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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider Christmas traditions: Celebrating the Filipino way

Christmas traditions: Celebrating the Filipino way

Published Dec 22, 2022 05:04 pm
It’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas Day is only a few days away, and most people are already prepared for their own way of celebrating. Expect a merrier Christmas celebration after two years of avoiding public and crowded areas. Here’s  how Filipinos celebrate this bright and joyous season. Simbang Gabi Many Filipino families go to Churches to attend the Simbang Gabi for nine days leading up to Christmas Day – the birth of Jesus Christ. SIMBANG GABI – MANY FILIPINOS GO TO CHURCHES TO ATTEND THE SIMBANG GABI FOR NINE DAYS IN HONOR OF THE VIRGIN MARY. (JUAN CARLO DE VELA) Simbang Gabi or Dawn Mass is a nine-day novena in honor of the Blessed Mother. The novena starts on Dec. 16 and concludes with Misa de Gallo on Dec. 24 or Christmas Eve. Some churches present the Panunuluyan – a reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for a suitable place to give birth. Hanging the Pinoy Parol The Filipino Parol, star-shaped lanterns, is a staple in houses, streets, and other public places during the Yuletide season. It is not just a decoration hanging from windows and posts – it symbolizes faith and hope to Filipinos. A STAPLE DECOR – THE STAR-SHAPED PAROL IS A STAPLE IN HOUSES, STREETS, AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES DURING CHRISTMAS. (MARK BALMORES) The lanterns were traditionally made from bamboo sticks, Papel de Japon or Japanese paper, and a candle is inserted inside to be the source of light. At present, these are lit by light bulbs or LED lights with dancing light sequences. Food takes the center stage Filipino families often meet to celebrate Christmas through the Noche Buena, a meal traditionally taken after the midnight mass. HOLIDAY FAVORITE – PUTO BUMBONG IS ONE OF THE FOODS EATEN ON NOCHE BUENA. (JUAN CARLO DE VELA) Here are some of the foods prepared for the noche buena: sweet ham, lechon, spaghetti, quezo de bola, bibingka , puto bumbong , and fruit salad. Christmas carols  Christmas songs start playing as soon as September rolls in. The “ber-months” is known as the Christmas season in the Philippines, known for having the longest Christmas season in the world. Christmas songs are played at commercial establishments, mass transportation, and public outdoor places as early as September. When you hear the song “Christmas in Our Hearts” by Jose Mari Chan, you’ll know that the Christmas season has began. The popular Christmas song was released in November 1990 and became the biggest OPM Christmas album of all time. TIMELESS SONG – CHRISTMAS IN OUR HEARTS BY JOSE MARI CHAN IS THE BIGGEST OPM CHRISTMAS ALBUM OF ALL TIME. (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Another timeless Christmas song is “Kumukutikutitap” composed by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. The song was composed in 1983 for the Bituin (Star of Bethlehem) musical by Jose Javier Reyes. For those who just want to listen to melancholy songs this season, you can listen to the song “Sana Ngayong Pasko,” sung by Ariel Rivera. This timeless song was released in November 1993 and composed by Jimmy Borja. Enjoy the many traditions of celebrating Christmas! Merry Christmas!

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