Noticing that I’ve already started decorating my humble abode with Christmas stockings and mistletoe, a very dear Fil-American friend, who spent more than 70 percent of his life in the US and came for a lightning visit last September, laughingly quipped: “you’re so consumed with Christmas celebration here.”
No debate on that as I fully agree 100 percent. We have the longest running Holiday season. I am not pretty sure how it came about but at the onset of the “ber” months, which is September we begin our Christmas countdown.
It may be because months ending in “ber” signal the start of cooler, nippy weather, peaking in December. Also, it’s in September that shopping malls start to slowly unveil an array of holiday decors and ornaments.
The birth of Jesus reminds us of the true sense of family, relatives and friends; it’s an occasion for reunions, family gatherings and parties. There are several traditions that we follow during this season like the annual nine-day Simbang Gabi novena and savoring the iconic puto bumbong and bibingka, another version of rice cake, though this one is cooked in a terracotta-oven lined with banana leaf.
These two local delicacies are normally associated with Simbang Gabi with its smell permeating the air, greeting the churchgoers as they are sold during my formative years outside of the church.
But, did you know that it’s not only here this annual tradition of the nine-day novena is being observed? Also, have you ever been curious on its etymology and why it’s called Simbang Gabi, which is some kind of misnomer?
Well, I guess it’s no longer a misnomer to this day because masses are held before midnight. Unlike in the olden days, up until my formative years when masses are celebrated before the crack of dawn. Thus, the rationale behind the puto bumbong and bibingka as the traditional early morning breakfast feast.
Not only in the Philippines that Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo is observed but mostly by Spanish-speaking Roman Catholic economies in Latin America. It’s a re-enactment of the search for a place to stay by Joseph and Virgin Mary. And the belief is the wish or wishes of those who completed all the nine-day novena will be granted.
On wishes, I’ve asked three gentlemen, kings in their own special way, what is their desire or desires considering their position and standing in the industry. On a personal note, Amando “Say” Tetangco, Jr., the first Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor who served a 12-year term which up until now has not been duplicated, wishes to have “continued good health” for him to be able to make more travel memories together with his family
“Stable economic conditions for corporates to have more opportunities and continue to do well in 2024 in order to uplift the lives of their employees and the people in general,” adds Gov. Say, independent chair of SM Investment Corp. and sits on other corporate boards, including the Manila Hotel.
It’s basically the same desire for seasoned-banker Frederic “Ricky” DyBuncio, SMIC president and chief executive officer. “Good health for me and my family.”
Mr. Ricky says Christmas is a time for reflection, to remember to appreciate “what we have… that sometimes we’re blessed but we take things for granted.”
And it’s more mundane for BSP Gov. Eli Remolona. “My wish for this holiday break is to get more sleep.” Levity aside, his desire to institute “emphatic change” by enhancing various initiatives in the banking system as well as financial inclusion “for the better.”
In a little less than 60 hours, it’s the Day that we’ve been looking forward to. Merry Christmas everyone!
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