Aubrey

     The Day of Valor or "Araw ng Kagitingan" is anually celebrated by Filipinos nationwide on April 9. The Philippines was involved in World War II from December 8, 1941, to September 2, 1945. In these roughly four years of fierce war, Bataan was the nation's center of defense. The 9th of April, 1942, was the day Bataan fell. Every year we commemorate the bravery and heroism of the Filipinos who fought for our freedom and national pride. This year 2022 will mark the 80th Araw ng Kagitingan.      The events leading up to the fall were catastrophic. Many soldiers, leaders, frontliners, and ordinary citizens were lost to the Japanese troops and their brutal attacks. After three months and two days of blood-filled battles of the 76,000 Filipino and American troops against the Japanese, General Edward P. King Jr. officially surrendered. The famous words "Bataan has fallen," were broadcast on the radio "Voice of Freedom" by Third Lieutenant Normando Ildefon...

     In the Christian calendar, there is a season that lasts for 40 days leading to Easter, this is called Lent. But, what exactly is lent? It is where Catholics reflect on their actions and prepare for Easter or the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This time is mainly used for prayer, fasting, giving, and repenting to focus on God and be grateful for all he has done for us. Lenten season lasts for forty days starting from Ash Wednesday and ending on Holy Saturday or sometimes Maundy Thursday. This season is a meaningful event for Catholics, but with the rise of COVID-19, the way we commemorate it has changed.       Before the pandemic, the Lenten season or Semana Santa in the Philippines was commemorated extensively. You would see numerous Catholics attending masses and prusisyons or a parade of saints. Due to the prohibition of mass gatherings, we can do these things we did in the old normal. But since Religion is a significant part of the Filipinos' li...