No more ‘hallow’this Halloween
The word 'hallow' or 'hallowed' literally refers to a holy person like a saint or a godly figure, and it is associated with the word Halloween because of the latter’s usage as another term for the All Saints’Day celebrated every November 1. Its association with ghosts and spine-chilling creatures is best explained from the belief that the Halloween tradition has evolved from ancient Celtic holiday called Samhain. It
is when the Celts mark the end of the harvest season and usher in the winter season, and this changing of seasons is highly believed to be the “bridge to the world of the dead.” This somber pagan ritual which has been celebrated for centuries now appears to have become a very different occasion, because of the merriment that is associated with costume parades and contests, and the trick-or-treating activity that is now widely done here in the Philippines.
Halloween activities like costume parades and trick-or-treating that has become very popular over the years is one of the Western influences that we Filipinos have cunningly adapted and have become very fond of as the years go by. As the calendars mark the approach of November, most establishments like restaurants, malls, and even schools have come up with decorations and activities that
are intended for the children to enjoy. Some might even think that I am acting like a killjoy to say that these celebrations and activities are now being overdone.
However, since we are still in the midst of this pandemic, the traditional costume contests and trick-or-treating activities will not be done. Instead, they will be conducted virtually or online and who knows how this will work as this is the first time that we will experience such a thing.
During the live selling, the local executives mentioned how they were able to know the situation of Angel.
Calaguas, who is also the Chief Adviser and Tactician Director of Mayor Carmelo "Pogi" Lazatin, Jr., told the viewers that during one of the visits conducted by the city government in Barangay Sapangbato, one of the Lazatin's Senior staff -- Gender and Development Officer Mina Cabiles, saw Baby Angel and her condition.
"Hindi pa po namin siya na-meet personally. Pero gusto po namin siyang matulungan at ang kaniyang pamilya para sa ibang gastusin niya sa gamot o pagpapagamot," Manuel said.
According to Calaguas, they have also coordinated with surgeon Dr. Vic Lugue and Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center (RLMMC) Officer-in-Charge Dr. Froilan Canlas for the other medical needs of Baby Angel.
The live selling for a cause which premiered live for almost three hours at the Facebook pages of Pepper's Closet PH and Mahal na Reina, flashed personal preloved and brand new items of Calaguas and Manuel such as clothes, shoes and bags at affordable prices.
Calaguas has expressed her gratitude to Mayor Lazatin and CIAC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) General Aaron Aquino for donating P10,000 each to Baby Angel, as well as to the "miners" who supported the live selling for a cause.
Manuel also cited the generosity of some private individuals who wanted to remain anonymous.
The IBAC Wood Crafts local merchandiser also donated their own products to be sold at the live selling.
The local executives, who are also Beutéderm Ambassadresses, thanked the corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rei AnicocheTan for sending her own products which were raffled off for miners.
"Maraming salamat po sa suportang ipinakita ninyo sa amin. Ang maliit na halaga kapag pinagsama-sama tiyak na makakatulong ng malaki," Manuel said.
"Hindi po tayo magsasawang tumulong," Calaguas said.
Baby Angel is the second child with hydrocephalus who will receive assistance from Calaguas and Manuel.
It can be recalled that Baby Sean, an eight-year-old boy from Barangay Pulung Cacutud who has hydrocephalus, was the first recipient of assistance from Calaguas and Manuel. He received the proceeds from Bella's paintings, which were exhibited at the One Town, One Product (OTOP) store of the city government.