CELEBRATING NEW YEAR'S DAY

When it comes to celebrating the New Year, every country and every culture has its unique routines and charms to influence the incoming year. They're believed to bring into the new year good fortune, health, prosperity, and love.

Celebrating the New Year eve is very special. Many people celebrate in their own special way. While some celebrate the occasion with family and friends, some celebrate it with colleagues and peer group. The occasion brings happiness and cheer as with the company of your loved ones, you spend some special moments.

New Year's Eve traditions and superstitions have been a part of human celebrations in all cultures since the beginning of the proverbial race. Whether superstitions first showed up as a deep-seated need to make sense of the world around us, or whether it was to control the world around us isn’t important. What important is the curiosity, hope, laughter, and family unity that traditions undoubtedly bring to every family from every culture.

Go To a Church
Going to a church for celebration is a pious and holly ways to celebrate the New year eve. Such a celebration strengthens the beliefs and trust, building someone to spend the rest of the year in the most honest way.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Like many people around the world, you have probably made one (or ten!) New Year's resolutions. Though a day of relaxing on New Year's Day may be relaxing, consider getting a jump start on your New Year's resolutions. Here are some tips for productive things you can accomplish on January 1.

1). Consider cleaning your closets and giving your clothes to charity. If one of your New Year's resolutions is to clear your house of some clutter, cleaning out your closet is a great way to start the New Year. Once you are done, you will feel instantly relieved at the extra space and organization. Consider separating seasonal clothes as well as dressy clothes or costumes you don't wear often. Having your most common clothes in plain sight will save time in the morning rush to work.

For clothes that are still in decent shape and you simply do not want anymore, consider donating them to charity. You will feel twice as good when the job is done knowing it is going to people in need.

MY CHRISTMAS 2010

Millions of Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas on Saturday. It's a time for gift giving, midnight mass, food, sharing and more.

Share us your stories, plans on spending Christmas. You can send also send us your Christmas photos, unforgettable Christmas moments with friends, families, someone, and or other people.

Christians in the UAE are well catered for with a large mix of churches and parishes to attend with services and masses in as many languages as there are nationalities, or nearly.

Parishioners are devotionally attending Christmas midnight mass

The Christmas season starts on Christmas Eve, or the night that Jesus Christ was born and lasts until January 6, or the day that the Wise Men visited the child Jesus, celebrated as the Epiphany.

 

 Roman Catholics and Protestants celebrate Christmas on December 25. Greek, Syrian, and Ethiopian orthodox churches celebrate on January 6  and Armenian Christians celebrate it on January 18.




 Send Christmas cards to family and friends wishing them a merry Christmas and a happy new year.


Set up a live or artificial Christmas tree in your home. Decorate it with ornaments and lights.


Hang mistletoe in a doorway. It is traditional for people to kiss when they stand underneath this small, scented sprig.


Place lights and other decorations on the outside of your house and on your outdoor shrubs and trees.


Buy gifts for family and friends and pile them under the tree.


Hang stockings from your mantel so Santa can leave little items inside when he visits.




Ask your children to write down a wish list of the toys they would like to receive.


Share the list with Santa Claus so he can fill their requests. Expect him to arrive on Christmas Eve in a sled drawn by reindeer, carrying a red sack filled with gifts.

Play Christmas music in your house to get in the holiday spirit; some popular choices include "Silent Night" and "Deck the Halls."

Prepare a huge Christmas feast with foods such as turkey, ham, stuffing and vegetables; serve mince pie for dessert. Include other favorite recipes from your childhood holiday meals.




Ask your children to write down a wish list of the toys they would like to receive.


Share the list with Santa Claus so he can fill their requests. Expect him to arrive on Christmas Eve in a sled drawn by reindeer, carrying a red sack filled with gifts.

Play Christmas music in your house to get in the holiday spirit; some popular choices include "Silent Night" and "Deck the Halls."

Prepare a huge Christmas feast with foods such as turkey, ham, stuffing and vegetables; serve mince pie for dessert. Include other favorite recipes from your childhood holiday meals.

Filipinos are gearing up for Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
Photo Credit by Vic Candilanza

ONLY CHRISTIAN CHRONOLOGICAL SITE IN THE UAE




The pre-Islamic monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island has now opened to the public, 20 years after it was first discovered

 

Guided tour: Visitors to the site are told about the history of the monastery as archaeologists continue to dig








From above: Rooms within the monastery become more obvious from the sky

  
CHRONOLOGY

50-350 Christianity spreads throughout the Gulf region, following the trade routes to India and China.

