68th Miss USA Pre Arrival Favorites

The 68th Miss USA 2019 beauty contest will take place once again in the state of Nevada in the biggest little city in the world Reno on which the finals on May 2 will take place at the Grand Sierra Resort. Fifty-one (51) contestants representing the fifty (50) states and the District of Columbia will compete for the coveted crown. The current Miss USA 2018 Sarah Rose Summers of Nebraska will crown her successor at the end of the event.

Meanwhile, before these lovely ladies arrive in Reno their photos had surfaced online with their background profile in which the pageant fan community could not help but pick up their own favorite and this blog is not an exception.

Here is my own list of pre-arrival favorites for the crown. These contestants whose timeless and effortless beauty, natural elegance and personality in the pictures captured my attention most. So here goes my early favorites for Miss USA 2019!

Top 20 Pre Arrival Favorite Picks

1. Florida - Nicolette Jennings

2. Georgia - Katerina Rozmajzl

3. Virginia - Courtney Lynne Smits

4. Maine - Lexie Elston

5. Idaho - Shelby Brown

6. Arizona - Savannah Wix

7. Iowa - Baylee Drezek

8. New Mexico - Alejandra Gonzalez

9. Texas - Alayah Benavidez

10. New Jersey - Manya Saaraswat

11. Ohio - Alice Magoto

12. Maryland - Mariela Pepin

13. Kansas - Alyssa Klinzing

14. Pennsylvania - Kailyn Marie Perez

15. Wyoming - Addison Treesh

16. Alabama - Hannah McMurphy

17. West Virginia - Haley Holloway

18. Tennessee - Savana Hodge

19. Nevada - Tianna Tuamoheloa

20. South Dakota - Abigail Merschman

Almost There:

Illinois
Massachusetts
Michigan
Rhode Island
Wisconsin



Photo Source:

Miss USA Org. Official Facebook Page

Filipino Cinema at 100 Series: Greatest Filipino Film Directors And Their Career Defining Films

These honored selections are made as a fitting tribute to some of the greatest Filipino directors of predominantly Filipino-language films with their career defining films and other suggested or recommended best or must see films. It should be noted that these highly acclaimed film makers were highly innovative who challenged the established system and norms that existed during their time.

Gerardo de Leon

Lino Brocka

Ishmael Bernal

Manuel Conde

Lamberto Avellana

1. Lino Brocka

Tubog Sa Ginto (1970)
Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970)
Santiago! (1970)
Stardoom (1971)
Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974)
Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa (1974)
Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag (1975)
Insiang (1976)
Mananayaw (1978)
Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (1978)
Rubia Servios (1978)
Ina, Kapatid, Anak (1979)
Init (1979)
Jaguar (1979)
Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo (1979)
Angela Markado (1980)
Bona (1980)
Kontrobersyal (1981)
Burgis (1981)
Cain at Abel (1982)
Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim (1984)
Miguelito: Batang Rebelde (1985)
White Slavery (1985)
Ano Ang Kulay Ng Mukha Ng Diyos? (1985)
Maging Akin Ka Lamang (1987)
Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig (1987)
Macho Dancer (1988)
Orapronobis (1989)
Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita (1989)
Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak (1990)
Hahamakin Lahat (1990)
Biktima (1990)
Ama...Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan? (1990)
Kislap Sa Dilim (1991)
Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos (1991)



2. Ishmael Bernal

Vibora (1971)
Pagdating sa Dulo (1971)
Ligaw Na Bulaklak (1976)
Nunal Sa Tubig (1976)
Tisoy! (1977)
Salawahan (1979)
Aliw (1979)
City After Dark (1980)
Pabling (1981)
Relasyon (1982)
Himala (1982)
Broken Marriage (1983)
Sugat sa Ugat (1983)
Working Girls (1984)
Hinugot Sa Langit (1985)
Nagbabagang Luha (1988)
Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga (1989)
Wating (1994)




