Round fruits bring luck this New Year? Traditions explained

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos have traditionally observed serving certain food items such as round-shaped fruits on New Year's eve, as influenced by the Chinese.

The belief that certain foods bring luck and good fortune is shared by many, but there are some who join the "fad" not knowing the real reason behind it.

Chinese entrepreneurs Gerard and Jeric Chua of famed hopia maker Eng Bee Tin talked to dzMM's "Todo-Todo, Walang Preno" program on Wednesday to give light to the meaning behind the tradition of using certain foods at this time of the year.

1. Round-shaped fruits: Eight, and not 12 or 13, round-shaped fruits must be served. "8 lang talaga ang number of fruits kasi 8 ang lucky number ng mga Chinese. It means infinity," said Gerard.
Round fruits to welcome the New Year. Credit: Hector Pascua, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau

2. Pineapple fruit on windows and doors: Due to its numerous "eyes", the pineapple symbolizes an eye for successful career and opportunities.

3. Tikoy: "Ang tikoy kasi malagkit, matamis at bilog. Malagkit symbolizes unity in the family all year round. Matamis symbolizes close relationships, and bilog, ibig sabihin ay pera," Gerald explained.

4. Fortune/flower cake: It is believed to bring about the blooming of character, personality and relationship among family members.

5. Spring Rolls: These symbolize unity, cooperation and understanding in the family all-year round.

6. Hopia. The bean-filled pastry hopia symbolizes hope and eternity.

7. Even numbers: All food items must come in even numbers except for the number 4. “Four kasi sa Chinese ay 'si', meaning death. ’Yung 9 naman, inverted 6. Omen number ang 666 kaya ayaw talaga ng mga Chinese,” said Gerard.

Myths debunked

The Chua brothers, also volunteer firefighters, debunked various food myths.

1. Myth: Serving chicken or any poultry product on Media Noche, the traditional New Year's eve feast, will bring poverty and hardships.

“Hindi naman totoo ‘yun. Sa panahon ngayon, lagi nang inihahanda 'yung chicken sa New Year,” said Jeric.

2. Myth: Don't serve fruits with black seeds as these will bring bad fortune.

The Chua brothers said that the color of a fruit’s seed will never determine your fortune.

3. Myth: Serving shrimps and prawns during Media Noche brings bad luck for these are known to be bottom dwellers.

The brothers said that prawns symbolize prosperity and good health.

Gerard and Jeric reminded the public not to be overly attached to traditions.
“Para sa amin, hindi naman talaga importante na sundin iyon. Basta sama-sama buong pamilya at may nakakain ay sasagana naman for the next year,” Gerard ended.

Sharon OKs daughters' wish to enter showbiz

MANILA, Philippines - Megastar Sharon Cuneta said she's willing to allow her 2 young daughters, Miel and Frankie, to join the world of show business.

Cuneta, who's known for her acting and singing prowess, said it won't be a problem if her daughters would want to be actresses someday.

She said that her only requirement is for her children to finish their studies first like what her eldest daughter, KC Concepcion, did.

"Ay oo, OK lang sa akin. Ewan ko lang kay Senator. Ewan ko lang kay Kiko. I think, like KC, magtapos lang ng school, OK na," Cuneta told "Showbiz News Ngayon".

Cuneta's statement followed KC's revelation that her sisters also want to audition for Star Circle Quest, the search for the next superstars.

Cuneta talked to Miel and found out for the first time that her youngest daughter also dreams of becoming an actress someday.

Miel told her mother she wants to be a dancer and an actress. Cuneta in turn told her she will support her.

Scarlet Johansson, Ryan Reynolds file for divorce

LOS ANGELES – Hollywood A-listers Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences, a week after they announced their amicable split, documents showed.

The couple -- named sexiest man and woman alive in separate polls in recent years -- both filed papers the same day to dissolve their two-year marriage, according to the documents obtained by the TMZ celebrity news website.

The legal documents, filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court, gave the date of separation as December 14 -- the day they announced their split last week -- and ticked the box citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason.

The couple did not sign a pre-nuptial agreement before their September 2008 wedding, TMZ reported, citing sources as saying that Ryan made more money than the US actress during their marriage.

