Senator Mar Roxas in Tide Commercial TVC30s (2008)

CZECH AMBASSADOR JARUSLAV LUDVA DELIVERS THE REPLICA IMAGE OF STO. NINO DE PRAGA

Czech Ambassador Jaruslav Ludva came to Vigan for the second time. Last year he was the guest of honor during a Special Lecture on the Life of Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. This time, he came to this City to personally deliver a replica of the image of Sto. Nino de Praga to Archbishop Ernesto Salgado of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. A catholic himself, the ambassador came with his wife, daughter and mother-in-law.

According to Anders Wong, the devotion to the Holy Child Jesus or Sto. Nino has long been a tradition of the Catholic Church for a very long time. This devotion is a venerati?on of our Lord's sacred Infancy. Many saints had a very strong devotion to the Divine Child, notably St. Therese of the Child Jesus, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Teresa of Avila.

Prague is the capital city of the Czech Republic, which is at the very central of Europe with Germany, Poland, Russia and Austria as its neighbours. The history of the Infant Jesus of Prague started in the 17th century when a statue of the Infant Jesus was brought into Bohemia (now Czech Republic) and eventually was given to the Discalced Carmelites in Prague. Since then, the statue has remained in Prague and has drawn many devotees worldwide to go and honor the Holy Child. Many graces, blessings, favors and miraculous healings have been received by many who petitioned before the Infant Jesus.

Filipinos are avid Sto. Nino devotees. The presentation of the replica of the image in the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia makes the Ambassador's visit significant. It strenghthens the religious, cultural and civil ties between the Philippines and Czech Republic.

Happy Valentine's Day

WHY VALENTINE'S DAY SHOULD BE DECLARED A HOLIDAY

According to Wikipedia, the Free Encylopedia, Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14. In North America, it is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards, presenting flowers, or offering confectionery. The holiday is named after two among the numerous Early Christian martyrs named Valentine. The day became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

Fast Facts on Valentine's Day: (Wikipedia)
Also called
St Valentine's Day
Observed by
Western and Western-influenced cultures
Type
Cultural, multinational
Significance
Lovers express their feelings to each other
Date
February 14
Observances
Sending greeting cards and gifts, dating.
Related to
The Night of Sevens, a Chinese holiday that also relates to love. White Day, a similar holiday celebrated in Japan and Korea one month after Valentine's Day

The foregoing is a good justification why Valentine's Day should be declared a Special Holiday. I used to give little importance to the day of the hearts until I came across to its historical, spiritual and universal significance. Now I understand why there is this natural phenomenon to express one's love and affection during this day. I used to think that Valentine's day is a conconction of western minds to promote their business interests. I thought it was part of the commercialization of activities. I've realized that Valentine's Day is not only an emotional celebration but something which should be given importance. At least during this day, people is in the mood for loving. It is a good opportunity to have a respite from conflicts and wars. Why declare it a special holiday? Because, human nature dictates that people should be caring, understanding and loving. Why don't we give them a chance to celebrate their natural goodness.

THE NEED FOR POLITICAL MATURITY

The ouster of Congressman Joe de Venecia as Speaker of the House of Represenatives by his own partymates and allies only shows how weak the political party system is in the Philippines. Politics here has not really matured. Philippine politics is still based on personalities and patronage. I can't imagine a Congress controlled by the Majority party spent so much time debating to unseat a Speaker who also happens to belong to the same majority party!!! The intramurals among members of the Majority right then and there at plenary hall of the House covered by a national television makes one shake his head vigorously. The arguments should have been made in a caucus room and the decision smoothly executed in the session hall. The issue which had been debated upon was not of national interest but a personal battle of the former speaker who has fallen out from the graces of Malacañang. Shall we say that this is a case of politics of personalities or washing dirty linens in public?

Listening to the explanations of most of the congressmen, it seems that their votes are anchored on the premise that they should protect the interest of their respective congressional districts. I sense that they must be referring to the Countrywide Development Fund or "pork barrel". Many lawmakers cannot afford to loss their "pork barrel" or that a delay in its release be incurred or else the implementation of their projects will suffer. It is the executive branch through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) which has the authority to release such fund. It is not surprising that many congressmen have to see to it that they should not be at odds with Malacañang. This is a reality in Philippine politics. Shall we call this patronage or political phragmatism?

The issue on speakership at the House came on such a time that the United States is busy with its primary elections for the 2008 Presidential race. I can't help but compare the level of political maturity between theirs and ours. The obvious has always confronted us. There is really a need for political maturity.