Lent 2013: Embracing Christ in Our Lives

"The journey may be quite long, but in the process, we reflect on our Christian living, renew our religious vow, and enjoy a happy beginning of a renewed self  by embracing Christ forever."



Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season among Christians and its denominations worldwide. This is a significant annual liturgical event commemorating Christ's 40-day journey of sacrifice and penitence, during which he endured suffering and temptations toward his destination.

The ash, a potent symbol of our faith, is not just a mark on our foreheads. It is a profound reminder of our mortality, our spiritual journey, and our commitment to Christ. It is made from the burnt palm leaves of the previous year's Palm Sunday, mixed with holy water, and applied to the forehead in the shape of a cross. This ritual, performed after the homily, is a powerful moment of reflection and renewal.

The ash is not an ordinary symbol of the Christian faith. It is a reminder that we came from ash, and from there shall we return by what is written in the book of Genesis. It also reminds us of a spiritual conversion to reunite with Christ and have Him as our life's center.

The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, a significant place of worship for many Christians, holds special services and processions during the Lenten season, particularly on Ash Wednesday. This basilica is a symbol of our faith and a reminder of Christ's sacrifice.

The celebration of Ash Wednesday is significant to everyone, regardless of religious affiliation and faith. It sends us the message of repentance from our faults, penitence by sacrificing something for God's glory, and fasting as a means of self-sacrifice. It may sound doable, but it would take courage and a deeper understanding of the essence of this religious rite.

Like Christ, followers may have made a relevant sacrifice in our time. Fasting could mean giving up food by not overeating, resulting in gluttony, which is considered a sin in the Christian law. The budget for food on this day may go to someone who needs it the most. I remember in college the teachings of our Professor in Religious education about the corporal works of mercy, which include feeding the hungry. These are acts of charity that directly benefit the physical needs of others. It is not just a one-day practice; any day is the best time to give something to others in need.

Today's homily reminds us to sacrifice, even for a single day. Some would give up their meal, others would give up vices, and some would donate something to the needy. From a deeper perspective, this is significant since we are taught not to be attached to things that would give us harm and trouble later on.

Our little sacrifice would remind us that some people genuinely suffer while others enjoy life's luxuries. So many people are left hungry, while some would have wasted their food. This is the time to reflect on our life's purpose as Christians--that everything we have is not permanent.

The beginning of Lent is the beginning of our sacrifice, tolerance, and survival. This is like observing Christ's passion, death, and resurrection for 40 days until Easter. The journey may be quite long, but in the process, we reflect on our Christian living, renew our religious vow, and enjoy a happy beginning of a continued self by embracing Christ in our lives forever. Tolerance and survival here refer to our ability to endure and overcome challenges, just as Christ did during his 40-day journey.


© 2013 Del Cusay

Celebrating Chinese New Year 2013: A New Beginning

The celebration of the Chinese New Year is based on the belief that the lunar calendar month marks the beginning of the spring season. The Chinese widely observe it in many countries, where they have formed a community known as 'Chinatown.'

Chinese New Year brings hope, good luck, and prosperity to people. It is the beginning of another year full of positive aspirations to achieve for self, family, and community. The colorful festivities in dominant red bring abundance and spare negativity in any form. On this particular day, people wear red color shirts and make home decorations in red that symbolize prosperity. Since most Chinese are engaged in business, they always put something red in their buildings to attract wealth for the new year and beyond.

Binondo, one of Manila's busiest and most populated districts, is home to the Filipino-Chinese community, popularly called 'Tsinoy.' Although they are found in various areas of the Philippines, the significant population and highest concentration of their population is located in the Chinatown of Binondo, Manila.

Lion dance along Ongpin St. Binondo, Manila

I was lucky to witness and celebrate the event with the 'Tsinoys' in Binondo. My trip started with a bit of prayer in the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, known as the 'Binondo Church.' This is where the 'Tsinoys' of the Christian faith usually go to pray and strengthen their spiritual lives.

