Saint Patrick’s Day in the City: A Bit of Ireland at Murphy’s

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For Irish blokes around the world, there’s no better occasion to celebrate their Irish heritage than Saint Patrick’s Day. Essentially a Catholic feast day (given the majority of the Irish belong to this particular faith) honoring the missionary who helped bring Christianity to Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day evolved into becoming an Irish celebration that we know today, one filled with grand parades, themes of greens and clovers all over, and of course, lots of alcohol consumption, despite the fact that this holiday falls within the Lenten Season. (the Catholic Church actually has made an exception such that abstinence from alcohol is lifted for that day)

Even non-Irish fellas can’t help but be enamored with St. Patrick’s Day too with its vibrant and jovial atmosphere and the alcohol along with it. That, coupled with Irish migration over the years, has contributed to the spread of Irish culture to other parts of the world. Even in the Philippines, one can experience a bit of the good ol’ Irish atmosphere thanks to one spot in the city that is proud to banner its Irishness, Murphy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in Makati.

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The Urban Roamer’s Guide to Davao City (first of a Davao City series)

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So much has been said about Davao City, most especially about its colorful mayor and his policies that has made the city safe and admired. But, wonderful as those achievements may be, there are other facets of Davao that tend to be overlooked. More than just a city being run by a strong-willed mayor, Davao City offers some surprises of its own which has contributed to the city’s unique character.

The Urban Roamer was fortunate to discover some of these bits in a trip recently to this wonderful. And since this time happens to be 78th anniversary of the founding of Davao City, this is an opportunity for a new little series to begin, this time going beyond Metro Manila to take you to the sights, sounds, and stories of the city where “life is here,” the City of Davao.

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Sining Saysay: Art and History at Gateway Tower

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History can be such a challenging thing to discuss as it requires an understanding of beyond knowing the dates, places, and events that figured in the past. As our elders would say, we cannot move forward to the future if we do not look back at our past.

That is why any medium that helps people understand our history even a little better is very much welcome. Which is what the recently-opened exhibit at the Gateway Tower in Araneta Center, Cubao called Sining Saysay aimed to accomplished.

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