3. Gerardo de Leon

Makiling (1938)
Ang Maestra (1941)
The Dawn of Freedom (1944)
Tayug: Ang Bayang Api (1947)
Padre Burgos (1949)
48 Oras (1950)
Doble Cara (1950)
Kamay Ni Satanas (1950)
Diego Silang (1951)
10th Batallion Sa 38th Parallel, Korea (1951)
Sisa (1951)
Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952)
Dyesebel (1953)
Banga ni Zimadar (1953)
Ifugao (1954)
Sanda Wong (1955)
Kamay Ni Cain (1957)
Noli Me Tangere (1961)
The Moises Padilla Story (1961)
El Filibusterismo (1962)
Ang Daigdig Ng Mga Api (1965)
Lilet (1971)
Fe, Esperanza, Caridad (1974)
Banaue: Stairway to the Sky (1975)



4. Mario O'hara

Mortal (1976)
Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976)
Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit (1981)
Gaano Kita Kamahal (1981)
Condemned (1984)
Bulaklak Sa City Jail (1984)
Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak (1987)
Fatima Buen Story (1994)
Babae Sa Bubungang Lata (1998)
Sisa (1999)
Sindak (1999)
Pangarap Ng Puso (2000)
Pusang Gala (2001)
Babae Sa Breakwater (2003)
Ang Paglilitis Ni Andres Bonifacio (2010)




5. Eddie Romero

Ang Kamay Ng Diyos (1947)
Selosa (1948)
Ang Prinsesa At Ang Pulubi (1950)
Barbaro (1952)
Buhay Alamang (1952)
El Indio (1953)
Maldita (1953)
May Bakas Ang Lumipas (1954)
Huling Mandirigma (1956)
Pitong Gabi sa Paris (1961)
Cimarron (1964)
Manila, Open City (1964)
Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976)
Aguila (1980)




6. Manuel Conde

Sawing Gantingpala (1940)
Maginoong Takas (1940)
Principeng Hindi Tumatawa (1946)
Si Juan Tamad (1947)
Vende Cristo (1948)
Si Juan Daldal: Anak ni Juan Tamad (1948)
Genghis Khan (1950)
Siete Infantes de Lara (1950)
Sigfredo (1951)
El Robo (1957)
Verganza (1958)
Juan Tamad Goes To Congress (1959)
Juan Tamad Goes To Society (1960)
Molava (1961)
Juan Tamad Goes To Malacanang (1961)



7. Lamberto V. Avellana

Sakay (1939)
Tiya Juana (1943)
Death March (1946)
Tandang Sora (1947)
Ronquillo "Tiagong Akyat" (1949)
Satur (1951)
Korea (1952)
Huk sa Bagong Pamumuhay (1953)
Kandelerong Pilak (1954)
Damong Ligaw (1954)
Lapu Lapu (1955)
Anak Dalita (1956)
Badjao: The Sea Gypsies (1957)
A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1965)
Fe, Esperanza, Caridad (1974)



8. Mike de Leon

The Rites of May (1977)
Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising (1977)
Kakabakaba Ka Ba? (1980)
Kisapmata (1981)
Batch '81 (1982)
Sister Stella L. (1984)
Bilanggo Sa Dilim (1986)
Southern Winds (Aliwan Paradise segment) 1993
Bayaning 3rd World (2000)



9. Celso Ad Castillo

Nympha (1971)
Kung Bakit Dugo Ang Kulay Ng Gabi (1973)
Patayin Mo Sa Sindak Si Barbara (1974)
Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat Ng Lupa (1974)
Burlesk Queen (1977)
Pagputi ng Uwak... Pag-itim ng Tagak (1978)
Ang Alamat Ni Julian Makabayan (1979)
Virgin People (1984)
Isla (1985)
Paradise Inn (1985)
Kailan Tama Ang Mali (1986)


10. Peque Gallaga

Oro, Plata, Mata (1982)
Virgin Forest (1985)
Scorpio Nights (1985)
Hiwaga sa Balete Drive (1988)
Abandonada (1989)
Shake, Rattle and Roll 2 (1990)
Shake, Rattle and Roll III (1991)
Aswang (1992)
Gangland (1998)


11. Lupita Aquino-Kashiwahara

Alkitrang Dugo (1975)
Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo (1976)
Hati Tayo Sa Magdamag (1988)



