JORO, the new beginning

The Filipino Bayanihan Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:25:00 +0000

Filipinos are really fantastic in terms of good values that I think nobody else on this earth can surpass. Even for these days in this modern world, the true blooded Filipino especially for those living in the rural areas will never forget the golden value of Pinoy.

I witnessed it by myself when I travelled to Dipolog City together with my dear Jojo and riding a rented pedicab driven by Bobby the true camaderie of my fellow provincemates of Zamboanga del Norte. This is what we called in tagalog, 'bayanihan' but I don't know in bisaya, I think it's 'magtinabangay'. I was actually enjoying the still beautiful scenery of Dapitan river winding at the foot of the mountains in Ilaya. I even captured the scenic view of the river which still the same as before.

You know what I'd seen. The small nipa house was in the middle of the highway as men carried them across the road. And there were so many people witnessing it and showing their support. It was only a very small native nipa hut but it only showed the strong camaraderie of the community. I don't know if this still occuring in the urban cities. That righteous event was witnessed in my camera and I am so happy about it. I'm very proud of being a Pinoy.

Filipinos really valued our good virtues that we inherited from our ancestors. They are good values and it never fade for so many generations has had passed. For us, I am very proud of what I have witnessed and I just hope that this will go on and be passed to our next generation.

Happy Easter To You All!

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 05:37:00 +0000

Jesus is alive! Alleluia! The Paschal Mystery of our Lord Jesus Christ comes to fruition today with the celebration of His Resurrection. The glory of God is shown in the Resurrection of Jesus on the third day after His crucifixion on Mount Calvary.

Our mourning has been turned into rejoicing. The darkness has been conquered by the light. The scars on his body have been turned into stars of victory over sin and death. This is the greatest feast in Christianity – Jesus lives on and will forever reign in our hearts!

The resurrection should be seen in the context of the life and ministry of Jesus. The disciples believed that through the resurrection, God had vindicated Jesus. God favored his Son for being faithful to his mission of proclaiming the Good News to all.

We prepared for this great season for 40 days with prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. All these were intended to break us from our worldly attachments and focus on the most important things in our life – things that will nourish our relationship with the Lord and with one another. Unless we let go of our selfish desires, we will never experience the tremendous power of God over us.

We will only share in the Easter joy if we truly respond to his offer of life and love. Like Jesus, we shall be glorified if we become faithful to the mission God has entrusted to each one of us – a mission of bringing the Good News to all.

In a world filled with darkness, we are called to bring the Good News of hope to our society today. Easter is a celebration of hope. We are a people of the Resurrection. As we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we are called to be strong and not anymore be defeated by humanity’s selfishness and greed. We must breathe life into our seemingly hopeless world. We are also called to enhance and nurture all of creation so as to serve the needs of all.

May the Easter joy prod us to live a life pleasing to God.

source: Manila Bulletin editorial

Black Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 07:35:00 +0000

The most important events in Christianity are the death and later resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Jewish prophet who Christians believe is the Son of God, and whose life and teachings are the foundation of Christianity.

Good Friday is the Friday before Easter. It commemorates the execution of Jesus by crucifixion.

Good Friday is a day of mourning in church. During special Good Friday services Christians meditate on Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith.

In some countries, there are special Good Friday processions, or re-enactments of the Crucifixion.

The main service on Good Friday takes place between midday and 3pm. In many churches it takes the form of a meditation based on the seven last words of Jesus on the cross, with hymns, prayers, and short sermons.

The last words of Jesus Christ from the cross:

The Bible quotes seven last sentences that Jesus spoke from the Cross.

Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. -Luke 23:34

Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. -Luke 23:43

Woman, here is your son... Here is your mother -John 19:26

Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?
(My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?) -Mark 15:34

I am thirsty -John 19:28

It is finished -John 19:30

Father, into your hands I commend my spirit -Luke 23:46

Good Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 07:33:00 +0000

Maundy Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:32:00 +0000

In the Christian calendar, Holy Thursday - also called Maundy Thursday and, in the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches,

Great Thursday is the feast or holy day on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is followed by Good Friday.

On this day four events are commemorated: the washing of the Disciples' feet by Jesus Christ,

the institution of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Christ by Judas.

The evening celebration of these events marks the beginning of what is called the Easter Triduum or Sacred Triduum.

