Christmas Bonus

Apparently, in my 30 yrs of existence out of which more than 10 yrs of working with various companies, i've never really received a Christmas Bonus (in cash not in kind, thank you!). I feel bad to be accepting the fact that i'm not as lucky as i believed with my "Employers". Well Christmas is the biggest holiday for me, and i guess for most yeah? It would lift me beyond heavens having more bucks to spend for food, buying gifts, give aways and keepsakes, charity work etc etc.. the list just runs on and on.. its Christmas! everyone's supposed to be celebrating!

Oh Well, just because i'm bitter not having 'that' again this year, i thought of researching where the hell bonus during Christmas holidays came from, how in the world is that fair that i never ever get to have one for the last 10 years? Oh Santa!

Evolution of the Christmas Bonus

It used to be that business owners would give gifts to all of their employees as a sign of gratitude for all the hard work they have done for the year that passed. This was the origin of the "Christmas bonus". What happened and how come it is what it is now?

An owner of a small manufacturing company, Mr.X was a generous person. His business was doing well and profits were growing steadily. One Christmas, he decided to share the company's blessings to all of his employees.

He gave them ham for Christmas. Since then, it became a yearly tradition. The employees were all very much grateful and delighted. The ham was a symbol of their pride. They felt they were vital to the company's success.

A few years have past, the employees slowly got sick of always receiving ham for Christmas. Some say they didn't like to eat ham. Some say the brand of ham given was not the best. They started complaining. Mr.X heard about it and did something to remedy the situation.

He gave them food baskets for Christmas. Since then, it became a yearly tradition. The employees were all very grateful and delighted. The food basket was a symbol of their influence. They felt their voice was being heard.

A few years have past, the employees slowly got sick of always receiving food baskets for Christmas. Some say they didn't like to eat too much while some say it was still not enough. Some say they didn't want to receive food as a gift. They started complaining. Mr.X heard about it and did something to remedy the situation.

He gave them gift baskets for Christmas. Since then, it became a yearly tradition. The employees were all grateful and delighted. The gift basket was a symbol of their triumph. They felt their will is being followed.

A few years have past, the employees slowly got sick of always receiving gift baskets for Christmas. Some say they didn't like to carry the heavy gift baskets, while some say the gifts were still not enough. Some said they wanted to choose which gift they want to receive. They started complaining. Mr.X heard about it and did something to remedy the situation.

He gave them a gift vouchers for Christmas. Since then, it became a yearly tradition. The employees were somewhat grateful and delighted. The gift voucher was a symbol of privilege. They felt it was only proper for them to be rewarded every year with what they really want.

Do you know what happened next? Some employees didn't like the store whey they got the gift voucher from! Some said the store was too expensive while some said it was too cheap. They started complaining. Mr.X heard about it and did something to remedy the situation.

He gave them CASH for Christmas. The cash gift became the employees' symbol of power. They felt that it was their right to receive the cash gift every year.

Since then, the Christmas bonus was not treated as a thank you from Mr.X. Rather, it was just that extra money the employees receive by the end of the year.

Disclaimer : This is a fiction, article from the web previously written and published at www.blogtopsites.com

Decorating For Christmas 2011

Its better late then never. Its a sunday today and i decided to make most outof the last few hours of me being on "Rest" mode. Decorating the house is one of my Christmas Tradition. I normally spend quite an amount for my decoration, but i've grown practical to i just reuse the

old one from last Christmas.

Color Coded. I love a color coded or themed Christmas decoration. Unlike before, Christmas colors are normally red, green or so until abt 10 yrs ago, silver came in, then blue, then some metallic chrome, mixed with all hues of metallic nature, nowadays, Christmas decorations vary from colors, settings, texture or tone, so experimenting different color combinations is quite fun.

This year my mom opted out for the Christmas tree. The living room was too small, putting up one with all the ornaments would occupy too much space, thus moving around would be uncomfortable. But the thought of Christmas without a tree isjust too dull for me so instead of putting up the whole tree, i just took the uppermost portion of the tree and stick it in a vase. Put on some rice bulbs, a few ornaments that are neither too big nor native and now Now i have a table top Christmas Tree.'

Since space is a big factor, just like last yr, hanging lanterns was a good option. So i just tried variety of balls intoa string, put on some poinsettias, ribbons etc.

I also replace the plastic flowers with various colors of poinsettias, so i have another piece aside from my table top tree. Unlike the previous Christmasses (decorations), this year will be the most simple arrangement i had, but it don't matter is it. I am home, that what matters now.

The outside of my home is also adorned with a few Christmas lights, my father hung them from the tree in front of the house, a few also in the garage. My mother put star lanterns near the gates.

