They say nothing compares to
celebrating Christmas the Filipino way. From the bright and colorful
light decorations along major highways to the mouth-watering dishes on
dining tables during Noche Buena (the special dinner offered on
Christmas eve)… these are all reflections of how everyone in the
Philippines looks forward to this very special occasion.
Why do many foreigners decide to
celebrate this wonderful time in our country and why do Filipinos
overseas spend a lot of money just to come back for this occasion? What
makes a Filipino Christmas extra interesting?
Just how do you know you’re in
‘Pinas on a Christmas season? Let’s see what people from different
walks of life have to say about this:
“Mas
malaki ang kita ko dahil mas maraming gising sa madaling-araw para
magsimbang-gabi. (I get higher sales because more people are awake for
early-morning mass.)”
Edwin, 37, Balut
Vendor
“You know you’re in the Philippines during the
Christmas season when a lot of people are already awake at 4 or 5 in
the morning.”
Jan-ace, 16, High School Student
“Since it’s an awaited event, most
of the households secure that they’ll have food served for Noche
Buena even at the expense of incurring debt. There’s also this rush
to collect newly-produced bills for aguinaldo, that even banks
make sure there are adequate supply of 20s, 50s and 100s.”
Tania, 23, Research
Analyst
“Mahirap na magpareserve for
provincial flights dahil unahan ang mga taong nasa Maynila sa
pagpapareserve para makauwi sila sa probinsiya to celebrate Christmas
with their loved ones. (It’s hard to place provincial flight
reservations as many people in Manila want to go to their provinces and
spend Christmas with their loved ones.)”
Christy, 43, Office Clerk
“Pasko na kapag tumataba na ako
kasi every week may reunion or dinner… at naglalabasan na rin ang mga
tiangge na pare-pareho lang din ang binibenta. (I know it’s
Christmas when I gain weight due to weekly reunion or dinner… and
stalls start to be seen everywhere although they just sell the same
items.)”
Lianne, 24, Fresh Grad
“It’s when tiangges and night
markets are crowded with people and when you find your neighbor already
selling puto bumbong and bibingka.”
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Maro, 23, Pizza Parlor Shift Manager
“Pagpunta mo sa malls, nakakatuwa
kasi marami nang available promos especially sa groceries. Companies
always make it easy for people to choose gifts kasi marami nang
especially made packages for Christmas. (When you go to shopping malls,
it’s amazing because there are many available product promos especially
in groceries. Companies always make it easy for people to choose gifts
because there are already especially made packages for Christmas.)”
Sally, 47, Housewife
“Everybody’s excited
for the 13th month pay, bonus and raffle prizes to be given
away during company Christmas parties. I’m so excited myself.”
Lala, 29, Nurse
“Pasko
na ‘pag ‘yung teachers namin nagpapadala na ng mga parol para
ipangdecorate sa classroom. (I know it’s Christmas when my teachers
already ask us to bring Christmas lanterns to use as classroom
decorations.)”
Marvin, 9, Elementary School Student
“’Pag nakasakay ka sa jeep,
maraming aakyat para mangaroling… ‘yung iba mga batang lansangan, ‘yung
iba naman mga may sinusuportahan daw na foundation para sa mahihirap
kuno. (Whenever you ride the jeepney, many people get in to sing
Christmas carols in exchange of coins… some are street children while
others claim to represent some charitable institutions.)”
Mitch, 23, Call Center Agent
“As soon as September starts,
Christmas countdowns on radio and TV are excitedly highlighted.”
Alvin,
32, Teacher
The times are tough but Filipinos sure know how to get by. No
matter how hard it is, as the famous Apo Hiking Society Christmas song says, "Tuloy
na tuloy pa rin ang Pasko!".
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