Property rights have yet to be determined, according to the court papers.

Johansson, 26, famous for roles in films such as "Lost in Translation" and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," had said in press reports that being apart from Canadian star Reynolds due to filming schedules was hard on a relationship.

"We entered our relationship with love and it's with love and kindness we leave it. While privacy isn't expected, it's certainly appreciated," the couple said in a statement announcing their separation last week.

People magazine cited an unnamed source as saying the couple quietly split six months ago, adding that Johansson - named Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire magazine in 2006 -- initiated the move.

The actress had already begun apartment-hunting in her native New York City, it added.

In case he's crushed, he shouldn't have too hard a time finding a date: Reynolds, 34, was named People's "Sexiest Man Alive" two weeks before they announced their split.

Known for films such as "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," the Canadian actor is starring in an upcoming silver screen version of the comic classic "Green Lantern."

Before his relationship with Johansson, Reynolds was engaged to Canadian singer Alanis Morissette.

Jomari thrilled over new movie

MANILA, Philippines - Actor Jomari Yllana shared his excitement over his newest movie, "Ikaw ang Pag-Ibig", with theater actress Ina Feleo.

Yllana who's considered to be one of the great actors of his generation said the movie is close to his heart because it's connected to his family and his hometown.

"Isa itong pelikulang parang konektado sa pamilya ko kasi ang family ko is from here, taga-dito sa Bicol, konektado kay Our Lady of Peñafrancia," Yllana said.

The film had its successful special premiere in Naga and will be shown in theaters in February 2011.

According to Feleo," Ikaw ang Pag-Ibig" is the pre-Valentine offering of ABS-CBN's movie outfit Star Cinema and the Archdiocese of Naga.

"Please, please watch po," Feleo appealed.

Written and directed by Malou Diaz-Abaya, the movie also stars Marvin Agustin and Eddie Garcia.

"Ikaw ang Pag-Ibig" was originally titled "Peñafrancia" and was first offered to showbiz couple Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos.

The movie celebrates the 300 years of Peñafrancia's arrival in Bicol.

200,000 tourists flock to Baguio for a cold Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - Baguio City is no longer just the summer capital of the Philippines as 200,000 tourists have made it their favorite destination this Christmas time.

The cold temperature in Baguio has been attracting many people to flock to the mountain resort city, and families have been seen going around wearing thick jackets.

It was 12.4 degrees Celsius in Baguio City last December 9, the coldest temperature this year. Weather forecasters expect colder days up ahead as the "hanging amihan" or cold breeze at this time becomes even stronger.

Visitors have also come for the parade of giant lanterns or parol, the "snow" show, and the dazzling twinkling Christmas lights along the city's main street, Session Road.

Burnham Park is one of the major tourist spots in Baguio.

Hotels and inns are fully booked, according to the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio. They also said this year's tourist arrivals for Christmas surpassed expectations.

As a result, it's crowded in the city's tourist spots, as well as places such as the public market. Aside from the tourists, locals also flocked to the market to prepare for their Noche Buena with their families last night.

Tourism officials are happy over the increasing number of tourists in the city as this means the country's economy is improving. It may be recalled that the number of tourists in the past went down due to natural calamities that came one after the other, among them, typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng last year.

Baguio City police are on the alert especially in crowded areas, as petty crimes also abound when tourist arrivals are up. The police have issued a warning to the public to be extra careful these days.

A green Christmas wish list

MANILA, Philippines - Forget having a white Christmas, and you don’t have to be blue either. Christmas season is the best time to start going green.

Here are a few green Christmas gift ideas for last minute shoppers!

Sun jar, soy candle, and patchwork furniture

This week, on Mornings@ANC's "Going Green" segment, Diana Jacinto of Heima Storebrought two of the shop’s eco-best sellers: the sun jar and the soy wax candle.

Awarded the UK Eco-Friendly Gift of the Year in 2007, the sun jar is a solar powered lamp that uses sunlight to charge up. It has sensors to detect low light or darkness, which then triggers the lamp to light up.

The sun jar has 2 variants: single colored and multi-colored. Each sun jar costs P999.

