What's On & Expat - Philippines

Bonifacio Day Marked by Cultural Events
By Carmencita H. Acosta

       Father of Philippine Democracy
Both local and foreign tourists are expected to join the locals in this nationwide tribute to Andres Bonifacio whom commonwealth president Manuel L. Quezon and historians had named the “Father of Philippine Democracy” and the “Father of the Philippine Revolution.” The National Historical Institute commemorates the Philippine Revolution as Asia’s first armed struggle against a colonial power.
   One of the biggest celebrations to be held by the private sector will take place at the historic Philamlife Theater at 7 p.m. on United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila. Three major choirs will present a festive evening concert of patriotic, religious and love songs. These are the University of Baguio Voices Chorale conducted by Gilbert Allan Dispo, the Andres Bonifacio Concert Choir and the Smoky Mountain Children’s Choir both conducted by composer Jerry Dadap. The late composer Felipe Padilla de Leon’s martial music with lyrics set to the poems written by Bonifacio will be played.
   The biggest government sector celebration will be held in Caloocan City where a civic-military parade which starts at 6 a.m. precedes a colorful cultural program of songs and poems featuring participants in Philippine costumes. The biggest and most imposing memorial to Bonifacio is located in the city’s Rotunda, one of the melting pots of Central Luzon.

  Bonifacio was also the first ever to translate Jose Rizal’s poem in Spanish, “Ultimo Adios” (Last Farewell”), a literary piece that has been translated into several Asian and Western languages. The “Decalogo ng Katipunan” (Decalogue of the Katipunan” was considered as that organization’s brief Constitution, enjoining upon all its members to love God, country and fellowmen and to be ready to offer one’s life for the good of the country.

                 Katipunan: Men of Valor
   Bonifacio’s Revolution continued, even after he and his two brothers were assassinated. This armed struggle began by Bonifacio produced such eminent military men as Gregorio del Pilar, Antonio Luna, Emilio Aguinalsdo, Artemio Ricarte, Miguel Malvar, Simeon Ola, Ananaias Diokno: the list is just too long to enumerate, to say nothing of the rank and file who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country’s freedom. Great numbers of Katipunan fighters were executed by firing squad by the Spanish colonial government at the Luneta, then known as Bagumbayan.
   November 30 used to be marked both as Bonifacio Day And National Heroes Day, but the Philippine Legislature transferred National Heroes Day to August’s last Sunday of every year so that the nation can separately celebrate the two important national holidays.

Italian Week Launched with Fashion and Food
By C. Jude Defensor and Francesca L. Ortigas
 

Every year, Italian communities around the world celebrate the week of the Italian language. The Embassy of Italy in the Philippines in collaboration with prominent Philippine universities and Italian and Philippine

company G.I.L, which specializes in leisurewear such as bathrobes, towels and other practical and comfortable apparel for lounging poolside or by the sea.
Mina was briefly in Manila to preview the 2008 collection of Spaziale Splendy robes and leisurewear at the exclusive fashion show that took place on board the Costa Allegra. Fashion took a backseat for the night, however, as guests were instead

Fashion show entertains guests

swept-away by the stellar  spread selected by Caruso’s Dario Gardini and prepared by the restaurant’s Italian-trained chefs.

organizations and companies such as the Philippine-Italian Association and Dante Alighieri Comitato Manila, has planned a series of events in Manila from Nov. 12 to 24. Now in its seventh edition, the project features various events promoting the Italian language and related to different aspects of the Italian culture based on that year’s chosen theme.
   The focus this time is on the sea or il mare as the Italians call it. Italian culture and history revolves around the sea, inspiring statesmen, artists, and explorers to go forth and do great things. And so most appropriately, the week of the Italian Language celebrations were launched onboard the cruise liner Costa Allegra. At the exclusive event, prizes were awarded to Filipino winners of two literary contests in Italian. Guests were also treated to the operatic stylings of a real Italian tenor, a steamy fashion show of stylish Italian swimwear and bathwear, and a wonderful Italian repast while admiring the harbor view of Manila Bay.
   Continuing the nautical theme, the Italian Embassy in Manila led by the affable Ambassador Rubens Fedele and his lovely wife Cosetta hosted a sumptuous seafood dinner at Caruso Pizzeria-Ristorante in Bel Air, Makati. The intimate affair was co-hosted by Italian businessman Emilio Mina, founder and president of the Milan-based garment