masaya bagong taon = happy new year
The Philippines, as part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, long had its most
important communication with Acapulco in Mexico, and was accordingly placed
on the east side of the date line, despite being at the western edge of the
Pacific Ocean. 00:01 Tuesday in London was 17:21 Monday in Acapulco and
about 08:05 Monday in Manila. During the 1840s, trade interests turned to China,
the Dutch East Indies and adjacent areas, and the Philippines was changed to
the west side of the date line. Monday, 30 December 1844 (ending up as a 365-day
year, despite being a leap year) was followed by Wednesday, 1 January 1845.