Showing posts with label History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label History. Show all posts

Friday, December 29, 2023

Unraveling the History of New Year's Eve

10:51:00 PM

 

As the clock ticks towards midnight, people around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of a new year. The celebration of New Year's Eve is a global tradition that transcends cultural boundaries and brings people together in a shared moment of reflection and anticipation. Have you ever wonder when and how New Year's Eve started? Well, let's uncover the origin, the time, and the evolution of this time-honored celebration.

Our story begins in ancient times, where the concept of marking the passage of time was intertwined with celestial events. The Babylonians, over 4,000 years ago, are credited with one of the earliest New Year celebrations. Their festivities were linked to the vernal equinox, a moment when day and night are of equal length. This event signaled the rebirth of nature and inspired the Babylonians to make resolutions for the coming year.

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Fast forward to ancient Rome, where the calendar underwent numerous changes. The Romans initially celebrated the New Year in March, aligning it with the spring equinox. However, in 45 B.C., Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, moving the start of the year to January 1st. This change was in homage to Janus, the two-faced god who symbolized transitions and new beginnings.

The adoption of January 1st as the New Year's Day was not universally accepted at first. Various cultures adhered to different calendars, resulting in diverse New Year celebrations occurring at various times. It wasn't until the Middle Ages that the Gregorian calendar, introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, gained widespread acceptance. This calendar solidified January 1st as the official start of the year, aligning with the Roman tradition.

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Throughout history, New Year's Eve has taken on different forms and meanings across cultures. In medieval Europe, the celebration evolved into a religious observance known as Watch Night. Christians would gather in churches to pray and reflect, marking the transition from the old year to the new with a sense of spiritual renewal.

The custom of making resolutions became more prevalent during the 17th century. Puritans in colonial America embraced the idea of setting goals for self-improvement and moral development. Over time, this practice became ingrained in the fabric of New Year's Eve, transcending religious boundaries and becoming a secular tradition embraced by people of all backgrounds.

Fireworks, a ubiquitous feature of modern New Year's Eve celebrations, have their roots in ancient Chinese civilization. The Chinese believed that loud noises and bright lights could ward off evil spirits. This tradition eventually spread to other cultures and found its way into the festive atmosphere of New Year's Eve.

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The iconic ball drop in Times Square, New York City, has become synonymous with the American New Year's Eve experience. The tradition began in 1907 when the New York Times organized the first ball drop to mark the opening of their new headquarters in Times Square. The event was an instant success, drawing crowds and setting the stage for a century of annual celebrations.

As the 20th century unfolded, technology played a significant role in shaping New Year's Eve celebrations. The invention of radio and television allowed people around the world to witness and participate in the festivities in real-time. The advent of the internet further expanded the global reach of these celebrations, connecting people across continents in a shared moment of joy and anticipation.

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Today, New Year's Eve is a truly global phenomenon, celebrated with diverse traditions and customs. From the ringing of church bells in Spain to the banging of pots and pans in South America, the world comes together in a collective expression of hope and optimism for the future.

From tradition to history to spirituality, the history of New Year's Eve is a tapestry woven with threads of ancient traditions, cultural shifts, and technological advancements. From the Babylonians to the present day, the celebration of the new year has evolved and adapted, reflecting the human desire for renewal and the hope that comes with the turning of the calendar. As the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, let us continue to embrace the timeless tradition of New Year's Eve, a celebration that transcends borders and unites us all in the shared journey of life.

Thursday, November 30, 2023

From Tradition to Celebration: The Origins of Christmas Ham

1:30:00 AM


In the realm of festive feasts, few dishes hold the iconic status that Christmas ham does. As families gather around the table to celebrate the holiday season, the succulent aroma of ham often takes center stage. But how did this delectable tradition begin, earning its place as a Christmas culinary staple?