A few steps from the church, the journey commences on the old street of Ongpin. A variety of Chinese merchandise offers products and services on this busy street. Gold shops of high quality can be found in this little yet vibrant place. Restaurants catering to authentic Chinese cuisine, including the 'President's Grand Palace' and the 'President's Tea House,' relax your senses. 

Shops cater to Chinese delicacies like the famous 'Eng Bee Tin,' which produces tikoy and hopia in different variants and flavors. I've seen people stand in a long line just to satisfy their cravings for this food that is said to bring good luck. According to Chinese norms, the 'tikoy' is made of sticky glutinous rice flour, thus symbolizing a well-bonded family and relationship.

Red lanterns in Chinatown Mall to welcome the new year

The most common business in Ongpin is lucky charms and decor. There is so much jewelry, depending on form and color, for different purposes. One has to wear a particular bracelet or necklace to attract prosperity and drive away bad luck. Red lanterns in various sizes and forms are used for home decoration to symbolize wealth and good luck.

One of the most exciting parts is witnessing the lion dance. This mythical Chinese creature gracefully moves as it is maneuvered by several dancers. They perform lion dances from one shop to another for an opportunity to receive angpao, or the red envelope with money. They have always succeeded in entertaining business owners with a well-rehearsed and choreographed presentation.

There is also a dragon dance, which is quite long and carried by several dancers. Like the lion dance, it is a powerful mythical creature in Chinese culture. The dance is to spare negativity in business, the house, and the environment. Both dance presentations are seen throughout Binondo's New Year's celebration, particularly in Ongpin. They are colorful, entertaining, and attract a crowd.

In a traditional Chinese family, 'angpao' is given to the unmarried and usually children. The little kids fall in line and patiently wait for their turn to receive 'angpao' from the elderly or their grandparents. They are expected to greet the Happy New Year in Chinese as they receive it, but they are not supposed to open the red envelope until they run away from the giver.

During the Chinese New Year, there are several ways of greeting people in a language that is known to them. Whether you hear the greetings 'Kung Hei Fat Choi,' 'Gong Xi Fa Chai,' or 'Kiong He Huat Tsai,' they are valid forms of New Year greetings. They do not literally mean 'Happy New Year,' but they mean congratulating and wishing someone prosperity. 

Giant red lanterns are legendary Chinese handicraft that symbolizes good luck.

In the Philippines, the standard greeting is 'Kung Hei Fat Choi,' which is made the standard in media and other printed publications. It is a Cantonese greeting, usually spoken in Hong Kong and Macau, but the 'Tsinoys' speak 'Hokkien' and prefer the' Kiong Hee Huat Tsai' greeting. However, no matter what language or dialect is spoken for greetings, a spirit of understanding sends a single message of 'Happy New Year!'

I have witnessed cultural presentations from different groups at the Chinatown Mall. They have presented charming Chinese folk dances, melodic choral music, and exhibitions of Chinese martial arts like Wushu and Tai Chi. There is also some modern Chinese hip hop that captures the attention of the younger generations. It is a day-long event until the countdown for the new year is observed, and fireworks lighten up the evening. 

The Chinese people love to preserve their heritage, and they significantly influence culture, food, social norms, and beliefs. In the Philippines, people are familiar with 'Feng Shui," and this is attributed to good luck, happiness, and prosperity in businesses and houses. There is also the 'horoscope' where people consult their luck or destiny on a particular day, month, or year depending on the zodiac sign and animal sign you were born. Also, Filipinos have been fond of eating noodles and soups brought by the Chinese for a long time.

Although the world constantly evolves and the culture of peace and freedom changes, we should learn many things from the Chinese. Their perseverance and endurance at work, accompanied by humility and gratitude, helped them succeed in their families, careers, and lives. 

Chinese culture is unique, and its unique customs make us multi-cultural people. Our beliefs should not be restricted to what has been instilled since birth. Open-mindedness and acceptance of faith and cultural differences bring peaceful and vibrant living. We learn from each other, and the wisdom gained truly brings good luck and prosperity into our lives no matter who we are and who we will become.

