Haizel Charm

  During World War II, when the Philippines was invaded by the Japanese, this marked the "Araw ng Kagitingan" which commemorates the heroic act of Filipinos and American soldiers. The battle of Bataan was the most intensive phase of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines during World War II, and there happened the largest army under American command ever to surrender, with 76,000 Filipino and American troops. Major General Edward P. King of the United States Army was compelled to surrender more than 76,000 Filipinos, Chinese, and American soldiers to the Japanese before dawn on April 9, 1942, and many of our fellow Filipinos suffered and died as a result. The soldiers were ordered to travel 90 miles to San Fernando's Camp O'Donnell. Thousands of inmates died from malnutrition, thirst, and infections before reaching the camp during the hike (also known as the Bataan Death March). However, despite the defeat and suffering, the captive soldiers remained strong and em...

       Lent begins on Ash Wednesday each year and ends 46 days before Easter Sunday. It is a month of penitential preparation for Easter in the Christian church. It is celebrated in commemoration of Jesus Christ's fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. Lent encourages Christians to fast for some time each year, marking a deliberate season of reflection on Christ's life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection. But how did we celebrate this season now that we are still encouraged to stay at home because of the pandemic?      On the first day of Lent, which is Ash Wednesday, many went to receive ashes on their head. When the pandemic started, the imposition of ashes on the forehead is not allowed but since cases here have decreased, some places have allowed it.   So, when one receives the ash, he or she should let this “catch the eyes of our minds, so that as we close our eyes, God may speak to us heart to heart.”  ...