Philippine holidays and long-weekend schedule for 2009

Here is the schedule of Philippine holidays and long-weekends for 2009 based on RA 9492 and Proclamation 1699, as well as a recent executive order declaring the two-day Eid al-Adha as national holidays.

• January 1 (Thu) - New Year's Day
• January 2 (Fri) - Non-Working Holiday (four-day weekend from January 1 to 4)
• April 6 (Mon) - Moved Holiday for Araw ng Kagitingan (three-day weekend from April 4 to 6)
• April 9 (Thu) - Holy Thursday / Araw ng Kagitingan
  
• April 10 (Fri) - Good Friday (four-day weekend from April 9 to 12)
• May 1 (Fri) - Labor Day (three-day weekend from May 1 to 3)
• June 12 (Fri) - Independence Day (three-day weekend from June 12 to 14)
• August 21 (Fri) - Ninoy Aquino Day (three-day weekend from August 21 to 23)
• August 31 (Mon) - National Heroes Day (three-day weekend from August 29 to 31)
• September 21 (Mon) - Eid'l Fitr (three-day weekend from September 19 to 21)
• November 1 (Sun) - All Saints Day
• November 2 (Mon) - Non-Working Holiday (three-day weekend from October 31 to November 2)
• November 27 & 28 (Fri & Sat) - Eid al-Adha
  
• November 30 (Mon) - Bonifacio Day (four-day weekend from November 27 to 30)
• December 24 (Thu) - Non-Working Holiday
• December 25 (Fri) - Christmas (four-day weekend from December 24 to 27)
• December 30 (Wed) - Rizal Day
• December 31 (Thu) - Non-Working Holiday
• January 1 - (Fri) New Year's Day (five-day weekend from December 30 to January 3)

Check out Philippine holidays and long-weekend schedule for 2010.

Vaccines for travelers

Vaccines for travelers have become all the more important with so many nasty bugs and other communicable diseases out there. Last year I was downed by the flu virus (said to be extra nasty in 2008) for almost two weeks! So this year, I decided to get the proper immunization to prevent these inconveniences. In fact, there are several recommended vaccines for frequent travelers. But of course, these vaccines are not just beneficial for travelers but everyone in general.

Influenza, commonly called the flu or trangkaso, is a contagious viral disease. Vaccination for influenza should be done annually since the different strains mutate regularly. Remember that flu vaccines are valid only for the year they are released. So as soon as the latest annual flu vaccine is out, even if you just got vaccinated a few months back, you'll need to go back to your doctor for the new shots. The best time to get the flu vaccine is between February to June to prepare for the rainy season and cold months which is flu season.

Typhoid fever or typhoid is caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. If you're a fan of street food, the typhoid vaccine is for you. It is transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacteria. Typhoid is characterized by a sustained fever as high as 40 °C, profuse sweating, gastroenteritis, and non-bloody diarrhea. Typhoid is strongly endemic in the Philippines meaning it's very common here.

Meningococcal disease is a serious illness caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The bacteria are spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions (i.e. coughing, kissing). Meningitis is an infection of fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. Meningococcal vaccine is sometimes required for college freshmen living in dormitories in the U.S. as well as U.S. military recruits. It's recommended for travelers, especially backpackers, who frequent dormitories and hostels or common places in general such as congested markets and crowded areas, especially in South America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Cholera is an infectious gastroenteritis caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Just like typhoid, transmission happens through eating food or drinking water contaminated with the bacteria. So again, if you're visiting a country known to have cholera and can't live without trying the local food, then make sure you get shots. Incidences of cholera increase as a result of floods.

Hepatitis A is an acute infectious disease of the liver caused by the Hepatitis A virus. Another virus commonly transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or drinking water, vaccine is a must for frequent travelers.

Update (03/18/2013): Here is information on yellow fever vaccination.

Here in the Philippines, there are clinics which specialize in preventive medicine. This afternoon, I was at Immunizers, a medical clinic for vaccination services, to get my flu shots. I also had a blood test to determine whether I still need vaccination for Hepatitis and I'll know the results tomorrow. If you're a frequent traveler, it might be convenient for you to get vaccinated. It's better to be safe than sorry while on a trip. Always remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Immunizers
226 Wilson St., Greenhills, San Juan
(02) 7445552 / 7445553
Jupiter St., Makati City
(02) 4828540

Statement of the Heritage Conservation Society on the Laoag Central Elementary School

The fight to preserve the Laoag Central Elementary School continues! For background information, please read Save the Laoag Central Elementary School. Below is the statement of the Heritage Conservation Society on the issue.

Education handed over to the malls
The sad desecration of our built education heritage

It is sad to note that as the Philippines strives to move forward into the new millennium, we have forgotten to understand the true meaning and value of what makes us a people, a nation, and a country as a whole. The random destruction and desecration of our historic sites manifests total disregard for the past, the contributions of our forefathers, and the collective suffering of our people.

This is true particularly in the unwarranted need to promote growth through the demolition of historic sites and structures for what is today perceived as the most needed infrastructure project around, the shopping mall.