The roots of Christmas ham trace back centuries, with its origins deeply intertwined with cultural practices and seasonal festivities. One prevailing theory suggests that the tradition of serving ham during Christmas can be linked to ancient pagan celebrations. In many cultures, pigs were slaughtered during the winter months, and the meat was cured and preserved to ensure a stable food supply throughout the colder season.

As Christianity spread across Europe, the practice of feasting on ham during the winter months continued, blending seamlessly with the Christmas festivities. The timing of these winter pig slaughters coincided with the Christmas season, giving rise to the association between ham and the holiday. The salt-curing process not only preserved the meat but also imparted a distinctive flavor that became synonymous with Christmas indulgence.

The specific term "Christmas ham" began to gain popularity as the dish became a focal point of holiday celebrations. In medieval England, for example, the tradition of serving a boar's head as a centerpiece during Christmas feasts was well-established. Over time, this evolved into the more familiar ham we know today, as the boar's head was gradually replaced by the easier-to-obtain and equally delicious ham.

Fast forward to the New World, and Christmas ham continued to evolve. In the United States, the Southern tradition of serving ham during the holidays became deeply ingrained, with many families adopting the practice during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The influence of Southern cuisine on Christmas ham spread throughout the country, solidifying its place as a beloved holiday dish.



Now, as we approach the Robinsons Christmas Ham Festival in 2023, the tradition of celebrating with this savory delight takes center stage once again. Robinsons Antipolo Main Atrium will host the festival's kick-off on December 9, 2023, at 3 PM, inviting families and food enthusiasts to revel in the festive atmosphere and partake in the joyous occasion.

The Robinsons Christmas Ham Festival pays homage to the rich history and cultural significance of Christmas ham, offering a platform for local communities to come together in the spirit of merriment. This annual celebration not only showcases the culinary delight of Christmas ham but also highlights the diverse ways in which this tradition is embraced and reinvented across generations.

As we immerse ourselves in the upcoming festivities, it's worth noting that the Christmas ham tradition is not just about the delectable flavors but also about the shared moments and the sense of continuity it brings to our celebrations. Whether glazed, smoked, or honey-baked, the Christmas ham has transcended its humble origins to become a symbol of togetherness and joy.

Friday, March 5, 2021

A Brief Information About This So-called Snus

11:56:00 PM

 


How many of you have grown and lived with your grandparents? Most especially with old folks who live in the rural areas with big barns and farms? Well, good for us! I once stayed with my grandparents during my first year in grade school. The good thing about living with them, they let us see and learn the ways of life in the province.

Of course, there are pros and cons about living with our grandparents. Some are great, and there are some that we can only relate to after we get to the right age. Like now! Yes, the one I'm referring to is that distinct scent with them. Well, I can't differentiate it before whether it is good or bad, not until now. Yes, that scent is probably the only habit that they have. They consider it as part of their life. I'm talking about the cigar.

What's with history?

So, how many of you have seen your grandparents with a cigar? Most especially when they hug? Anyway, we're not going to talk about our grandparents but about the habit that they have. As I can recall during my history class, this kind of plant has been around for more than 2,000 years ago. So, it is ancient already. During that time, this type of plant is being used during the medicinal ceremony to cure toothaches, dressing for wounds, and anesthesia to reduce pain. In the 1500s, when Christopher Columbus discovered America, tobacco was given to him as a gift by the Native Americans.


Tobacco's look at the present day

Tobacco has been part of the world's industry. And it doesn't mean that we should tolerate the use, and I think we are not exempted from its effect, especially if everyone is irresponsibly taking it and blowing it off in public.

In Sweden, since tobacco has been part of their ways, they got this called the Snus. It is their process of preserving tobacco. Their way of life, according to them, this so-called Snus has somehow helped lower rates of people lighting and burning tobacco products.

Snus and its use

According to what I have read, it is a good alternative, especially for smokers who would love to express their move of quitting.

So, how does this snus works? Well, reading some materials and information about this, it is a moist powder in a pouch that is placed under your top lip. Probably the best thing about this is that you're not burning anything that could affect others and the environment.

