SETTING THE SKY AGLOW

January 01 2011

It's finally 2011, a year before mankind's impending doom... F' yeah!

Anyway, all of last night's ruckus says it all - it's officially 2011 and as part of Filipino customs and traditions for celebrating new year's eve, firecrackers were everywhere.

Even with accidents going rampant and the authorities advising people to stay away from them, a lot of Filipino still chose to light firecrackers as a way to greet the coming year.

Screw safety, we're setting the sky on fire

and greeting this year with a bang!

I've experienced a lot of new year's celebration and I'd say things change.

• TV specials showing victims of firecracker where a hit back then. Now it's all blurred or in grayscale.
• Kids favorite firecracker, the Watusi is now banned but is simply replaced by the Piccolo which is now the most used firecracker on the streets.
• Almost all new types of firecrackers shoots up - probably due to the introduction of modern aerial fireworks to the country from recent years.

And there are things that don't - Filipino beliefs and practices for new year's eve.

• Serving a feast called the Media Noche on new year's eve - well Filipino like to celebrate almost every occasion with a feast.
• Setting 12 different round fruits on the table - circle symbolizes money, coins actually and is said to bring prosperity for the coming year.
• Being clad in polka dot printed clothing - again with the circles.
• Shaking coins and making them clink.
• Leaving all the doors and windows open during new year's eve so as to let good luck in.
• All lights must also be left switched on.
• Jumping up at exactly 12 midnight would help you grow taller. Some say it should also be exactly 12 jumps.
• Attending mass to personally thank god for the years that had past and the years that is to come.

Have a great year everyone!