Tag Archives: 2013

The longest-reigning monarch in the world, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is Ramathibodi IX, a descendant of the Chakri dynasty. Chakri Memorial Day is a day that commemorates the establishment of the current royal lineage when Ramathibodi I ascended on the throne on April 6, 1782. Military Commander Turned Ruler Thong Duang, …

Thailand is the land of Theravada Buddhism (the oldest branch of the religion). About 95% of Thais observe the “Teachings of the Elders” (literal meaning of Theravada); hence, the thousands of Buddhist temples and shrines in Thailand. Asalha Puja is one such important occasion for Theravada Buddhists. This day commemorates …

Compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, Vietnam only has nine public holidays. During these holidays, most offices are closed and workers get the day (or days) off. If a holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is considered a holiday in substitution. Other substitution holidays are also observed. For …

Many countries around the world celebrate their independence day, a date that marks their freedom from foreign colonizers and shows their strength and patriotism. Malaysia has their Hari Merdeka held every August 31. In 2013, the country will celebrate its 56th Independence Day. But did you know that Malaysia actually …

Like the rest of its Southeast Asian neighbors, Indonesia observes national holidays to commemorate major religious festivals and nationalistic events. Since Indonesia is predominantly Muslim, most of the Indonesian holidays listed below are major Islamic festivals and are designated “tanggal merah” or red dates. The Indonesian equivalent of long weekends …

Singapore’s Chingay Parade has humble roots as a neighborhood parade with dominant Chinese elements. Years later it has grown into a full-blown, massive scale parade that Singaporeans all over celebrate every year. In 2013, the first day of the parade will fall on February 22. Festivities will begin at the …

Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio are two foremost Philippine heroes because of their pivotal roles in the country’s quest for independence from Spain. Accordingly, they are commemorated on separate dates. To ensure that younger generations are also introduced to lesser known, often unsung, characters who contributed to Philippine freedom and …

For a predominantly Catholic country like the Philippines, important days of the Holy Week are national holidays. Maundy Thursday is the first of these Triduum (three days before Easter) holidays. Maundy Thursday 2013 falls on March 28. Community Preparations for Maundy Thursday Households along the “Via Crucis” or the Way …

The Hari Raya Haji is an important holiday for the Muslims. Called “The Festival of Sacrifice”, it honors the prophet Ibrahim and his willingness to follow God’s command that he must sacrifice his firstborn son, Ishmael. The holiday also marks the end of the annual Hajj to Mecca. The lunar …

It was April 9, 1942. To overrun the Southwest Pacific, Japan had to capture the Philippines so they can establish their own naval base in Manila Bay and launch their attacks to Australia and the Pacific Basin. The Japanese were denied entry by Filipino and American servicemen who defended, for …

The Philippines was a Spanish colony for more than 300 years. As a result, almost 94% of the population is Roman Catholic. This makes the country a fascinating and intriguing multi-sensory destination when the Catholic Church celebrates major religious festivals and liturgical traditions. From Jerusalem to Calvary The Holy Week …

Labour Day, also known as May Day or International Workers’ Day, is the celebration of the international labour movement; the event is commemorated yearly on the 1st of May. The labour (or labor) movement is a term encompassing the development of a collective group of working people, to push for …