Sunday, February 2, 2020

"The Last Manilaners" Shares The Stories of Holocaust Survivors Rescued by Philippines

1:32:00 PM

It's interesting that there are part of our history that is being told by different nationalities, how our country and leaders of this country saved them during the time of world crisis. I'll be sharing my insights soon but for now catch this stories of the last living Holocaust survivors who sought refuge in the Philippines after fleeing Nazi Germany – known as Manilaners – are opening up about growing up in Manila in a new original documentary series that is now streaming on iWant.

Titled “The Last Manilaners,” the documentary features the perspectives of Margot Pins Kestenbaum, Max Weissler, and Lotte Hershfield, who were children when their families suffered persecution in their homeland for being Jews. They are three of the 1,300 Jews who found a safe haven in the Philippines through Pres. Manuel L. Quezon’s open-door policy – a little known story in history depicted in the film “Quezon’s Game.”


Lotte recalls travelling for four weeks with her family from Germany to the Philippines – “basically the only country that permitted us to come in.” To this day, she can still sing “Bahay Kubo” and remembers Filipinos as friendly and “very, very musical.”

“You can go to the beach every day. You can pick up shells, go swimming, and you don’t have to wear any shoes, you can wear these wooden bakyas. It was terrific. It was paradise in many ways, because we were free. Because the Filipinos very were very accepting,” she says.

Margot, a cousin of Lotte, had finished a year of college in the Philippines when she had to leave for the United States. She says that her stay in the Philippines molded her into what she is today, as she dedicated her life to helping immigrants, people dealing with trauma, children in need, and homeless women in different countries.


“I think my career choice has very much to do with my experience in the Philippines. It is—it has to do with—giving people a chance… And giving a person his self-worth is what I think one of the most important values we got by the way we were treated (in the Philippines). And so, that was part of what I try to do when I then continued my career,” shares Margot.

Max, who says he learned to speak Tagalog before knowing English, fondly remembers playing on the streets with his friends, and how his family made a living in the Philippines – he helped his mother sell muffins made from old bananas.

“My identity? I grew up with the Filipinos. Pareho naman kami. I ate with them. I worked. I got paid. That’s my life that will never leave me. My heart is still there. Manila will never leave me. My Manila memories,” he shares.


Aside from the Manilaners’ stories, the docu also offers historical insights from Dr. Sharon Delmendo, Dr. Jose Tirol, and Dr. Ricardo Jose, Filipino scholars who are subject-matter experts on the topic, and Lee Blumenthal, executive director of The Jewish Association of the Philippines.

Shot in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Israel, and New York, USA and directed by Nico Hernandez, “The Last Manilaners” dropped on iWant on January 27 to join the rest of the world in commemorating the 75th year of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Watch uplifting stories of courage and compassion in “The Last Manilaners” now streaming on the iWant app (iOs and Android) or iwant.ph for free. For updates, like www.facebook.com/iWant, and follow @iwant on Twitter and @iwantofficial on Instagram, and subscribe to www.youtube.com/iWantPH.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

LG and Museo de Intramuros Partners to Bring History with Tomorrow's AI Technology

1:40:00 PM

Bringing history to present can really teach a lot of individuals about our past. It is interesting that the Intramuros Administration (IA), the government agency tasked with the restoration, development, and promotion of the national cultural treasure celebrated its 40th Anniversary in the recently opened Museo de Intramuros.

In celebrating the momentous occasion together with IA, LG Philippines made their presence felt as they simultaneously unveiled their newest line of state of the art OLD TVs, putting side by side our rich and colorful history together with tomorrow's technology. LG PH Managing Director Inkwun Heo led the festivities as he formally handed over six (6) units of the LG TVs to the museum. Mr. Heo went on to say "This 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Republic Korea. Throughout the seven (7) decades of friendship between the 2 nations, we've been championing the importance of culture. We at LG Philippines remain committed in doing our part to preserve and showcase Philippine history. We hope that through the integration of our industry leading OLED TV technology with riveting historically significant content, we are able to communicate to audiences, both old and new, the importance of Intramuros and Philippine history as a whole."