Circa 600 Monastery at Sir Bani Yas is established; its use continues into the early Islamic period.

750 Monastic buildings are abandoned and begin to decay.

1820s British East India Company surveys the island and the waters around it, drawing attention to natural harbour (Meriton Bay). British sources mention pearl beds.

1930s Abandonment of villages on Sir Bani Yas Island after the collapse of the pearl trade.

1950s-60s Sir Bani Yas used by British Navy for target practice.

1971-2006 Island is privately owned by Sheikh Zayed and developed as wildlife sanctuary.

1991 First pieces of pottery discovered in former llama pens by a party from the Emirates Natural History Group.

1992-1996 Survey and excavations by Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeological Survey.

1996 Excavation ends.

2007 Island begins to be developed as a tourist resort.

2009 Start of a programme of excavation, conservation and development led by Tourism Development and Investment Company to enable the partly excavated monastery site to be displayed.

DOC PAT'S CREATIVE CAKES

All Cakes are Guaranteed fresh, homemade and coming from the heart :-)

leche flan / creme caramel

     

YFC CUP CAKES

  

TOP THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI ON HOLIDAYS (5)



It has 9 bedroom 4 storey car; made up of fiber glass and made in 1992.



A remarkable caravan trailer, which is part of the private collection of Shaikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan

 Welcome to Emirates National Auto Museum. 
This museum is an amazing private collection of H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.

The collection houses a vast array of cars and other vehicles; some seemingly bought from owners there and then, such as a customised camper van, others received as presents from all around the world. While some have been kept as originally intended, others have been modified to suit the Sheikh's preference.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI ON HOLIDAYS (4)

 ABU DHABI FISH MARKET, MINA PORT, ABU DHABI, UAE

Mina Fish Market Sign, Abu Dhabi Fish Market


On Friday morning, a visit to the Mina Port Fish Market and a shopping spree of fresh seafood is a good way to spend your hard earned salary. At 7:30 a.m. the fish market is already packed with shoppers. Most of them are Filipinos who are working here in UAE.

The fish market at the old fishing village is a covered and air-conditioned market where both locals and expats of all ages were bargaining for the freshest seafood.



TOP THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI ON HOLIDAYS (3)

THE CORNICHE, ABU DHABI, UAE

Corniche is most remarkable tourist place. Some sandy beaches of Abu Dhabi are located along the Corniche. A new Corniche is being proposed after looking at the popularity of this Corniche.



Abu Dhabi landmarks and monuments in Corniche, Abu Dhabi



The Corniche is a long road that extends almost 6 km or 4 miles from the Sheraton Hotel to the Hilton Hotel. There are several gardens lined all along the Corniche around the coastal boulevard that borders the city. The ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, loves greenery and gardens and fountains are the result of that love. The other important feature of the city is the fountains and can be seen on every intersection of the Corniche. With the modern buildings facing the sea for the background, it is one of the most picturesque sites in Abu Dhabi. Some of the sensational sandy beaches of Abu Dhabi are located along the seafront Corniche.

Underground tunnel in Abu Dhabi by the Corniche

There are a number of beaches in Abu Dhabi where locals and tourists alike can enjoy sun, sand and sea, but none provide the variety that can be found at the Corniche, which is home to Abu Dhabi's premier beach and beachside activities.

The Corniche Beach now stretches almost as far as the Corniche road itself, and what once provided no more than a pleasant seafront walk for visitors, the Corniche now provides a place for all to spend time relaxing, under the shade of palm trees or purpose built umbrellas, or simply having fun in the sun.

Yes, despite this beach being a lively attraction to many, space is available for those who want to relax in reasonably tranquil surroundings. For those who want to do no more than read a book and sunbathe and perhaps take a dip in the sea, peace and quiet really can be found on this bustling beach because a section has being designated to cater for those with such requirements. For a few dirhams, visitors can gan entry to the private section where peace and quiet reigns and comfortable sunbeds are available for rent.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI ON HOLIDAYS (2)

HERITAGE VILLAGE, ABU DHABI, UAE

Heritage Village, Abu Dhabi

 The Emirates Heritage Club was initiated by H. H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to safeguard the legacy and customs of the UAE. It was launched on May 9, 1993. On June 16, 1997 H. H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Vice High Commander of the Armed Forces, published the Presidential Decree No 14 of 1997 for a certified commencement of the Emirates Heritage Club.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI ON HOLIDAYS (1)

SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE, ABU DHABI

The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is probably the most imposing religious and national landmark in Abu Dhabi to date. It is also arguably one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary UAE society - and one of the most beautiful in the world - initiated no less by the late president HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is fondly thought of as the father of the UAE.