The Latin word "triduum" means a three-day period, and the triduum in question is that of the three days from the death to the resurrection of Jesus.

In the time of Jesus, and still today in some cultures, such as the Jewish, the (24-hour) day was reckoned not from midnight, but from sunset.

The Last Supper was held at what present-day Western civilization considers to be the evening of Holy Thursday but what was then considered to be the first hours of Friday.

Its annual commemoration thus begins the three-day period or triduum of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, days of special devotion that celebrate as a single action the death and resurrection of Christ, the central events of Christianity.

source: BBC

Happy Valentines!

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Saint Valentine's Day or Valentine's Day is on February 14. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other; sending Valentine's cards, candy, or donations to charities, often anonymously. It is very common to present flowers on Valentine's Day. The holiday is named after two men, both Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines". Modern Valentine symbols include the heart-shaped outline and the figure of the winged Cupid. Since the 19th century, handwritten notes have largely given way to mass-produced greeting cards. The Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. The association estimates that women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

In the United States, the marketing of Valentine's Day has tagged it as a "Hallmark holiday"
source: Wilkepedia

Snow Again

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:11:00 +0000

Northfield under snow. Well, what a view and what a change to Northfield. I love the snow and Northfield is having a new colour, WHITE.

More Snow Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:27:00 +0000

This is a continuation of the snow blizzard that struck the entire UK and Europe. I took these photos with my bike even if, it was so dangerous to drive. It's because, I love SNOW.

Sinulog Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:24:00 +0000

Sinulog is a dance, said to have a pagan origin but was later incorporated into the Christian faith by the first native Cebuanos to be converted to Christianity as an expression of praise to the child Jesus (called by the Spanish colonizers Santo Niño, which translates to "Holy Child" in English).

During the Santo Niño fiesta, which falls on the third Sunday of January, children dressed moro-moro costumes also dance the Sinulog. To distinguish the festival from the popular Ati-atihan Festival in Aklan, the organizers decided to use the parade to depict the history of the Sinulog which, as had been said, is the dance which links the country's pagan pasty and Christian present. Seven floats were created to depict seven different periods of history. Each float was followed by dancers wearing costumes depicting the periods. They all danced with the Sinulog beat. The parade started at 1 P.M. at the Cebu Provincial Capitol and ended about midnight at Fort San Pedro-Plaza Independencia area. The show continued until the wee hours of the morning. This made Sinulog the country's biggest spectacle. So every year thereafter, the Sinulog parade and activities became bigger and better…
Before 1980, sinulog was purely a religious ritual performed within the confines of the Santo Niño church, usually by aging women who hold a candle in each upstretched hand and do alternating forward and backward dance steps with the feet. To enhance the dancing, either a boy or an old man stands nearby with a snare drum strapped around his waist, letting the drumsticks produce that distinctive rhythm now familiar to most Cebuanos, the sinulog beat.
While performing the sinulog, the dancer mumbles prayers of petition, punctuated by shouts of "Pit Senyor!" every now and then. Sometimes, the dancer holds a candle with one hand and a handkerchief in the other. Still at other times, she holds with both hands a copy of the image (statuette) of the original Santo Niño image, keeping it elevated as she performs the dance, to endow it with the blessings of the child Jesus. The dance is performed in front of the altar where the Santo Niño image stands inside a glass casing. The sinulog dancer does not always dance inside the church. At times she dances just outside the front door, but still facing the altar.
In 1980, sinulog took to the streets and assumed the status of a cultural show for visitors and city residents alike. Sinulog became a cultural parade consisting basically of dancers, floats, and higantes.

There are now two aspects of Sinulog: the religious ritual and the street spectacle patterned after (but not quite copied from) the South American mardi gras. It became a well-organized annual affair timed to the religious Feast of Santo Niño, which falls on the third weekend of January. There is now a Sinulog Foundation, which manages the cultural aspect of sinulog.

Just Right For The Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:21:00 +0000

Blustery winter weather paralyzed Britain and parts of Europe Wednesday, frustrating air travelers, stranding motorists and keeping thousands from their jobs and schools. There were so many airports closed and flights cancelled.

Forecasters blamed the prolonged cold snap on an arctic weather system that promises more cold weather through the month. Britain's weather office warned that, if the cold keeps up through the end of February, this will be the country's coldest winter in three decades.

