Celebrating ‘National Siblings Day’ (April 10, 2023)

By Jerick Alegarbes

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Not everyone who grew up in a household had experienced living with a sibling. But for those who do or did, having a sibling can be either annoying or enjoyable among other things. Today we celebrate “National Siblings Day“. A sibling can be described as someone who you grew up with and has the same parents as you. But a sibling doesn’t have to be related to you by blood. It can be your stepsister, stepbrother, a very close friend, or even someone who you have spent time with long enough for you to consider them as family. The bond that you share with a sibling can be something unlike no other.

National Siblings Day was made possible by Claudia Evart of the Siblings Day Foundation (https://www.siblingsday.org/). She founded this holiday back in 1995 after the untimely passing of both of her siblings. She has fond memories of them, and this day was a way for her to celebrate those memories with others who have experienced something similar. Since then, National Siblings Day became more popular throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries as well, and it became a celebration of siblings, former and current.

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In some cultures, it is important to acknowledge your siblings by calling them using certain kinship terms. In the Filipino language, or ‘Tagalog’, we have a few terms that we often use to refer to or describe our siblings:

ATE

The first one is ‘Ate’ (ah-teh), or older sister. It is used by younger siblings to either show respect or to simply acknowledge that they are not in fact older than their other female sibling. It can also be used towards older women who are not your sibling, but someone who is a friend, colleague or neighbor out of respect. For example, you are with your older sister, and her name is Anna. As a younger sibling, you would refer to her as ‘Ate Anna’.

KUYA

The second one is ‘Kuya’ (coo-yah) or ‘older brother’. It has the same use, but it is mainly for addressing older siblings and older males. In the case of addressing older males as kuya, it is a little more important to mind the gap in age. Although kinship terminology is important in Filipino culture, some older males might prefer to be called ‘manong’ or ‘tito’ instead to feel more respected. 

For example, you are at a store and you acknowledge the clerk as an older male, but not old enough for you to call him ‘manong’ or ‘tito’. As a younger person, you would simply refer to him as ‘Kuya’.

ADING

Thirdly, the term that is associated with a younger sibling is ‘Ading’ (ah-ding), but it is not used directly towards younger siblings. Most of the time, kuyas and ates just refer to their younger siblings only by name. 

BUNSO

Lastly, the term that is commonly used to describe the youngest sibling is ‘Bunso’ (boon-soh). Same with ‘Ading’, it is not used directly towards your youngest sibling, but it can be used to refer to them in third-person. For example, when a mother calls everyone for dinner, she would say to an older sibling ‘Tawagin mo na si bunso para makakain na tayo.’ (Please call Bunso so that we can eat.)

In the Philippines, these are the most common terms for kinship. But depending on the region, some Filipinos refer to their siblings as ‘kabsat’, ‘ditse’, ‘manoy’, ‘manay’, etc.

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Regardless of whether you use these kinship terms or not, National Siblings Day brings importance to the people whom you have had the privilege of growing up with. It doesn’t matter if you are the youngest sibling or the oldest. What matters is that you get to cherish those memories with them as you get older. So if you have even just a little bit of time today, let your siblings know about this day and look back at those memories with them.

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Remembering the Bataan Death March
(April 9, 2023)

By Jerick Alegarbes

Bataan Peninsula, Philippines – U.S. Army National Guard and Filipino soldiers shown at the outset of the Bataan Death March. Allied forces were forced to surrender to the Japanese on April 9, 1942, the largest surrender in U.S. history. – http://www.nationalguard.mil

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In the face of adversity, we often find ourselves choosing between hope and despair. Our lives are dependent on our will to survive, no matter how hard the circumstances are. In the case of Filipinos during WWII, survival meant to fight and suffer under the oppressors.

On April 9, 1942, thousands of Filipino soldiers alongside their American counterparts marched along the Bataan fields and jungles after a grueling defeat from the Japanese. The aftermath of the siege left thousands more dead. In the span of 3 years, both U.S. and Filipino soldiers were put in confinement camps, suffered diseases and were brutally beaten. It wasn’t after the end of the war in 1945 when all the prisoners were freed. But the suffering they felt stayed with them long after that. It was recorded that a total of 75,000 soldiers participated in that march. 

FANHS-HTX participates in the Annual Death March Memorial at the White Sands Range in New Mexico.

As the remembrance of this day, a memorial is held at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, where thousands of people join and challenge themselves to march up to 26.2 miles. This event was first sponsored back in 1985. It is meant to educate the later generations of the pain and suffering that our ancestors once felt, and to show that they chose to live with hope, even if it means enduring harsh conditions and possible death from the hands of oppressors.

For more information, please visit https://bataanmarch.com/about-bataan/

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Versatility and Deliciousness: Celebrating National Lumpia Day (March 16, 2023)

By Jerick Alegarbes

Shanghai Lumpia, one of the most common and savory Filipino snacks.

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It is no surprise that Filipino food has been increasing in popularity in the United States in recent years. With the rise of social media, people are becoming more aware of the types of soups, stews, snacks, desserts, and even the fast food giant Jollibee, which was recently crowned to have the ‘Best Fried Chicken in the United States’ by the US-based publication, Eater. But a certain Filipino staple still rules the hearts of Filipinos and Filipino-Americans: the Lumpia.

Lumpia is a type of spring roll that is usually filled with ground meat, vegetables, and sometimes shrimp. The filling is then wrapped in a thin crepe-like wrapper made of flour, water, and sometimes eggs, hence the name ‘egg roll’. The lumpia is then deep-fried until it is crispy and golden brown. The end result is a delicious appetizer or snack that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of dipping sauces.

There are many different types of lumpia, each with its own unique filling and flavor. Some of the most popular types of lumpia include Shanghai Lumpia, which is filled with ground pork and spices, and Vegetable Lumpia, which is filled with various vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, and even bean sprouts. Lumpiang Sariwa, also known as Fresh Lumpia, is a non-fried version of the dish that is wrapped in a soft, crepe-like wrapper and filled with a mixture of vegetables and meats.

Article: Lumpiang Shanghai (Filipino Spring Rolls) – Kawaling Pinoy

Chinese New Year fireworks over Binondo/Intramuros Bridge in Binondo, Manila, where there is a huge population of Chinese immigrants and their descendants. Photo by Noel Pabalate/Manila Bulletin.
Source: More than 120,000 people join CNY countdown in Binondo, Manila (Manila Bulletin)

Lumpia has a long and rich history in the Philippines. The dish is believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders and immigrants who settled in cities all around the country such as the Binondo District in Manila. Over time, the dish has become an integral part of Filipino cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages.

March 16 has been recognized as the “National Lumpia Day” in the United States. National Lumpia Day provides an opportunity to not only enjoy this delicious dish but also to learn more about its cultural significance. Many Filipino communities celebrate this day by hosting lumpia-making contests, food festivals, and other events. It is also a great day to share recipes and cooking techniques with others who are passionate about this dish.

Lumpiang Gulay (Vegetable Lumpia)

One of the best things about lumpia is that it is versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. For example, vegetarians can make a delicious vegetable lumpia by using a mixture of their favorite vegetables as a filling. Similarly, those who prefer spicy food can add a few extra spices to their lumpia filling to give it an extra kick.

Article: Spicy ‘Dynamite Lumpia’ recipe by Panlasang Pinoy

To review, National Lumpia Day is an important celebration that recognizes its significance and taste. It is a day to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Philippines, as well as to appreciate the versatility and deliciousness of lumpia. Whether you are a seasoned lumpia lover or trying it for the first time, the 16th of March is a special day to indulge in this delectable and beloved dish.

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