 
Also unveiled during the program was a special AVP made by LG, through close collaboration with TBA studios, that featured Museo de Intramuros. Director JP Habac and Cinematographer Pong Ignacio from TBA, were awe-struck with how vivid the color rendition of the LG OLED Vs was "Every bit of detail is seen the way it's supposed to be seen. The dynamic range is really something to behold", says Habac.

LG's newest line of TVs is powered by never before seen cutting-edge technology. With Deep Learning technology now embedded in their new a9 Gen2 & a7 Gen2 processors - the TV. through intuitive recognition, can understand how to optimize and enhance the picture and sound for any content. The AI feeds on data and adapts accordingly, giving you the most optimal viewing experience possible. With the Deep Learning technology, the LG TV can understand how to display best picture quality from any source and resolution.

LG's AI doesn't just stop at picture quality. You can also talk to your TV. when you press the microphone button on your remote, LG's ThinQ AI listens to your commands and executes them, even those based on an earlier "conversation". From simple TV controls, weather questions, or you can create follow-up questions based on your initial command and the ThnkQ AI will still carry-on the conversation. James Deakin, LG's Brand Ambassador, gamely demonstrated the AI capabilities of the TV onstage, as he issued commands and questions one after the other.  "This is as smart as smart TVs can get. LG is ahead of the game in pushing the boundaries of innovation and technology."

 
If that wasn't enough, LG's flagship OLED TVsf also have LG's award-winning OLED Panel Technology that works seamlessly with Deep Learning Technology. Sound quality is boosted by an intelligent algorithm that can up-mix two-channel audio to deliver convincing virtual t.1 surround sound. Deep learning significantly improves output by analyzing source content to produce enhanced sound effects in movies, deeper bass in music and clearer voices in sporting events. Users can adust the sound to suit viewing conditions or let the TV set the best sound levels based on the environment.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) is made possible with the help of Dolby Atmos for incredibly realistic sound as the TV intelligently fine-tunes content compatible with Dolby vision. The TV supports HDMI 2.1, allowing viewers the opportunity to enjoy 4K content at a blazing fast 60 frames per second. The TV also supports automatic low latency mode (ALLM), variable refresh rate (VRR), and enhanced audio return channel (eARC).


With the release of their flagship OLED TV, LG takes another step ahead in their vision of a truly interconnected smart home. As the Internet of Things grow day by day, LG has answered the call to provide personalized, proactive, efficient, and easy solutions, while seamlessly incorporating integrated multifunctional technology into your life. Powered by the ThinQ Artificial Intelligence technology, these innovations work together in sync and in perfect harmony, adapting to your needs every step of the way.

Monday, May 27, 2019

Raymond Bagatsing Nag-audition sa Role Ni President Manuel L. Quezon

9:08:00 AM

This is Kwento Ni Toto's coverage of the Bloggers' Conference fo the movie #QuezonsGame. One of the intriguing and interesting movie about our history, the Philippine History and of the President Manul L. Quezon.

Present during the bloggers' con is one of the very good and convincing actors, Raymond Bagatsing. During the event he accommodated all the inquiries of all the bloggers present. He even shared some things that he did just to get the role. Get to know how him and how he was able to get the role.


#QuezonsGameMovie #Entertainment #Film #Showbiz

Friday, May 10, 2019

A Walk Through San Juan City Heritage and History From Past to Present

10:48:00 PM

San Juan, the smallest city in Metro Manila run by one of the warmest, loveliest and interesting person I've met, Mayor Guia Gomez. A mother, a celebrity and a leader. Perhaps her traits compliments the city she's administering and you can really tell by just simply being in the city of San Juan. A city rich in history and culture built in more than 2 century.