Images of Christmas in Philipines 2011

Just a collection of images while i go around everywhere in Manila during weekends, workdays and anytime i feel like it. I made this because i haven't done this before (like collect the pics into a blog and share it). Its a shame i dont have dslr for better picture quality (which reminds me how much i wanted to buy one). Photos are taken from either my Nokia 6267, iphone, samsung/cannon digicam with equally acceptable resolution (not that i have a choice) ..

Well, i realized how happy Christmas season in the Philippines is, and i would like to remember it even if i am away (or would be away in the coming years). I'll shoot anything that fancies me, and share it until There's not a single thing i could see that means Christmas.

My Christmas Collections from the Cheapest to the Posh

(all are mere opinion, no advertising intended)

Shang's Candylicious Sweet Christmas


Shangrila Edsa's Christmas Decoration is awesome. Starting from Doors to walls to ceilings. Its theme is candy /cake / bread or whatever you call it. Not entirely a Christmas symbol aside from the fact that ginger breads were often served during Christmas seasons. Nonetheless, creativity had it.


Shang's main entrace facing Shaw Blvd. Fom the inside.


Lovely isn't it? those big lantern like cakes, muffins and gifts, rather train of gifts, hang from above.


The basement's view from escalator would show almost the same style, hanging decorations with lighting, really nice effect.


From below, basement floor, food court.


From below left wing. Left wing is decorated with cakes and muffins, while right wing is decorated with toy cars and gifts. Also hanging.


The gingerbread house. Its as big as a realhouse. Kids can actually fit. But they cannot open or go in, only take picture from beside it. When the security guard isn't in bad mood, kids can get inside the ring and actually take picture beside the house. even touch it.


A bigger view. Dang, my iphone cam killed the quality.


Is it a tree or a cake? or a cake tree?


These snowpals are undoubtedly the most popular in the showcase, almost all kids and even older ones stand ther side for a picture.




High isn't it?


Genuinely creative. Gingerbread dolls apparently made of cloth, foam, and intricate details are really amazing..



Even the Escalator aisle is adorned with garlands and gingerbreads made of styrofoam, colored clothes, fancy pins, sequins etc.

This is my personal favorite, the purple giant clown. standing out amongst the rest.


Yummy cakes and muffins and other gigantic things that hung but definitely not edible at all.


Just passing by at Shangrila, ofcourse you wont miss Rustan's. A Class-A department store for the well-off ones. I did not bother to go in cause im in a hurry going home i just took some shots from outside. I did not bother as there's a great chance taking pictures inside is not allowed.
Well, Rustan's have this very classy posh appeal that makes me actually feel like im in Singapore's Ion Orchard or Tang's.

A touch of native combined with glass, makes everything very flashy, very classic and yet indeed very Christmassy

A Visit to Divisoria : October 2011

Store owners and Christmas Ornaments vendors started taking out their 'old' stocks of christmas decorations and put them on super low sale.Some items are not old, but new ones, but mostly old designs (its October FGS). Just like Fashion,Christmas decorations are also a trend.

At 168 Mall in Divisoria, this is infront the 168 admin office. it used tobe a place where people can just rest on some stools lying around but now they lease it for some Bazaar like this.

The Big Santa and the Foil Garlands are soo from yesterday

A cheaper variation of table top Christmas Tree. I remember doing something like this when i was younger, only that, those were made of "walis tingting" upside down.

selling old stocks before new ones come and outdate them

native beauty, anything that's made from native looks rather classy than cheap. its actually more expensive

Christmas Trees of Different Sorts

Table top, turning and optically lighted trees, table top native trees, they also have built in music system that plays caroles. i think those make good gifts bec its very handy. but who would give a xmas tree for a gift? (well i did lol)

Native slim pyramids, those are actually christmas trees that you can use as lamp post, ideal to put on sides and corners. Normally made with metalbase and abaca skins, adorned with smal flowers, xmas balls etc.

Spruce tree this reminds me how much i wanted to change our christmas tree this season. the materials used in christmas trees nowadays are so much different from my old tree. well, its 10 yrs more or less lol

Another shop from the same mall but in different area, Filipinos can make anything feel christmas by just putting it all together. halogen lights, led lights, garlands, wreaths etc.

How to Make Parol (Filipino Christmas Lantern)

There is nothing more popular as a Christmas decoration in the Philippines than the Star Lantern locally known as Parol (Pah-rroll). All through out the Christmas Season, star shaped lanterns can be found hanging outside their homes and along side streets. Parol making in the Philippines starts as early as 3 months before Christmas.