The historic city of Laoag, Ilocos Norte is one case in point. The Laoag Central Elementary School, built in 1929, is a fine example of educational architecture designed to provide first class instruction even in the farthest reaches of our archipelago. Designed in accordance to the Gabaldon Law (which stipulated that education is for all thus necessitating the construction of school buildings far and wide), these centers of education and the symbolism architecture they provide have shaped, molded and inspired generations upon generations of Filipinos. For a building, historic in its significance in the annals of Ilocos history if not Filipino history, its unwarranted destruction and conversion into another center of consumerism is another sign of our low regard for our rich cultural past.

Some sectors claim that the building and its grounds are ripe for development. Sitting right smack in the center of Laoag, indeed the site is prime real estate. But its building, particularly its main administrative structure, needs to be preserved, conserved and above all saved from the wrecking balls of greed. Even though the building is not yet listed by the National Historical Institute as historic, it is historic no doubt. It is expected of the people of Laoag, Ilocos Norte and the Filipino nation as a whole to preserve the fast dwindling historical buildings still standing.

Heritage is defined not solely as a structure with an official plaque as designated by these government agencies. Heritage is the heart and soul of a people, community, and nation. Heritage embraces the memories of the past. Heritage gives identity to a people, city, place, and country. As such, heritage is rendered with age, grace, beauty, nobility, significance and above all, love. For if we love our country, then we should love the vestiges of what this country stands for.

That this historic structure should be demolished for yet another shopping mall, is a complete insult and disregard for love of country.

Heritage Conservation Society
www.heritage.org.ph

Board of Trustees
Gemma Cruz-Araneta (Chairperson & President)
Christian Michael Aguilar
Dr. Nathaniel von Einsiedel, FPIEP
Ivan Anthony Henares
Archt. Rene Luis Mata
Archt. Manuel Maximo Noche
Archt. Melvin Patawaran

Atty. Lucille Karen Isberto (Corporate Secretary)
Adoracion Soriano (Executive Director)

Advisory Council
Archt. Augusto F. Villalon, Ph.D. (Founding Chairperson)
Bambi L. Harper (Founding President)
Archt. Bettina Bonoan
Archt. Dominic Q. Galicia
Amb. Raul Goco
Edda V. Henson
Richard B. Lopez
Juan Miguel Luz
Maria Isabel Ongpin

Pampanga: Hot Air Balloon Fiesta tour on Valentine's Day! Book now!

After last year's successful run of Up, up and away! Huffing, puffing and pumping in Pampanga, we're at it again. It's another ultimate experience on February 14, 2009 as we romance up for Valentine's Day and be amazed by the high and mighty in Pampanga!

Gawk at the giant hot air balloons of the 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival! Savor the delights of an authentic Italian breakfast at the best cafe this side of Clark. Finally, we'll while away the afternoon in a soothing retreat while stuffing ourselves silly over a sumptuous Kapampangan feast at rustic farm setting! A feast for the body, mind and soul!

This tour leaves Makati at 3 a.m. and includes entrance to the 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, a sumptuous breakfast by Chef Chris Locher at C' Italian Dining (they don't usually open for breakfast but made an exception for this tour), and a hearty Kapampangan lunch at Abe's Farm owned by the LJC Group of Cafe Adriatico. Package price is PHP4,500 all inclusive. Only 30 slots are available on the tour on a first-come first-served basis. E-mail info@ivanhenares.com for bookings.

Spa treatments at Nurture Spa Pampanga are optional but highly-recommended! We'll e-mail you the Nurture Spa menu of services and price list if you are interested. Treatments have to be pre-booked due to the number of tour participants.

Speaking of tours, you all might be interested in this...

The BIG Binondo food WOK! Nibbling our way through Chinatown
(Special Chinese New Year Weekend Edition)
Oh yes, its that time of the year again when we BINGE ourselves silly as we welcome the Lunar New Year with a BIG, BIG BITE! It's the BEST time of the year to do the BIG Binondo Food WOK as we say goodbye to a RATTY year and welcome the YEAR of the OX! COWabunga!

Take a WOK with us! Tour dates are on January 24, 2009, Saturday (8 a.m. & 2 p.m.) and January 25, 2009, Sunday (8 a.m. & 2 p.m.). Chinese New Year this year falls on January 26, 2009. Rate is P999.00 per head inclusive of tasting menu. Limited slots and reservations required. Details at (0917) 3291622 or fun@oldmanilawalks.com. I joined the tour in 2007.

Cebu: Visita iglesia to Northern Cebu churches

Cebu's northern side has a good number of heritage churches. It's the churches in southeastern Cebu which are always mentioned. So here are the churches we visited on the way back to Cebu City.

Our bus from Hagnaya passed by the church of Bogo. I saw it was an American colonial church but it was too late to stop the bus when we realized it. The first scheduled stop was in the town of Catmon with a coral-stone church perched on top of a hill. Except for the added portico, the structure is relatively inctact.

Next on the list was Danao City. It had a preserved facade but uglified interior.

Our last stop before we reached Cebu City was the town of Liloan. Church was relatively intact as well. The town also has an American colonial lighthouse (built in 1904) in Bagacay Point which you can reach via tricycle. You can also see ruins of the Spanish lighthouse.

Part 1: Bantayan Island, Cebu is rich in heritage and great beaches!
Part 3: Lechon, chicharon and more from Carcar
Part 4: Visita iglesia in Southern Cebu

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Visita iglesia to our heritage churches
Holy Week practices in the Philippines
Visita iglesia and more Holy Week practices in the Philippines
Visita iglesia routes for Holy Thursday