But for me, I do like it. I like it because I love snow and I love to see the white snowflakes falling from the sky and accumulated in the ground. As of this writing, the snow has gone due to rain that washed it away.

I wish it will come back again.

What A Snow

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:08:00 +0000

A deluge of snow across Birmingham and the rest of UKBritain at the start of 2010 forced the suspension flights at Birmingham, Luton and East Midlands airports and disrupted road and rail travel. So many schools were closed because of the treacherous roads due to ice and snow.

The Met Office, which has weather warnings in place for much of England, Scotland and Wales, said it expected further snowfall this weekend following a week that has seen the heaviest snow for nearly 30 years in some parts of Britain and the coldest winter of all times.

Runways at Birmingham, Luton and East Midlands airports were closed for clearing, with flights expected to resume later in the day, the airports said.

National Rail said train services in Wales, Yorkshire and central and south west England were affected by delays and cancellations.

The Highways Agency said traffic was moving slowly on main routes but that so far none had been closed because of the snow.
Photos below;

Happy 3 Kings

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:50:00 +0000

The Epiphany is an ancient Christian feast day and is significant in a number of ways.
"Three Kings", or "Three Wise Men", redirects here.

In Christian tradition the Magi (Greek: μάγοι, magoi), Three Wise Men, Three Kings or Kings from the East are said to have visited Jesus after his birth, bearing gifts. They are mentioned only in the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 2;1-12) , which says that they came "from the east to Jerusalem" to worship the Christ, "born King of the Jews".

Because three gifts were recorded, there are traditionally said to have been three Magi like Balthazar, Melchor and Caspar with their gifts like gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In the East, where it originated, the Epiphany celebrates the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. It also celebrates Jesus' birth.

The Western Church began celebrating the Epiphany in the 4th century where it was, and still is, associated with the visit of the magi (wise men) to the infant Jesus when God revealed himself to the world through the incarnation of Jesus.For many Protestant church traditions, the season of Epiphany extends from 6 January until Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent leading to Easter.

Other traditions, including the Roman Catholic tradition, observe Epiphany as a single day, with the Sundays following Epiphany counted as Ordinary Time.

The Epiphany is also known as Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day). Christianity celebrates the Magi on the day of Epiphany, January 6, the last of the twelve days of Christmas, particularly in the Spanish-speaking parts of the world. In Spain, each one of the Magi is supposed to represent one different continent, Europe (Caspar), Asia (Melchior) and Africa (Balthasar).

Additonal happenings:

Last New Year Day, I was invited by Wilmer for a dinner in his new house here in Northfield. He never told me about the occasion and the reason why he was preparing for a dinner but at least, I was invited.

Anyway, I attended the party and the food presentation was really good. All can I say to Wilmer is that he is really a good cook. Also, credit to Sheila, her housemate for preparing the foods.

Not so many people were there, mostly Ilonggos and Ilonggas were there but it was fun, good foods. I was on my bike and the weather was so frosty and terribly cold. I went home early.

Happy New Year World! 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 16:22:00 +0000

I, myself, a believer of this old Chinese tradition by collecting 13 types of rounded fruits , one for each month and the 13th fruit for the extra month. What a supertitious but there's nothing wrong if you follow it.

As early as December 30, I started fruit hunting in Sainsburys here in Northfield and I managed to get all the 13 rounded fruits like the apples (green and red), kiwis, pears, grapes (white and red), melon, cranberrry, raspberry, cherries, plums, grapefruits, guava and avocado. The lady in the till was a bit surprised why I had these many fruits in loose ones.

Baconotte, Chez, Pinky, Sweetie, Sikyu, Panda were all excited. Bacon will wear her traditional polka dot dress bought by her daddy in Adams.

I displayed my fruits in my dining table and I managed to eat some of it during the gong of the new year. I opened my door from the outside, then threw some coins inside the house and rolled 8 oranges. I had eated 12 pieces of grapes, one for each month is meant to bring wealth and luck.

Filipinos borrow many traditions from the Chinese, and the idea of letting go of bad luck/bad spirits and ushering in good luck for the coming new year is the overall theme for Filipino New Year celebrations. It is believed that during New Year’s Eve is said to bring good luck and prosperity to the family for the coming year. Why 13 round fruits, you ask? 13 is a lucky number to the Chinese, and the fruits’ round shape resembles coins. Hence, wealth and prosperity.

