Ordinarily at this time of year, hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens would be packing highways, trains and planes for vacations to celebrate the Lunar New Year with their family. But this year, due to the existing coronavirus pandemic, the largest annual human migration in the world has been halted, in compliance to the Chinese government's call to avoid "nonessential" trips during the holiday period to prevent a resurgence of the COVID-19. The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China, is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar — the equivalent of Thanksgiving, Christmas and...

Do you hear that? Jose Mari Chan singing his iconic songs. Yes, it’s officially the start of the Ber months. Although still four months away, the start of Ber months symbolizes the start of the holiday season in the Philippines — the reason why we are dubbed to have the longest Christmas celebration in the world. By this time in the past, people are supposed to be clamoring for their holiday decors, gifts, Christmas parties, Noche Buena and Media Noche; but 2020 has a different plan for all of us. The Coronavirus Pandemic happened and just like that, we have...

Every 9th of January, thousands of devotees flock to the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to take part in a grand procession called “Traslacion” to commemorate the transfer of the venerated image of the Black Nazarene from Intramuros, Manila to Quiapo in 1767. Being one of the top catholic nations in Asia, the feast of the Black Nazarene is one of the most sought celebrations amongst the catholic faith believers over the years. However, this 2021 the highly anticipated holy gathering will not push through due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of Quiapo Church /Twitter This is truly a painful...

Yup, 2020 happened and some of our much-awaited Christmas highlights and attractions are going online! Known for its ‘magical’ shows and spectacle displays, the Ayala Triangle Gardens’ ‘Festival of Lights’ has launched its virtual edition for the first time after 11 years due to mass gathering restrictions. Unlike previous years, there will be no on-ground installation and the crowd’s annual tradition is going virtual bringing magic and hope to the comfort of our homes. (Read: The Gallery of Lights 2019 at Ayala Triangle Gardens) This year, Ayala’s Festival of Lights has three components, the first highlight is a 360-degree immersive video...

Every year, during November 1 and 2, people flock in droves to various cemeteries across the country in order to pay respects to their deceased loved ones. Todos Los Santos or Undas, is celebrated during these 2 days and is always a time to remember the memory of those who have gone before us.   This year will be different, as most cemeteries will be closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Yet we can still pray for our departed and commemorate them while at home. We can't help but miss this yearly observance, together with the fun and memorable...