A Tropical Kinda Christmas (Paskong Pinoy)

If people from the other half of the planet had previously expressed their famous White Christmas, have no one ever wondered what Christmas is like in the other half of the globe? Lets say the Philippines. Filipinos are generally known to have the longest Christmas in the world, starting from mid October when Amihan, ( northeast monsoon ) winter winds first breezes through the country till the first few days of January.

Introduction

Let me first give you a brief history of our beloved country. Historically the Spaniards brought Christianity in the country. And for more than 300 years, they have successfully planted Catholicism amongst the locals and this new found belief with more than 90% of the present day population belongs to, has been the core and basis for the countries beliefs, culture and even the law.

The Undercards

So that known, lets go back to present times. Unofficially, Christmas or the Holiday Season starts at the so called BER months. You would start seeing adds promoting great holiday season deals on travel, on purchases and mall sales. But as we know it, Philippines is a tropical country and the months of September to October is frequented by occasional rains and typhoons, these so called SALES are mostly held in the Metro Area ( Manila ) during the 15th and 30th of these months. And if your really into finding great discounts and deals, this is the time to do so. And taking the scene out of the metro, the rural area are so busy cropping out things like parol of different designs, handicrafts and souvenir items. Thou bargain hunt and sales are also on the list, it is not a top priority in these areas, they are usually focused on the production side. So all of that said, nobody notices that Halloween is just around the corner.

And what do Halloween got to do with Christmas?

Well, Halloween, or ( UNDAS ) in filipino which in general is held on the first day of November ( which is technically All Saints Day ), is one of the culminating events leading to Christmas. This is a time when relatives, friends gather together in memorial parks and cemeteries to visit their departed love ones. This is the time when most of the planning of activities any individual have had for Christmas is being discussed, worked out and be finalized on some aspects. November is also the time when you can see bazaars, baratillos, and midnight markets sprout like mushrooms. There is always a good catch to go after in this seasonal markets so be ready with your bargaining expertise. That's because most of them are just more than willing to cut 5% - 20% off the original price tag. From the simplest household tools, gadgets, shoes, apparels, appliances, merchandise, you name it, they might have it. Most of this bazaars operates till the first few days of January and some last till Chinese New Year. Open in most rural areas at around 12noon until 1-2am, seven days a week.

The Main Event

December, the most awaited month of the year here in the Philippines. Its the part of the season where generosity is above the norm with a festive atmosphere at its peak. Cash bonuses, thirteenth month pay, incentives all contribute to this. Even non christians from the south to the indigenous tribes of the north do come to bustling metros to take advantage of this good mood swing. And as Christmas approaches let me give you some notable ( not to miss ) events thats going to take place.

Misa de Gallo ( Simbang Gabi )

Observed all throughout the country, Misa de Gallo ( roosters mass ) is held at dawn for nine consecutive days starting on December 16. But with evolving working condition due to modernization, the church has adapted to having a midnight mass usually from 8:00 - 9:00 pm to give way for those who cant make it on Misa de Gallo. It is said that if anyone accomplish this feat capped with attending or following the traditional , he or she would be rewarded with a wish.

Food stalls offering native delicacies flock immediate church entrances. Bibingka ( rice cake ), Puto Bumbong ( stemed glutenous rice ), Salabat ( ginger tea ) are a must try specially for first timers. Other delicacies are also offered such as Suman ( a rice cake variety ), served differently from place to place, Bico, Kutchinta, and Puto to name a few.

Given the sweet nature of this stuffs loaded with a serious dose of carbohydrates, caution must be taken for those with sugar and carbohydrates related ailments. Moderation is the key.

Panunuluyan

This is performed as a re-enactment of Joseph and Mary's travel to Nazareth and been unable to find an Inn or a room where they could rest and or perhaps deliver their child Jesus. Performed by actors an hour or two before the night mass on Christmas Eve. They would try to seek shelter from houses ( to whom is also part of the play ) and would be denied eventually until they reach the local Parish in which a stable/manger is constructed for them to occupy, and signal the start of the late Christmas Eve Mass celebrating the birth of Christ.

