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by Ramon T. Ayco
January 2009
The booming and banging of firecrackers in the New Year Eve starts fewer in
the morning then becomes many and louder like a crescendo of rain as time
goes on. At the strike of 12:00 midnight, the noise becomes deafening,
church-bells rings , firecrackers rules the sky, kids gaping in awe as they see
the different firecrackers, blooming in the sky. The booming and banging
rise to a climax which includes clanging of old pots and pans, blowing jeep,
car or tricycle horns, ambulance sirens for full one minute as the countdown
to New Year. Around 12:15 am, the noise stops and the air will be filled
with human voice.
The fireworks and the loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are not only
meant to celebrate the coming of the New Year but are also supposed to
drive away bad spirits.
Aside from lighting firecrackers and having firework displays, Filipinos have
other beliefs and practices which are associated and believed to bring good
luck, fortune, and prosperity in the New Year.
The tradition of making New Year resolutions has also become a widespread
practice in the Philippines. Filipinos vow to kick off old habits, like smoking,
drinking and gambling. But after a few weeks, they are back to their vices.
I was a heavy smoker for a long time and I’ve made stop smoking as a New
Year resolution for many times, but many times I have also failed. At last, I
think it was in 1986, that I have been successful in quitting smoking all
because I almost got a peptic ulcer. Now I’m already a proud non smoker.
-o0o-