Related links below:
Joro Livelihood
Joro, The New Beginning
Absolutely Joro
The World Of Joro
The Tale Of A Bukidnon Lad
Baconchezjoro Multiply

Merry Christmas To All!

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:31:00 +0000

"I'm dreaming of a WHITE CHRISTMAS." Yes, the wait is over. Finally, today, 23rd of December 2009, Wednesday, the dream comes true as the whole Britain is blanketed with horrendous snow. This is my first WHITE CHRISTMAS here. I think the bookies are losing money out of it. The prediction of a WHITE CHRISTMAS is here.

The Filipino Community had just concluded the 9 days SIMBANG GABI (night mass) last night, 23rd of December, here in Our Lady of St. Brigids Church in Northfield, Birmingham. The mass was officiated by our resident Filipino priest, Rev. Fr. Edgar Dizon.

It was attended with all Filipinos catholic faithfuls. The mass started at 530pm and ended at about 7pm. After the mass, there was a buffet in the school lobby. There were wide arrays of foods but because of so many people attended the mass, we all tried to grab for our foods.

Anyway, it ended with a raffle draw and I was not lucky enough. I went home after that and stayed at home with my kids. The one with the golden teddy smile above is my beloved BACON.

The mass in St. Brigids Catholic Church in Northfield, Birmingham.

Stagecoach Made Of Toothpicks

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 17:31:00 +0000

Wow, this is fabulous art and tt took thousands of hours and bucket-loads of patience but a model maker created a life-size stagecoach from 1.5million toothpicks. Terry Woodling spent 15 years creating the Wells Fargo replica using wooden sticks and glue. Known as Mr Toothpick, he made models for years but this was his most ambitious project. It cost him more than £700 but the model was bought for £80,000 by Ripley’s Believe It or Not! ‘I never kept track of the hours I spent working on it, only the years,’ said the 72-year-old from Warsaw, Indiana.

Christmas Lights Swtich On

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:53:00 +0000

There was a big affair in Northfield last Saturday, 5th of December. I was wondering why there was a road diversion in our road going to Maas Road.

As I went to work with my bike, I noticed the diversion signs in Maas, Rochester and Church Roads. Then, I realized that on that day was the switching on of the christmas lights in Northfield.

It was a very wintry rainy cold day and I think the temperatures plummeted to zero degrees centigrade or beyond that.

After my duty, which was actually my overtime, I pedalled my way home passing Northfield. There were road closures for the roads that I mentioned earlier. In the middle of the road of Birstol Road South, just right the post office and Boots was a small stage with so many performers. There was a lorry for the blood pressure and the Royal Marines booth. But the rain never ended and it kept on pouring. It didn't bother them and the show must go on.

More of the article by clicking the link below:

I proceeded to the Northfield Shopping and there was a big christmas tree with gnomes sorrounding it. And of course, there was Santa Claus sitting on the chair, posing with kids for a picture taking for a fee of £3.50. I liked the dwarfs playing.

Then, stood near the stage of the children performing but the swiching on the lights would be by 6pm. So, I decided to go home first and came back few minutes before 6pm.

Exactly 6pm when the most awaited swiching on of the christmas lights took place. The carnival queen of Northfield and her prince were the one who switched on the lights. It was really a very very cold night.

As the christmas lights were swiched on, everybody were happy with joy and at last, it is the start of christmas.

Related links below:

Joro Livelihood
Absolutely Joro
The World Of Joro
The Tale Of A Bukidnon Lad

My Birthday Update

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:58:00 +0000

This is an update of the recently concluded birthday party of mine. Actually, it is already too late to publish but it's late than never.

There were so many guests that attended, all my friends and belongs to our Filipino community here in Birmingham. My house was being attacked with children and the likes of my friends. It was catered by Orly's catering, nice foods and the price is acceptable.

It is a joint birthday party, of course, who else other than Bacon, my everdearest daughter and her sons, Chez, Sikyu, Sweetie, Pinky, Joro, Booh, Panda and Bulilit.