The New San Juan City Hall

This is not my first time to meet leaders and government officials but this is my first time to see a person that have leadership, beauty, heart and brain. You cannot turn a city into something without those traits.

Mayor Guia showing the development of the Pinaglabanan Shrine

By the way Mayor Guia is the mother of reelectionist Sen. JV Ejercito. So it really runs in blood, the trait of being a leader and serving the public.

The morning in the open, organized and elegant office of Mayor Guia welcomed and entertained us by sharing the brief history and stories of San Juan City. How once a very historic place and witness in the beginning of the Philippine revolution became forgotten left to to be ruins of the past, now restored to commemorate its true value in Philippine History. It was a struggle and took time to build the now City Hall and the Pinaglabanan Shrine.

Exceptional doll collection of Mayor Guia. 
The outfits of these dolls are hand woven and made by locals of San Juan.

To know more about the city we were toured around and introduced to places and historical landmarks which are the products of the leaders in San Juan City.

The New San Juan City Hall, where the offices and significant features of the city are located. One of which is the Central Emergency and Disaster Operations Center or CEDOC where everything in the city is monitored for fast and immediate response.

The CEDOC Command Center

The Council Hall

The walls in the lobby of the City Hall is painted with three different murals that depicts the past and present of San Juan.




The Pinaglabanan Shrine which is decorated and made beautiful by the fire trees is now a historical landmark to visit.


The El Deposito de Aguas turned museum is once the depository station of potable water the whole Manila area. This is the very first water management system in the country which is design by Palacio. The City Hall, the Shrine and its surrounding area is the entire water management system of El Deposito, unfortunately is now being rebuilt only as a memoir of the once water management system that serve Manila.




The Museo ng Katipunan where you will learn more bits and pieces of history that are not written in textbooks, like what really KKK stands for which Kataastaasang Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan.


San Juan National High School and Science High School are part of the master plan of having schools in the city developed during the time of its former Mayor Joseph Estrada which is continued by JV Ejercito. Part of its plan also is having a estate college university which the PUP.

The Sunctuario of San Juan del Monte and Santo Kristo and some of the century old churches which is a proof of the people's faith and being religious.




Other places visited were the Old City Hall which now part of the San Juan Medical Center, the old pipeline of the El Deposito, the Entertainment and Recreational Arena for the People, the shopping malls and some old houses that make up the now San Juan City.

The Old City Hall now part of San Juan Medical Center


Like mother like son, the instilled traits of a good leader and the heart in serving the public. Mayor Guia continues to take care of the city and her constituents as she took care of Sen JV, teaching and supporting him in life and in work. The r
#MayorGuiaVote4JV

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral is a Sequel to Heneral Luna, Unraveling The Truth of Our History

3:24:00 PM

They say 'the truth shall set you free' but it seems that the phrase didn't released the truth about our history more than a century ago. Yes, there are loops and gray areas in the Philippine History but thanks to some of the producers and directors who tried their best to unearth stories and documentaries about our past. Few of these movie examples are the Heneral Luna and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral. These films truly and shockingly reveal what really transpired out of the pages of our history books.

Goyo is the sequel of the 2015 hit historical epic movie, Heneral Luna. It is a movie highlighting one of the youngest generals during the Philippine war.

The character of Goyo is played by Paulo Avelino, together with some of the best actors in the industry like Epy Quizon who plays the role of Apolinario Mabini, Mon Confiado as Emilio Aguinaldo, Leo Martines as PetroPaterno and a whole ensemble of cast include Art Acuna, Carlo Aquino, Christopher Aronson, RK Bagatsing, Perla Bautista, Nonie buencamino, Roeder Camanag, Carlo Cruz, Jason Dewey, Miguel Faustmann, Bret Jackson, Ethan Salvador, Ronnie Lazaro, Jojit Lorenzo, Lorenz Martinez, Karl Medina, Che Ramos, Empress Schuck, Robert Sena, Stephanie Sol, Markki Stroem, Arron Villaflor, Gwen Zamora and more.

