Europe
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Unique and Strange Christmas Traditions Around the World
As Christmas Day approaches, we anticipate the joy, celebration, and, of course, traditions that go with it. While many of us may have similar traditions, such as putting up decors and exchanging gifts, Christmas is celebrated differently in various parts of the world. From the bizarre to the heartwarming, here are some unique and sometimes strange Christmas traditions around the world. In Catalonia, Spain, the “Caga Tió,” or “Poo Log,” is a popular tradition. A wooden log with a painted face and a red hat is placed in front of a fireplace and hit with sticks until it “defecates” small gifts. It may seem strange to some, but the tradition…
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A Cure for Homesickness
Homesickness hits me without warning. We are walking along Rue de l’ Assomption in Paris, on our way back to the Maison d’Accueil de l’Assomption where we’ll be staying for the next three days. Already it is seven in the evening, yet it is as bright as 10AM. The thought of going back to an empty room suddenly suffocates me: creaky floors, empty hallways, cold walls. Without my husband. Without my dogs. The nothingness is all too much. Where are we eating dinner? I ask Ernestine. We have been companions from day one, supporting each other in this little adventure. We have been each other’s shoulder to lean on for…
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The Beauty of Brick Lane, London
The narrow London road called Brick Lane is renowned for its row of old yet beautiful brick buildings. Many of these buildings are now home to some fascinating tourist attractions including vintage clothing boutiques, specialty coffee shops, the Old Truman Brewery, the famous Brick Lane Market, and some of the best street art in the city. It’s a veritable paradise for art lovers, coffee connoisseurs, and history nerds alike. And thanks to the recent London launch of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs’ ad campaign, you might also see a black cab or two sporting the tourism department’s motto of It’s More Fun in the Philippines driving through Brick…
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Footnote: Contemplating in A Coruña
“In Coruña, people sit around on the sea walls or the rocks and stare out to sea, as if they expect Francis Drake to turn up again and sack the city. A contemplative lot, the Galicians.” ― Phil Ball, Morbo: The Story of Spanish Football
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JesCom presents 2018 Lenten Special, “Sangandaan: Paghahanap kay Hesus sa Camino Ignaciano”
Remember my 15-day pilgrimage in Spain last year? I wrote a little bit about it here. Well, finally, we’re airing our documentary about it next week! Read on: Jesuit Communications Foundation (JesCom), the media arm of the Philippine province of the Society of Jesus, has been presenting Lenten TV specials during the Holy Week through the years. This year, JesCom offers “Sangandaan: Paghahanap kay Hesus sa Camino Ignaciano,” a documentary about a group of pilgrims who retraced the route that St. Ignatius of Loyola took in 1522 in order to become a true soldier of Christ. “Sangandaan” airs on ABS-CBN Channel 2 on March 30, Good…
