Christmas in the Philippines

       Christmas in the Philippines is the most awaited holiday of the year. From all ages, all walks of life, and whatever status a person may be in. Christmas in the Philippines is the happiest and longest holiday, ever celebrated in a year. You can feel Christmas as early as September. People call this last quarter of the year as the “ber months”. You will hear some people already preparing for Christmas, making gift list and concept for decoration.

DECORATION

       Christmas decoration in the Philippines like in other counties, have a distinct characteristic. People use native materials, but during this last 90’s to 2000, recycled decoration starts to appear.

PAROL

       The “Parol” is the most significant decoration and symbolism Filipinos use during Christmas.

The “Parol” has a story before it became our symbol.  During the Spanish era, The Filipinos use The Parol to light their way to the church during early masses.

       You could already see decorations for sale in different stores.

street decoration on some sari-sari store

 Christmas decorations can already be found in stores nationwide.

BELEN

       The Belen or best known as The Manger,  is also noticeable  everywhere in the Philippines. Every barangay, villages and some establishments use t his as their main attraction. They use different kinds of materials, From Expensive cloth and papers to recycled bottles and tin cans.

The Belen is composed of the Holy Family with the three Wise Man or Mage, others include the

shepherds , who the angels instructed to follow the star and give respect to the born Messiah.

FOOD

       There are also foods that are only produced or best eaten during the Christmas Season.

 Keso de Bola is a cheese ball covered with paraffin wax.

 Hamon/ Christmas Ham.

Bibingka or Filipino Coconut Milk Cake     

 Puto Bongbong, Made from Glutinous rice and steamed in a bamboo.

       It is eaten with grated coconut meat and sugar.

      

NOCHE BUENA

       Christmas eve is very important in the Philippines . Many people stay up all night  to attend parties, events, Church masses and family dinner. This is the Moment people share gifts and foods. People meet and greet, this is the season were people stay connected for a long time. This season is taken advantage to reunite with loved ones and friends. Take this opportunity.

SIMBANG GABI

       Misa de Gallo or  Simbang Gabi in the Philippines is the early masses held daily from December 16 to December 24

As early as 3:00 am to 5:00 am, Philippine time standard time. Attending and completing this mass is believed to grant a person’s most heart-felt wish and desire.

       This is the moment were we could give in any form. Things, Food, Love, Compassion, and most importantly is, TIME. This is the season when we received great benefit from our company and agencies. Let us give to those who doesn’t have company or agency , who would give them any.