12. Joel Lamangan

Kapantay Ng Langit (1994)
Pangako Ng Kahapon (1994)
Sa Isang Sulok Ng Mga Pangarap (1994)
Kadenang Bulaklak (1994)
The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995)
Muling Umawit Ang Puso (1995)
Silakbo (1995)
Ikaw Naman Ang Iiyak (1996)
The Sarah Balabagan Story (1997)
Pusong Mamon (1998)
Bayad Puri (1999)
Warat (1999)
Bulaklak Ng Maynila (1999)
Abandonada (2000)
Deathrow (2000)
Mila (2001)
Magkapatid (2002)
Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa (2003)
Filipinas (2003)
Sabel (2004)
Aishite Imasu (Mahal Kita) 1941 (2004)
Blue Moon (2006)



13. Marilou Diaz-Abaya

Brutal (1980)
Moral (1982)
Karnal (1983)
Baby Tsina (1984)
Ang Ika-labing Isang Utos: Mahalin Mo, Asawa Mo (1994)
May Nagmamahal Sa Iyo (1996)
Sa Pusod Ng Dagat (1998)
Jose Rizal (1998)
Muro-Ami (1999)
Bagong Buwan (2001)


14. Lav Diaz

Serafin Geronimo: Ang kriminal ng Baryo Concepcion (1998)
Batang West Side (2001)
Hesus, Rebolusyonaryo (2002)
Evolution Of A Filipino Family (2004)
Norte, Hangganan Ng Kasaysayan (2013)
Ang Babaeng Humayo (2016)



15. Brillante Mendoza

Masahista (2005)
Kaleldo (2006)
Manoro (2006)
Serbis (2008)
Kinatay (2009)
Thy Womb (2012)
Taklub (2015)
Ma' Rosa (2016)


16. Emmanuel Borlaza

Lipad Darna Lipad! (1973)
Dyesebel (1973)
Bukas Luluhod Ang Mga Tala (1984)
Bituing Walang Ningning (1985)


17. Kidlat Tahimik

Perfumed Nightmare (1977)
Turumba (1981)
Sinong lumikha ng yoyo? Sinong lumikha ng moon buggy? (1982)



18. Gregorio Fernandez

Asahar At Kabaong (1937)
Celia at Balagtas (1938)
Tatlong Pagkabirhen (1939)
Ang Magsasampaguita (1939)
Garrison 13 (1946)
Puting Bantayog (1948)
Kampanang Ginto (1949)
Capas (1949)
Pagtutuus (1950)
Bayan o Pag-ibig (1951)
Dugo sa Dugo (1951)
Bohemyo (1952)
Rodrigo de Villa (1952)
Dagohoy (1953)
Higit sa Lahat (1955)
Luksang Tagumpay (1956)
Malvarosa (1958)


19. Eddie Garcia

Atsay (1978)
Paano Ba Ang Mangarap? (1983)
Kailan Sasabihing Mahal Kita (1985)
Palimos Ng Pag-ibig (1986)
Magdusa Ka! (1986)
Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin (1987)
Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig (1987)
Kung Kasalanan Man (1989)
Imortal (1989)
Abakada... Ina (2001)

20. Maryo J. de los Reyes

Gabun (1979)
Annie Batungbakal (1983)
Saan Darating Ang Umaga? (1983)
Bagets (1984)
Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan (1984)
Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit (1984)
Sa Totoo Lang! (1985)
Tagos Ng Dugo (1987)
Kapag Napagod Ang Puso (1988)
Dinampot Ka Lang Sa Putik (1991)
Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992)
Magnifico (2003)
Naglalayag (2004)




21. Gil Portes

Sa Piling ng mga Sugapa (1977)
'Merika (1984)
Bukas... May Pangarap (1984)
Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990)
Mulanay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso (1996)
Miguel/Michelle (1998)
The Kite (1999)
Markova: Comfort Gay (2000)
Sa Dibdib ng mga Kaaway (2001)
Mga Munting Tinig (2002)
Homecoming (2003)



22. Carlo J. Caparas

Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang (1981)
Pieta (1983)
Kamagong (1986)
Arrest Patrolman Rizal Alih, Zamboanga Massacre (1989)
The Myrna Diones Story (Lord, Have Mercy!) (1993)
The Vizconde Massacre: God, Help Us! (1993)
The Cecilia Masagca Story: Antipolo Massacre (Jesus Save Us!) (1994)
Anabelle Huggins Story: Ruben Ablaza Tragedy - Mea Culpa (1995)
Victim No. 1: Delia Maga (Jesus, Pray for Us!) (1995)
Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar (1995)