Noche Buena, as most locals call it, is a feast shared by immediate family members just right after attending Misa de Gallo. Most notable on the table are lechon ( roasted pig ), queso de bola, adobo, pancit, halaya, assortment of fruits and liquors.

Christmas Day

After all the festivities in the past few days and the usual hearty noche buena the night before, this is the day exclusively reserved for the family. Filipino family is well known to be closely knitted by culture and religion, reunions are a common. Being a non working holiday most establishment wont open until 12:00 noon. Reunions are held most of the time at ancestral home or eldest relative. Its the time where respect for the elders are greatly observe, noting the tradition of pagmamano, or handing over the hands of elders to be placed in the forehead to give respect and receive blessing from them. Food and treats are in times sponsored by the wealthiest of kin or potluck. Games for the kids are prepared while the elders mostly spend time chatting over a bottle or two of beer and liquor. Christmas gift opening are done on this day and the ninong and ninang ( godparent ) are expected to give gifts.

After the reunion, family members prepare to attend the Misa de Aguinaldo, a mass on Christmas Day usually at 7:00 - 9:00 am or 8:00 - 10:00 pm. It is a mass to celebrate Jesus Christ birth. Ang Pao, a small red envelope of chinese origin is mostly given to children containing cash as a gift after attending the mass or during Christmas day dinner.

Niños Inocentes

A celebration on the 28th day of December commemorating the massacre of innocent children in King Herod time in hoping to kill the rumored newly born, soon to be king of the Jews. Playing pranks or jokes is a common deed of the day in commemoration of this slowly disappearing tradition, but still can be observed in the rural areas.

New Year

New Year is one of the grandest festivities in our rich Filipino tradition in a different manner. Preparation is done on Christmas Day reunion itself or the day after it. And this is a great time to observe how diverse Filipino culture is. Seeking good fortune for the coming year is the main objective behind of all this preparation. Things like apparels, displays and lucky charms, lots of coins and anything with circular, rounded, and lively designs which symbolizes good luck and properity is a must. Serving of twelve sets of fruits, leche flan, ube halaya, biko or any sweet traditional desserts, lechon, pancit, and ham are the most commonly prepared for the Media Noche ( Midnight Dinner Feast ). And who would forget about firecrackers, its traditon, and while some are considered dangerous and illegal, you can still see a glimpse of some on New Years Eve itself. So a fair warning for all, better watch firework displays from a safe distance than to be sorry. Filipinos are known to have their own set of firework displays in each and every household, not the like how some countries regulate the use and have a specific location for it, here its all about like................. everywhere. Old pots and pans are being dragged by vehicles, children jumping by the stoke of midnight in hopes to get taller, piggy banks or the local alkansya is rattled and loud explosives are all to be expected to be encountered and witnessed on this day.

Tres Reyes ( Three King )

If anyone would think that all is over by New Year, no its not, thou this marks the end of the holiday season, ( celebrated every second Sunday of the year ). its a start of some major events on the month of January. Its in commemoration of the visit of the three Maggi's to the newly born Jesus Christ. Generally celebrated with a mass and a traditional gift giving specially to the children. This day marks the start for the Nazareno Shrine procession in Quiapo, Manila, and the Feast of the Santo Niño in some major parts of the archipelago.

Final Words

There you have it, hope that this article give you a glimpse on how the holiday season is spent in this part of the globe. Undoubtedly a long season indeed but its one of the most anticipated event specially by Filipinos working abroad. Thou the emphasis of the season this days is focused more on money and material things, we must never forget that the one we are all celebrating about doesn't even have access to a fresh blanket and a comfortable room on His natal day. One must never forget that Christmas is about a God, humbling Himself as a man, born as fragile as a man, grew up as a man and died as a man.