After the solemn observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the whole of Christendom now shifts to holiday mode as they prepare for the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations.
With just 53 days left until Christmas Day, vendors in Plaza Quezon, Las Pinas City, are working diligently to create beautiful, colorful lanterns made of bamboo and plastic sheets. This festive activity started on Thursday, November 2, 2023.
These vendors have a wide variety of specific decorations and colors available for their lanterns. According to them, right after All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, decorators and buyers eagerly start purchasing their Christmas lanterns.
(Report and photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
On All Souls’ Day Thursday, 02 November 2023, Vice President Sara Duterte has exhorted all Filipinos that there’s no better way to honor the memories of the departed loved ones than by leading meaningful lives.
At the same time, Duterte urged the Filipinos to pray for continued blessings for the Philippines and protection against calamities, wars, and “other forces.”
“May this become an opportunity for Filipino families to be together to celebrate the lives of the departed and offer earnest prayers for the salvation of their souls,” Duterte said.
She pointed out that the revered holiday allowed the country to pause in honor of all saints that reminded the world of “God’s compassion, mercy, and enduring love.”
“Let us honor the memories of those who have gone before us by leading more meaningful lives guided by the values of love, forgiveness, and peace,” she added.
The Vice President also called on the faithful to solemnly pray and reflect on their devotion and faith.
“A blessed observance to all. Ang lahat para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Shukran.”
Shukran is an Arabic word that means “thank you” and is also being used by Muslim Filipinos.
(ai/mnm)