23. Danny Zialcita

Incognito (1967)
Laging Umaga (1975)
Langis at Tubig (1980)
Karma (1981)
T-bird at Ako (1982)
Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? (1982)
Palabra de Honor (1983)
Nagalit Ang Buwan Sa Haba Ng Gabi (1983)
May Daga sa Labas ng Lungga (1984)
May Lamok sa Loob ng Kulambo (1984)
Lalakwe (1985)



24. Mel Chionglo

Sinner or Saint (1984)
Teenage Marriage (1984)
Babaeng Hampaslupa (1988)
Disgrasyada (1993)
Midnight Dancers (1994)
Burlesk King (1999)
Lagarista (2000)
Twilight Dancers (2006)
Iadya Mo Kami (2016)


25. Laurice Guillen

Kasal? (1980)
Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo (1980)
Salome (1981)
Init sa Magdamag (1983)
Kung Mahawi Man Ang Ulap (1984)
Kapag Puso'y Sinugatan (1985)
Kapag Langit Ang Humatol (1990)
Una Kang Naging Akin (1991)
Akin Ang Pangarap Mo (1992)
Tanging Yaman (2000)



26. Chito Rono

Private Show (1985)
Itanong Mo Sa Buwan (1988)
Kasalanan bang sambahin ka? (1990)
Bakit kay tagal ng sandali? (1990)
Kailan ka magiging akin  (1991)
Narito Ang Puso Ko (1992)
Separada (1994)
Eskapo (1995)
Dahas (1995)
Patayin Sa Sindak si Barbara (1995)
Istokwa (19960
Curacha Ang Babaeng Walang Pahinga (1998)
Bata bata paano ka ginawa? (1998)
Ang Babae sa Bintana (1998)
Dekada '70 (2002)
Boy Golden (2013)

27. Tikoy Aguiluz

Boatman (1985)
Balweg, the Rebel Priest (1986)
Segurista (1996)
Rizal sa Dapitan (1997)
Tatsulok (1998)
Tatarin (2001)
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story (2011)

28. Manuel Silos

The Three Tramps (1927)
Mystery of the Convent (1930)
Infierno sa Mundo (1930)
Pag-iimbot (1934)
Lagablab ng Kabataan (1936)
Himagsikan ng Puso (1938)
Ay! Kalisud (1938)
Tarhata (1941)
Victory Joe (1946)
Sa Tokyo Ikinasal (1948)
Gitano (1949)
Cuatro Vidas (1957)
Biyaya Ng Lupa (1959)


29. Jun Lana

Gigil (2006)
Yesterday Today Tomorrow (2011)
Bwakaw (2012)
Die Beautiful (2016)



30. Carlos Siguion-Reyna

Your Wife, My Wife (1988)
Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit (1991)
Kailangan Kita (1992)
Ikaw Pa Lang Ang Minahal (1992)
Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin (1995)
Abot Kamay Ang Pangarap (1996)
Ligaya Ang Itawag Mo Sa Akin (1997)
Hari Ng Tondo (2014)



31. Octavio Silos

Teniente Rosario (1937)
Alipin Ng Palad (1938)
Pasang Krus (1939)
Tunay Na Ina (1939)
Ulilang Watawat (1946)
Guerilyera (1946)
Awit Ng Bulag (1948)
Ang Doktora (1949)
Kerubin (1952)
Tulisang Pugot (1952)
Nagkita si Kerubin at si Tulisang Pugot (1954)
Boksingera (1956)
Silveria (1958)




32. Jose Climaco

G.I. Fever (1946)
Parola (1949)
Biglang Yaman (1949)
Ang Kandidato (1949)



33. Jose de Villa

Batas Ng Lipunan (1961)
Tulisan (1962)
Diegong Tabak (1962)
Trudis Liit (1963)
Iginuhit ng Tadhana: The Ferdinand E. Marcos Story (1965)



34. Eduardo de Castro

Via Crucis (1937)
Fury in Paradise (1937)
Forbidden Women (1948)
Bandilang Basahan (1949)
The 13th Sultan (1949)



35. Susana C. de Guzman

Himala Ng Birhen (1947)
Sarung Banggi (1947)
Sumpaan (1948)
Hiyas Ng Pamilihan (1949)
Milyonarya (1949)
Tiniente del Barrio (1950)
Correcional (1952)
Banal o Makasalanan (1955)



