Best of the Anti-SOPA and Anti-PIPA Media
I've gathered some videos that better explain SOPA ( Stop Online Piracy Act) and it’s creepy little brother, PIPA (Protect IP Act).
So we can understand the House and Senate bills better and so that we can all be prepared when the SOPA and PIPA when it pop up again. SOPA isn’t dead, it’s just being retooled for another run. PIPA is still alive as well.
SOPA has been shelved and PIPA has lost a lot of friends.
Let's hope that those who make these deals know that everyone is watching and we will do something about it.
PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.