Warwick Castle's Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 23:02:00 +0000

I've been to Warwick Castle so many times but only at this time at we went there on a holiday, Halloween. People bringing their whole families had enjoyed the treat of the castle. There were so many attractions to look at like the hill climbing and the white lady is waiting for you at the top plus the vampire bats that you passed through on your way to the summit.

The grounds was filled with outdoor shows that depicts the century date of time way back hundred years. The inside of the castle was also decorated with halloween theme full of cobwebs and creepy creatures.

Well, Warwick Castle is full of mystery and history. It's the best of all the castles and a must to visit place.

Yeheey, It's My Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:39:00 +0000

Happy BirthdayRolly Bacon Chez Sikyu Sweetie Joro Booh Pinky Panda BulilitFinally, the wait is over and I can't deny it that it's my birthday. There will be a birthday party to be held here at home and catering courtesy of Orly catering. Hope you can come and join the fun.

What A Photograph

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:56:00 +0000

Emmanuel Coupe’s award-winning picture of the pinnacles of The Old Man Of Storr
A photograph of shafts of light breaking through the cloud over the Isle of Skye has won a top award. Emmanuel Coupe's picture of the pinnacles of The Old Man Of Storr earned him £10,000 and the Landscape Photographer of the Year Award. The Paris-based photographer's shot was chosen from thousands of entries.

The top 100 pictures featuring Britain's diverse landscape - from ancient woodland to the Houses of Parliament - will go on show at the Take A View exhibition at the National Theatre in London from December 5.

'This extraordinary collection of photographs serves as a reminder of the enduring beauty of our countryside, its wonderful wildlife and of the vital natural services that a healthy environment provides', said Dr Helen Phillips of Natural England, which is supporting the exhibition along with the English National Park Authorities.

Rosas Pandan

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 16:42:00 +0000

I just found this video in facebook posted by one of my friends. When I watched it, I was really amazed. It is a great rendition of the greatest Visayan classical hit, Rosas Pandan. The GAA Chorale sings a Visayan Folk Song at the 2008 Spring concert. It is fabulous and a big plus for all bisdak.

Watch it.

Reminiscing

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:15:00 +0000

I just found this old photo of mine when I was still a pupil in my elementary years. I don't have any photos when I was still a kid because as what papa and mama told me, it was misplaced and lost apparently.

But anyway, I found this photo when I went home last year and my memories suddenly popped up reminiscing this memorable photo. I studied in the same school as my father was the school principal and I think I got a wound on my elbow.

Well, nice to have it and memories are memories, not to be forgotten.

Happy Birthday, Papa

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:44:00 +0000

Today, October 9 is the birthday of my deceased Papa Dioning. If he is still alive today, he will be turning 85 years old. Eventhough, he is not here anymore and I can't be with him forever, we are still celebrating his birthday, just for family only.

I really miss him. He is such a wonderful father to me and for all the siblings and the family. I am always praying for him that he will be forgiven for all his sins and be given a place in heaven.

Happy Birthday, Papa.

Wilmer's House Blessing And Warming

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:07:00 +0000

My friend, Wilmer Ragudo, finally had his mortgaged house blessed by Fr. Edgar Dizon. I came late as usual and missed the blessing. I came there by bike.

As usual, lots of foods served in a buffet style.. I joined with Mayette, Eva and Salve in their table. It was a bit chilly afternoon and you could feel the autumn breeze. It was so windy as well. There were not so many guests that attended. Some of Wilmer's colleagues were there enjoying the chat in the garden.

I went home at about 4pm when I met an accident. Full details here.

World's Giant Bear Gummy

noreply@blogger.com (Joro Livelihood) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:05:00 +0000

I read this from Metro and well, it's amazing. Have you ever munched your way through an entire bag of jelly babies but felt like you needed more to get your fix? Perhaps you're looking for that elusive Christmas present for your sweet-toothed chums who have no fear of diabetes?

Well, help is at hand. Sweetie makers (in the US – where else?) have unveiled the world's largest gummy bear. Weighing 2.3kg (5lb), the giant confectionery is the size of 1,400 regular sweets and is 23cm tall.

It also contains 12,600 calories – the same as six days worth of the recommended adult intake – making this one candied caniform to keep away from the children. Although not available in shops here, it can be ordered online for $29.99 (£18.43) from VAT19.com.