36. Nardo Vercudia

Magkaibang Lahi (1947)
Tanikalang Papel (1948)
Kambal Na Ligaya (1948)
Huling Patak Ng Dugo (1950)
Camp O'donnell (1950)
Hiram Na Mukha (1952)
Siklab sa Batangas (1952)
Diwani (1953)
Milyonarya at hampaslupa (1954)



37. Nemesio Caravana

Kaaway Ng Babae (1948)
Maria Beles (1949)
Kuba sa Quiapo (1949)
Sohrab at Rustum (1950)
David at Goliath (1951)
Dimas: The Sainted Robber (1952)
Ander di Saya (1954)
Abenturera (1954)
Ramadal (1958)
Pilyong Kubrador (1959)
Prinsesa Naranja (1960)



38. F.H. Constantino

Galawgaw (1954)
Waray-waray (1954)
Niña Bonita (1955)
Ang Darling Ko'y Aswang (1975)
Tinimbang Ka, Bakit Husto? (1977)
Asiong Aksaya (1977)
Bakekang (1978)
Mang Kepweng (1979)
Kenkoy (1982)


39. Tony Cayado

Pilya (1954)
Sabungera (1954)
Kurdapya (1954)
Despatsadora (1955)
Kalabog en Bosyo (1959)
Beatnik (1960)
Hani hanimun (1961)
Kandidatong Pulpol (1961)
Ang Senyorito at ang Atsay (1963)
Nardong Putik (1972)
Pepeng Agimat (1973)




40. Carlos Vander Tolosa

Oriental Blood (1930)
Milagro Ng Nazareno sa Quiapo (1937)
Bituing Marikit (1937)
Giliw Ko (1939)
Binibini Ng Palengke (1941)
Siete Dolores (1948)
Apat Na Dalangin (1948)
Krus Ng Digma (1948)
Tatlong Limbas (1950)
Darna At Ang Babaeng Lawin (1952)
Batalyon Ng Pilipino sa Korea (1954)
Prinsesa Gusgusin (1957)
Dalawang Kalbaryo Ni Dr. Mendez (1961)
Tanzan the Mighty (1962)



41. Olive La Torre

Takas Sa Bataan (1950)
Roberta (1951)
Lihim Ng Kumpisalan (1952)
Gorio at Tekla (1953)
Matandang Dalaga (1954)
Dalagang Ilokana (1954)



42. Elwood Perez

Lipad Darna Lipad (1973)
Divorce Pilipino Style (1976)
Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos (1988)
Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit (1989)
Pangako Ng Puso (1990)
Ang Totoong Buhay Ni Pacita M. (1991)
Ms. Dolora X (1993)



43. Ramon Estella

Bayan at Pag-ibig (1938)
Kundiman (1941)
Alias Sakim (1947)
Caprichosa (1947)
Dugo Ng Katipunan (1949)
Kenkoy (1950)



44. Armando Garces

Ulila Ng Bataan (1952)
Teksas, Ang Manok Na Nagsasalita (1952)
Ang Biyenang Hindi Tumatawa (1954)
Tarhata (1957)
Pretty Boy (1957)
Condenado (1958)
Kilabot Sa Makiling (1959)
Pitong Makasalanan (1962)
Zigomar (1964)
Kambal Kidlat (1965)
Baril at Rosaryo (1967)
Fefita Fofonggay viuda de Falayfay (1973)
Darna vs. the Planet Women (1975)


Photo Source:

https://viewsfromthepampang.blogspot.com

http://the-martial-law-thingy.tumblr.com/post/150961945016/from-an-article-in-listph-8-prominent

http://sensesofcinema.com/2005/great-directors/de_leon/

https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/927/today-in-philippine-history-february-12-1915-lamberto-vera-avellana-was-born-in-bontoc-mountain-province

Trivia About Filipino Christmas Traditions

1. Pinoy Parol

- this iconic Filipino Christmas lantern was originally made from bamboo strips carved into a five pointed star lantern and covered with papél de japón (Japanese paper) and illuminated by either a candle or a kalburo (carbide). This was originally crafted in 1908 by an artisan Francisco Estanislao and was originally used by townsfolk to light their paths during the ritual rooster dawn mass called misa de gallo or simbang gabi.


