Mother How Are You Today

In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May and this year will fall on 12 May.

Mother’s Day is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, most commonly in March, April or May,  as a day to honor mothers and motherhood.

In most countries Mother’s Day is a recent observance derived from the holiday as it evolved in the United States. When adopted by other countries and cultures it was given different meanings, associated to different religious, historical and legendary events, and celebrated on different dates.

In my country (Indonesia), we celebrate Mother’s Day, known as Hari Ibu, on December 22nd.

Why December 22nd ?

Cupcake Culture

I don’t remember exactly when did it start….. suddenly cupcakes have taken on a whole new persona in Jakarta, the city where I live.

Yes, recently cupcakes have become the hottest trend for everything from birthdays to weddings.

Why Cupcake Culture?

If Food be the Music of Love

Whenever the month of February comes, the theme of many activities must be the theme of LOVE  as many people celebrate Valentine’s Day  on 14 February.

In the city where I live, Jakarta, cafes and restaurants are gearing up for this year’s Valentine’s Day, with many set to offer special menus and fun-filled programs.

Despite recent floods in several parts of Jakarta, cafes and restaurants are fully committed to providing their best services for their customers wishing to celebrate this LOVE event.

As love is the central theme of Valentine’s Day, decorations, entertainment, events, food and drinks will all reflect this theme.

When choosing the title of this post,  I was inspired by Mr. Shakespeare’s famous words ‘If music be the food of love…..’  but twisted it a bit to……………

If Food be the Music of Love…………. then let’s keep on cooking for our loved ones…..as we all know that good food is one sure-fire way to win somebody’s heart and one way to express our love…..

Celebrate New Year’s Day in a Unique Way

picture from newyork.newsday.com

Today 1st January 2013 the world shares a common celebration – the New Year’s day 2013

Whether visiting relatives or watching New Year’s Eve celebration at home on TV or partying at different places, welcoming the New Year is always a time of entertainment, celebration and resolution.

No day has ever been observed in so many different ways. And Jakarta welcome the New Year 2013 in a unique way.

Why unique way?

Jakarta, a Christmas City?

It’s Christmas time …….

Jakarta’s malls, plazas and shopping centers are competing to make their most attractive and unique offers to usher in Christmas and new year with their designs, decorations, entertainment and great discounts.

And for the second year in a row, Central Park, a big shopping mall in Jakarta  has created the world’s tallest replica Christmas tree, decorated with one million lights.  The lighting of the 120-foot Christmas tree replica was enlivened by sparkling fireworks and snow effects that were scattered from the top of the tree. The lofty replica is built of iron covered with plastic fir.  The star on the top is made of LED lights and a million colored LED lights highlighting the tree itself.

Central Park broke the record for the tallest Christmas tree last year but this year’s record-breaker reaches 120 feet. “This record has actually broken last year’s record. The record was announced at the opening ceremony of the “Now Jakarta the Christmas City” event .

And what’s on the menu for Christmas in Jakarta?

Thanksgiving in Everything

Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November.

In my country, especially in Java island, all stages of human existence pass through slametan – a ritual held as a token of gratitude or thanksgiving.

A slametan can be given in response to almost any occurrence one wishes to celebrate, ameliorate or sanctify. Birth, marriage, sorcery, death, house moving, bad dreams, harvest, name-changing, opening a factory, illness, supplication of the village guardian spirit, circumcision, and starting of a political meeting may all occasion a slametan.

For each the emphasis is slightly different. One part of another of the total ritual is intensified and elaborated; structure of the ritual remains the same.

Why slametan?

It’s my Halloween Birthday again!

I was born on 31st October …….

I wish me happy Birthday

On this special day

And how should I celebrate this special day?