© 2013 Del Cusay

Pasinaya 2013: Rediscovering Philippine Arts & Culture

In today's modern times, I still recognize that the past is interrelated with the present, and what we are today is the result of what has transpired in the past. Hence, our artistic abilities and cultural heritage should be preserved and passed on from generation to generation.

The Philippine culture has given us a glimpse of the glorious past through various artistic renditions that make us feel the unity and camaraderie of being a Filipino. It is in our culture to be creative and artistic as a means of emotional expression. It is something that bridges the gap between loyalty and colonial mentality. It creates solidarity as a nation and everlasting bliss in the hearts of Filipinos living throughout the world.

To enliven Philippine culture and arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines created the Pasinaya festival to fulfill Filipino artists' and cultural enthusiasts' desires and passions in various genres. "Pasinaya" is a Filipino term that means a formal opening. This year's theme pays tribute to Chinese arts and culture's influence on Filipino lives.

The Chinese have long been part of Philippine history and culture, and their massive influence remains. It was an excellent opportunity to witness and embrace Filipino and Chinese arts and culture through the Pasinaya festival.

Dubbed the largest national multi-arts festival, the 'Pasinaya' presented memorable cultural presentations and art exhibits in almost all CCP venues. The main theater lobby was full of visitors, primarily students, and professors from different schools, patiently waiting for the next event at the 'Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo,' where the resident companies of the CCP are performing their shows, including the Philippine Madrigal Singers, The Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, Ballet Philippines, and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Several presentations and activities in genres like dance, theater, music, films, visual arts, and exhibits were presented by thousands of Filipino artists from different regions of the country. There were various shows like the lion dance, fan dance, and modern hip-hop dance, as well as the CCP's closed street venue.

There were also dance, music, and stage drama workshops for children and adults to learn and enhance their skills.

In the main theater ramp, several groups presented folk dances. Their graceful interpretation of colorful costumes has entertained the crowd of both local and foreign audiences. It was a great moment to watch the young performers across the country showcasing their dance skills in classical Filipino music. 

From elementary school through college, I was like them, a member of the school dance troupe and presenting different folk dances on stage. The joy felt while performing before the audience is quite reminiscent, which is why I patronize Filipino cultural presentations and activities.

The main theater of 'Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo' is where I spent most of the time witnessing the performances of the resident companies. I was delighted to watch the 'Bayanihan Cultural Dance Company' when they presented beautiful folk dances. They have presented the 'Pandango sa Ilaw and 'Wasiwas,' both popular Philippine folk dances that made me proud of being a former folk dancer who happens to have presented those two dances way back in high school and college.

The Philippine folk dance is truly the epitome of grace, grandeur, and refined techniques that are becoming obsolete in today's world.

During the gala night, the Performers of the Pasinaya Festival 2013 presented and performed the Philippine Madrigal Singers, whichrs is truly soulful singing that captures the audience's emotions. Their company is undeniably one of the world's best and most awarded chorales. It has won prestigious awards and recognition from international choral competitions. The 'Madz,' as they call it, sings in a semi-circle without the aid of a conductor. Their soft and angelic voices deserve applause from the audience regardless of musical genre, from classical and folkloric music to contemporary music.

Under their music director, Maestro Oliver Ochanine, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra rendered the enchanting melody of some classical symphonies and even modern popular Filipino music. They received numerous applause from the audience, who appreciated what authentic music should be. Their mastery of musical instruments is majestic and produces stunning rhythmic sounds. My regard for classical music and symphonies will remain my appreciation for this artistic, lyrical masterpiece.

The 'Pasinaya Festival 2013' brought lessons and new learning. Our culture is diverse and rich —it is a heritage. Thus, there is a need to preserve, protect, love, care, and respect. Our arts and culture are what we are Filipinos and should show to the world.

© 2013 Del Cusay