First considerations to build the Mosque began in the late 1980s and much thought was given to its location and its design over the next decade. The initial architectural design was agreed upon and the inaugural cornerstone laid in the late 1990s.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, popularly called the Grand Mosque by local residents, is seen as a construction to ‘unite the world’, using artisans and materials from countries such as Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Iran, China, Greece and the UAE. More than 3,000 workers and 38 renowned contracting companies took part in the construction of the Mosque.

FILIPINO KARE-KARE

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 kilo beef (round or sirloin cut) cut into cubes (for a more traditional kare kare, use cleaned beef tripe instead of beef)
1/2 kilo oxtail, cut 2 inch long
3 cups of peanut butter
1/4 cup grounded toasted rice
1/2 cup cooked bagoong alamang (anchovies)
2 pieces onions, diced
2 heads of garlic, minced
4 tablespoons atsuete oil
4 pieces eggplant, sliced 1 inch thick
1 bundle Pechay (Bok choy) cut into 2 pieces
1 bundle of sitaw (string beans) cut to 2" long
1 banana bud, cut similar to eggplant slices, blanch in boiling water
1/2 cup oil
8 cups of water
Salt to taste

HOW TO BE GRACIOUS / GIVING ON CHRISTMAS SEASON

The Holiday season is a time for giving. Many of us tend to take what we have for granted and forget about those less fortunate than ourselves.

So here are some tips to help you live a more giving life. What better gift can you give than a gift of giving.

1. Collect all of your clothing, coats, sweaters that you never wear and that are in good condition. Shoes, hats, we are all guilty of making purchases for clothing and such that we end up never wearing with tags still intact! Fold nicely or hang on a hanger.

2. Collect items like candle holders, table cloths, mirrors, any nice home decor that you have thrown in the closet after revamping your home style! As the saying goes "One mans junk is another mans treasure"!

REMEMBER THOSE LESS FORTUNATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON...

Remember Those Less Fortunate This Christmas Season...

It doesn't matter how much or how little you do to spread Christmas cheer to those in need at Christmas; so long as you remember that each kind act you take will brighten the season for somebody. A smile, a kind word and a few minutes of your time may be all it takes to give a stranger a very merry Christmas.. ~ Isabel Saguinsin II

MANILA ZOOLOGICAL & BOTANICAL GARDENS

On July 25, 1959, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden opened its doors to the public. It serves as one of the educational centers in the country where the viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts about the beauty of Philippine fauna and flora.

   

The zoo has 30 different kinds of mammals, 63 reptile species and 13 types of birds. The Manila Zoo also has a "kinder" zoo where children can play with tamed animals and learn about them and their environment. The "kinder" zoo features a butterfly dome, exotic birds aviary, koi pond, a petting zoo, turtle pond, party barn, a hanging bridge, playground, and a flamingo pond. Here you can also see exotic animals like the Kayman Crocodiles, peacocks, Peahen Ducks, different types of chickens from all over the world, rabbits, snakes, Sulcata Tortoises and Ostriches.

  

The zoo occupies 5.5 hectares of land and it houses several endemic and indigenous animals such as the long tailed macaques, crocodiles and the bearcats.

SIQUIJOR ISLAND - The Island of Fire and Magic

Siquijor is an island province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas region. Its capital is the municipality also named Siquijor. To the northwest of Siquijor are Cebu and Negros, to the northeast is Bohol and to the south, across the Bohol Sea is Mindanao.


Siquijor is the third smallest province in the country both in terms of population and land area, after Camiguin and Batanes. For a time it was sub-province of Negros Oriental. Called Isla del Fuego or the “Island of Fire” by the Spanish before, Siquijor is considered by many Filipinos to be a mystical island, full of witches and other supernatural phenomena.


Siquijor's reputation as a place of magic and sorcery both attracts visitors and keeps them away.

LECHON KAWALI

Estimated cooking time: 50 minutes
Makes 2-4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 lbs pork liempo (pork belly)
•3 garlic cloves, crushed
•2 laurel leaves (bay leaves)
•1 teaspoon peppercorns or 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• salt
• water, for boiling
• oil (for frying)

PORK SISIG

Estimated cooking time: 3 to 4 hours
INGREDIENTS:
•1-1/2 lbs pork cheeks (or 2 lbs deboned pork hocks)
•1/2 lb beef or pork tongue
•1/2 lb beef or pork heart
•1/2 lb liver (pork, beef or chicken)
•2 cups water (for boiling)
•1 cup pineapple juice (for boiling)
•1 tsp whole black peppers (for boiling)