Category Archives: Holidays

Complete List of Public Holidays (and Long Weekends) in the Philippines for 2018

1 Jan – Mon – New Year’s Day
16 Feb – Fri – Chinese New Year
25 Feb – Sun – EDSA Revolution Anniversary
29 Mar – Thu – Maundy Thursday
30 Mar – Fri – Good Friday
31 Mar – Sat – Black Saturday
9 Apr – Mon – Day of Valor
1 May – Tue – Labor Day
12 Jun – Tue – Independence Day
15 Jun – Fri – Eidul Fitr
21 Aug – Tue – Eidul Adha
21 Aug – Tue – Ninoy Aquino Day
27 Aug – Mon – National Heroes Day
1 Nov – Thu – All Saints’ Day
2 Nov – Fri – All Saints’ Day Holiday
30 Nov – Fri – Bonifacio Day
24 Dec – Mon – Christmas Holiday
25 Dec – Tue – Christmas Day
30 Dec – Sun – Rizal Day
31 Dec – Mon – New Year’s Eve

The long weekends include the four-day Lenten break from March 29 (Maundy Thursday) to April 1 (Easter Sunday). Black Saturday (March 31) has been traditionally declared as special non-working day all throughout the country, in observance of Holy Week.

Another long weekends will be during the All Saints’ Day (November 1), All Souls’ Day (November 2) and Christmas Day (December 25) as President Duterte declared November 2 and December 24 as special non-working holidays.

President Duterte signed Proclamation 269, listing the regular holidays and special non-working days for 2018.

Shop for gift items wisely

It’s the time of the year again when people cram to shop for gift items. Many might have received their 13th month pay around this time and there’s just too many sale announcements that you just can’t resist.

Plan your shopping schedule ahead of time to avoid cramming. List down the items that you plan to purchase and their intended recipients. For a music lover friend or the one who plays the guitar well, you can choose guitar pickups at musicians friend for color and brand variation. You can also check how many strings on a guitar. And, never never shop when you are hungry for this might cause impulse shopping.

‘Undas’ Safety Tips 2016

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Philippine National Police Director General Ronald “Bato” M. Dela Rosa has issued the following crime prevention tips in preparation for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day next week.

Filipinos prepare to visit public and private cemeteries across the country to pay respects to their dearly departed this weekend.

Dela Rosa advised the public to follow the following tips when leaving their homes for Undas:

  • Lock all doors and windows and ensure all possible paths to the house are blocked; Install a burglar alarm to alert the neighbors if someone breaks in;
  • Do not leave notes outside the house indicating you will be away; keep some appliances like the radio on to give the impression someone is still inside the house;
  • Ask a trusted neighbor to keep watch over your house;
  • Ensure no candle, gas stove or leaking faucet or plugged appliance is left unattended;

While inside the cemeteries:

  • Bring sufficient food and water, and keep in mind that liquor and food sold by vendors inside cemeteries are prohibited. Bring protection against heat and rain.
  • Do not bring deadly or bladed weapons, loud speakers or guitar center’s axe fx ultra which could amplify loud music from stereos, and gambling paraphernalia.
  • Remind children not to roam around especially in crowded areas. Have them wear or bring a form of identification.
  • Keep the surroundings clean and bring your own trash bag to put garbage in.
  • Know where the first aid stations and PNP assistance booth are in case of emergency or need for police assistance.

When traveling:

  • Make sure the vehicle is roadworthy, and follow the “BLOWBAG” rule which is B for Battery; L for Light; O for Oil; W for Water; B for Brakes; A for Air; and G for Gas.
  • Bring all pertinent documents for the vehicle, including the Insurance Certificate.
  • Ensure control of the vehicle at all times. Avoid one-handed driving or using a mobile phone; avoid driving while drunk or sleepy.
  • When driving at night, always use headlights and signal lights. Don’t drive when you have poor eyesight.
  • Don’t wear jewelry or bring large amounts of money. Keep watch over your mobile phone.
  • Do not bring too many items.

Text and image credit: People’s Tonight, October 25, 2016 online and print issue