Category Archives: Religion
Nuestra Señora de la Mantsa: The Case of the Laoag City Bell Tower ‘Apparition’
And we did it again. Ten years ago, I wondered in an essay why this Catholic Nation has produced only one saint so far while Thailand, Japan and China–all non-Christian countries–have more. Maybe, unlike Filipinos, I said then, people from … Continue reading
Why did God create mosquitoes?
I have asked this question since I began to ask intelligible questions. Pesky and dangerous, nobody is happy with mosquitoes, except businessmen behind insecticides and insect-repellants, crocodiles in pharmaceutical firms, and doctors who, while charging sickening fees, pay, if at … Continue reading
Refusing ninonghood
I received today another invitation to a baptism, it reads: “I, Chery May, invite you to come and join me to witness my christening on the 27th day of April, 2011, 10:00 a.m. at Saint William Cathedral, Laoag City.” I … Continue reading
Filed under Church, Religion, Reproductive Health Bill, Sociology, Traditions
Qualified mea culpa
ALLOW ME to stress that although we look at the clergy with critical eyes, we have all the respect for the Catholic Church and for all religions and beliefs. We maintain that as public personalities, bishops and priests must not … Continue reading
Filed under Religion
A religious interpretation of an Air Supply song
Should you need some aid for your lenten reflection, your karikna highly recommends this work of a Manila student. Excellent work!
Church unwittingly endorses vice
I visited the Catholic Church in Batac recently, and found this among the souvenir stuff they were selling at the parish office. While I would not say that smoking is evil and that smokers are baaad folks, I feel uncomfortable … Continue reading
Everyone is invited.
Filed under Church, Health, Religion, ReproductiveHealthBill, Sociology, Uncategorized
Hitler’s visit, unbearable speeches, amazing Miss Laoag tilt …and other notes on Pamulinawen Festival 2009
Let me begin by saying ‘Congratulations’ to everyone behind the festival. I know they put in a lot of hard work in the fiesta preparations. By now, I hope they have managed to catch up on sleep, and that their … Continue reading
Filed under Government/Politics, Ilocos, Religion, The Good Life, Traditions
NO to beauty pageants… and political invocations
Not once, but twice! As with the past years, at least two beauty pageants are touted as highlights of the 2009 Pamulinawen Festival. The Search for Ms. ABC (Association of Barangay Councils) was held on February 4 at the Centennial … Continue reading
Filed under Festivals, Government/Politics, Ilocos, Religion, Sociology, The Good Life, Tourism, Traditions
Pretentious & meaningless, Pamulinawen Festival kicks off
The revelry leading to the February 10 Feast Day of St. William, patron of the city, begins today. The Laoag City Fiesta I have grown up to know was simple, dry, and forgettable. There were strings of parades, yes, but … Continue reading
Why the National Anthem must precede invocations
Yesterday, your karikna was invited to speak in a seminar-workshop in the University. As the Opening Prayer came before the Philippine National Anthem, yet again, I was reminded of this article written (and sent to me) by Manuel Quezon III, … Continue reading