The soy candle is another green gift idea. Because it is made of soy wax instead of the usual paraffin, the soy candle is softer and lasts 50% longer than the normal candle. This candle does not use petroleum.

The soy candle comes in many flavors: banana, nut bread, berry crumble and lemongrass.

Another Heima best seller is their line of “patchwork” furniture pieces. Using old, scrap and run-over cloths that are usually thrown out, simple furniture pieces get a sweet makeover.

Dy Jacinto of Heima said this is the store’s way of not only saving the environment, but saving “old products”.

Heima is a furniture store that carries lifestyle items like scents, candles, sun jars and lomo cameras. The store also sells artworks and pillows. The store collaborates with indie artists for artworks and events.

Organic soaps, food, and clothing

Bea Misa said the Ritual shop is a “solution” to environmental problems and climate change, that goes hand in hand with culture, food, traveling and local biodiversity.

The shop carries eco items used in everyday routines, such as organic soaps, organic and local food items and eco clothing and accessories.

The shop’s best seller is the lemongrass liquid soap. This special soap is a refined version of soaps used in farms and piggeries. It is a combination of different vegetable enzymes that are fermented over time. These enzymes kill and prevent the buildup of bad bacteria, while being 100% safe for the environment.

Another eco item is the stainless food container that comes in a hang bag printed by local artist Andre Salud. This abaca food bag costs P650.

Family baskets are also available. These are whole kits in twig baskets that could jump start your green year! Customers can choose 6 varieties of different organic local food produce for the gift basket. Some of the food items include organic muscovado sugar, sea salt, coffee and wild honey.

The shop, however, has one imported item from San Francisco, the 100% recycled paper that also uses 100% vegetable ink for the print.

Rob Crisostomo said aside from promoting and distributing organic and green products, the Ritual shop aims to eliminate plastic altogether.

The shop is proud to be a plastic-free general store that sells items in small quantities. Customers are also encouraged to bring their own jars and bags for the purchased items.

Christmas is not just a time to give gifts to friends and loved ones. Maybe it’s time to start thinking of little ways we can give back.... this time, to Mother Earth.

“We don’t need to do super big things all the time, but by simply consuming things that make connections with nature every day,” said Misa.

Vatican belen unveiled, features Filipino statues

MANILA, Philippines - At a solemn ceremony on Christmas Eve, a nativity scene or belen was unveiled in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Nine of the statues were dressed in Filipino garb, according to CBCP News, the news service of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

The statues, which represent indigenous groups in the Philippines, were designed by Filipino sculptor Kublai Ponce-Millan.

"The attractive smiling figures dressed in colorful native attire and playing musical instruments, portray the joyful spirit of Philippine Christmas which is known as the 'longest and most festive celebration in the world'," said the report by CBCP News.

The report also said the Governorate of the Vatican City organized the event, which was watched by Pope Benedict XVI from a window in the papal apartments. Ecclesiastical Authorities of the Holy See were there, and so were civil officials from the Vatican and Rome.

The Filipino community was led by Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Mercedes A. Tuazon, and Josephine Bantug.

Tuazon thanked the Vatican for giving the Philippines a special place in the center of the church's Christmas celebration this 2010. She also said the gesture was a special way to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See.

The Karilagan Filipino Choir sang a Tagalog Christmas carol.

His Eminence Giovanni Cardinal Lajolo, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City, noted that the Philippines is the largest Christian country in Asia, and that Filipino Catholics have a dynamic faith.

Pope Benedict XVI lighted a candle for peace at 6 p.m. and blessed the crowd at the unveiling ceremony.

Holiday style tips from Promod

MANILA, Philippines - More and more people hold get-togethers and parties with relatives and friends as Christmas day nears -- a perfect time for people to show off their great sense of style.

There's still, of course, the challenge of not showing off too much skin, especially since the holiday season is characterized by cold weather and occasional rains.

After young Russian designer Kira Plastinina, French high street brand Promod gave 5 tips on how to up the style ante this Christmas.

It suggested ensembles that include lace, structured jackets, and killer boots so women can achieve a chic holiday look without catching a cold:

Style tip #1

Lace up those legs with ultra-soft and tres chic tights.

