The Philippines Harana and Special Filipino Dinner ( THD) Celebrating FAHM

Harana is the Filipino art of romantic serenade, where a suitor sings love songs to his beloved, often accompanied by a guitar, under her window. This tradition, influenced by Spanish culture and its musical rhythms, is a public and communal event, as the singer's admiration is announced to her family and neighbors. The music itself, a form of kundiman, is characterized by a smooth, flowing, and often melancholic rhythm, expressing deep but sometimes unrequited love.  

The Practice of Harana

• The Serenade: 

  A young man, often with friends providing musical accompaniment, would sing to the window of the woman he admired. 
• Community Involvement: 

  The entire household and community would often hear the harana, as it was a public declaration of affection, not a private one. 
• The Music: 

  Harana music is a type of kundiman, characterized by a flowing, lulling rhythm that was inspired by the Spanish habanera. 
• Symbols of Love: 

  The songs express the suitor's deep love and commitment, with melodies featuring dramatic intervals. 

Historical and Cultural Context

• Spanish Influence: 

  The word "harana" derives from the Spanish word "jarana," a stringed instrument. The practice, influenced by Spanish musical traditions, was adapted to create a uniquely Filipino style. 
• Rural Origins: 

  The art form is rooted in rural courtship, with depictions often showing the suitor at a small hut. 
• A Form of Art: 

  Harana is considered a cultural art form that reflects the romantic ideals of its time. 

Decline and Modern Equivalents

• Changing Norms: 

  Modernization, including Western-style dating and private communication like texting, has diminished the prevalence of traditional harana. 
• Modern "Harana": 

  The essence of harana continues today through modern means such as social media platforms where people dedicate songs and create personalized music playlists. 

  
  

  Meanwhile,  

  

  Did You Know?

  

  Hidden beneath the Philippine seas lies a sleeping giant — the Apolaki Caldera, the largest known supervolcano on Earth!

  

  Location: Deep within the Philippine Rise (formerly Benham Rise), east of Luzon

  Size: Around 150 km wide — bigger than Yellowstone and Toba!

  Formed: Millions of years ago by massive volcanic eruptions that reshaped the ocean floor

  Name Meaning: “Apolaki” — the ancient Filipino god of the sun and war

  Discovered by: Filipino marine geophysicist Jenny Anne Barretto and her team in 2019 using advanced seafloor mapping

  Status: Dormant — but a powerful reminder of the Philippines’ fiery place in the Pacific Ring of Fire

  
  

  Moreover, Do you Know why the Philippines Keeps Shaking

  Did you know that the Philippines sits on 180 active faults and 6 major trenches — all connected to the Pacific Ring of Fire?

  That means the ground beneath us is constantly moving, storing pressure that can unleash powerful earthquakes at any time. From Luzon to Mindanao, no region is completely safe.

  
  

  https://www.facebook.com/reel/1505911067275453

  
  

  Finally, Personal Note:

  The US is Celebrating Filipino-American History Month (FAHM) the whole month of October. The flyer Filipino History in incorrect.

  

  Misspelled: Courtesy not Courtsey of Resident David Katague
  
  

  The long-awaited Special Dinner Celebrating Filipino-American-History Month (FAHM) is scheduled for Wednesday, from 4-7PM October 29, 2025.Thanking THD 💚management for a much welcome treat. I hope to see you all next Wednesday. Attached above is the flyer given to me ahead of time. In the original menu, I submitted for approval, I included Lumpia as Appetizer. I ask Joel, why it was not in the menu. Joel said it was disapprove by THD manager. Too bad because Lumpia is the most well-known and familiar dish to non-Filipinos. Joel did not informed me of the reasons why Lumpia was not included. My guess is cost-cutting on Food cost.  

  
  

  I am a bit disappointed that one popular dish was cut off from my suggested menu, since this special menu is only served once a year. If the reasons to cut it off was to save money, I have a better suggestion to THD management. The current serving portion of the main dish is large. Most of us seniors, after our soup and salad, normally consumed only a half portion of the main dish to give room for dessert. I suggest that serving portion of the main dish be only 2/3 or 3/4 of the current portion served.  I see a lot of food dumped and wasted.  If you read this and resides in THD please comment if you agree with my suggestion.      

    

  💚The Heritage Downtown (THD) is the best active senior apartment community in the Bay Area providing senior focused living! Nestled on a quiet, suburban street in Walnut Creek, yet within walking distance from the vibrant downtown area, residents get to enjoy the best of both worlds. This unique location gives The Heritage Downtown an opportunity to keep its residents active and highly engaged in the community. At the Heritage Downtown, residents health and happiness is our highest priority. That is why we have the best amenities available. Our residents enjoy beautifully landscaped surroundings, an on-site restaurant, the best senior health and wellness programs and a wide range of social activities. Our dedicated and skilled staff is here to make sure each of our residents feel at home. Currently, there are more than 150 residents. I know I am the only Filipino-American Resident. I have resided here at THD since June, 2023. I am very happy here.