10 Common Things That Defines Christmas In The Philippines

I can feel my fats jumping for joy!

1. -BER Months means it's the start of Christmas!

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2. As early as September, Christmas songs can be heard in the airwaves.

Here are some of the classics we still enjoy: songs.

3. By mid-October, the surrounding is starting to feel more Christmasy

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There are so many pre-Christmas events in the city and here are just some:

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One of the popular light shows is in Ayala Triangle Park which is located in Makati, the central business district of the metro.

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The Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong, located in the eastern part of the metro, is also one popular place to visit during these months. the street will give any passer-by a LED induced seizure. The house is filled with different kinds of lights, decors, and they have tiangge (bazaar) for people who want to cross-out some items on their Christmas gift list.

Giant Lantern Festival!

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Located in the north of Manila, the city of Pampanga is known for their hand-made beautiful parol or star lanterns, the symbol of Philippine Christmas. And, they magnify this celebration by their annual giant lantern festival. Most of the giant parols have 5000 or more bulbs.

4. Christmas Carols

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Whether it's by some trained choir, like the Madrigal singers

Or, some kids randomly singing outside your house with make-shift or real musical instruments...

A Philippine Christmas is incomplete without them.

5. SALE is everywhere!

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Because you have to buy gifts for your family, relatives, friends, boyfriend, girlfriend, colleagues, inaanak (godchildren), people you don't like, and your self.

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But, sometimes the list is just too long.

6. Christmas Party!

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Besides the long list of Christmas gift list, you also have tons of Christmas parties to attend: Company party, department party, team party, with high school friends, college friends, etc.

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Of course, you're all excited and happy because this is also your opportunity to catch-up with friends.

Uh-oh

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Until, you realized that you can't fit in the clothes you bought for actual Christmas day!

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But, you still go to more parties! It's the season of merry making, damn it!

Naaaaah, Filipinos just love to eat.

And, there are still Christmas treats to eat!

7. Speaking of Christmas treats...

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Puto bumbong (or Malay: putu bambu) -

We just can't get enough of this purple glutinous rice treat, especially if it's freshly made. The piping hot purple sticky rice smothered with margarine, and toped with grated coconut, sugar, or cheese.

You just need to eat it after a mass!

8. And, another! *drooooool*

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Although the ingredients may vary depending on the region/province, BIBINGKA is a must. You can't just eat Puto bumbong, you want both.

The most common toppings, however, are salted duck egg, local goat cheese, and grated coconut.

You pinch that bibingka and dip it in a hot mug of Tsokolate Batirol!

That thick bitter-sweet tablea!

9. But, you don't forget to attend: Simbang Gabi (Night Mass)

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Simbang Gabi

Yes, you want to snooze that alarm clock, but your parents are probably nagging you to wake up. And, you know deep inside that you have to complete the 9 masses as part of your novena.

Some believed that if they complete the series of masses, their prayers will be granted.

10. More Calories! I can feel my fats jumping for joy!

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And, after the 9th mass...

It's the Nochebuena !!!!

And, it doesn't matter if you have the fanciest or simplest banquet! Christmas will always mean sharing for Filipinos. Your kapit-bahay (neighbor) will definitely share some of their cooked food to you, and vice-versa.

Maligayang Pasko!

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(Merry Christmas!)