Pair them with the right ankle boots and top with a fashionable pullover for effortless Parisian flair.

Style tip #2

A gray pleated skirt with lace detail will work wonders if paired with a turtleneck and funky ankle boots.

Throw in a structured leather jacket and be ready to rock parties with this ensemble.

Style tip #3

Make heads turn with a beige lace dress paired either with knee-high boots or nude pumps.

Add a little edge to the ensemble with a camel leather jacket.

Style tip #4

A sophisticated coat will look extraordinary with gloves and a black lace skirt this cold season.

Style tip #5

A long-sleeved lace top paired with shorts, tights and knee-high boots will make you celebrate Christmas in true French fashion.

Promod is located at Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, The Atrium in SM Megamall, Robinsons Place Ermita, Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu.

Only in the Philippines: Volkswagen Christmas tree and other unique decor

MANILA, Philippines - A unique Christmas tree is drawing much attention in the province of Albay this year.

A Volkswagen Beetle parked on Maharlika Highway in Ligao has become a Christmas tree.

Residents used Christmas lights to decorate the vintage car, which still runs and will be driven by its owner after the New Year.

Elsewhere in the country, Filipinos are showing their creativity in putting up their holiday decor.

In Negros Oriental, residents and visitors have been admiring a Christmas village display which has a belen made of sinamay, papier-mache and coconut. Banana leaves and abaca were also used to spruce it up.

In Bais City, a Christmas tree bedecked with Christmas lights that change in color is made unique with a fireworks display.

And in Dumaguete City, the Absin family has chosen the Wizard of Oz theme for their Christmas decor.

In Palo, Leyte, visitors to a Christmas village are amused at a dancing Santa Claus greeting them.

And in Iligan City, both the young and old are flocking to Candy Wonderland filled with candy houses, Christmas trees, and lanterns

Cristine booed by Sarah's fans?

MANILA, Philippines - The ruckus raised by sultry actress Cristine Reyes and her angry tweets allegedly against singer Sarah Geronimo has gone too far.

Reyes's Twitter posts, which led the Philippines' trending topics for the week, caught not only the public's attention but divided the crowd into Team Sarah and Team Cristine.

And the "war" is still ongoing in social networks.

An online post said displeased fans shouted boo when Reyes did her special number during the taping of the ABS-CBN 2010 Christmas Special at the Araneta Coliseum.

Also, hounding rumors said a "big star" immediately confronted Reyes after her performance, in defense of Geronimo.

In a YouTube post, Geronimo's fans confirmed the booing issue.

"Nandun kami sa taping ng ABS Christmas Special at totoong na BOOO si CR. Marinig lang ang pangalan niya 'Booo' na kaagad ang maririnig mo. Hindi lang 'booo'. Nag-thumbs down din tuwing kumakanta si CR. Sana lang hindi 'yun i-edit 'pag ipalabas 'yun sa Sat. and Sun. At totoo din na umiyak si CR," said YouTube user ateGie.

In the same post, fans also quoted famous personalities who purportedly defended the Pop Princess.

"Judy Ann Santos: 'Sarah, tatandaan mo na napakaraming tao ang nagmamahal sa 'yo at napakaraming tao ang magtatanggol sa 'yo. Kahit maraming tao ang manloko sa 'yo..marami kami, hindi lang ako, hindi lang si ate Sharon, marami kami ang magiging tapat sa 'yo, 'di dahil artista ka kundi dahil tunay kang tao.'

"Kris Aquino: ''Pag inaway mo ang isang Sarah Geronimo, kaaway mo ang Buong Mundo.'

"Sharon Cuneta: ''Pag may umaway kay Sarah, kaaway na rin namin ni Juday,'" YouTube user janequitz11 said.

On the microblogging site Twitter, a furious Reyes on Sunday berated her "ASAP XV" co-star, whom she referred to as "drama princess", for a remark allegedly made behind her back.

A day after the incident, Geronimo's personal assistant, Anna Dasig, came to the singer's defense and said that Reyes misunderstood the remark.

Prior to this, Reyes admitted that she went steady with actor Rayver Cruz, who was previously linked to Geronimo.