History of Parol

The earliest parols were traditionally made from simple materials like bamboo sticks, Japanese rice paper, crepe paper, and a candle or coconut oil-lamp for illumination; although the present day parol can take many different shapes and forms. Around Manila, parols made of Capiz shell or plastic illuminate the city.

One of the most spectacular innovations can be found in the city of San Fernando where 20 foot tall parols with kaleidoscopic blinking lights are paraded through the streets on truck beds. Whatever the material or shape, the parol is a recognizable symbol to all Filipinos and represents the star ofBethlehem that guided the Three Wise Men to the manger of the newly-born Jesus Christ.

The word parol comes from the Spanish word for lantern, farol. According to World Book's Christmas in the Philippines, the roots of the parol can be found in the Mexican piñata.

The piñata came to Spain from Italy in the 1300's, spread to Mexico and finally came to the Philippines when the Spaniards brought Christianity to the islands. The book A Child's Pasko: Christmas in the Philippines explains that the parol was originally used to light the way to church to attend the daily Misas de Aguinaldo, or Gift Masses, which begin on the 16th of December, and ends with the Misa de Gallo, or "Mass of the Rooster" at midnight of Christmas eve. The midnight mass is followed by a usuallylavish meal at home, which is always anticipated by the kids. The first Misa de Aguinaldo that is held at dawn on December 16th marks the official start of the Christmas season.

Credits:

MyParol, AsianArtMuseum

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• Christmas In the Philippines 2011
• Images of Christmas 2011 in Pinas

Christmas in the Philippines 2011

Just as I predicted! Facebook posts flooded by Pinoys as soon as the calendar stroke 1st of September. It is not the holidays just yet, but the initial entry of the "BER months" means only one thing; Count down starts to Christmas in the Philippines. Despite being a poor and economically behind country in Asia, Filipinos are proud to proclaim their Christmas celebration to be the longest and merriest in the world. Although they start preparing when the BER months enter, The Christmas Season begins formally on December 16 with attendance at the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses and continues on nonstop until the first Sunday of January, Feast of the Three Kings, the official end of the season.. As i have experienced being abroad during Christmas (for years), believe me, nothing compares to Christmas in the Philippines. This is one of the best times to be home in Pinas.

Unlike other countries, who can experience white Christmas, there is no snow in the Philippines. There are very few pine trees. There is no traditional Yule log or fetching of the pine sprigs from the woods. And Santa Claus, though visible in displays and believed by most Filipino children to exist, seldom comes bearing gifts. Nonetheless, there is no doubt its Christmas in the Philippines.

Filipinos love to adorn their homes with different decorations embodying the Christmas Spirit. From Christmas Trees of different styles to lanterns, Wreaths, Ribbons, Christmas lights, and the traditional Parol.

The Filipino Christmas Tradition

It is a Must for families to get together on Christmas. The most important season of the year must be spent with the ones you love. Children are to visit the homes of their grandparents and kiss their hands or bow to them, in the Philippines it is referred to as "Pagmamano" .. Families and friends see each other, enjoy a nice conversation with each other over a bountiful lunch or dinner and exchange gifts.

Filipino Traditions on Christmas includes the following:

• Simbang Gabi
• Noche Buena
• Puto Bumbong and Bibingka
• Parol
• Filipino Christmas Songs and Carole

Pasko Na Naman

Pasko na naman, o kay tulin ng araw.
Paskong nagdaan, tila ba kung kelan lang.
Ngayon ay Pasko, dapat pasalamatan.
Ngayon ay Pasko, tayo ay mag-awitan.
Pasko, Pasko, Pasko na namang muli,
Pasko, Pasko, Pasko na namang muli!
Ang pag-ibig naghahari!


Pasko na Sinta Ko

Pasko na sinta ko
Hanap-hanap kita
Bakit nagtatampo't
Nilisan ako

Kung mawawala ka,
Sa piling ko sinta,
Paano ang Pasko
Inulila mo?
Sayang sinta,
Ang sinumpaan
At pagtitinginan tunay.
Nais mo bang kalimutang ganap
Ang ating suyuan at galak?

Kung mawawala ka,
Sa piling ko sinta,
Paano ang Paskong
Alay ko sa iyo?


Kay Sigla ng Gabi

Kay sigla ng gabi, ang lahat ay kay saya!
Nagluto ang Ate ng manok na tinola,
Sa bahay ng Kuya ay mayroong litsonan pa!
Ang lahat ay may handang iba't-iba.
Tayo na giliw, magsalo na tayo!
Meron na tayong tinapay at keso.
Di ba Noche Buena sa gabing ito,
At bukas ay araw ng Pasko!

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Christmas Bonus
How to Make Parol
Images of Christmas 2011
My Home during Christmas 2011