Movie Ads: "Magkasangga sa Batas" (1993)

Magkasangga sa Batas, an action film in which film producers from the Philippines and Hong Kong collaborated, was shown in Philippine theaters on February 3, 1993. Under the direction of Philip Ko and Erwin T. Lanado, this Golden Kay/Harvest Films release stars Edu Manzano, Cynthia Luster, Gabriel Romulo, Sheila Ysrael, Rachel Lobangco, Charlie Davao, and Monsour Del Rosario. Following is a newspaper advertisement for the film:

Christmas Countdown: "Bibingka" and "Puto Bumbong"

There are 8 days remaining before Christmas and two kinds of native rice cake associated with the festivities will be presented: bibingka and puto bumbong.  Commonly sold outside the church during the Simbang Gabi masses, bibingka and puto bumbong can also be enjoyed with a warm glass of coffee, chocolate or salabat (ginger tea).

Christmas Countdown: "Simbang Gabi"

December 16 marks the the first day of Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of Masses in which devout Roman Catholics in the Philippines attend. Simbang Gabi (Tagalog for "Night Mass") is celebrated in anticipation of Christmas. The mass on December 24 is called Misa de Gallo (Spanish for "Mass of the Rooster").

Many people aim to complete the nine-day series of masses on the belief that doing so will result in the realization of a special wish. The challenge lies, however, on the time each mass starts - at around 4:30 to 5:00 in the morning. Waking up and dressing up for the mass is very daunting at these times.

As a result, the number of participants significantly decreases from the first day to the last day. Following are pictures of the Simbang Gabi proceedings at the Malolos Cathedral earlier today:

Christmas Countdown: "Jamon de Bola"

Christmas in the Philippines means good food. There are ten days before Christmas and I presume many people are still thinking about the food selections they will serve for the festivities. One of the most popular food items during the season is ham ball or jamon de bola.

An example is the Purefoods Fiesta Ham brand, which is sold with pineapple sauce. It is suggested that the ham should be topped with sugar and bake in a pre-heated 375 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 20 minutes or until sugar melts and caramelizes.

Front view of the paper packaging

Movie Ads: "Kapatid Ko Si Hudas" (1993)

Kapatid Ko Si Hudas, an action film based on an Aguila Komiks series opened in theaters on February 3, 1993. This Eureka Films presentation stars John Regala, Tirso Cruz III, Anna Margarita Gonzales, Sheila Ysrael, Rando Almanzor, and Ace Espinosa in an introducing role. Dante Javier directed the film:

Christmas Countdown: Christmas Bonus

There are 11 days remaining before Christmas and probably many Filipino workers have already received their Christmas bonus. Christmas bonus refers to the cash gift given by the employer as a token of gratitude and appreciation for the service rendered by the workers during the entire year.

The Christmas bonus also gives the recipients more leeway to extend the generosity shown upon them, since they have bigger chances of buying gifts for family and friends. Other Christmas-related expenses can also be covered by the Christmas bonus.

One famous popular culture reference of the Christmas bonus is the eponymous song performed by the music group Aegis. Following are the lyrics of the song:

Fernando Poe Jr. : National Artist for Film

Many Filipinos remember Fernando Poe Jr., better known as FPJ, for his portrayals of defenders of the oppressed. The iconic persona endeared him to many Filipinos from all walks of life - a champion of the masses in reel and real life.

FPJ Monument along Roxas Boulevard in Manila (Source: Web site of the Philippine Daily Inquirer)

In commemoration of the eight anniversary of his death, following are links to the presidential proclamations that declare and confirm Fernando Poe Jr. as National Artist for Film:

http://www.gov.ph/2012/05/23/proclamation-no-1069-s-2006/

http://www.gov.ph/2012/07/20/proclamation-no-435-s-2012/