2. Filipino Christmas Carols

In the old Filipino Christmas traditions, some of the earliest Christmas songs were sung in Spanish. In the colonial Philippines, Spanish carols ("villacinco") were initially done during Mass but soon found their way to the streets due to its popularity. Much to the clergy’s disdain, some of the more-naughty carollers would insert less than devout lines and green jokes in the lyrics. Villancinco went out of style when Spanish rule ended, paving the way for carols done in English and the vernacular.
Before Christmas in our Hearts by Jose Mari Chan became a hit sensation, a Tagalog Christmas song is the most popular and almost a symbol of Pinoy Christmas carols. "Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit" is almost a household name during Christmas and is often the most used songs during carolling, parties and other Christmas related events. But did you know that this beautiful Christmas song was originally written and composed in Cebuano language. Entitled "Kasadya Ning Taknaa," it was written by Mariano Vestil and composed by Vicente Rubi in 1933.

The Tagalog version of the song was written by Levi Celerio and composed by Josefino Cenizal (who was also an actor) and was originally a marching song for the 1938 war film, Pugad ng Agila.

Did you know that the classical song "Payapang Daigdig" is actually a Filipino Christmas song equivalent to Father Josef Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber's Silent Night. The song was composed by national artist Felipe Padilla de Leon and was first sung during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in World War II. De Leon was said to have composed it after waking up seeing his most beloved city of Manila in ruins ravaged by the war. While it is not as lively and upbeat as the other Christmas songs, the somber theme of Payapang Daigdig was intended by de Leon to quell the Filipino public anxiety, its lyrics giving them hope in the face of uncertain times.


3. Simbang Gabi

This beautiful religious tradition is uniquely Filipino as the Philippines and the Filipino people are the only ones in the world to practice this nine-day early dawn mass. This Christmas tradition was first started in 1669 as a practical compromise for farmers, who began work before sunrise to avoid the noonday heat out in the fields. Pope Sixtus V ordered that Mass be heard before sunrise since it was the harvest season, and the farmers needed to be in the fields right after the celebration.

Since it started in 1669, did you know that Simbang Gabi was once banned in the Philippines from 1680 to 1689 due to a Vatican decree implemented by Manila Archbishop Felipe Pardo. It was also implemented in Spain, the Azores and Mexico and the reason for this decree roots from the churchgoers and choirs habit of singing Christmas songs in their native language. During those times, singing in vernacular was only allowed during the entrance and recessional songs. The decree deemed this practice as perverse and ordered the suppression of the services. However, following the death of Pardo, the clergymen except the Discalced Franciscans resumed the practice.



4. Unusual Filipino Christmas Celebrations

One Barangay in Iloilo celebrates Christmas in a cemetery. The dead can join Christmas fun as far as the folks in Barangay Tanza in Iloilo City is concerned. The barangay or the community which houses a cemetery decorate the area with lots of Christmas symbols and other decorations like lanterns, Christmas trees, light and nativity scene and the idea was conceptualized in December 2014. The graveyard workers who initiated the event originally only wanted a Christmas party but were later convinced to make it a wider aspect and hold a Christmas decoration contest to make their planned gatherings even livelier. According to the caretakers, the celebration should also include not only the living but also the dead. Visitors to the cemetery welcome the sight with some of them even staying inside the cemetery late at night to enjoy the view.


5. Christmas Cards

The first Christmas cards in the Philippines were made by Manuel Rodriguez Sr., widely regarded as the Father of Contemporary Printmaking in the Philippines. He produced what could be described as the first truly Filipino themed Christmas cards in the 1950s printed a set containing pictures of the simbang gabi, Filipino  churchgoers and carolers.


6. Christmas Tree

The idea of decorating a tree for Christmas first came to the Philippines much earlier than 20th century. Jose Rizal first mentioned it in its 1886 drawing of a Christmas tree, his interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen's "Little Fir Tree".

In a letter in Berlin for his eldest sister, he said:

“(The Christmas tree) is decorated with tinsel, paper, lights, dolls, candy, fruits, dainties, etc., and at night time, it is shown to the children, and around this tree the family celebrates Christmas.”



Source: 

Filipiknow.net 


Photo Source: 

Rappler 
Philippine Star 
Entrepreneur Philippines