New Year, New Me!

          As  New Year approaches, there are great hopes, dreams and resolutions to make for the coming year.  New Year is a time when many people around the world make promises. The list that people usually do when New Year comes is what they call their resolutions. It is where they write the things they want to change to themselves and what they want to be next year. However, many of the promises made by people are rarely completed.

          New Year's eve celebration in the Philippines is quite different compared to other countries. Filipinos literally start the year with a bang. Just a few days before New Year's eve, you will see lots of side walk vendors selling different kinds of firecrakers. In spite of the yearly ban on firecrackers, because of a number of accidents caused by firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices that have resulted in the loss of lives, limbs and properties, still many Filipinos see lighting of firecrackers as the traditional means to greet and celebrate the New Year eve. The countdown of New year varies from family to family or from region to region. At the strike of 12:00 midnight, the noise becomes deafening, rings , firecrackers rules the sky, kids gaping in awe as they see the different firecrackers, blooming in the sky. The banging and booming rise to a climax which includes clanging of old pots and pans, blowing jeep, car or tricyle horns, ambulance sirens for full one minute as the countdown to New Year. Around 12:15 am, the noise stops and the air is filled with human voice and the family starts to eat a thanksgiving feast called Media Noche. Twelve round fruits should be on the table as it is a sign of prosperity for the next twelve months. There are so many beliefs when New Year comes and doing these had been a part of our culture and traditon. There is also a midnight mass celebration to welcome the New Year and to thank God for all His blessings.

          I am not fond of making my New Year’s resolutions. All I wish is that, this 2012, I will try to be more metured because I’m already growing older and acting like a child is not good anymore. Since next school year will be the start of my college life, I must be responsible then to take things more seriously. I will be more focused on my studies. I will try to be industrious and cooperative because sometimes I admit, I am hard-headed. I will  improve myself, change my bad attitudes; I want to become a better person. So I wish that I can make these resolutions. It’s time to turn a new leaf—since a new year had come again, it’s time to bring out my new self. Welcome 2012! =)