The movie's play date is  on September 5, 2018 in cinemas.  Learn the truth, unravel the story, and rewrite what you think about our history.




Monday, June 12, 2017

12th of June, Independence Day... Is It?

3:24:00 AM

When you study history it is easy to say the story behind that particular date. But when you just let the subject passes through, you actually don't have any idea about it. Today, it is a tragedy that only few students does their homeworks and only few knows about their past, their history. So can we still say June 12 is the Independence Day of the Philippines? Is it?

At present, it is much easier to get information about history and the intriguing stories underneath, but having the actual facts of the incident is quite unreliable. Only few websites that can actually say if it is true or not, unless you verify if the author is like Ambeth Ocampo.


Most of the reasons why history is said to be boring is because the personality who taught history in primary and secondary schools are just forced to teach history. For them history is like a sheet of manila paper with list of names, dates, and places only. Another reason is that the structure and medium used in teaching the subject. Gives them more confusion in learning history.

Now, tell me, what happened to the cause of independence when even the one that is ought to be the hope of the country is no longer the hope but mere problem. You cannot injected independence when these students are still shackled by the wrongs of the past teachings. History should be entertaining in a way that todays student would definitely have a sense of patriotism.  

So, do you celebrate Independence Day because you acknowledge what our forefathers did to win that momentous day or you just simply flow with the bandwagon of independence celebration?


Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Tom Hanks, Will Narrate National Geographic's "Killing Lincoln"

11:18:00 PM

History is really an intriguing story and with the National Geographic Channel's "Killing Lincoln", learning it will be much easier and more graphic than just reading between the lines.   As the National Geographic Channel premieres the show this April, here's a little info about the film, Tom Hanks will be narrating.  If you want to know more about the show here's some information below.  Oh I can't wait to watch it!

National Geographic Channel wows audiences in April with an exciting new film titled “Killing Lincoln”, which premieres in the Philippines on April 14, 2013. The film is an adaptation of the best-selling book Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever co-written by controversial media personality Bill O’Reilly and author Martin Dugard, and was produced by Ridley and Tony Scott’s Scott Free Productions. Chronicling the last days of US President Abraham Lincoln at the close of the American Civil War and his brutal assassination by the actor John Wilkes Booth, it also depicts the unprecedented manhunt launched by the US government to bring Booth and his co-conspirators to justice. “Killing Lincoln” is National Geographic’s first original scripted drama, and is directed by Adrian Moat, the Emmy-nominated director of “Gettysburg”. The film garnered a whopping 3.4 million viewers when it premiered on February 17 in the US, scoring the highest viewership in National Geographic Channel history.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Monday, December 3, 2012

Supremo, An Eye Opener

8:21:00 PM

After watching the Supremo this Bonifacio Day, November 30, memories of my college days flashed.  It was the time that I learned and realized how educated and influential Andres Bonifacio is.  Also that was the time I learned things about unwritten events in history.  I really should know about this because it's what I love.

When I received the invitation to watch the advance screening of this movie, I said to myself that I wouldn't let it pass and I really want to watch this and see for myself how Andres Bonifacio is portrayed in this film.   Also I was able to watch an interview of Boy Abunda with Alfred Vargas and according to him he wanted to be remembered as an actor who played the role of Andres Bonifacio just like Cesar Montano who is known to play the role of Jose Rizal.   I was really excited to watch the movie.



About Me

About me
Hi!, This is Marco a.k.a. Toto Blogger and Publisher. I created this blog to provide stories, personal experiences, entertainment, and insights on products I like. I'm here to share and inform you (readers) on things about music, movie, food, travel, and events.

You can also meet my wife on her blog www.mommysmaglife.com.


For project collaborations, product reviews, event invitations, or hotel and resort experience reviews, kindly email me at marcopolojdemo@yahoo.com.



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